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Occupational Safety Management, MS

Master’s in Occupational Safety Management

* Tuition: $18,150 | 36 Credit Hours | Finish in as little as 12-24 months
Begin as soon as: January 11, 2027 or March 15, 2027

Why Choose UCM for Your Occupational Safety Management MS?

Prepare for leadership roles in keeping people and workplaces safe with the Master of Science in Occupational Safety Management at the University of Central Missouri. Designed for professionals from any academic background or experience level, this flexible program helps you master risk management, industrial hygiene and safety leadership. As one of the few ABET-accredited graduate safety programs in the country, UCM gives you a clear competitive advantage and eligibility for the Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) designation upon graduation. With online, hybrid and on-campus options, you can earn your degree without stepping away from your career. 

 

Request Information About UCM's Occupational Safety Management MS

 

UCM's Occupational Safety Management MS at a Glance



Degree Type: Master of Science | Credit Hours: 36 Hours

Degree Can be Taken: Warrensburg | Lee's Summit | Online | Hybrid

  • Ranked a Best Master's in Occupational Health and Safety Online Program (Online Master's Colleges, 2025 and 2026)
  • Accredited by ABET and recognized as a BCSP Qualified Academic Program (QAP)
  • Three program concentrations tailored to your individual background
  • Award-winning faculty who are leaders in the field of occupational safety


Program Guide

Explore admissions requirements, learning outcomes, degree requirements, course options and more.

 

 

What Will You Learn in UCM’s Occupational Safety Management MS Program?

UCM’s Occupational Safety Management MS curriculum builds advanced expertise in environmental health and safety (EHS) leadership, occupational hazard management, risk management, sustainability and industrial hygiene. You can customize your study plan with over 20 electives and specialized lab courses using modern equipment.

Admissions pathways allow you to enter one of three program concentrations based on your background:

  • Professional Certification Concentration (30 credit hours): Designed for applicants holding GSP, ASP or CSP credentials
  • Work Experience Concentration (33 credit hours): Designed for applicants holding SMS, OHST, CHST or STS certifications, or an approved BCSP ASP exam eligibility letter
  • Foundation Concentration (36 credit hours): Designed for applicants with a bachelor's degree in any field (minimum 2.5 GPA) and prerequisite coursework in chemistry, physics, college mathematics and statistics; includes a practical field internship

Unique Learning opportunities in UCM’s Master of Science in Occupational Safety Management Program

  • Professional GSP Designation: Graduate from a BCSP Qualified Academic Program and qualify for the Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) designation, accelerating your progress toward Certified Safety Professional (CSP) certification.
  • Industry Networking: Connect with active Kansas City chapters of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) and the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA).
  • Hands-On Facilities & Applied Projects: Practice using current safety and industrial hygiene instruments in dedicated laboratories and field projects.
  • Award-Winning Faculty: Learn from published authors and safety professionals holding CSP credentials, ASSP Outstanding Safety Educator of the Year honors and AIHA fellowship recognitions.

Fast Facts About UCM's Occupational Safety Management MS Program

  • ABET Accreditation: Accredited by ABET and recognized as a BCSP Qualified Academic Program (QAP)
  • National Ranking: Ranked a Best Master's in Occupational Health and Safety Online Program by Online Master's Colleges (2025)
  • Flexible Completion Options: Complete full-time in 1 to 2 years or part-time in 5 to 6 semesters via 100% online, Warrensburg campus, hybrid or summer courses
  • Small Class Sizes: Personalized learning environment with 10 to 25 graduate students per class


Talk to an Admissions Counselor

 

Financial Aid and Scholarships for UCM’s Occupational Safety Management MS Students

As a UCM student, you’ll have a financial aid advisor as part of your six-person student support team to help you find the best way to finance your college education.

UCM safety science students can apply for dedicated scholarships, including:

  • $5,000 Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) Scholarship
  • Missouri Employers Mutual full tuition scholarship through the UCM Foundation
  • Construction Safety Group of Kansas City Scholarship ($1,000 to $1,500)
  • International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) Daniel K. Shipp Scholarship ($2,500)
  • Don B. Daily Safety Steel Intern Scholarship (includes a paid summer internship)
  • ASSP Foundation and AIHA Foundation Scholarships

Explore financial aid options through the UCM Scholarship Finder and speak with your financial aid advisor to build your aid package.

 

 

 

 

 

Career Opportunities and Outcomes for UCM’s Occupational Safety Management MS Graduates

An MS in Occupational Safety Management from UCM prepares you for high-demand environmental health and safety leadership roles. Safety professionals protect lives and manage risks across diverse industries, including construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, healthcare, insurance, government agencies and non-profit organizations.

Graduates advance into EHS management, risk analysis and corporate safety leadership positions across public and private organizations.

Apply to UCM's Occupational Safety Management MS program

 

The UCM Career and Life Design Center

The UCM Career and Life Design Center is here for undergraduate students, graduate students and alumni from all majors, identities and interests. We are a hub for career exploration and career readiness. We offer resources and support for:

  • exploring career options
  • life design (explore and build career and life journeys, designing next steps)
  • job and internship searching
  • document reviews (resumes, cover letters, personal statements, etc.)
  • interviews (coaching and mock interviewing)
  • Professional Clothing Studio
  • preparation for graduate school (application materials, exploring programs)
  • and more!

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

 

 

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