The Occupational Safety program is accredited by the Applied Science Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org. The Occupational Safety program prepares competent professionals who serve as valued members of the management, engineering, and business team providing solutions to complex safety/environmental problems. This program focuses on principles drawn from engineering technology, health, physics, math, psychology, language and speech. Hands-on applications of these principles are emphasized through preparatory and professional courses. Preparatory courses include math, chemistry, physics, human anatomy, statistics, speech, written composition and psychology. Professional courses include industrial hygiene and toxicology, safety engineering and design, systems safety, safety and environmental law, fire prevention, ergonomics, environmental hazard control, OSHA compliance, and program management. Computer skills and experiential learning is heavily emphasized, including laboratory activities, industrial projects and/or internships. Internships may be paid or unpaid and can include academic credit.

The curriculum is a highly flexible 2 + 2 curriculum. Once the two-year degree is earned, graduates may choose to enter the workforce or continue their education with two additional years at the baccalaureate level. The need for Safety/Environmental professionals will continue to grow in response to industry needs. Major employers of our graduates include oil/gas, mining, manufacturing, construction, and insurance companies in the private sector. State and Federal governments also seek safety graduates striving to enhance public health and employee well-being. Increased emphasis on ergonomics, hazardous waste, accident costs, workers’ compensation, regulatory compliance, and health hazard control requires the expertise of competent safety professionals.