Occupational Safety and Health: Online Master's Degree
Are you a working professional interested in advancing your education? Would you like to pursue a career in which you would be responsible for ensuring workplace safety? If so, you may be interested in an online master's degree program in occupational safety and health. Schools offering Healthcare Management & Public Safety Leadership degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
What Will I Learn in a Master's Degree Program in Occupational Safety and Health?
Those employed in occupational safety and health are concerned with increasing the safety of workers and the general public. In an occupational safety and health master's degree program, you will learn how to assess, decrease and eliminate hazards in the workplace. You may learn to design and manage safety systems and utilize ergonomics to ensure disease control. By expanding your communication, critical thinking and problem solving skills, you will be better equipped to identify and solve occupational safety issues that may arise in the workplace.
What Are Online Programs Like?
The curriculum and assignments are generally the same as a traditional, campus-based programs. Some schools may require some on-campus time to complete your degree program, such as intensive training sessions. You may also be required to complete an internship in an occupational setting.
What Will My Classes Be Like?
Your coursework will teach you to analyze safety and health issues and implement problem solving strategies and prevention techniques. Some specific classes you may take include:
- Industrial hygiene
- Toxicology
- Accident prevention
- Ethics
- Emergency management
- Workers compensation
What Kinds of Jobs Could I Pursue?
Upon completion of your degree program, you should be able to gain employment in industries such as construction, health care, transportation, government and manufacturing. You could pursue a job as a risk manager, safety director or safety compliance officer. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that additional job titles in this field include loss prevention specialist, environmental protection officer and industrial hygienist (www.bls.gov). In 2008, employment for occupational health and safety specialists was expected to grow at an average rate, with a 11% increase expected from 2008-2018. The median salary of occupational health and safety specialists was $64,660 in May of 2010.
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below: