A fast Occupational Health and Safety degree online is a flexible program that prepares individuals for a career in this growing field. These online programs also prepare students for graduate school.
Health and safety have a long history of accidents and illnesses resulting from dangerous and unhealthy work environments. Recently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries report, citing a horrifying statistic that “a worker died every 99 minutes from a work-related injury in one studied year.”
Best Health Degrees has looked at schools offering bachelor’s degree programs in Occupational Health and Safety that may help you find the right program. We offer information giving a general idea of admission requirements, cost, coursework, school reputation, etc. This ranking provides information for first-year students, but transfer students will follow the same program guidelines. Most schools on this list offer generous transfer credit policies, which will help speed up your degree.
Featured Programs
Our Method: Ranking the 10 Fastest Online Bachelor’s in Occupational Health and Safety Programs
To rank the 10 Fastest Online Bachelor’s in Occupational Health and Safety degree programs, Best Health Degrees editors researched accredited, trusted programs of all kinds. From our initial pool, we ranked programs according to price, accreditation, reputation, and salary potential, using data from IPEDS and Niche, U.S. News and World Report, and other higher education rating publications.
1. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Here’s an online BS in Safety Management which is a Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) Qualified Academic Program (QAP) and is a Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) program. This designation is beneficial for the pursuit of certification.
This occupational health and safety degree curriculum begins with general education classes in Humanities, Communication Theory and Skills, Physical and Life Science, and others. Classes in the Safety Management major offer studies in Fundamentals of Occupational Safety and Health, Ergonomics, Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology, Environmental Compliance and Safety, and Introduction to Health, Occupational, and Transportation Safety. Elective courses help round out your studies.
The admission process begins with completing a Worldwide and Online Campus application ($50 fee). Additionally, the school may request an official academic transcript, ACT scores or SAT scores (recommended), FAFSA®, and other documents.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $10,296/per academic year
Fast Facts: This university ranks #4 by U.S. News and World Report in Best Schools for Veterans and #5 in its Most Innovative Schools categories
Interested? Check out this online occupational safety bachelor’s program!
2. University of Central Missouri
There are three options with this BS in Occupational Safety degree with specialty choices in Environmental, Safety, or Health Science Management concentrations.
Among the foundational courses, you’ll take classes in Environmental Compliance, Applied Sciences for Professional Studies, Industrial Hygiene, Ergonomics in Safety and Health, Accident Investigation, Occupational Risk Management, Systems Safety, Human Biology, etc. An Internship is available. NOTE: You may consider enrolling in the Occupational Safety BS/Occupational Safety Management MS (Accelerated Program) either online/hybrid. This accelerated program will let you earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in five years, rather than the six usually required for both degrees.
UCM is holistic in its admission determination. Application considerations review your high school GPA, letters of recommendation, the personal statement letter, and activities in your community and involvement. UCM is ACT/SAT test-optional.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $8,306-$15,434/per academic year
Fast Facts: UCM ranks #16 in U.S. News and World Report’s Top Public Schools category and cited as one of Forbes’ 2021 America’s Top Colleges
Interested? Check out this health and safety degree program!
3. University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global is a well-known online campus that awards a BS in Environmental Management through the Healthcare and Science division.
Studies in the 120-credit hour curriculum include general education classes along with the major’s requirements. You’ll take classes in Environmental Regulations and Policy, Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Technology, Human Health and Disease, Environmental Technology, and others. Other required studies are Pre-Calculus, Environmental Chemistry and Introduction to Statistics. Depending on your career path and choices, you’ll be able to enroll in either a Sustainability or Toxicology and Hazard Control focus.
Completion of an online application ($50 fee) begins the admission process. You must submit a FAFSA® and provide all academic transcripts.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $7,560-$12,336 per academic year
Fast Facts: Forbes ranks this school #14 in its Top Public Colleges ranking and U.S. News and World Report considers it in the Top 100 Best Global Universities
Interested? Check out the program site for this occupational health and safety online program!
4. Eastern Kentucky University
The BS in Occupational Safety at EKU will qualify you for the Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) as the program is an Academic Program (QAP) by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP).
This major includes Principles of Occupational Safety and Health, Measures of Safety Performance, Human Factors in Occupational Safety, Safety and Health Program Management, Environmental Law and Management, Process Safety Management, Safety Training Strategies, and a Senior Capstone Project. An Internship is available with departmental approval. This curriculum is the same for online students as for those attending the Richmond, KY campus.
You’ll start by completing an application and providing academic transcripts. Applicants need a 2.5 GPA, but ACT/SAT scores are optinal.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $9,876-$19,948/per academic year
Fast Facts: U.S. News and World Report rates EKU’s online programs #67 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
Interested? Check out this online occupational safety online degree program!
5. The University of Arizona
You have a choice of delivery options with this BS in Public Health with an Environmental and Occupational Health Emphasis from UA.
This four-year degree covers general education coursework and Public Health classes for 120-credit hours. A sampling of classes available includes Introduction to Public Health, Introductory Biology (with lab), Human Anatomy and Physiology, Health Care in the United States, Global Health, and Introduction to Environmental and Occupational Health. Other classes include Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Topics in Environmental Justice, and also Field Work in Health Education.
This degree is through the Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health. You’ll start the admission process by applying to Arizona University with an application and fee. The fee is $50 for Arizona residents and $80 for non-Arizona residents. Scores from the ACT or SAT are optional, but you do need a high school diploma (or GED). Once you complete coursework for the pre-requisite requirements at AU, you’ll make a supplemental application for the Public Health Major.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $12,716-$36,743/per academic year
Fast Facts: Forbes ranks AU #127 in its Top Colleges 2021 rating and U.S. News and World Report rates it at #46 in its Most Innovative Schools category
Interested? Check out this online occupational safety online degree program!
6. Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Depending on your objectives, the online BS in Occupational Safety and Health in Durant, Oklahoma may be right for you.
Courses include Drugs in Society, Industrial Hygiene, Hazardous Materials, Waste Management, Acoustics, Vibration, Noise Control, Introduction to Occupational Safety and Health, Training and Instructional Techniques, etc. A strong slate of electives from topics such as General Safety, Management, and Organizational Behavior, Special Studies, and an Internship requirement complete the 124-credit hour curriculum.
For this Southeastern Oklahoma State University program applicants need a high school diploma (or GED) with a 2.7 overall GPA (or a 20 in ACT/SAT testing). The school may request other documents like academic transcripts. Submitting an application with a $55 fee begins the admission process.
Estimated Tuition Costs: $293 per credit hour
Fast Facts: Niche ranks SOSU #695 Colleges with the Best Academics in America and U.S. News and World Report ranks it #50-#66 Top Public Schools
Interested? Check out the program site for this degree in occupational safety!
7. Columbia Southern University
This Alabama university awards a BS in Occupational Safety and Health. This program has recognition from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals as a Qualified Academic Program (QAP) that will allow you to apply for the Graduate Safety Practitioner® designation with the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. This Columbia Southern University degree also approves by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM).
The 120-credit hour curriculum includes studies in OSHA Standards, Fundamentals of Occupational Safety and Health, Industrial Hygiene, Interaction of Hazardous Materials, Advanced Concepts in Occupational Safety and Health, etc. A wide choice of electives will round out your OSH degree. CSU offers a generous transfer policy and considers CLEP, DSST, and Excelsior’s UExcel exams as well as possible academic credit for professional licenses, certificates, and training programs.
Admission requires you to submit an application and provide official academic transcripts from all schools you’ve attended. As they review your application, the school may request additional materials.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $235/per credit hour
Fast Facts: CSU was established in 1993 and is accredited by Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
Interested? Check out the program site for this degree in occupational safety!
8. Capitol Technology University
This online BS in Construction Safety has recognition as a Qualified Academic Program (QAP) and will allow you to make an application for the Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) designation. The program holds ABET accreditation.
You’ll study Industrial Hygiene, Safety Management Systems, Hazardous Materials, Ergonomics, Risk Management, a Safety Senior Project, and electives. This is a 121-credit curriculum and also includes coursework in Humanities, Social Science, Management, Mathematics, and Sciences. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible for entry-level positions working as Compliance Officer, Health and Safety Specialist, Safety, Security, and also Health & Environment Manager.
You need to have a high school diploma and a 2.8 GPA, provide all academic transcripts, and the ACT/SAT test scores are optional for CTU for admission. Application for admission is offered online.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $450/per credit
Fast Facts: US News and World Report ranks CTU #216-#239 Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs. CTU opened in 1927 in Laurel, Maryland.
Interested? Check out the program site for this online occupational health degree!
9. Waldorf University
You can choose between a BA or a BS in Occupational Safety online from this Iowa university. This online program is for students with no background in Occupational Safety who want to enter the field or those already working in occupational safety and want a formal education. The Waldorf University program has recognition from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals.
Coursework includes topics in fundamentals in both occupational health and safety as well as industrial hygiene. Other classes involved are in Total Environmental Health and Safety Management, Introduction to Fire Prevention, Industrial Ergonomics, Legal Aspects of Safety and Health, and more. You can also choose electives from a strong catalog of classes such as Risk Management, Leadership, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, etc.
The school has a liberal transfer policy, accepting up to 75% of the degree requirements in transfer credits or life experiences. Admission begins when you submit an application. Next, applicants should request academic transcripts using the Waldorf Transcript Request Service. The school may ask for additional documents as they review your application.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $310 per credit hour
Fast Facts: Waldorf University has accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and opened in 1903 as a Lutheran college.
Interested? Check out the program site for this online occupational health degree!
10. Unity College
Maine’s Unity College is known as America’s Environmental College. The school awards an online BS in Environmental Health and Safety. This program gives you skills to work in EHS safety management and compliance, as well as pollution prevention and control, and also waste management.
Among the courses are core studies in Occupational Safety and Health, Environmental Psychology, Environmental Remediation and Toxicology, Fire Protection and Safety, Social Science for Environmental Professionals, and Professional Skills, Building a Better World: Ethical Decision-Making. General education includes biology, chemistry, communications, and other core studies. A Capstone Project completes the program.
There’s no charge to apply to Unity College. You’ll simply verify that you’ve graduated high school. If you’re a transfer student, you’ll make the application and submit unofficial transcripts to determine acceptable transfer courses.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $470 per credit hour
Fast Facts: Unity College ranks #4 in US News and World Report’s Most Innovative Schools and has accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Interested? Check out the program site for more on this online bachelor’s degree program!
What is Occupational Safety?
Health and safety go hand in hand when looking at the events of the past that have injured, sickened, or killed people from neglect. For instance, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, sanitation in large cities was practically nonexistent and required government intervention to construct and maintain clean water sources and sewer systems.
Nearly 150 young women and girls died in the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, as a result of the carelessness of factory owners who locked doors to prevent theft. Those locked doors prevented people inside from escaping and they perished. Addressing Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) concerns requires professionals from various fields: medicine, engineering, construction, environment, etc.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), was created in 1970 to oversee and maintain regulations for health and safety standards across the country. Some states also began acting as regulators to assure safe and healthy environments for their citizens.
As the idea of safety and health is a critical component in the community, colleges and universities began undergraduate and graduate academic programs to educate occupational safety professionals who can identify, analyze, and develop safety measures for various occupations.
How Do You Choose an Occupational Safety Program?
The schools in this ranking all have institutional accreditation from independent agencies such as the Higher Learning Commission and other Department of Education (DOE) recognized agencies. Some programs have specialty accreditation. You should look for programs accredited by the Applied Science Accreditation Commission of Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), and the BS is a Qualified Academic Program (QAP) by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). The QAP meets the credentialing certification requirement for Certified Safety Professional (CSP).
Another sign of a good program is affordable tuition rates. Schools highly recommend (some require) that you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) The FAFSA is used to determine financial aid and scholarship eligibility as well as allow you to be considered for additional financial aid assistance.
What Do You Learn in an Occupational Health and Safety Program?
In an online bachelor degree program, students take core classes, elective courses, and also complete projects and internships. Below are some of the classes students in online occupational safety degrees may take.
- Employee Safety Education
- Regulatory Compliance
- Corrective Safety Measures
- Occupational Safety Management
- Health Regulations
- OSHA Regulations
- Industrial Technology Management
- Food Safety
- Safety Hazards and Safety Regulations
- Basics of Workers Compensation
- Organizational Leadership
- Workplace Safety and Potential Workplace Hazards
What are the Advantages of an Accelerated Occupational Health and Safety Degree?
Accelerated degree programs allow you to save money on tuition costs and position you for job advancement more quickly. These online degree programs attract more dedicated, working students who are eager to advance their education and are flexible in scheduling. It’s easier for working adults to earn or complete their degrees and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Colleges and universities have started offering 4+1 degree programs. These programs allow occupational safety professionals to earn a master’s degree along with their bachelor’s degree. While undergraduate degrees typically take four years for completion and graduate degrees take two years, 4+1 curricula allow you to earn graduate credit as an undergraduate. Doing this can award you two degrees in five, rather than six years.
These are identical degrees as the on-campus and taught by the same on-campus faculty. Accelerated degrees provide more intensive class times that are faster and shorter in duration.
Frequently, you’ll find that online programs have extremely generous transfer policies as well as accepting of work-life experiences accepted to reduce the total hours required. Since most online programs are for the working adult, admission requirements may award credits toward your degree through College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams, active military or past training, and work experiences. This can significantly reduce the amount of time you’ll spend on your bachelor’s program.
How Do You Get a Job at OSHA?
As a division of the U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA, has numerous health and safety positions across the country. You can search for available positions for occupational safety professionals on the USAJOBS site. You’ll find jobs available as Safety and Occupational Health Specialist, Program Analyst, Industrial Hygienist, Manager, Inspector, and also Electrical Engineer.
Twenty-five states with OSHA approval have state plans using federal regulations as a base. You may find OSHA jobs through those states’ employment sites.
You can apply through the USAJOBS link or look for OSH positions listed on various job sites such as Indeed, PayScale, ZipRecruiter, and GlassDoor. (These last sites may show state OSHA positions.)
Where Else Can You Work?
There are many safety and health careers for individuals with an associate or bachelor’s degree. Below are a few jobs with a safety degree available in the private and public sectors. These include entry-level roles to leadership positions in various sectors.
- Construction and Building Inspectors
- Educational Services
- Health and Safety Engineer
- Emergency Management
- Associate Safety Professional
- Safety Managers
- Fire Science or Fire Safety Careers
- Safety Technician
- Health Administration
- Safety Specialists
Will an Occupational Safety and Health Certificate Help My Career?
Employers love certifications. It demonstrates that you’re serious about your career goals and have additional training that may better suit their needs. The type of certification you obtain will depend on your specialty area.
There are several certifications available but these are some of the most recognized:
- Board of Certified Safety Professionals, Certified Safety Professional (CSP)®
- American Board of Industrial Hygiene (AIBH), Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIH)®
- Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM), Certified Safety and Health Manager (CSHM®)
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