Easiest Occupational Safety Degrees for 2025

Thinking about getting a degree in occupational safety? Maybe you're concerned about the level of difficulty of the coursework and you're curious to find out about the easiest degrees in the occupational safety field.

Keep reading. In this article, we'll discuss the different types of occupational safety degrees, consider the easiest ones, and take a look at some schools offering occupational safety programs.

What Are the Different Types of Occupational Safety Degrees?

Occupational safety degree programs come in various levels of difficulty, depending on degree level, format, and how well they fit the student's needs. Let's take a closer look.

Associate Degrees

Associate degrees in occupational safety can be completed at many two-year and four-year schools. The programs typically take two years to finish. These types of degrees can help you pursue some entry-level positions in occupational health and safety.

Bachelor's Degrees

The majority of occupational health students obtain bachelor's degrees. These comprehensive programs usually take four years to complete. They give you a wider variety of career options than associate degrees and also make it possible to attend graduate school to pursue advanced degrees.

Master's Degrees

A master's degree is a good choice for professionals looking to take their career to the next level or those hoping to transition into an occupational health career from another field. These degrees usually take about two years of study and lead to a variety of senior-level positions.

Doctoral Degrees

Some schools offer doctoral degrees in occupational health. These degrees can lead to top-level careers in the field, but more often, those pursuing them become college professors and researchers. Doctoral degrees may take up to seven years or more to complete.

Online Degrees

Online degrees in occupational health may be offered at every program level. Not all schools offer them, but those that do often design them to be flexible. Students in these programs typically complete coursework whenever it's convenient for them, and from any location where they have an internet connection.

What Are the Easiest Types of Occupational Safety Degree Programs?

It's hard to say which types of occupational safety degrees are hard and which ones are easy because it is a very subjective determination.

Generally speaking, associate degrees in the field will be easier than doctoral degrees. Each level builds upon the last, meaning that, theoretically, the more advanced levels should be harder.

Again, though, there are other factors to consider. A master's degree at one school may be easier for some students than a bachelor's degree at a different school.

But what about online degrees? Many students enjoy the flexibility of being able to study when and where they want. However, others struggle with the level of self-discipline this requires or prefer to be in a traditional classroom setting.

In short, one type of occupational safety degree isn't objectively easier than the others. Rather than trying to determine which program is easiest, it may be better to try and determine which school and which program seems to be the best fit for your needs, interests, and study preferences.

What Are Some Schools That Offer Occupational Safety Degree Programs?

Many schools offer degrees in occupational safety. Let's take a closer look at a few of these schools and the specific programs they offer.

1. West Virginia University

West Virginia University is a public school headquartered in Morgantown, Pennsylvania. It is a large, multi-campus school enrolling a total of nearly 30,000 students.

The school offers a Doctor of Philosophy in occupational safety and health. The program is completed entirely online and requires a total of six courses, or 42 credit hours.

Twenty-four of the required credit hours are research hours. All online courses are completed in convenient eight-week sessions.

2. Purdue Global

Purdue Global is located in West Lafayette, Indiana. The school enrolls more than 50,000 students and was established in 1869.

The school offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in occupational and environmental health sciences. Each of these programs is completed on campus.

These broad, versatile programs can lead to a variety of careers in manufacturing companies, consulting firms, labor unions, hospitals, and much more.

3. Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University is headquartered in Richmond, Kentucky, though it has several additional campuses in the state. Its total student population is around 14,500.

Students at this school can pursue a Bachelor of Science in occupational safety. This online degree program boasts six yearly start dates, eight-week class sessions, and a very transfer-friendly policy.

Students with sufficient transfer credits can graduate in as little as two and a half years, and all online students can obtain free textbooks for the program.

4. Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University is headquartered in Orange Beach, Alabama, but offers its degree programs exclusively online. It has more than 21,000 students.

The school offers the following four programs in occupational safety and health:

• Associate of Science
• Bachelor of Science
• Master of Science
• Doctor of Occupational Safety

The bachelor's and master's programs offer concentrations that allow students to personalize the program to their interests. These concentrations include fire science, construction safety, and sustainability.

5. Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Southeastern Oklahoma State University is located in Durant, Oklahoma. It's a relatively small public school consisting of around 5,300 students.

Both bachelor's and master's degree programs are available at the school. They can be completed either online or in person.

The bachelor's degree requires 124 credit hours to graduate, while the master's program consists of 35 credit hours.

Start Your Occupational Safety Degree Today

If you're ready to start your easy occupational safety degree, look into each of the programs discussed above to find out which one is the best fit for you.