A master's degree in occupational safety and health might prepare you for a specialized career in construction or manufacturing. Keep reading to find out what you will learn in an online master's program and what kinds of careers might be ready when you graduate.
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 how 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.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Skills Learned</b></td><td>Hazard elimination, safety system management, communication, critical thinking, problem solving</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>In-person Requirements</b></td><td>Possible training on campus and internships</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td>Toxicology, ethics, workers compensation, emergency management, accident prevention</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Career Fields</b></td><td>Government, manufacturing, construction, transportation, health care</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhatAreOnlineProgramsLike">What Are Online Programs Like?</h3><p>The curriculum and assignments are generally the same as for a traditional, campus-based program. 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.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillMyClassesBeLike">What Will My Classes Be Like?</h3><p>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:
</p><ul><li>Industrial hygiene
</li><li>Toxicology
</li><li>Accident prevention
</li><li>Ethics
</li><li>Emergency management
</li><li>Workers compensation
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatKindsOfJobsCouldIPursue">What Kinds of Jobs Could I Pursue?</h3><p>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. Employment for occupational health and safety specialists was expected to grow at a slower-than-average rate, with a 4% increase expected from 2019-2029 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). The median salary of occupational health and safety specialists was $76,340 in May of 2020.</p>
