personal statement for masters in occupational health and safety

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Statement of Purpose (msc in Occupational Health and Safety)

• Categories: Safety

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Published: May 7, 2019

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Professional Master's in Occupational Safety and Health, Hybrid

• Degree Overview
• Student Resources
• Online Learning

FALL 2024 FINAL APPLICATION DEADLINE

Fall 2024 program begins, next info session, online degree overview.

People depend on you to keep their workplaces safe — so when it’s time to earn your master’s degree, you shouldn’t have to leave your job to do it. 

Identified as a Qualified Academic Program (QAP) by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP), Georgia Tech's Professional Master's in Occupational Safety and Health (Hybrid) will provide you with a flexible and relevant curriculum needed to elevate your safety and health career. You'll learn how to produce first-rate action plans, improve current safety and health programs, as well as how to successfully apply business, technological, and analytical insights to any challenge that comes your way. 

Our hybrid-format blends the benefits of working face-to-face with industry experts and peers with the convenience of learning online so you can keep your career in motion. The QAP designation allows graduates to apply for the Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) designation with the BCSP. This designation eliminates the need to sit for the Associate Safety Professional (ASP) exam in pursuit of the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation.

Within two years, you can gain the knowledge and experience you need to surge forward in your safety and health career while learning how to:

• Manage complex safety and health programs including identifying risks, deploying action plans, measuring, and improving performance.
• Solve real-world problems through hands-on exercises, case studies, and labs.
• Produce immediate results in your workplace through strategic thinking.

Program-at-a-Glance

$1,100 per credit hour, 10 courses (30 credit hours) , 2 year cohort model , hybrid instruction, light (gsp®) designation, top 10 university.

• Admission Requirements
• Admission Deadlines
• How to Apply
• International Applicants

Prerequisites  For admission into the program, all applicants are expected to have: 

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• GPA of a least 3.0
• At least one year of professional work experience (post-bachelor’s degree) in a safety and health general industry or construction related fields

Interview You may be required to take part in a video or phone interview as part of the application process.

Online Application    Admission is a competitive process and we carefully review all facets of your application to help evaluate your potential for success. We only begin reviewing your application once we have received all  supporting documents .   

International Students   For international graduate applicants, please review the   international  student’s tab  for requirements.    

Upon submission, only complete applications are forwarded to the admission committee for consideration. This means English Language Proficiency is satisfied, all academic history transcripts are present, and three recommendations are submitted. Although applicants can submit with these requirements unmet, they must be satisfied by the final application deadline to ensure your application can be considered for admission to your desired Fall start semester.

Fall Enrollment:  Standard Application Deadline: Mar 1 Final Application Deadline:  May 1

Ready to apply? You're in the right place.  Applications are accepted year-round.   

What You Need   Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:  

• Official transcripts from each institution attended.  Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. If you are admitted, you will be asked to send an additional official transcript. You will receive instructions at that time.  
• Lawful Presence Document (U.S. Citizens Only).  Applicants must verify their  lawful presence   in the United States prior to enrollment.  
• English Proficiency (International Students Only).   The language of instruction at Georgia Tech is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum test scores and expectations are found on our  International Students   tab .   
• References.   You  will initiate the process through the online application by entering the name and email addresses of three references. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to the recommender requesting a brief online recommendation. Please inform your references that they must submit the form for your application to be complete.  
• Test Scores (Optional).   You  may choose to submit standardized test scores, most commonly GRE or GMAT. This is not required for admission into the program.  

Program-Specific Questions/Materials  

• Personal Statements.   Describe  your specific career goals and objectives, the decision to pursue an advanced degree, and other information that may be useful to the admissions committee.   
• Professional Resume.   A  listing of your professional experience and uploaded to the online application.  

Start Your  Application   You can submit your application to the program at any time of the year. If you have any questions during the application process, please check the  Frequently Asked Questions   or contact the  Student Services Team .  

Please set aside sufficient time — usually about two to three weeks — for Graduate Studies to receive and process your supporting documents. We cannot guarantee applications received after the deadline will be reviewed in time for the applied semester.  

Application Fee   A non-refundable application fee must be paid online with a credit card or electronic check if you have a U.S. bank account. The application fee is $95 for U.S. applicants and $105 for international applicants. Your application will not be received until the fee is paid.  

Status Checking    Once your application is submitted you should monitor its progress, as well as the submission of recommendations and supporting documents, using the Status and Checklist tabs of your application portal.

Technical Requirements   There are technical requirements for our online degree program. Please review the  minimum requirements .  

Georgia Tech considers you an international applicant if you are neither a U.S. citizen nor a U.S. permanent resident, regardless of where in the world you live.  

The admissions criteria applied in evaluating international applicants are essentially the same as those for U.S. citizens. All application materials, including transcripts and recommendations, must be submitted online and in English. You are also required to submit an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score.  

International and domestic candidates that have relocated to the state of Georgia for purposes of full-time employment, as well as their spouses, may qualify for a waiver of the non-Georgia resident portion of tuition through the Economic Advantage Program. We strongly encourage all international applicants to submit application materials early to expedite the admissions process and to confirm eligibility for the Economic Advantage Program.  

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)  

• Applicants must submit a valid TOEFL score if:  
• They are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States.  
• They are a citizen of a country where English is not the sole official language of instruction.*  
• They have not successfully completed at least one year of study at an accredited university in the United States.  

*Countries where English is the sole official language of instruction include Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Belize, Canada — except Québec, Cayman Islands, Ghana, Guam, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Scotland, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore, Trinidad & Tobago, Uganda, United Kingdom, and Wales.  

TOEFL scores are valid for two years and the minimum required total score on the exam is 100 for the internet-based TOEFL exam (iBT).  For more information about these tests visit the   ETS official TOEFL website .  

Transcripts  

All applicants to the program must hold a U.S. bachelor's degree or equivalent to be considered for admission. A three-year degree is not equivalent to the U.S. bachelor's degree. Neither professional designations nor work experience will count toward the fourth year of study. We're unable to make exceptions to this policy.  

The Georgia Tech Graduate Studies Office does not accept any private evaluation of academic documents. Official transcripts and degree documents must be submitted at the time of application and the Georgia Tech Graduate Studies Office will evaluate them.  

The Georgia Tech Graduate Studies Office requires the following documents from international applicants:  

• Official native language transcripts  
• Official English translation of the native language transcript  
• Official native language degree documents  
• Official English translation of the native language degree document 

Cost & Aid

• Tuition and Fees
• Payment and Refunds
• Financial Assistance

Tuition                                $1,100 per credit hour*   Mandatory Fees*   Technology Fee                 $107  

*All courses will be three-credit hours 

*Fees are assessed only for the terms in which students are enrolled in courses.  

All payments of tuition and fees are handled by the Bursar’s office. For instructions on how to pay, please visit the   student payment portal .   

The Georgia Tech Bursar’s Office processes refunds via EFT, also known as Direct Deposit, Monday through Friday. Refunds and overpayments are electronically disbursed to the student’s checking or savings account and should be in the students account on the following day or sooner. You are not always eligible for a refund when dropping a course, so please read over the  refund policy .  

Education Loans   U.S. citizens and permanent residents may be eligible for education loans. To learn more about graduate financial aid and loan programs, visit  Georgia Tech’s Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid .  

Employer Tuition Reimbursement   Contact your employer’s human resources department for available tuition assistance programs and eligibility.  

The Post-9/11 GI Bill   Effective August 1, 2011, qualified U.S. veterans may be eligible to receive financial support for tuition, mandatory fees, books, and housing. Additional information is available through the Department of Veterans Affairs  GI Bill Website .  

The two-year program consists of 10 courses on fundamentals and standards of occupational safety and health, technologies, communication skills, and business aspects.

Program resources and related content.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Accreditation.

For information on Georgia Tech’s institutional accreditation see gatech.edu/accreditation .

NC-SARA Approval

The Institute has been approved by the state of Georgia to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).

NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is an agreement among member states, districts, and territories that establish comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. It is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state. SARA is overseen by a National Council and administered by four regional education compacts.

Graduate Safety Practitioner® Qualified Academic Program

The Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) has approved PMOSH as a Graduate Safety Practitioner® (GSP®) Qualified Academic Program (QAP).

BCSP is a not-for-profit corporation recognized as a leader in high-quality, accredited credentialing for safety, health, and environmental (SH&E) practitioners. BCSP establishes standards and certifies competency criteria in professional safety practice

Application Process

What should i include in my statement of purpose essay.

You should include a one-to-two page essay that explains your motivation for applying to the program. This is where students have the opportunity to explain to the admissions committee what they hope to accomplish by participating in professional master's program, the contributions they will make to their cohort, and how their employer will benefit from sponsoring them in the program.

What is the application deadline?

The final deadline to submit an application for Fall admission consideration is May 1 of the same year. Submitted applications must be complete by May 1 to ensure they are considered for that Fall's admission. Applicants meeting the standard March 1 deadline can expect to receive an admission decision relatively earlier than those who do not. 

Who should I request recommendations from?

We ask that student recommendations come from current and past supervisors/managers. If students have a peer who was in a senior role, they may be one of their three recommendations. We advise our applicants to contact the people who will be submitting letters of recommendation for them. When students contact them, they should let them know how important the recommendations are and that they should focus on how well suited the student is for this program, how they will contribute and how they can benefit. Please note that students will put their email addresses in the application and they will be notified through CollegeNet with the link for electronic submission of the recommendation.

Does the degree require the GMAT or GRE?

Applicants are not required to take the GMAT or GRE for acceptance into our professional master's programs. (The Georgia Tech Graduate Admissions' website states that a GRE or GMAT score is required; however, the professional master's programs are exempt from this prerequisite.)

Cost and Aid

When is tuition due each semester.

Students can find the fee payment schedules on the  Bursar's Office website . 

Are there any fellowships, graduate or assistantships offered?

The program is ideal for working professionals since its flexible format allows students to further their education while maintaining a full-time job. Since our students are typically employed full-time, there are no fellowships or graduate assistantships available at this time.

Dates and Travel

Will i need to travel to georgia tech's atlanta campus.

Students will travel to the Georgia Tech campus in Atlanta a total of three times over the two-year course of study (at the beginning, halfway through, and at the end of the program). Travel guidance is provided to students by staff prior to each campus visit.

Do I need to travel for this program?

Other than the three scheduled campus visits, there is no other required travel for this program.

General Program Information

After completing the pmosh program, will a diploma be awarded with the degree will it specifically indicate "professional master's".

Once students have successfully completed the program, they will have earned a Georgia Tech degree entitled: Professional Master's in Occupational Safety and Health.

What is the difference between a Masters of Science degree and a Professional Master's degree?

Both are accredited Georgia Tech degrees. The Professional Master's degree is designed for those interested in pursuing graduate level studies and immediately applying the newly gained knowledge to his/her individual work environment. It is not designed to be a stepping-stone to earning a Ph.D. but does not limit students if they choose that path at a later date.

Do I have the same privileges as Georgia Tech students?

Once accepted for admission, students are considered Georgia Tech students with the same privileges as on-campus students. Additional privileges will be granted to access the online aspects of the program.

Is PMOSH recognized by the Board of Certified Safety Professional (BCSP)?

Yes. This degree is approved by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) as a Graduate Safety Practitioner® (GSP®) Qualified Academic Program (QAP). As a QAP, PMOSH provides graduates with a path to professional certification and a variety of other exciting benefits including recognition for taking this path, a waiver of the ASP examination requirement for the CSP eligibility and access to the BCSP Career Center. For a full list of the benefits, visit the BCSP website .

Program Format

What is a cohort.

A cohort is a group of students working towards a common degree and taking the same classes on the same schedule, in lockstep manner, through completion of the degree.

What do you mean by a "hybrid format"?

A hybrid format refers to how course content is delivered to students. The course of study in the program will be a combination of face-to-face instruction time with faculty members, distance instruction via video teleconferencing (VTC), and distance instruction modules available online. Students are able to complete most online coursework when and where it is most convenient for them.

During the on-campus visits, when will we meet and for how long?

Students typically meet for four days for each of the three required on-campus visits. The first course will kick-off the program with one of the "on-campus" sessions. For planning purposes, the on-campus session will be during the third week of August. Students will receive detailed information about location, times, and hotel recommendations in advance of the campus sessions.

While on campus, students should expect to be in class all day. We advise taking leave or otherwise coordinating with your employer to be out of the office during these visits, as you are required to participate in each class for the entire visit.

How will the work groups be assembled during the program? Is there on-campus meeting space available if we choose to meet face-to-face?

Students usually choose their own work group partners. However, there may be instances where faculty will select the work groups. If students choose to meet face-to-face, we can help identify meeting space. Groups will also be able to conduct virtual meetings via web conferencing tools provided for the program.

Do I need a local proctor for exams?

Students will not need a local proctor for exams. For most courses, students' performance is evaluated via exercises, labs, papers, and projects. These will all be submitted electronically through the course website.

Want to know how a PMOSH degree can help you advance your career? Want to stay current on important deadlines, updates, and news? Need more details?

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• Safety Management M.S.

SAFETY MANAGEMENT M.S.

May 13, 2024

Next Start Date

Courses Required

Cost Per Credit Hour

Total Credit Hours

Online Synchronous

Learning Format

Preparing Risk Minimizers

The Master of Science in Safety Management program offered by the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources prepares you to help companies follow state and federal regulations, while designing programs to prevent disease, injury, or damage to the environment. And with a strong job market - Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 4 percent yearly increase in the number of jobs in this field through 2024 – you will be ready to respond to the needs of the public and employers, to inspect hazardous situations, and to investigate and administer government regulations.

• The degree is housed in the WVU Statler College of Engineering & Mineral Resources and has been ABET-accredited since 1993.
• Military Friendly - The Safety Management program is the only online program that will count your armed forces training.
• Multiple start dates per year.
• No campus visits required.
• Job placement rates near 100 percent.

The Master of Science in Safety Management program is accredited by the Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission of ABET . The Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering offers the online Master of Science in Safety Management for those seeking careers in occupational health and safety. Graduates will be able to identify hazards in the workplace, design and implement procedures to protect workers, investigate workplace accidents, and conduct training on safety procedures.

Ann is here to help.

Ann clayton, your personal online admissions coach.

"I am a graduate of Michigan State University, with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. I have worked in an advising setting for over 15 years and am here to help answer any questions you may have about the enrollment process in our online programs. Our online programs are designed to allow everyone the opportunity to earn a degree, while balancing school, family and life, and I am happy to help you as you go through that journey."

Learn More About Ann Request Information

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (304) 293-0915
• Virtual Session: Schedule a virtual session with me

Safety Management M.S. Admission Requirements

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (certain Board of Regents degrees will be considered). A minimum GPA of a 3.0, 63 credit hours at the undergraduate or graduate level in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology (15 credits at the junior/senior/graduate level) as well as 21 credit hours in communications, humanities, and social sciences. Individuals who have at least a 2.75 will be considered for provisional admittance. Provisional students must earn a 3.25 GPA in the first 12 hours of the program.

• Your personal statement should include a very brief background (education, work, life). Connect this to where you are going with it (career, life, etc.). Please include what you expect to get out of the Safety Management M.S. degree and how gaining the M.S. degree can positively influence your career and its effect on others. "What does this safety degree mean to me and what can I do with it."
• Pay graduate application fee
• Mail to: WVU Office of Graduate Admissions One Waterfront Place PO Box 6510 Morgantown, WV 26506-6510
• or Email to: [email protected]

English Language Proficiency

Generally, applicants whose first language is not English must submit adequate TOEFL or IELTS results before an application can be considered for admission to WVU:

• TOEFL Internet-Based = 79
• TOEFL Paper-Based = 550
• IELTS = 6.5

Applicants who have received a high school diploma or a bachelor’s degree in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand or Australia need not submit TOEFL/IELTS results.

However, applicants having only a master’s degree from an accredited US college or university must still provide acceptable TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Application Requirements

• Official transcripts of all previous college course work
• sixty-three credit hours of approved science, mathematics, and other technical courses. Of these, at least fifteen credit hours must be junior or senior level.
• twenty-one hours of social sciences, humanities, and/or communications.
• Based on application review, additional requirements may be required on a case by case basis.
• International applicants must meet the WVU requirement of English language proficiency.

All applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency. WVU accepts either the TOEFL or the IELTS for this purpose.

Faculty Spotlight

Omar al-shebeeb.

"I strive to learn from and to adapt both the style and content of my teaching material to reflect the diversity of my students."

Omar Al-Shebeeb went into industrial engineering because he was interested in optimizing processes and creating effective solutions to engineering problems.

In addition, he already had a solid foundation in production engineering, a profession that combines parts of mechanical and industrial engineering.

He says his teaching style is determined by the class arrangement and structure. It is adaptive and varies from class to class.

"I use a variety of teaching approaches in my graduate and undergraduate classes, depending on the courses," he says.

"When I get productive feedback from students, and I see positive results on their faces, it makes me more motivated to give more and more. I consider my students to be my customers, and I am motivated by their needs."

Omar says the development of a vibrant and welcoming learning atmosphere that prioritizes active participation, open communication, and a sincere interest for the material is essential for student success in his classrooms.

He thinks students are more likely to effectively retain and understand knowledge when they are actively engaged in their learning process.

"The common activity in all the classes that I teach is the availability of the projects and teamwork in addition to the self-learning activities," he says.

Avishek Choudhury

"My aim is to empower students to become not just proficient learners, but critical thinkers with a robust problem-solving toolkit that extends well beyond the confines of the classroom."

Avishek Choudhury went into his field of study because it was in the pioneering landscape where systems engineering meets cognitive human factors in healthcare.

"I found myself at the thrilling intersection of technology, healthcare, and human behavior," he says.

His work involves unraveling the intricacies of healthcare environments, fostering systems that are not only efficient and reliable but also emphatically human-centered.

"We champion innovative solutions, setting a new benchmark in healthcare delivery," he says. "The solutions are user-friendly, enhancing the safety and wellbeing of both healthcare professionals and patients alike."

But his role is also about preparing the next generation of professionals.

"This is not just a profession, it is a commitment to revolutionizing healthcare."

In his classroom, he expects his students to immerse themselves in a deep well of knowledge, venturing far beyond the pursuit of grades.

He emphasizes conceptual understanding over rote memorization and nurtures a learning environment where curiosity is not just encouraged, but is a requisite.

Makenzie Dolly

"My teaching style is interactive, engaging, exploratory, experiential, and involved."

Makenzie Dolly went into industrial engineering because it is all about high efficiency, productivity, and organization.

"It's a representation of my character inside and out," she says. "From the time I first read about industrial engineering on some random internet forum many years ago, I knew it would be the perfect fit for me. I've never thought twice."

Similarly, Makenzie says she has always been an educator, whether it was formal or informal.

"I started peer tutoring at the age of 12 and never stopped sharing my knowledge with others. Getting to teach industrial engineering and engineering management is truly the perfect combination for me."

She describes her teaching style as interactive, engaging, exploratory, experiential, and involved.

Jeremy Gouzd

"All students learn a little differently than others. Being able to see that and provide the material in different ways until you see the ‘light bulb’ moment is crucial."

Jeremy Gouzd decided to go into his field of study because throughout his career he enjoyed engineering and the field of occupational safety.

"Along with those fields of study, I had a passion for teaching," he says.

He tries to get as much involvement with his students as possible, because he believes this is the best way to communicate the material that is being taught.

"Teaching online is different in that the paths you need to take to connect with the student are different," he says. "The information isn't conveyed in the same manner as the traditional style of teaching."

He engages in as much feedback with students as possible, through grading comments, discussions, announcements, and emails.

"I also record shorter versions of my lectures that students seem to be more apt to watch and which highlight and move through the material as the student would, week to week."

"I think that all students learn a little differently than others. Being able to see that and provide the material, information, and lectures in those different ways until you see the ‘light bulb’ moment is crucial."

JuHyeong Ryu

"To adapt to the changing landscape of education, I leverage advanced web-based tools in online classes, tailoring learning experiences to individual students' needs and progress."

JuHyeong Ryu entered the field of safety engineering and management because he was driven by a strong desire to enhance worker safety, health, and productivity.

"Combining my background in architectural and civil engineering, I have developed a multidisciplinary approach, focusing on sustainability and leveraging cutting-edge technologies like human motion sensing, artificial intelligence, biomechanical analysis, and automated work systems," he says.

"Despite the challenges, I'm proud to have made a meaningful contribution to improving occupational safety in various industries."

His teaching approach is centered on facilitating meaningful and engaging online learning experiences.

"I am proficient in delivering content effectively through digital platforms, ensuring that students remain actively involved in the online classroom."

"My experiences as a research advisor, particularly in the online PhD in Occupational Safety and Health program, have equipped me with valuable insights and strategies to enhance the online education environment."

"I place a strong emphasis on personalized feedback and engagement, ensuring that students have the resources they need to excel in their academic journey."

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Financial aid is available. Students are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to determine their eligibility for federal and state funds as well as scholarships. WVU’s FAFSA Code is 003827. Please contact the WVU Financial Aid Office at (304) 293-5242 or financialaid.wvu.edu for additional information.

Safety Management M.S. total degree cost: $25,740 – Residents and Non-Residents

Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies and living expenses. Please see the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage for how to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

Your future in Safety Management

To meet Program Educational Objectives of the Safety Management program, students must be able to meet the following outcomes at the time of their graduation:

• Mathematics and science and/or technical topics to areas relevant to safety management.
• An ability to formulate or design a system, process, procedure or program to meet desired needs.
• An ability to develop and conduct experiments or test hypotheses, analyze and interpret data and use scientific judgment to draw conclusions.
• An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
• An ability to understand ethical and professional responsibilities and the impact of technical and/or scientific solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
• An ability to function effectively on teams that establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, and analyze risk and uncertainty.

The Benefits to Choosing Our Program

A graduate of the Safety Management program will be able to:

• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, including the transmission of safety data to management and employees.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills in the area of safety management.
• Demonstrate knowledge of ethical and professional responsibilities and knowledge of applicable legislation and regulations.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply various research activities through the decision-making process used in safety management.

Career Outlook for Safety Management

Students who graduate from WVU Online with the Safety Management M.S. degree may be prepared for the following careers. These are only a few examples of some of the many opportunities that will be open to you with this degree. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for some positions: occupational health and safety technician/specialist, industrial safety and health engineer, emergency management director, and environmental specialist.

View Courses and Curriculum for Safety Management M.S.

A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required in all courses.

Course Requirements

A minimum of 60% of courses must be from 500 level or above.

Select three from the following:

Any online STEM or related course 400-795 and approved by the student's advisor.

Choose 1 of the following options:

Coursework Option (most students pursue this option)

Total Hours: 36-42

Thesis Option

Problem Report Option

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take me to earn my safety management master's degree.

Completion of the Master of Science Degree in Safety Management should take a student 18 months to complete following the coursework option plan of study.

Do I need to have a Bachelor's Degree in Safety Management?

Students who do not have a bachelor’s degree in Safety Management may be required to take a set of undergraduate courses above and beyond the minimum coursework requirements.

What exactly is a Risk Minimizer?

The Safety Management program will prepare graduates to meet the safety mission of any enterprise. The goal is to protect, conserve, and improve the resources – people, property and efficacy – of the organization.

What kind of jobs can I get with a Master's Degree in Safety Management?

Jobs in this field can include but are not limited to the following careers: occupational health and safety technician/specialist, industrial safety and health engineer, emergency management director, and environmental specialist.

Is there a place to view courses in detail?

To view the courses related to this degree please visit the WVU Catalog .

Become a problem solver.

Be a decision maker. First, your degree. World-class academics at an exceptional value.

Occasionally a student will encounter an issue with an online course that he or she doesn’t know how to resolve. Should this occur, please visit the link below.

Internal Student Complaint Process

WVU Online West Virginia University PO Box 6800 Morgantown, WV 26506-6800

Phone: (800) 253-2762 Email: [email protected]

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Master of Science (MS) in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene

Offered By: Department of Environmental Health and Engineering (Whiting school of engineering)

Onsite | Full-Time or Part-Time | 1.5 years

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About the MS in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene Program

This program is part of the  Education and Research Center for Occupational Safety and Health (ERC)  which is sponsored by the  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) .

The MSOEH is accredited by the Applied and Natural Sciences Accreditation Commission (ANSAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering Technology (ABET). It is designed to prepare students to pass the Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) examination given by the Board for Global EHS Credentialing

The MSOEH is flexible and can be customized to meet a variety of professional and career goals. Students may enroll in a full-time program or the part-time/online program . Both options confer the same degree and students must meet the same academic requirements.  

This degree program is administratively managed through the Whiting School of Engineering. The full-time option is managed through Whiting/Homewood and the part-time option through Whiting’s Engineering for Professionals. All courses are offered through the Bloomberg School of Public Health. Limited funding is available to support full-time students.

Full-time program (MSOEH)

• June 1 application deadline for a fall start
• 1.5 years to complete 

Part-time program (MSOEH) 

• Hybrid/online
• Must be completed within 5 years 
• Learn more  

Certificate in Environmental and Occupational Health 

Our certificate is open to degree-seeking students and working professionals. 

• Available to degree and non-degree students 
• 18 credit hours 
• Time to completion is dependent on course selections and offering times 
• Tuition is charged at BSPH per credit rate for part-time students.  

MS in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene Program Highlights

Funding available.

Limited funding is available for full-time, U.S. students

ABET-Accredited

Join a well-established program with experienced educators and researchers

Hands-on Experience

Apply what you learn in a final project and essay

Part-Time Available

Flexible degree is great for working professionals who want to advance their skills and career

Graduate Spotlights

MSOEH graduates go on to rewarding careers in occupational and environmental hygiene. 

Pearl Lee, MS '19

"This master's program has allowed me to meet full-time professionals in the same field who are equally devoted to learning and being the best in their field."

LEARN MORE 

Caleb Ginorio, MS '21

"The long-term professional relationships I formed with classmates and faculty members at JHU continue to be essential to my career."

What Can You Do With a Graduate Degree in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene?

Possible careers include industrial hygienist, environmental risk assessor, occupational health specialist, emergency preparedness coordinator, environmental policy analyst, and environmental/occupational health or safety manager. Current job titles and employers of some recent graduates are listed below.

• Industrial Hygienist, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
• Health, Safety & Environment Advisor, Oceaneering, Hanover, MD 
• Health and Safety Site Lead, JUUL Labs, North Carolina
• Occupational Health and Safety Specialist R.T. Vanderbilt Co., Towson, MD
• EHS Engineer, Northrop Grumman, San Diego, CA 
• Corporate and Occupational Health Specialist, Arkema, Pottstown, PA 
• Industrial Hygiene Consultant, Safex, Westerville, OH 

Curriculum for the MS in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene

A master's degree in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene gives students the analytical and technical skills needed to identify and address environmental and/or occupational hazards in the workplace and surrounding community. The course of study includes risk analysis and management, environmental sampling techniques, air pollution, program management, toxicology, epidemiology, biostatistics, and occupational health.

Degree Requirements

• Academic ethics course
• 76-credit core curriculum
• Internship/independent professional project, master’s essay, and oral presentation: The student is expected to assume independent responsibility for a project, the content of which should be based on an occupational or environmental health problem that is pertinent to the educational goals of the student and approved by their adviser.

Admissions Requirements

The GRE is required for this program; it is one of the ABET-mandated minimum requirements for admitted students. The MCAT is acceptable but not preferred. A waiver may be requested if the applicant has:

• A graduate degree (master’s or doctoral degree) OR
• Successfully completed the Certificate in Environmental and Occupational Health  and earned at least a ‘B’ in all courses taken for the Certificate.

Prior education must include (1) an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university, (2) successful completion of college-level courses in biology, chemistry, calculus, and physics.

If prior education does not include the prerequisites above, you must complete them before you can be admitted to the program. Courses completed at a local community college are acceptable.

MSOEH students are eligible for a limited number of partial-tuition awards from The NIOSH Education and Research Center . Awardeeds are selected by a faculty committee based on prior academic achievements and professional potential. Award decisions are made during the admissions process and communicated to students in their letters of acceptance.  These tuition awards are not available to international students.

Teaching Assistants

Several departmental courses require teaching assistants. Full-time students selected as teaching assistants get experience in teaching and receive compensation for their efforts. Open positions are communicated by email before the start of each term.

Which degree is right for you?

The department has a number of degrees to suit your educational and professional goals, background, and experience.

QUIZ: WHICH DEGREE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

DURATION:  9 months full-time, onsite/online; 2 years, part-time (onsite/online)

BEST FOR:  Applicants who wish to pursue a PhD or a career in the intersection of environmental and public health

BOTTOM LINE:  One-year program culminates in a short essay

GOOD TO KNOW:  Academic degree focusing on a specific area of public health, typically science-oriented

MHS PROGRAM PAGE

DURATION : 2 years, full-time, onsite

BEST FOR:  Applicants interested in hands-on experiences leading to research careers; good for students considering PhD programs

BOTTOM LINE:  The first year involves classes, while the second year involves full-time research with faculty (based on a proposal from year one), culminating in a thesis

GOOD TO KNOW:  Students get hands-on experience and conduct their own research

ScM PROGRAM PAGE

DURATION:  9 months (onsite) followed by a 7- to 12-month internship

BEST FOR:  Those seeking a career in the field of human health and environmental risk assessment

BOTTOM LINE:  Focused on fundamental concepts and testing approaches used in classic risk assessment processes

GOOD TO KNOW:  Only program of its kind in the U.S. Students completing the program can also earn the Certificate in Risk Sciences and Public Policy .

MS-TOX PROGRAM PAGE

DURATION:  1.5 years full-time (onsite)

BEST FOR:  Applicants with prior coursework in basic sciences who want a career in occupational health

BOTTOM LINE:  Designed to prepare students to pass the Certified Industrial Hygienist Examination

GOOD TO KNOW:  Complete an internship between years one and two to get work experience in industrial hygiene. This program is administered by the Whiting School of Engineering , but all classes are offered through the Bloomberg School of Public Health.

MSOEH PROGRAM PAGE

DURATION:  up to 5 years part-time (hybrid)

BEST FOR:  Professionals currently working in the field who want to advance their career in occupational health

GOOD TO KNOW:  Flexible format; complete independent project at your place of employment. This program is administered by the Whiting School of Engineering’s Engineering for Professionals program, but all classes are offered through the Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Questions about the program? We're happy to help. [email protected]

Health Professions Advising

Pre-health advising.

• Health Professions Resources

Personal Statements

Health Professions Advising CBB 203/205 (Second Floor) E: [email protected]

Schedule a Health Professions Advising Appointment

Mailing Address: University of Houston ATTN: Health Professions Advising Center University Classroom & Business Building Room 215 4242 Martin Luther King Boulevard Houston, TX 77204 Google Maps

Although most applicants focus on GPA and test-scores, the personal statement is a very important component of your application and should be carefully composed. This is your opportunity to highlight things about yourself that may not be mentioned in other sections of your application and to distinguish yourself from other applicants.

You should have several different people objectively read your personal statement and provide constructive feedback. In addition to the Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC) , your letter writers are often a great option. There are also resources on campus that can assist you, such as the UH Writing Center , University Career Services , and your major advisor. Consider the feedback you receive carefully, but be sure that the personal statement is still written in your voice!

Below we have outlined some advice and general guidelines to consider while writing your personal statement. Keep in mind that these recommendations are not restricted to medical/dental applications, but can be applied while writing essays for any healthcare professional program.

• See also UH University Career Services Personal Statement Tips
• Sign up for the UH Writing Center Personal Statement Workshops

Types of Prompts

Before beginning your personal statement, it is important you carefully review the specific question (or prompt) that is being asked and the character-limit, as there can be distinct differences between the application services.

TMDSAS ( 5000 characters ):

• Explain your motivation to seek a career in medicine. You are asked to include the value of your experiences that prepare you to be a physician.
• Explain your motivation to seek a career in dentistry. You are asked to discuss your philosophy of the dental profession and indicate your goals relevant to the profession.
• Personal Characteristics Essay - Learning from others is enhanced in educational settings that include individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Please describe your personal characteristics (background, talents, skills, etc.) or experiences that would add to the educational experience of others. The personal characteristics essay is required to all applicants and limited to 2500 characters, including spaces.
• Optional Essay – The optional essay is an opportunity to provide the admissions committee(s) with a broader picture of who you are as an applicant. The essay is optional, however, you are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. Consider briefly discussing any unique circumstances or life experiences that are relevant to your application which have not previously been presented. Optional Essay is limited to 2500 characters, including spaces.

AMCAS ( 5300 characters ):

• Why have you selected the field of medicine?
• What motivates you to learn more about medicine?
• What do you want medical schools to know about you that has not been disclosed in other sections of the application?

AACOMAS ( 5300 characters ):

• What motivates you to learn more about osteopathic medicine?

AADSAS ( 4500 characters ):

• Explain a defining moment that helped steer you toward a career in dentistry. Consider using that moment as the focal point of your essay.
• Be colorful, positive, imaginative and personal when discussing why you are a good candidate for dental school. Ask yourself—in a pile of 100 applications, would I enjoy reading my statement? Be sure to convey your passion for dentistry in your statement.
• Be yourself.  Don’t use jargon, clichés or big phrases that you would not use in daily conversation. Remember, dental schools want to know about the real you.
• Be original and thoughtful: Discuss how you would contribute to the profession and patient care, all of which will help you stand out from other applicants.

AACPMAS (4500 characters):

• State below why you are interested in becoming a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. Provide information about your development for a career in Podiatric Medicine

CASPA (5000 characters):

• In the space provided write a brief statement expressing your motivation or desire to become a physician assistant.

OptomCAS (4500 characters) :

Essays can be customized for each individual Optometry program.  Most Optometry schools include this as their main essay question:

• Please describe what inspires your decision for becoming an optometrist, including your preparation for training in this profession, your aptitude and motivation, the basis for your interest in optometry, and your future career.

OTCAS (no character limit):

• Your Personal Statement should address why you selected OT as a career and how an Occupational Therapy degree relates to your immediate and long-term professional goals. Describe how your personal, educational, and professional background will help you achieve your goals.

PTCAS (4500 characters):

• Prompt: Every person has a story that has led them to a career. Since there are a variety of health professions that "help" others, please go beyond your initial interaction or experiences with physical therapy and share the deeper story that has confirmed your decision to specifically pursue physical therapy as your career.

PharmCAS (4500 characters):

• Your Personal Essay should address why you selected pharmacy as a career. How the Doctor of Pharmacy degree relates to your immediate and long-term professional goals. You should describe how your personal, educational, and professional background will help you achieve your goals.

VMCAS (1000 characters):

• There are many career choices within the veterinary What are your future career goals and why?
• In what ways do veterinarians contribute to society and what do you hope to contribute?
• Consider the breadth of society which veterinarians What attributes do you believe are essential to be successful within the veterinary profession? Of these attributes, which do you possess and how have you demonstrated these in the past?

When should I start writing?

You should begin working on your personal statement early in the spring semester prior to your intended application year and submitting your application materials to HPAC (if applicable).  Remember that the people who are helping you with your statement will need time to review it and you will need time to work through multiple drafts before submission.  In addition, some of your letter writers may want to see a copy of your personal statement before they write your letter, so you should strive to have a competent draft by mid-March.

What should be included?

It is important to treat the personal statement as an answer to a question (i.e., the prompt), rather than the opportunity to flex your creative writing muscles. Indeed, most applicants are STEM majors without much experience in creative writing; therefore, it is recommended that you avoid using the essay to practice your creative writing skills and stick to simply addressing the prompt in a direct, concise way. Some questions you may want to consider while planning your essay are:

• Why have you selected the field of medicine, dentistry, or other health profession?
• What motivates you to learn more about medicine, dentistry, or other health profession?
• How have you demonstrated your interest and commitment to your decision?
• What experiences have allowed you to develop the skills necessary to be successful in this program and to become an effective physician, dentist, PA, etc.?
• Did you have any exposure to role models who influenced your decision? Which of their attributes inspired you?
• Are your perceptions of this profession realistic?
• What are your professional goals?
• Is there anything you wish for your chosen health professional schools to know about you that has not been disclosed in other sections of the application?

Depending on the nature of the prompt, you may also wish to include information such as:

• Unique hardships, challenges, or obstacles that may have influenced your educational pursuits.
• Commentary on significant fluctuations in your academic record that are not explained elsewhere in your application.

What should NOT be included?

• Avoid clichés and over-using/mis-using terms : How many times do you think admissions committees have read the phrase, “I want to become a physician because I like science and I want to help people”? Similarly, words like empathy and passion are, while applicable, can become empty in meaning when overused or misused. Consider exemplifying these terms, rather than simply stating them.
• Avoid unnecessary drama: While you may feel compelled to "hook" the reader with a dramatic opening to your statement, doing so may detract from the overall purpose (i.e., describing your decision to pursue medicine/dentistry) and may induce many an eye-roll by committee members.
• Avoid being vague : "[Insert experience] was challenging and rewarding." What does that mean? Be specific about what was impactful and how it affected you.
• Avoid brash decision-making :  Your decision to become a doctor/dentist should be the result of a series of thoughtful, conscious, and reflective decisions. NOT an instantaneous realization or epiphany. Similarly, you have not “always known” that you want to be a physician/dentist. No one is "born to be a doctor." Nothing is innate, you have to work for it.
• Avoid excuses :  In general, there are better uses for your personal statement than explaining away and justifying poor grades, incidents of misconduct, etc. Indeed, TMDSAS offers additional essays and opportunities to discuss these issues. However, if you choose to address these subjects, be sure to focus on what you have learned from those incidents and how your experiences have made you a stronger person.  Always accept responsibility and avoid blaming anyone else for your decisions or mistakes.
• Avoid restating your resume or activities section :  Choose ONE or TWO significant and distinguishing experiences to elaborate upon when outline the reasons behind your decision to pursue a career in healthcare. There is no need to narrate completely your 4+ years of college or carefully detail your activities from year to year; indeed, there are other sections in the application where you can detail your experiences and what you learned from each.
• Avoid grandiosity :  Claiming that you plan to cure cancer (or HIV, or healthcare disparities, or anything else) shows a grave lack of understanding of whatever problem you are planning to solve. Similarly, avoid “I know what it is like to be a physician/dentist from [shadowing/clinical volunteer experience].”  No, you do not.  That is precisely why you are hoping to go to medical/dental school.
• Avoid inflammatory or controversial topics :  You do not know the values, beliefs, and background of the committee member reading your essay.  For these reasons, you are advised to avoid making any strong statements regarding politics, religion, and other polarizing topics.  Be extremely cautious to avoid expressing any views that could be construed as derogatory to any group.  Additionally, your beliefs are not the only “correct” beliefs. 
• Do not lie :  Honesty and ethical behavior are the hallmarks of being a healthcare professional. Do not include details anywhere in your application or essay that you are not prepared to talk about or that are simply untrue.

Additional Recommendations

• Use simple formatting : Avoid the use of bullet-points, italics, and symbols.
• Read your statement aloud : As you draft your statement, reading what you have written aloud can help you determine whether your writing "flows" well and is an easy read for a reviewer.

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MS in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences

About the program.

IN-PERSON, FULLY ONLINE  |  FULL-TIME, PART-TIME    SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

The MS in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences program prepares students for careers in the growing field of Industrial Hygiene. Students gain the scientific framework and technical skills to assess and measure exposures to environmental and occupational hazards and to develop control strategies to remediate these exposures, with the ultimate aim of ensuring that workplaces in every field, from offices to schools to factories, are safe and healthy environments.

Students entering the MS in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences are encouraged to apply for financial support from one of the following two scholarship programs:

• The National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) Scholarship
• National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Research Assistantship

At this time, we are unable to issue I-20 forms for this program, given that many of its required courses are offered online.

For students who began matriculating in Spring 2019 or earlier, please review the previous curriculum for the MS in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences here .

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Is this degree right for you?

The program is designed for individuals seeking careers as environmental and/or occupational health professionals. In 2001 the program was accredited by the ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) in Industrial Hygiene. The program is a member of the NIOSH supported Education and Research Center for the New York and New Jersey area.

What will you learn?

Examine the recognition, evaluation and control of environmental and occupational factors affecting health in the context of economic, sociopolitical, and regulatory issues to address occupational health challenges. Learn to leverage cutting-edge technologies and analytical techniques to quantify and improve workplace health conditions.

Where to after graduation?

Graduates of this program work as inspectors, health and safety specialists and industrial hygienists for government agencies, institutions, consulting firms and businesses on a variety of occupational health issues in a social justice framework.

Admissions Information

Admissions requirements.

• Completed  SOPHAS  application
• Undergraduate degree from an accredited university; GPA (overall and major) of at least 3.0 preferred.
• Personal statement/statement of purpose (at least 500 words)
• Background in the field: paid or volunteer experience in public health or related field
• Two letters of recommendation
• TOEFL scores are required if language of instruction for prior degrees was not English
• Transcript evaluation from  WES  or  ECE for foreign transcripts.
• Applicants with a 3.0 GPA or above may waive the standardized test requirement.
• Applicants who have a post graduate degree from a U.S. accredited school or a post graduate degree in clinical or allied health that WES or ECE has deemed equivalent to its US counterpart may request a standardized test waiver. Please be advised that waivers are granted on a case by case basis.
• 40 credit hours in biology, chemistry, health sciences, mathematics, statistics, physics, or engineering completed prior to admission. If deficiencies exist in any of these areas, students will be required to take specific coursework after matriculating into the program.

Application Deadline

• Fall 2024: We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis until  June 1, 2024 or until all seats are filled . (May 15, 2024 for international students seeking an F-1 student visa)

*Students who have a CEPH-accredited undergraduate or graduate degree in public health can be waived from PUBH 601 by submitting a Course Waiver Request .

Recommended Course Sequence

These sequences are recommended for full-time students. Part-time students are encouraged to meet with a staff advisor to map out an appropriate plan of study.

For students who began matriculating in Spring 2019 or earlier, please review the previous course sequence for the MS in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences here .

For students beginning their program during the spring semester:

*PUBH 601 should be completed during a student’s first semester. Students who have a CEPH-accredited undergraduate or graduate degree in public health can be waived from this requirement by submitting a Course Waiver Request .

Competencies

Core competencies, evidence-based approaches to public health.

• Apply epidemiological methods to settings and situations in public health practice
• Select quantitative and qualitative data collection methods appropriate for a given public health context
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data using biostatistics, informatics, computer-based programming and software, as appropriate
• Interpret results of data analysis for public health research, policy, or practice

Systems thinking

• Apply a systems thinking tool to visually represent a public health issue in a format other than standard narrative (Systems thinking tools depict or map complex relationships, demonstrating, for example, how component parts of a system interact with and influence one another. Examples include causal loop diagrams, systems archetypes, network analyses and concept maps. Logic models and evidence tables are not sufficient to address this competency.)

environmental sciences

• Apply concepts from relevant scientific disciplines, such as toxicology and physiology, to anticipate effects of environmental, occupational and nutritional exposures on both human health and overall planetary health

Program Educational Objectives

• Establish a career in the field of occupational health and safety
• Maintain a code of professional ethics as outlined by ABIH
• Become professionally certified through ABIH or other relevant professional organizations
• Pursue continuing education and professional development opportunities and remain apprised of developments in the field
• Employ an interdisciplinary approach to manage occupational health issues by engaging with other professionals including, safety specialists, occupational nurses and physicians, ergonomists, within or outside their organization
• Apply the use of emerging technologies in industrial hygiene to quantify workplace exposure
• Identify common analytical techniques used in industrial hygiene

ABet student outcomes

• Apply leadership and/or management principles to address a relevant issue (Such principles may include creating a vision, empowering others, fostering collaboration, and guiding decision-making.)
• Apply negotiation and mediation skills to address organizational or community challenges (“Negotiation and mediation,” in this competency, refers to the set of skills needed when a common solution is required among parties with conflicting interests and/or different desired outcomes. Such skills extend beyond the level of negotiation required in a successful intra-group process; effective communication within a work group or team is more closely related to competency)

General Outcomes

• An ability to identify, formulate, and solve broadly defined technical or scientific problems by applying knowledge of mathematics and science and/or technical topics to areas relevant to the disciple
• An ability to formulate or design a system, process procedure or program to meet desired needs
• An ability to develop and conduct experiments or test hypotheses, analyze and interpret data and use scientific judgement to draw conclusions
• An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
• An ability to understand ethical and professional responsibilities and the impact of technical and/or scientific solutions in global, economic, environmental and societal contexts
• An ability to function effectively on teams that establish goals, plan, tasks, meet deadlines and risk and uncertainty

Program Outcomes

• Assess major sources of exposure to environmental, occupational, and safety hazards, the key routes of exposure, and the specific pathways relevant to human health.
• Characterize the human health risks from major environmental, occupational, and safety hazards, such as the built environment, air pollution, metals, organic pollutants, and microbial contaminants.
• Predict and evaluate health, safety, and environmental risks from processes, work tasks, the built environment, and other economic and/or social activities.
• Use existing regulatory and policy frameworks to recommend appropriate engineering, personal protection, or administrative controls and/or policies to mitigate these hazards and evaluate their effectiveness.
• Evaluate how environmental, occupational, and safety hazards may be differentially distributed leading to health disparities.

Alumni Outcomes

Alumni outcomes data was collected via surveys of CUNY SPH alumni one year after graduation from 2016 to 2022. See more program outcomes here .

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Writing the Personal Statement for Health Professions Applications

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The personal statement gives you the opportunity to present a compelling snapshot of who you are and perhaps why you want to be a doctor. Use your personal statement to say what others can’t. The personal statement can be a tricky genre to master. On the one hand, you want to give the admissions committee a sense of your personality and who you are. On the other hand, you must sound focused and professional, which sounds like it might impede your ability to capture your personality.

But this does not have to be the case. What you need to do is figure out how to say what drives you to want to become a healthcare professional in as specific a way as possible. The more specific you can be, the more the admissions committee will feel as if they have a sense of who you are.

You don’t need gimmicks, jokes, artificial drama, or hyperbole to express who you are or why you would make a good medical student or doctor. All you need are carefully selected details that you can craft into a unique and compelling story that conveys a sense of purpose and motivation.

What Makes a Good Personal Statement?

• There is no exact template for an effective personal statement. Often, however, strong personal statements combine a concise description of a personal experience with reflection on how this experience either led the writer to pursue medicine or indicates the writer’s character or commitment.
• Good personal statements often have a strong sense of narrative. This does not mean that they read like short stories, though they can relate a few scenes or anecdotes from your life. They have a strong sense of narrative, rather, in how they convey the writer’s sense of dedication to medicine. Strong personal statements often give readers an idea of how applicants see their experiences as leading to the decision to pursue medicine.

How to Get Started

The personal statement is an exercise in self-reflection. Questions to consider:

• Who are you?  I am driven to… I have learned to… I believe…
• What are your most passionate interests or concerns?  What problem(s) most occupy your thinking and your efforts?
• How did you develop those interests?  (Not just the story, but what drives you.)
• What errors or regrets have taught you something important about yourself?
• When does time disappear for you?  What does this tell you about your passions, your values?
• What ideas, books, courses, events have had a profound impact on you?  How so?
• To what extent do your current commitments reflect your most strongly held values?
• When have you changed?  Consider yourself before and after; what does this change mean?
• How do your interests and who you are relate to your goals in medical school and as a doctor?

Start a “shoebox”; a place to keep random notes for your personal statement; be ready to write at any time. Review these items occasionally; let them tell you more about what you want your personal statement to say. Start writing drafts, experiments; you will know when a paragraph begins to gel.

A Suggested Writing Process

Everyone writes differently, so these are potential strategies rather than rules.

• Make a list of some of your most defining experiences – extracurricular activities, specific classes, volunteer work, research, hobbies, etc. Try not to include overly personal experiences (breakups, trouble with parents, illnesses in the family, and so on). It’s difficult to write about such things without being sentimental or cliché. You want experiences in which you did something and had to make a choice.
• From this list, try to select an experience that particularly demonstrates your intellectual curiosity, your dedication to service, your composure under pressure, your leadership ability, or any other personal trait that you think is particularly relevant to your case that you would make a good doctor or medical student.
• Start writing a draft based on this experience. You want to be specific, but don’t get bogged down with an abundance of anecdotes or minutiae. Try to use your draft to craft a succinct story that demonstrates your character and your motivations.
• Set the draft aside for some time (a number of days or weeks), and then revisit it with fresh eyes. Be as honest with yourself as you can be: What works in this draft? What doesn’t work? What sounds cliché or unspecific? Would a reader who doesn’t know me at all get a sense of my personal character and dedication?
• Revise, revise, revise: tighten the structure, add new things to make your point clearer, take away sentences or sections that now seem unnecessary, use the active voice as much as possible, and anything else that needs to be done. If what you have just doesn’t seem to be coming together, do not be afraid to start over.
• Solicit feedback from a couple of trusted readers and revise again based on the suggestions that you find most useful. Don’t solicit feedback from too many people though – too many responses can be overwhelming.
• Edit your work for grammatical mistakes, typos, clumsy repetitions, and so on. Make your prose impeccable before you submit your statement. Asking help from other readers can be especially helpful with editing, as sometimes it gets difficult to read your work with fresh eyes.

Things to Do

• Use the experience that you describe to tell a story of personal progress, particularly progress towards your commitment to medicine.
• Write with active verbs as much as possible.
• Strive for concision.
• Sound humble but also confident.

Things Not to Do – Common Pitfalls

• Don’t talk in hyperbolic terms about how passionate you are. Everyone applying to medical school can say they are passionate. Instead, show your readers something you have done that indicates your passion.
• Don’t adopt an overly confessional or sentimental tone. You need to sound professional.
• Don’t treat the personal statement like a piece of creative writing.
• Don’t put your resume in narrative form.
• Don’t use jargon, abbreviations, slang, etc.
• Don’t use too many qualifiers: very, quite, rather, really, interesting…
• Don’t write in overly flowery language that you would normally never use.
• Don’t include famous quotations. If you must quote, use something that shows significant knowledge.
• Don’t write about yourself in an overly glorifying or overly self-effacing manner.

What to Remember

• They are read by non-specialists, so write for an intelligent non-medical audience.
• Actions sometimes speaks louder than words so give examples of experiences rather than describing them.
• All information must be accurate – don’t pad, but don’t be falsely modest either.
• The personal statement, in part, serves as a test of your communication skills.  How well you write it is as important as the content.

Writing Resources

• AAMC: 7 Tips for Writing your AMCAS Personal Statement
• Graduate Admission Essays: What Works, What Doesn’t and Why , Donald Asher, Ten Speed Press
• On Writing Well , William Zinsser
• Elements of Style , Strunk and White, Macmillan
• Article :  2 Med School Essays that Admissions Officers Loved
• Guidance for Writing Personal Statements, Work & Activities Section, Secondary Applications

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Doctor of Philosophy Degree

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree focuses on research and prepares you for a career in university-level teaching and research. The EHS Department offers two doctoral programs:

PhD Environmental Health Sciences

Research areas of interest include a broad range of environmental and occupational areas.  Many topics include aspects of  Environment, Sustainability, and Heath ,  exposure science-industrial Hygiene and occupational and environmental epidemiology

PhD Toxicology

The field of toxicology identifies environmental and therapeutic exposures of concern, reveals mechanisms by which chemical toxicants create pathological dysfunction or disease, identifies interventions for the prevention of adverse effects, conducts safety assessments, and estimates acceptable levels of exposure for the protection of the public health.

Degree Requirements

Program components.

There are three major stages in the program to be completed prior to getting the PhD degree:

• Coursework and successful completion of the Doctoral Qualifying Examination (DQE)
• Completion of the research proposal and successful passing of the Preliminary Examination
• Conduct dissertation and research and successfully complete and defend the research

Typically, a PhD program takes a total of 4-5 years to complete. The time frame depends largely on how soon advancement to candidacy is achieved. Once advancement to candidacy has occurred (usually after two years), students typically develop and defend their research prospectus the following year and complete their research effort (including its written presentation) in 2-3 years.

PhD in Environmental Health Sciences

You can explore all EHS and non-EHS classes in the course catalogue .

Department Course Requirements

BIOSTAT 521 Applied Biostatistics PUBHLTH 512 Principles of Epidemiology in Public Health EHS 510 Responsible Conduct in Research and Scholarship (RCRS) EHS 801 Professional Development in EHS EHS 850 Research Design and Proposal Development in EHS EHS 869 Research Critiques and Scientifics Communications in EHS (Docotral Seminar) EHS 899 Advanced Research (2 separate rotations required during first year) EHS 990 Dissertation/Pre-Candidacy  EHS 995 Dissertation/Candidacy

Select one of the following :

     EHS 576 Biological Agents       EHS 652 Evaluation of Chemical Hazards       EHS 658 Physical Hazards

     BIOSTAT 502 Application of Regression Analysis to Health Studies      BIOSTAT 522 Biostatistical Analysis for Health-Related Studies      BIOSTAT 523 Statistical Methods in Epidemiology       STAT 401 Applied Statistical Methods II      STAT 503 Applied Multivariate Analysis 

Additional Course Requirements Students must complete 9 credits from the list below (3-4 classes):

EHS 504 Genes and the Environment EHS 556 Occupational Ergonomics EHS 570 Water Quality Management EHS 572 Environmental Impact Assessment EHS 576 Biological Agents EHS 582 Principles of Community Air Pollution EHS 592 Infectious Disease & Emergency Response in Communities EHS 601 Exposure Science and Health EHS 608 Environmental Epidemiology EHS 614 Water and Global Health EHS 616 Toxicologic Pathology  EHS 651 Occupational Health, Safety, and Environmental Program Management EHS 652 Evaluation of Chemical Hazards* EHS 653 Environmental Sampling & Analysis Laboratory EHS 654 Control of Exposures to Airborne Contaminants EHS 655 Human Exposure Analysis ** EHS 657 Advanced Exposure Assessment EHS 658 Physical Hazards* EHS 660 Environmental Epigenetics and Public Health EHS 668 Professional Seminar in Occupational Health EHS 672 Healthy and Sustainable Foods and Products - Life Cycle Assessment*** EHS 675 Data Analysis for Environmental Epidemiology EHS 683 Air Pollution and Global Health EHS 685 Toxicology Case Studies of Environmental Disasters: How Chemicals Cause Harm (previously Mechanisms of Toxicology) EHS 717 Toxicologic Pathology Lab (taken with EHS 616) EHS 757 Occupational Health Aspects of Industrial Processes (IH field trips course)  EHS 796 Topics in EHS: Disaster Response and Environmental Health EHS 796 Topics in EHS: Psychosocial Aspects of Occupational Health

PhD in Toxicology

BIOLCHEM 515 Introduction to Biochemistry  BIOSTAT 521 Applied Biostatistics PUBHLTH 512 Principles of Epidemiology in Public Health EHS 510 Responsible Conduct in Research and Scholarship (RCRS)  EHS 602 Essentials of Toxicology EHS 616/717 Toxicological Pathology & Lab  EHS 685 Toxicology Case Studies of Environmental Disasters: How Chemicals Cause Harm  EHS 801 Professional Development in EHS EHS 850 Research Design and Proposal Development in EHS EHS 869 Research Critiques and Scientifics Communications in EHS (Docotral Seminar) EHS 899 Advanced Research (2 separate rotations required during first year) EHS 990 Dissertation/Pre-Candidacy  EHS 995 Dissertation/Candidacy

     EHS 603 Occupational and Environmental Disease      EHS 652 Evaluation of Chemical Hazards     

     EHS 504 Genes and the Environment      EHS 608 Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology       EHS 660 Environmental Epigenetics and Public Health       EHS 674 Environmental and Health Risk Modeling

Select two of the following :

     CDB 530 Cell Biology       HUMGEN 541 Molecular Genetics      BIOLCHEM 660 Molecules of Life: Protein Structure, Function, and Dynamics

Admissions Prerequisites

Typical undergraduate majors among applicants admitted to the PhD program in recent years include environmental sciences/studies, public health, industrial hygiene, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and engineering. However, prospective students with other undergraduate majors are welcome to apply. 

Students who are applying for the PhD programs must meet the following prerequisite courses listed below. Some deficiencies may be made up after admission to the program. Courses taken to fulfill basic deficiencies do not count toward fulfillment of the degree's course requirements.

• General Biology
• General Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• General Physics

Application Process and Timeline

All doctoral students must submit a Rackham Graduate Application (see detailed application process below). All doctoral applications are due December 1. 

There are three steps in the doctoral admission process. This is a general timeline to give applicants a sense of what to expect during the lengthy application process, however, the timeline may be adjusted each year:

• Fall semester: All completed applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee.
• Janauary/February: Select students will be invited to participate in EHS Doctoral Day. This event will provide more insight into UM and the EHS department, but will also include meetings with EHS faculty which is how our faculty can determine who they could mentor.
• End of March/early April: Students will be contacted by the department with an update on their admission. If admitted, students will recieve an admission and funding letter. 

Financial Aid

Students who are offered admission to the doctoral program will be fully-funded through a variety of funding mechanisms. Your funding package will be provided upon admittance into the department; however, funding plans consist of the following:

• Traineeships from the NIOSH ERC and ETEP
• Grants/Scholarships from the Department, Rackham Graduate School and the School of Public Health
• Teaching assistantships from EHS or other SPH departments
• Research assistantships from faculty research grants

Current Doctoral Student Profiles

Ready to apply.

Applications for the PhD program should be submitted through the Rackham Graduate School online application . 

PhD in Environmental Health Sciences or Toxicology : December 1

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Academic Statement of Purpose: Your SOP should be a concise, well-written statement about your academic and research background, your career goals, and how Michigan's graduate program will help you meet your career and educational objectives. The SOP should be 1-3 pages in length and include your name, name of the graduate program, and your UM ID (if known).
• Personal Statement : How have your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational, citizenship status, or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan? The personal statement should be 500 words and include your name, name of the graduate program, and your UM ID (if known).
• List each college-level course you have taken that evaluates mathematical or quantitative skills (e.g. algebra, calculus, differential equations, statistics, physics, or courses that require data analysis using statistical software, etc.). For each course, indicate the name of the course, academic year (e.g. freshman, sophomore, etc.), and grade received. Example: Calculus I, freshman year, B+
• Discuss specific details and examples of relevant research, work, volunteer, or professional experiences that involved analytical and/or quantitative skills and tasks. You may also incorporate instances where you worked with data.
• If you have experience with quantitative or qualitative data, describe how you used it to solve a complex problem and include how you communicated your findings. Note: please include measurable outcomes that demonstrate your results.
• Letters of Recommendation : 3 letters of recommendation signed and on letterhead. Electronic submission is highly preferred method which will require a valid email address of your recommenders. 
• CV/Resume : Upload your CV/Resume that describes your education, work experience, research publications, teaching experience, professional/volunteer activities, community engagement, honors, and awards. 
• Faculty Members : Please list individual department faculty members with whom you would like to work if admitted into the program. Applicants are required to list a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 faculty members on the application. 
• Upload an electronic version of your official transcript/academic record for each bachelor’s, master’s, professional, or doctoral degree earned or in progress through your ApplyWeb application account.
• If you are recommended admission, you must submit an official or attested transcript/academic record for each institution attended. See Rackham’s detailed instructions on how to submit transcripts/academic records to the Rackham Graduate School.
• All applicants should report their Grade Point Average (GPA) on page 5 of the online application. The GPA should be reported using a standard U.S. four point scale.  Applicants who attended an institution outside the United States should follow the instructions to convert their international average grade point to a U.S. four point GPA (see "How to Convert Grades to a U.S. GPA" here ).
• Applicants who attended or are attending a Non-U.S. Institution: Review Required Academic Credentials from Non-U.S. Institutions for transcript/academic record requirements by country or region. 
• Michigan Public Health does not require and does not review GRE or other standardized test scores for admission to any master's or doctoral programs. Applications will be reviewed holistically based on required application components. Please contact our admissions staff at [email protected] if you have questions.
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The Best Health Degrees

Your go-to source for information about healthcare degrees and programs

25 Best Occupational Health and Safety Programs in the USA

The best Occupational Health and Safety programs are master’s degrees that train experts to examine, analyze, and develop safety measures. Health and safety in the workplace have a long history of accidents and illnesses associated with dangerous and unhealthy work environments.

Some of the images that come to mind are of miners working underground in poorly ventilated and unsafe shafts. Maybe you think of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911. The fire killed 146 women locked in rooms by factory owners to prevent theft. Or, maybe the physical malformations that inflicted the Radium Girls in 1917 while painting watch faces with radioactive paint to illuminate the dials come to mind. The examples are, unfortunately, many.

Best Health Degrees has researched schools to identify some of the best master’s degree programs in Occupational Health and Safety for your graduate program search. We compressed information to provide a general idea of graduate coursework, admission requirements, cost, and school reputability.

Our Method: Ranking the 25 Best Master’s in Occupational Health and Safety Programs

To rank the 25 Best Master’s in Occupational Health and Safety 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. We use data from IPEDS, Niche, US News and World Report, and other higher education rating publications.

1. University of Washington

You’ll want to explore this Master of Public Health in Occupational Health and Environmental Medicine from this globally ranked Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences (DEOHS) at Seattle’s University of Washington.

This is a broad, preventive medicine specialty degree that provides training in the evaluation and treatment of environmental and occupational exposures. You’ll take core courses covering local and global perspectives, ethics, communication skills, leadership, and more. Among the classes are Toxic Chemicals and Human Health, Microbiome and Environmental Health, Introduction to Environmental Safety, Chemical Sampling & Analysis, Disasters and Public Health, as well as a culminating experience. This experience will take the form of either a research thesis or a practice-based project. The practice project is a supervised, field study.

You’ll need to be accepted into the Occupational and Environmental Medicine Residency Program, Applied Science Accreditation Commission of ABET, or Madigan Preventive Medicine and Public Health Residency Program to apply for this program. Requirements for acceptance include a baccalaureate degree from an accredited program and a minimum 3.0 GPA. The application requires an $85 fee, as well as academic transcripts, CV/resume, letters of reference, personal history statement, and a statement of purpose.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $23,613-$40,254/per academic year

Fast Facts: UW is ranks #7 in Global Universities by U.S. News and World Report and #20 in its Best Value Schools

School website

2. Purdue University

You can earn a master’s in Occupational and Environmental Health Science with this program from one of the nation’s top universities.

Holding accreditation from the Applied Science Accreditation Commission of ABET, this degree offers a thesis and non-thesis option which requires two years for completion. Among the curriculum’s courses are studied in Introduction to Occupational and Environmental Safety, Fundamentals of Epidemiology, Toxicology, Advanced Topics in Exposure Assessment, Responsible Conduct of Research, Advanced Industrial Hygiene Control Technology, etc. Depending on the track you select, you’ll complete an MS project under faculty supervision or you’ll conduct thesis research. The program’s designed to lead to the Qualified Academic Program (QAP) certification offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP), and meets the requirements for the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) certification.

Admission to the Graduate School at the West Lafayette campus requires an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university with a 3.0 GPA, submission of academic transcripts, GRE test scores, letters of recommendation, resume, as well as a diversity essay. You’ll also need to file an application along with a $60 application fee.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $9,208-$28,010/per academic year

Fast Facts: This is the only ABET-accredited program in industrial hygiene at both undergraduate and graduate levels and Purdue is ranked in the top 10 Best Public Institutions by the Wall Street Journal

3. University of Michigan Ann Arbor

If you’re looking to make a difference in workplace safety, you’ll want to review the Occupational Safety Engineering and Ergonomics (OSE) master’s degree from UM-Ann Arbor. This degree offers a focus in applied ergonomics which will help you design safe and efficient workplaces.

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in physical science or engineering to qualify for this program and you could complete the program in 10-16 months. Classes include studies in Measure & Design of Work, Automotive Human Factors, Human Factors in Engineering Systems, Industrial Engineering Instrumentation Methods, Biomechanics, Occupational Safety Ergonomics, Seminar in Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, as well as a Directed Research/Professional Project. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) designates UM’s Center for Occupational Health and Safety Engineering (COHSE) is a NIOSH Education and Research Center (ERC). 

This program is through the Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering. So, individuals should apply for admission through the Rackham Graduate School. Additionally, students do not need GRE test scores for 2022. But applicants must submit academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, statements of purpose, and a personal statement.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $24,344-$49,120/per academic year

Fast Facts: U.S. News and World Report ranks UM-AA at #7 in Best Engineering Schools and the university ranks #3 in Top Public Schools

4. Texas A&M University

Here’s an MPH degree with an Occupational Health and Safety concentration from this nationally ranked Texas university.

You’ll develop your 45-credit-hour degree plan, along with an advisor, from the program’s robust curriculum. Among the lecture courses are studied in Occupational Biomechanics, Industrial Hygiene, Environmental and Occupational Diseases, Ergonomics of the Upper Extremities, Framing and Persuasion: Public Health in the Public Sphere, Assessment and Intervention: Wicked Problems in Public Health, and more, as described in the Graduate School catalog. Students do not need to complete a thesis but do need applied practical experience and a capstone project.

Applicants do not need the GRE for admission. But, prospective students need to complete a SOPHAS application (with a $65 fee), submit letters of recommendation, official transcripts, as well as a statement of purpose.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $2,445-$5,123/per academic year

Fast Facts: Forbes ranks TAMU in the top 20 of the nation’s Top Public Schools and U.S. News and World Report considers the university as one of the top 100 Most Innovative Schools

5. University of Utah

Through its School of Medicine’s Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health (RMCOEH), this university awards an MS in Occupational Health (MSOH) and offers five concentrations in Industrial Hygiene, Ergonomics, Occupational Injury Prevention Research Training, Occupational Safety, as well as General Occupational Health.

It’s possible to complete this MSOH in 12 months of full-time enrollment and complete it with a summative exam. The concentrations share some required coursework in Applied Occupational Biostatistics, Administration and Management of Health and Safety Programs, Ergonomics, etc. Individual concentrations offer specific courses such as Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Epidemiology, and also Advanced Industrial Hygiene. Only Occupational Medicine requires a research project. However, students must complete the two-part summative examination, which includes core exam topics and emphasis on specific subjects.

Admission to the program requires an application and a $55 fee. General graduate application materials include a baccalaureate degree from an accredited school with a 3.0 GPA. Additional items students need to submit include a resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and GRE or GMAT scores. The school may request other documents.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $6,666-$23,537/per academic year

Fast Facts: The University of Utah ranks in the top 100 of U.S. News and World Report’s National Universities. And, it is #190 in Money’s Best Colleges 2020-21 ranking

6. Rutgers University

The premier university of New Jersey, Rutgers’ School of Public Health offers a 45-credit hour, Master of Public Health with an Occupational Safety and Health focus.

The curriculum offers both on-campus and online coursework for this degree. You’ll take core courses in Introduction to Environmental Safety, Social and Behavioral Health Sciences in Public Health, Leadership, and Management Essentials for Public Health,  Health Systems and Policy, as well as Principles and Methods of Epidemiology. Among the courses offered in the concentration study in Environmental and Occupational Health Practice, Environmental Risk Assessment, Principles of Occupational Health, and more. You’ll also participate in an Applied Practicum Experience (APE) which is followed by a Capstone Project.

You’ll apply through SOPHAS. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree, and submit academic transcripts, a personal statement of purpose, and letters of reference. GRE test scores are optional and not required for this MPH.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $926-$1,387/per credit hour

Fast Facts: U.S. News and World Report rates this #31 in its Graduate School rankings for Public Health and Forbes ranks Rutgers at #212 in its Top Colleges.

7. University of Illinois Chicago

UI Chicago’s Environmental Occupational and Health Sciences (EOHS) advanced degree has multiple options. The School of Public Health has a Master of Public Health with an Occupational Safety Concentration and a Master of Science which concentrates on Environmental Occupational and Health Sciences.

The MPH degree will examine toxicity and injury issues, risk management, as well as exposure, and risk assessment. The MS program is research and management-oriented, looking at policymaking, labs, and corporate environments. Some of the courses listed in the course catalog are topics in Systems Approach in Environmental and Occupational Health, Principles of Environmental Health Sciences, Public Emergency Preparedness and Response, Systems Approach in Environmental and Occupational Health, Occupational and Environmental Disease, Industrial Hygiene Laboratory, Ergonomics and Human Factors, and others. The MPH Handbook and MS Handbook are excellent resources for in-depth degree information.

UI-C utilizes SOPHAS for admission to the university and a supplemental application (requiring a $70 fee). Other required documents include academic transcripts, personal statements, letters of reference, and a resume or CV. The school may require other information as your application is reviewed.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $5,935-$12,369/per academic year

Fast Facts: UI-C ranks #16 in Best Graduate Schools for Public Health by U.S. News and World Report and in the top 100 U.S. Colleges by The Times Higher Education rankings

8. University of South Florida

Are you looking for a program that offers a foundational degree blending public health and technical sciences? If so, then check out this MPH with an Environmental and Occupational Health concentration from this highly ranked Florida school.

This 42-credit hour curriculum has a core, required, and concentration studies. Core classes involve studies in History and Systems of Public Health, Translation to Public Health Practice, as well as Population Assessment. Courses in an emphasis include Environmental Occupational Health Risk Assessment, Environmental Occupational Toxicology, and also Principles of Environmental Health. You’ll also enroll in elective courses that will support your concentration. Additionally, the degree culminates with a Comprehensive Exam.

Applicants for this program will submit an application through SOPHAS for admission. You won’t need to provide GRE test scores, but you will need to provide a resume or CV, a personal statement, and also two letters of recommendation. Furthermore, applicants submit academic transcripts through SOPHAS.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $348-$431/per credit hour

Fast Facts: USF ranks #35 in Niche’s Best Colleges for Public Health and #20 in Best Public Health Graduate Schools by U.S. News and World Report

9. University of Houston Clear Lake

The MS in Occupational Safety and Health is through the College of Science and Engineering of UHCL. This program prepares students for a variety of health and safety careers. Furthermore, students can choose concentrations in Industrial Hygiene, Safety, Process Safety Management, or Occupational Health and Safety. The last specialty is online.

You have the option of a thesis or non-thesis degree (online students aren’t eligible for the thesis option). Foundational prerequisites are necessary for general physics and chemistry, and you need to have completed algebra or pre-calculus. The MS OSHE requires courses in Statistical Analysis, Applied Statistics, and Research Methods. This program offers robust coursework in the concentrations which will provide you with a solid foundation for your professional goals. Non-thesis students must complete a Capstone Project.

For admission consideration, apply through ApplyTexas (with a $45 fee), official academic transcripts (and a 3.0 GPA) from your conferred bachelor’s degree, and required GMAT, GRE, or MAT scores. Prospective students also need a personal statement and letters of recommendation.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $9,798-$19,077/per academic year

Fast Facts: UHCL has accreditation from ABET and also ranks #48 in U.S. News and World Report’s Top Public School for Regional Universities West.

10. University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center awards an MS in Industrial and Environmental Health Sciences and an MPH in Environmental Health degree through its School of Public Health. The MS degree holds Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission of ABET accreditation and the MPH is Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accredited.

You’ll need to complete a minimum of 45-credit hours for either degree. The MPH curriculum is comprised of core courses in Environmental Safety and Health, Principles of Epidemiology, and also Qualitative Methods. Other studies in EH will involve studies in Principles of Environmental Health and Safety Management, Occupational and Environmental Law, and more. A practicum experience is part of the program. The MS curriculum lists Noise and Radiation Hazards, Biostatistics Methods, Occupational and Environmental Toxicology, and Environmental Health in its requirements and the MS requires Field Practice.

A SOPHAS application is required along with a supplemental application for admission. You’ll be asked for a goal statement, letters of recommendation, and a resume/CV. MPH students are NOT required to submit GRE test scores, but MS students DO need to provide their scores.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $5,119-$19,778/per academic year

Fast Facts: U.S. News and World Report ranks this #82 in its Best Graduate Schools for Public Health and is Oklahoma’s only CEPH accredited School of Public Health

11. Louisiana Tech University – New Orleans

LSU Health in New Orleans awards a 46-credit hour MPH Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences (ENHS). This is one of the best occupational health and safety programs available.

All MPH students take core coursework in topics such as Foundations and Ethics in Public Health, Biologic Basis of Health, Principles of Environmental Health, Principles of Epidemiology, Behavioral Science Theories in Public Health Practice, and others. Required studies in the ENHS curriculum include Principles of Occupational Health and Health Risk Assessment & Management along with electives chosen from a range of subject matters. Also required for the degree are a practicum and culminating experiences. The curriculum design qualifies you to sit for national certification exams in toxicology, and also public health.

You’ll begin the admission process by filing a SOPHAS application. Be prepared to submit academic transcripts from your bachelor’s program, resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and also a statement of purpose.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $10,650-$17,294/per academic year

Fast Facts: U.S. News and World Report ranks this school #60 in its Graduate Schools of Public Health. Additionally, the program has accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

12. California State University – Northridge

If you want a program that will prepare you to safeguard communities, corporations, industries, and employers from biological, chemical, and physical dangers, you should explore the MS in Environmental and Occupational Health from CSUN.

This MS thesis program requires 35-credit hours of online coursework, electives, and culminating experience. You can expect to take courses in Environmental and Occupational Health Concepts, Research Design as well as Research Methodology. You’ll also take Administration of Environmental and Occupational Health Programs, Critical Review of the Technical Literature in EOH, and a Supervised Field Training experience in selected organizations or agencies. You’re able to choose from a wide slate of electives to complete the degree.

Admission to CSUN requires you to have a conferred bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA. In addition, you must make an application through Cal State Apply . The department looks at your overall GPA and science GPA, your work experience in EOH (or related field), a statement of purpose, and also lower-division core science classes.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $7,176 per academic year

Fast Facts: Forbes ranks CSUN #147 in its Top Colleges 2021 and Money ranks it #45 in its 2020 Best Colleges category.

13. Colorado State University

Fort Collins Colorado State University awards an MS in Environmental Health. Offered through the Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, this is one of the nation’s largest environmental health degrees. You can also choose from specializations in Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Ergonomics, and Safety, or Epidemiology.

Depending on your specialty, you’ll be able to take courses in Environmental Health Risk Assessment, Industrial Hygiene, Principles of Ergonomics, Occupational Safety, Environment, Safety, and Health 3 Management, Biological Basis of Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health Issues, etc. A full slate of electives is available to round out your studies. This is a thesis program, regardless of your specialty area, and courses are available in research methods and data analysis.

You’ll need to be admitted by the Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences. However, you also submit the application for the CSU Graduate Admission. The application has a $60 fee requirement. GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and academic transcripts must accompany the application.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $10,520-$25,791/per academic year

Fast Facts: CSU is in the top 30 percent of Best Bang for the Buck by Washington Monthly. It is also in the top 35 percent Best Public schools by U.S. News and World Report .

14. Oregon State University

Here’s a 60-credit hours MPH option in Environmental and Occupational Health from the nationally recognized Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon.

With this program, you’ll gain an interdisciplinary education that will prepare you to identify issues in occupational health and safety, as well as assessment, risk, and management. Core studies are Integrated Approach to Public Health, Introduction to Biostatistics, Physical Agents and Human Health, Air Quality and Human Health, and also Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety Management. Elective coursework may include studies in Environment, Safety and Health Policy & Law, Toxic Substances in Food, Food Law, and Infectious Disease Epidemiology. You’ll also complete an internship and an Integrative Learning Experience.

Admission to the College of Public Health and Human Sciences will require you to apply via SOPHAS , which will ask for academic transcripts, a personal statement, a resume/CV, and letters of recommendation. Additionally, you’ll need to have an awarded bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA and submit a supplemental application. GRE test scores are not required.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $565-$1,179/per credit hour

Fast Facts: U.S. News and World Report rates this program #60 in its Best Graduate Public Health programs and Niche ranks it as one of the Best Colleges for Public Health in America

15. University of Minnesota – Duluth

You’ll want to check out the MS in Environmental Health and Safety (MEHS) which can lead to a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation.

Among the core courses, you’ll take are Principles of Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Safety and Legal Implications, System Safety and Loss Control Techniques, Fire Prevention and Emergency Preparedness, Organization and Administration of Safety Programs, as well as electives. You can choose from numerous courses in Transportation Safety, Principles of Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality, and also Occupational Biomechanics and Work Physiology. To complete the curriculum, graduate students must complete an Internship in Environmental Health and Safety.

To apply to this occupational safety program, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree. The preferred bachelor’s degrees are in engineering, science, or similar EHS fields. Applicants also need to submit academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a resume or CV. The school may request additional requirements along with the UMD Graduate School application.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $17,580-$27,204/per academic year

Fast Facts: UMD is one of U.S. News and World Report’s Best Value Schools and a top Public School

16. East Carolina University

Located in Greenville, North Carolina, ECU offers an MS in Environmental Health (MSEH). East Carolina’s program is presently one of eight graduate programs that has accreditation from the National Environmental Health Sciences Protection and Accreditation Council (NEHSPAC). Furthermore, it is the only online master’s degree with that accreditation.

You’ll complete 35 credit hours for this program, 26 hours of which include core coursework. Classes in the core are Introduction to Epidemiology, Principles of Toxicology, Biostatistics for Health Professionals, Topics in Environmental Health and Safety, and Environmental Health Program Management. You’ll also have a variety of electives from which to choose in areas such as solid and waste management, epidemiology, food safety, public health, and others. You can either write a professional paper in Environmental Health or complete a thesis. Regardless of their choice, prospective graduates must orally defend the thesis or paper.

ECU Graduate School admission will request you complete an application. The College of Health and Human Performance requires specific admission criteria for this graduate degree which requires you to hold a bachelor’s degree, complete a supplemental application, and provide letters of reference, a resume, as well as a statement of purpose. Applications require a $75 processing fee.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $4,749-$17,898/per academic year

Fast Facts: ECU ranks #107 in Top Public Schools by U.S. News and World Report . It also ranks in The Princeton Review’s Best 387 Colleges for 2022.

17. Rochester Institute of Technology

This MS in Environmental Health and Safety is on the Rochester, NY campus, online, or a combination of the two. You’ll find this program provides insight into the development, management, and also sustainability of environmental and safety measures.

You can choose between a thesis, comprehensive exam, or capstone project program option. Coursework offers studies in EHS Management System Design, Environmental, Health and Safety Management, EHS Internal Auditing, Corporate Social Responsibility, as well as Integrating EHS Management. Depending on your option, you’ll take Thesis Planning or Graduate Project. To graduate, students need to complete 30-credit hours and three hours in a Professional Elective.

Graduate Admission requires general application materials such as a conferred bachelor’s degree, personal statement, and undergraduate academic transcripts. If needed, the school may request additional materials, such as GRE scores. You can complete the $75 application online.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $52,092/per academic year

Fast Facts: RIT ranks #57 in U.S. News and World Report’s Most Innovation Schools and Forbes lists RIT at #177 in its Top Colleges in 2021

18. University of Cincinnati

Through its College of Medicine, UC awards an MPH with an Occupational Public Health concentration. This degree is for students who have completed a clinical year. You’ll also complete the Occupational Medicine Residency Training Program.

A 42-credit hour program, the curriculum for the Occupational Public Health, is comprehensive and includes core studies in Environmental Public Health, Health Systems & Policy, Introduction to Qualitative Methods, Social & Behavioral Foundations of Public Health, and others. The concentration offers Principles of Occupational Exposure Assessment, Safety and Ergonomics, Occupational Health Management, and an Applied Practice Experience as well as an Integrated Learning Experience. The latter offers a choice between a thesis or capstone project option.

As with many other public health programs, you’ll make applications through SOPHAS. The college encourages students with a bachelor’s degree (and 3.0 GPA) and an interest in public health to apply. Applicants do not need to provide GRE scores. However, they should submit official academic transcripts, personal statements, CV or resume, and also letters of recommendation. Additionally, the school may ask students to submit a supplemental application to the UC Graduate School.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $13,224-$24,966/per academic year

Fast Facts: The University of Cincinnati ranks in the top 30% of U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges and is #55 in Niche’s Top Public Universities in America ranking

19. University of Toledo

If you’re wanting to focus on Industrial Hygiene, you may want to look at the MS in Occupational Health (MSOH). The curriculum is designed to qualify you to sit for certification, such as the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (CSP) as well as the  American Board of Industrial Hygiene (CIH).

Coursework in the MSOH with Industrial Hygiene caters to those with little to no experience while providing seasoned professionals with current knowledge and skills enhancement. The overall graduate plan for this degree includes coursework in Occupational Health and Safety, Chemical Agents, Hazard Control, Risk Assessment, Epidemiology, Biological Agents, and others. You can opt to write a thesis or do a scholarly project. Those with less than a year of experience must complete an internship. Classes are on weekends and evenings to accommodate those working full-time.

To apply, students submit proof of a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA, recommendation letters, official academic transcripts, a resume or CV, a personal statement, and an application for admission consideration. Applicants do not need to send in GRE scores. Be sure to review the undergraduate foundation courses needed to apply to this program.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $28,932-$38,292/per academic year

Fast Facts: the University of Toledo is ranked in the top 100 public universities by  Wall Street Journal/Tim es Higher Education

20. Eastern Kentucky University

The College of Health Sciences at this Richmond, Kentucky university awards a Master of Public Health with an Environmental or Occupational Health & Sustainability specialty. This program offers classes in the evening, on Saturdays, and online for the convenience of working adults.

The CEPH accredited program has core classes and curriculum in Biostatistics, Public Health Organization and Administration, Introduction to Environmental Health, Research Methods in Public Health, as well as a Capstone Project. Studies in your concentration will cover Air Quality Assessment, Total Worker Health, and Environmental Toxicology. You’ll also complete an Environmental Health Applied Practice Experience and an Integrative Learning Experience prior to graduation. The department also offers an Industrial Hygiene Graduate Certificate.

Besides the application , applicants must submit proof of a bachelor’s degree, a statement of personal and professional goals, letters of recommendation, and also academic transcripts for admission. Also, the school may ask for additional documentation if needed.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $9,900-$13,950/per academic year

Fast Facts: EKU ranks at #40 in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Value Schools category and #25 in the publication’s Top Public Schools rankings

21. Indiana State University

Whether you’re looking for an MA or MS in Occupational Safety Management, Indiana State University has a degree for you. You even have the option to attend classes on the Terre Haute campus or 100% online.

The 33-credit hours curriculum requires research classes in Statistics for Experimental Research in Technology and Research Methods. You’ll then choose 12 hours from several subjects such as Human Factors/Ergonomics in Safety Management, Process Safety and Hazardous Waste Operations Management, Safety Legislation, Litigation, and Compliance, Administration Procedures for Occupational Safety Management, and others. Students can take other courses outside of the department with approval and electives from within the College of Technology. The MA track requires you to complete a thesis and the MS calls for you to complete a field research project.

Prospective students must make an application for admission before the school considers them for admission. Masters students must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.7 GPA. You may need to provide GRE scores and other documents so you’ll want to discuss admission procedures with an advisor from the College of Graduate and Professional Studies .

Estimated Tuition Cost: $432-$562/per credit hour (NOTE: there is no residency requirement for online students)

Fast Facts: This program is accredited by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering ( ATMAE ) and USI is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

22. East Tennessee State University

ETSU, located in Johnson City in upper East Tennessee, awards an MPH in Environmental Health developed to prepare you for administrative positions in environmental health.

You begin the 43-credit hour program with core courses in Analytical Methods in Public Health, Health Systems, Regulations, and Policies, Community-Based Methods in Public Health, and also Health Leadership & Management. Some of the concentration classes are studies in Public Health Law, Toxicology, Environmental Health Administration, Environmental Health Practice, and also a seminar. Additionally, you’ll take electives, complete a field experience, and complete the program with a Capstone Project.

Admission to the program requires both a minimum undergraduate degree GPA of 2.75 and letters of recommendation. However, applicants do not need to submit scores for admission. However, students with a GPA lower than the minimum required also may want to send in standardized test cores. Also, the application is through SOPHAS .

Estimated Tuition Costs: $8,640 to $23,760 per academic year

Fast Facts: Ranks #82 Best Graduate Public Health program by U.S. News and World Report . ETSU is also one of Forbes ‘ Best Public Colleges.

23. Western Kentucky University

You can earn an MS in Environmental & Occupational Health Science from this Bowling Green, Kentucky university taking 36 credit hours to complete. This master’s degree in health and safety program is 100% online.

Among the courses in this degree program are Environmental Toxicology, Principles of Environmental Health, Biostatistics for Public Health, Health Promotion in the Workplace, and also Epidemiology: Practice and Theory. You’ll also be able to enroll in EOHS electives from among the many offered courses such as  Industrial Hygiene, Public Health Management of Disasters, Air Quality Management, and more. With advisor approval, you’ll also be able to take non-departmental electives Health Behavior, Advanced Biostatistics, Advanced Epidemiology, etc. Either a thesis, internship, or applied experience culminates your degree. Professional certificate classes are available in Environmental Health and Safety and Workplace Health Promotion.

You’ll create an application account to begin the admission process. Graduate School admission requirements include a resume/CV, written personal statement, two professional references, and one of five academic requirements as stated on the Graduate School webpage.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $8,640-$23,760/per academic year

Fast Facts: WKU ranks #521 Top Colleges for 2021 by Forbes and #158 in Best Graduate Public Health Schools by U.S. News and World Report

24. Southeastern Oklahoma State University

If your career goals include leadership roles you’ll want to explore this Occupational Safety and Health, Master of Science program from SOSU in Durant, Oklahoma. This program i s online .

Among the courses, you’ll take are Occupational Safety Statistics, Philosophy of Safety Management, Industrial Hygiene, Toxicology,  Advanced Ergonomic Engineering, Crises Preparedness and Occupational Security, and HAZMAT, as well as electives. Industrial Hygiene and HAZMAT include labs conducted on one weekend. Each semester offers courses in Current Literature review and Internships in Occupational Safety. If you pursue a thesis track, you’ll complete Research in Occupational Safety. The program is 35 credit hours long and includes general education courses.

SOSU uses a two-tier admission process. You’ll begin by completing the Graduate School application and you must have an undergraduate degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA. The school may request GRE test scores. Additionally, the OSH department requires certain admission criteria as well.

Estimated Tuition Costs: $4,716-$10,872/per academic year

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

25. Keene State College

Offered through the School of Sciences, Sustainability, and Health of this New Hampshire public institution, you can earn an MS in Safety and Occupational Health Applied Sciences in 36 credit hours.

The curriculum has classes on Current Issues in Safety, Best Practices in Safety, Safety Management Systems, Advanced Safety Research, Risk and Safety, Applied Occupational Health, and also Legal and Ethical Issues. You’ll also complete a Capstone Experience or graduate practicum experience or applied safety research to finish the program. This degree is for both the seasoned professional and the student looking to become health and safety of employees from a variety of perspectives.

Admission requires you to hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA, provide an essay and goal statement, and three professional recommendations. Those applicants with a previous internship and or work experience get preference.

Estimated Tuition Costs: $9,756-$10,692/per academic year

Fast Facts: KSU ranks in the top 10 Regional Colleges North by U.S. News and World Report and the Best Value Colleges in America by Niche

What is Occupational Safety and Health?

In 1970, President Richard Nixon signed into US law, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), to develop and maintain regulations and health standards across the board for employees. This act created a federal overseer to ensure employees work in safe and healthy environments. Colleges and universities devote academic programs to this field. They train experts to examine, analyze, and develop safety measures across a wide spectrum of settings.

Why Should You Get a Master’s in Occupational Safety?

The answer to this question is dependent on your career goals . Sure, you can find employment in this field with a high school diploma, or a bachelor’s or associate degree, but an advanced degree will allow advancement in your profession and demonstrate to your employer that you have a commitment to your specialty. Earning your graduate safety practitioner designation prepares you for Certified  Safety Practitioner  (CSP).

Having a master’s degree may allow you to assume more responsibility and move up in your company, which typically equates to more money and job security. You’ll gain the tools and skills necessary to effect genuine change in your field to identify health and safety concerns, develop procedures, change organizational culture, and also assure OSHA compliance. Many master’s programs in the field also meet OSHA certification standards.

What Do You Learn in a Masters in Occupational Health and Safety USA?

Occupational safety is an interdisciplinary profession. It combines physics, biology, and chemistry with engineering and technology, along with legal aspects, with the goal of reducing accidents in the workplace. Students interested in an online occupational safety program take general education courses and then concentration classes in an area of focus. Listed below are some of the common classes students take.

• Safety in the Laboratory
• Health Education and Medical Terminology
• Responsible Conduct in Research
• Systems Safety Program
• Industrial Safety Chemistry
• Health Technology
• Statistical Methods for Biology
• Contemporary Safety Topics
• Environmental Applied Sciences
• Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences
• Environmental Risk Assessment
• Advanced Topics in Exposure Assessment
• Industrial Hygiene Control Technology
• Emergency Systems
• Fire Science
• Advanced Industrial Hygiene Instrumentation Techniques
• Fundamentals of Epidemiology
• Physical Agents in Environmental Health
• Aerosol Science
• Occupational Safety and Management Culture
• Introduction to Environmental Health
• Occupational Biomechanics and Ergonomics Laboratory
• Seminar in Health Sciences
• safety training strategies
• occupational therapy
• workplace safety standards
• safety procedures

Where Can You Work in Occupational Safety?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are several OSH careers available, and one that should meet your goals. You can typically find employment in the manufacturing industry, construction, hospitals or health systems, local, state, and federal government agencies, and consulting services.

What Does an Occupational Health Professional Do?

Perhaps, the best description is from Occupational Health and Safety Administration ( OSHA ). In general, a professional safety specialist develops and enforces safety regulations. These environmental professionals put processes in place, analyze and write reports, and investigate accidents, incidents, or complaints.

What are Careers in Occupational Safety?

Individuals with occupational safety degrees understand loss control management, accident prevention, and also safety technology. Some professionals with occupational safety degrees focus on specific areas like construction safety, safety and health management, or also environmental management. A safety degree online program can also lead to a safety career in hazardous materials management using hazard control technology. Also, a Safety Specialist and a Safety Technician are two common roles.

Other careers, as listed by the BLS, include Construction and Building Inspectors , Environmental Science and Protection , Fire Inspectors , Environmental Scientists and Specialists , Health and Safety Engineers , or Emergency Management Directors , and more. Job titles include Industrial Hygienist, Safety Engineer, Environmental Health and Safety Director or Manager, Risk Manager, and also Safety Coordinator.

What is the Job Outlook?

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 7 percent job growth for jobs in the occupational health and safety fields, which is as fast as the national average. Job demand varies from one geographic region to another and also by industry. Around 40 percent of jobs in occupational health and safety are in the manufacturing and also government sectors. 

How Much Can You Make? 

In general, the BLS cites salaries for Occupational Health and Safety professions ranging from $73,740 to $77,370 depending on your education, job title, and place of employment. Entry-level positions pay less than safety specialists with experience.

• Construction and Building Inspectors – Average Yearly Salary $61,640
• Environmental Science and Protection – Average Yearly Salary $47,370
• Fire Inspectors – Average Yearly Salary $63,080
• Environmental Scientists and Specialists – Average Yearly Salary $76,530
• Health and Safety Engineers – Average Yearly Salary $99,040
• Emergency Management Directors – Average Yearly Salary $76,730

Indeed publishes a nationwide median salary of $93,317 and PayScale suggests an average salary of $83,000 depending on your specialty and location.

Why is Accreditation Important?

All the programs we rank have accreditation from independent agencies. They include The National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council ( EHAC ) or Council on Education for Public Health ( CEPH ), and also other Department of Education recognized groups. Also the Applied Science Accreditation Commission or ABET website .

How Much Does a Degree Cost?

Prospective students should apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid  (FAFSA) . Furthermore, some schools might require the FAFSA on file for departmental scholarships or stipends. Also, you may be eligible for graduate student loans.

Additional Programs

Below is a list of additional schools that offer Occupational Health and Safety degree programs.

• Slippery Rock University – Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania
• Ohio University
• Central Washington University
• Pennsylvania Indiana University
• Illinois State University
• Missouri University
• Fairmont State University

• Best Master’s Online in Occupational Health and Safety Programs
• Fastest Online Master’s in Occupational Health and Safety
• Fastest Bachelor’s in Occupational Health and Safety Degree Programs

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Personal statement of purpose - MSc Public Health

• Sample personal statement

07 July, 2022

Personal statement of purpose - msc public health share.

• 12 May, 2013

I am keen to undertake the MSc Public Health course at Birmingham City University (BCU) to fill in my academic gap in knowledge and skills in the contemporary trending functional areas of Health. My Pharmacology & Therapeutics background has given me the drive to move my career to increasing awareness of disease prevention.

My previous study of BS in Pharmacology & Therapeutics at Delta State University, NigeriaIprovided me with comprehensive knowledge in core Health functions while covering other related functions that Public Health organizations possibly have. During BS in Pharmacology & Therapeutics studies over the last four years, the excellent course structure coupled with high academic standards further stimulated my interest in the field of Health. After graduating I chose to work for Temitayo Clinic & Mat. Home, Lagos to learn about Medical performance and develop professionalism. That was a great experience for me. One of the most valuable things I learned from my BS and work experience is a structured way of thinking that has enabled me to have greater clarity of the things I need to accomplish and respective priorities both in my academic and professional life. Following lead from my attainments, the study of this MSc Public Health degree will help me develop great interpersonal skills, be a quick problem solver and overall a health professional.

At BCU, this MSc Public Health programme is taught by professionals and entrepreneurs. This program is made up of courses for health, designed to provide the knowledge and practical skills necessary for a successful career. This course is designed to help students understand how health regulation operates in a global public health. In this class,I will have the chance to be introduced to the principal perspectives on several of the key issues and topics in Public Health Foundations, Public Health: From Health Protection to Community Development, Global Public Health: A Social Context Approach, Epidemiology and Evaluation, Leadership and Project Management for Health and Healthcare, Research Methods of Enquiry and Dissertation. Those are to help me understand different components of the career of public health.

Successful completion of this MSc Public Health degree would enhance my career prospects, enabling me to progress on to senior roles at either operational, policy or commissioning level in a wide range of areas. In addition, Public health research and practice is at the heart of tackling many of the world’s current threats to health including the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The study will provide me the opportunity to develop the skills and understanding needed to become a leader and agent for change in Public Health. From the study, I will be able to advance my public health knowledge, skills and approach to teamwork, multi-agency collaboration and community partnerships throughout the modules on this course and critically evaluate strategies to improve public health outcomes. These skills are increasingly relevant for the public health workforce and while in profession I will be able to use these in a variety of settings including multilateral and international NGOs, local health authorities, National Public Health authorities, the voluntary or the private sector.

During my studies in the UK, there will be an opportunity for me to develop the critical thinking skills, creativity and confidence that employers look for. The advantages of doing my degree from the UK will obviously boost my employability. UK qualifications are worldwide recognized. Choosing to study overseas at a UK university has many financial, cultural and social advantages as well. A shorter and a more intensive course structure means I will be able to fast-track my career. The UK welcomes over 400,000 international higher education students each year. Sitting at the top of the world rankings, UK universities have a reputation for developing the skills that employers are looking for. UK universities have an impressive international reputation and rank among the best in the world four of the global top ten is in the UK! Research carried out by UK universities also impacts our lives every day, and is internationally renowned for its excellence. By studying here, I will be immersing myself in centuries of high quality academia.

Birmingham City University is one of the UK’s leading universities. With around 24,000 students from 80 countries, Birmingham City University is a large and diverse place to study. BCU puts students at the heart of everything they do, giving them the best opportunities for future success. The University has an enviable reputation for providing quality, student-focused education in a professional and friendly environment. Over 97 % of their students are employed or in further study within six months of graduating. (Destination of Leavers from HE survey 2016/17). The University is the 87th in the Times University Guide 2019 and 97th in the Guardian University Guide 2019. This course has been developed in alignment with the Public Health Knowledge and Skills Framework (PHKSF, 2016) and the UK National Occupational Standards for Public Health. At BCU, I will have the opportunity to present my work at the University Faculty conference and at other relevant conferences. The university hosted a series of events to rewrite the world-renowned Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion (World Health Organisation) as the UK Charter and gained international reputation in the area of health. With hospital ward, biomedical laboratories, simulation mannequins, skills practice and clinical enhancement facility, visual case creator resources alongside one of the UK's largest specialist health education libraries, Mary Seacole Library, BCU is my first choice for this course in the UK.

Find more resources

• Work experience letter from current employer
• MBA International
• Personal Statement for MBA course application
• MBA - sample statement of Purpose
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Environmental Health Personal Statement

Sample Environmental Health Personal Statement

I had a highly dramatic introduction to the importance of environmental health through my involvement in my father’s business. When I was younger his catering company received a visit from an environmental health officer, who identified a series of lapses in the business’s compliance with environmental health legislation. I was present when the potentially devastating health implications of these breaches was made clear and the case for continual vigilance and rigorous safeguards was presented to my father.

It was an experience that completely changed the way I thought about the world around me. It is easy to take public health for granted when living in the developed world, as we seldom see the consequences of it on a day-to-day basis unless, of course, you are a specialist in the field. However, the public’s continued wellbeing and safety from environmental health threats is, I have come to realise, largely due to the existence of experts who are empowered through their scientific knowledge and legislation to make sure that businesses comply with very high environmental health standards, thus protecting the public from illness and exposure to harmful materials. I have always wanted to follow a profession that makes use of my potential for scientific and technical expertise to help society, and since that day my goal has been to pursue this ambition through working in environmental health.

I have taken a very proactive approach to fulfilling this ambition in the form of completing various environmental health courses. To date I have completed the Level 2 Award for Food Safety in Catering and the Level 3 Awards in Supervising Health Safety in Catering and in Supervising Health and Safety in the workplace. Through completing these courses I have developed an excellent foundational grounding in the key issues surrounding methods for safeguarding public health through best environmental practices. I have learnt about the ways in which infections or diseases can be transmitted and the underlying principles behind environmental health legislation. However, I recognise that these certificates do not constitute true expertise in the area of environmental health, something which I am eager to attain through completing postgraduate study.

The MSc in Environmental Health at Middlesex University seems to offer an unparalleled level of thoroughness in its approach to this field. As a discipline environmental health is very much an interdisciplinary field of studies, with environmental health professionals needing both a theoretical and scientific knowledge of health issues and expertise in practical issues of policy implementation and legal matters, amongst others. I believe that the course would be the ideal starting point from which I can then go on to pursue a career as an environmental health practitioner, whether in the public or private sector.

I believe that my previous and current work and study experiences demonstrate my ability to succeed in both postgraduate studies and a career in environmental health. My current studies in Mathematics and Statistics have helped me to develop a highly analytical, logical and methodical mind that is perfectly suited to the demands of appraising complex information, a skill that is essential for environmental health practitioners. I have also held a variety of professional roles that have helped me to develop into an able communicator, manager and problem solver. I have been working since 2008 as an interpreter at the South Korean Embassy in London. In addition to carrying out interpreting work on the behalf of Korean nationals in need of the Embassy’s services, I have also been involved with visits from important statespeople from Canada, the UN and South Korea. This role demands excellent communication skills to make sure both parties involved in the conversation fully understand what the other party is trying to convey, just as it is important for environmental health inspectors to be able to communicate vital information to business owners. I also have considerable managerial experience through both running my own business for a year and being responsible for the event management of the South Korean Olympic team this summer, a role that involved liaising with hotel owners, transport companies and other stakeholders.

I have also had the chance in recent years to make use of my spare time to learn more about environmental health questions. For example, I recently completed a Japanese cookery course while I was on holiday in South Korea. The extensive use of seafood and rice in Japanese cuisine means that this style of cooking requires the utmost respect for and a great understanding of health issues, and for this reason the course was an excellent way of gaining a better practical understanding of environmental health in the workplace. I have also recently completed a month of voluntary work in rural South Korea. Working in an underdeveloped region as it faces the environmental challenges of modernisation and economic growth placed my interest in environmental health into a much broader context, making me realise that environmental health issues often go beyond the confines of individual businesses. I believe that the MSc in Environmental Health will be the perfect opportunity to learn more about these matters before I proceed to a career in this most important of professional sectors.

We hope this Environmental Health Personal Statement has been useful to you.

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• Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management MSc

MSc Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management

About your course, facilities and support, entry requirements.

Apply for this course

Why choose Occupational Health and Safety and Environmental Management MSc at Middlesex?

The International Labour Organisation estimates that there are over a million work-related deaths and over 100 million workers affected by accidents or ill health each year. Companies are realising the importance and the financial benefits of protecting their employees.

This degree focuses on developing and implementing a safety culture through various approaches, such as process, behaviour-based safety, management systems, and adaptive systems. You will develop legal and technical knowledge so that you can lead workplace risk management processes. You will also gain skills in environmental assessment, which are highly valued by employers in health and safety roles.

The course is taught by a mix of academics and industry practitioners, leveraging our strong industry connections and professional body affiliations.

Whether you have experience in the field or are new to occupational health and safety (OH&S), this occupational health and safety and environmental management degree will enhance your understanding and prepare you for entry-level roles or to lead workplace risk management processes.

The MSc course will integrate your industry experience and help you to develop policies, implement interventions, and improve your negotiation, advocacy, management, leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.

All course tutors are practising consultants with strong ties to professional bodies, ensuring that you learn the latest developments and practices. You are encouraged to undertake an industry-based study for your project.

What you will gain

This Health and Safety master's degree course is designed for both experienced occupational health and safety (OH&S) professionals and those with workplace experience.

Fusing your existing experiences with theory the course gives you the knowledge, skills, and understanding needed for a successful career in occupational health and safety. You will develop a critical and creative mindset towards professional practice, enabling you to solve problems and prioritise solutions effectively.

You will also gain the ability to independently select, apply, and evaluate various inspection and investigation techniques. With this knowledge, you will confidently make decisions and recommendations in complex occupational health and safety and environmental (OHSE) situations.

As a student, you will gain valuable experience by accessing:

• The Barbour Index – a leading source of health and safety information in the UK
• Our excellent facilities include a specialised laboratory for environmental and occupational safety, providing access to monitoring and other equipment.

3 great reasons to pick this course

• We are an international university We're ranked 5th in the UK and 14th globally as “most international university” – Times Higher Education World University Ranking, 2023
• Internationally recognised course Our degree is internationally recognised, with excellent opportunities worldwide — specifically in the Middle East, West Africa and the Asia/Pacific region
• IOSH accredited This programme is endorsed by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH)

Find out more

Sign up now to receive more information about studying at Middlesex University London.

In this course, you will learn about the importance of organisational culture and how management and leadership strategies can improve safety performance. We will also cover risk communication, risk decision-making, hazard analysis, risk assessment, risk modelling, and determined risk acceptability.

You will gain practical knowledge of workplace hazards, such as chemicals, physical factors, and biological agents, and how they can act together to affect safety and health.

You will explore the main components of environmental management systems and their role in pollution prevention working with legislation, and environmental regulators.

Finally, you will create and develop your own case study on the risks associated with common commercial and industrial processes and the concept of Best Available Technology (BAT) in industrial environmental management and control.

Modules - typical course content

Environmental assessment and management (15 credits) - compulsory.

This module seeks to provide knowledge/insight of environmental pollution prevention, focusing on skills development using common pollutants.

Factors Affecting Risk and Strategic Risk Intervention (15 credits) - Compulsory

This module aims to provide an overview of the theory and application of risk management as it is applied at a strategic level from a multi-disciplinary, science-led perspective. You will explore the frameworks that can be used to relate the functions of risk management to better understand the process of decision making and the factors which influence it.

Applied Health and Safety and Technology (15 credits) – Compulsory

The module aims to enhance your skills of inspection, testing and evaluation in respect to the physical and traumatic dangers presented by the nature/use of premises, plant, equipment and commonly occurring high risk processes. You will also gain the skills to promote remedial and proactive risk management improvement strategies in high risk environments.

Occupational Hygiene and Health (15 credits) - Compulsory

This module will allow you to thoroughly appraise and evaluate the legal, theoretical and practical aspects of anticipating, recognising, evaluating, controlling and managing the risks presented by a range of workplace hazardous agents. You will learn to integrate the concepts of healthy workplaces and health and wellbeing into occupational health and safety practice.

Philosophy and Leadership of Occupational Safety and Health Improvement (45 credits) - Compulsory

This module takes an organisational and strategic view of management, leadership, partnership and policy for occupational health and safety together with key legal principles on which safety law is based. You will explore differing approaches to safety management and the internal and external organisational drivers. You will also acquire skills in risk assessment and management as well as accident investigation and safety improvement initiative.

Management of Workplace Safety (15 credits) - Compulsory

This module will provide an overview of the theory and application of risk management in the context of workplace, work environment and work equipment safety. This includes risks arising from physical and organisational aspects of the workplace in a range of contexts and settings.

Research Methods and MSc Project (60 credits) - Compulsory

This module will give you the organisational and research management skills required to formulate research questions, design and implement an MSc project. Where appropriate, you will undertake fieldwork to generate quantitative and/or qualitative data, whilst other projects will utilise existing datasets collected from existing studies. Research skills are supported by knowledge of experimental design, quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques and communication approaches. These skills will be applied in the design and completion of practitioner-based research including the development of original and independent investigations. These aim to integrate theoretical knowledge and technical expertise to investigate a programme-relevant issue at the required postgraduate level.

You can find more information about this course in the programme specification . Optional modules are usually available at levels 5 and 6, although optional modules are not offered on every course. Where optional modules are available, you will be asked to make your choice during the previous academic year. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, or there are staffing changes which affect the teaching, it may not be offered. If an optional module will not run, we will advise you after the module selection period when numbers are confirmed, or at the earliest time that the programme team make the decision not to run the module, and help you choose an alternative module.

To find out more about this course, please download the Occupational Health and Safety and Environmental Management specification (PDF) .

How we'll teach you

The course is delivered by our academics and industry partners in person and via digital platforms. You will explore OHSE theory in lectures – some of which are given by external specialists. You will then apply and explore further in seminars through group work, discussions and problem-solving exercises based on real-life scenarios. Case study evaluations and discussions with professionals will further consolidate your understanding.

In workshops, you will learn to use equipment, including occupational hygiene and noise monitoring devices. You will also understand how to develop strategies for the management of health and safety in workplaces bringing theory together with your knowledge and experience of workplaces.

Your learning will be facilitated by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience.

Where will you study?

You will be based at our north London campus in Hendon.

Teaching vs independent study

For this master's level degree, the emphasis is on your own independent study. Academic-led teaching will take up approximately 15% of the 1800 hours required to complete this degree.

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework and presentations. If you are a part-time student, it is advantageous if you are in relevant work and able to access your workplace for your project.

To succeed you must also do your own independent study and make use of online learning resources, including professional databases and Health and Safety Executive campaign sites. The enrolled student website (Unihub) also has interactive exercises, links to external sources of information and podcasts, and a message board for discussions.

Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.

We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.

Typical weekly breakdown

A typical week looks like this:

Learning terms

On-campus: This includes tutor-led sessions such as seminars, lab sessions and demonstrations as well as student-led sessions for work in small groups.

Online learning: This is teaching that is delivered online using tools like Skype or Zoom, as well as work that you do yourself using online teaching resources.

Independent study: This is the work you do in your own time including reading and research.

Part-time study

You can also study this course part-time over two years. This means that you can combine this course with professional practice.

Academic support

We have a strong support network online and on campus to help you develop your academic skills. We offer one-to-one and group sessions to develop your learning skills together with academic support from our library, IT teams and learning experts.

Coursework and assessments

There are no exams but your coursework including personal reflection, essays and management reports will be assessed. The course concludes with your independent (workplace) project that determines half of your final mark.

You'll evaluate your work, skills and knowledge and identify areas for improvement. Sometimes you'll work in groups and assess each other's progress.

Each term, you'll get regular feedback on your learning.

Life at Middlesex

Our excellent facilities include a specialist environmental and occupational safety laboratory where you'll have access to specialist monitoring and other equipment.

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health and disability support.

Additional needs

We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team .

Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.

Work while you study

Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.

How can the Occupational Health and Safety and Environmental Management MSc support your career?

This course will equip you for a range of roles in areas such as occupational health, occupational hygiene, environmental management, risk management and consultancy, both in the UK and abroad.

You will be encouraged to seek and take up employment opportunities during your studies to view job roles from the occupational health and safety perspective. We will build on your experiences to embed a more comprehensive understanding of safety practices.

Career paths

Some of the roles our graduates have gone on to work as health, safety and environment advisor, or within a specialist consultancy or as a self-employed practitioner.

Previous students have worked for Transport for London, Ferrovial, St Georges, NHS trusts, Local Authorities, Government agencies, Universities, Human Factors (ergonomics) and facilities management

MDXworks, our employability service , will help you make the most of your experience and connections to achieve your career goals. You'll have unlimited access to one-to-one advice and support from specialists in your sector plus 24/7 online support. You can also make the most of events and networking opportunities, on and off campus.

Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has been recognised with the following awards:

• The top 20 UK universities for business leaders and entrepreneurs – Business Money, 2023&
• A top 10 university for producing CEOs – Novuana, 2023.

Start-Up accelerator programme

We can help you bring your business idea to life with our MDXcelerator programme which includes masterclasses with high-profile entrepreneurs, workshops, mentoring opportunities and competitions to secure seed funding.

Global alumni network

You’ll be studying with students from 122 countries who’ll become part of your personal global network. You'll learn how to work with a global mindset and make invaluable connections on your course for your chosen industry.

• International entry
• How to apply

We welcome your application regardless of your background or experience.

For this course, we consider your application based on :

• A 2:2 honours degree or above
• Previous professional H&S qualification
• Three years of relevant work experience
• A ‘pass’ in an appropriate mathematics Level 2 qualification is recommended.

If you have relevant qualifications or work experience , we may be able to count this towards your entry requirements.

We also consider candidates with NeBOSH Diploma and NeBOSH international Diploma or other relevant qualifications. We also recommend students have some prior experience and understanding of the world of work and an interest in different industries.

We welcome students from the UK, EU and all over the world. Join students from over 167 countries and discover why so many international students call our campus home:

• Quality teaching with top facilities plus flexible online learning
• Welcoming north London campus that's only 30 minutes from central London
• Career support to get you where you want to go after university.

English language

You'll need good English language skills to study with us. Find out more about our English language requirements. And, don’t worry If you don't meet our minimum English language requirements, as we offer an intensive pre-sessional English course.

To study with us in the UK, you will need a student route visa .

Changes to the Immigration Rules introduced in January 2018 now allow international applicants to apply for Student route (formerly tier 4) visas for part-time postgraduate study (courses leading to a qualification at RQF level 7 or SCQF level 11 and above).

Student route visa students studying part-time are subject to certain restrictions:

• No work (paid or unpaid)
• No work placements as part of the course
• No dependants
• No extending under Student route visa in the UK. This includes Student route visa applications to work as a Students' Union Sabbatical Officer or for the Foundation Programme for postgraduate doctors and dentists
• Not eligible for the Student route visa Doctorate Extension Scheme.

*Please note that, if the course of your choice involves work experience, unpaid work, placements or internships, we will be unable to sponsor you to study a part-time course under the Student route (formerly tier 4) visa.

Apply as early as possible to make sure you get a place. You can submit your application before you receive your final qualification.

Personal statements

Make sure that you highlight your best qualities in your personal statement that are relevant to this course. Include details of your previous experience and how you will integrate this with your new learning. Please explain the industrial sector you are most interested in.

You may be invited to an academic interview.

Find out how to apply for postgraduate taught courses and watch our step-by-step video.

Help with your application

Eu / international students.

The fees below refer to the 2024/25 academic year unless otherwise stated.

UK students*

Full-time students: £10,500 Part-time students: £70 per credit Part-time students: £35 per dissertation credit

*Course fees are subject to annual inflation so the total costs for part-time study are shown here as a guide

For more information and to answer your frequently asked questions, please visit our postgraduate funding page .

International*

Full-time students: £16,800 Part-time students: £112 per credit Part-time students: £56 per dissertation credit

The following study tools are included in your fees:

• Free access to the resources, learning materials and software you need to succeed on your course
• Free laptop loans for up to 24 hours
• Free printing for academic paperwork
• Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.

Financial support

We offer lots of support to help you with fees and living costs. Check out our guide to student life on a budget and find out more about postgraduate funding .

You may be eligible for one of our scholarships including:

• The Alumni Postgraduate Award – for all UK/EU Middlesex alumni a 20% fee reduction
• The Commonwealth Scholarship – full course fees, airfares and a living allowance
• The Chevening Scholarship – full course fees
• The European Academic Awards – £1000 to £7000 for students showing academic excellence
• Regional or International Merit Award –up to £2,000 towards course fees

For international students, we also have a limited number of other awards specific to certain regions, and work in partnership with funding providers in your country to help support you financially with your study.

Find out more about our postgraduate scholarships .

Help from your employer

Your employer can contribute towards the cost of your postgraduate study as part of their staff development programme.

Fees disclaimers

1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase postgraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.

Scholarships, fees and bursaries

We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.

Other courses

Environmental health msc.

Start: September 2024

Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Code: PGB919

Sustainability and Environmental Management MSc

Code: PGD110

Search for more courses

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SPRING COURSES

Your career, ways to learn, post-degree, diplomas - apply now, digital badges, for micro-credentials, diploma in occupational health and safety management.

Occupational Health and Safety Management

Working for private and public sector organizations, occupational health and safety managers keep employees safe and ensure their work environment is a healthy one. Acquire an understanding of legislation, workplace hazards, and occupational illnesses in order to manage the occupational health and safety function in the workplace.

This is a Western University accredited Diploma program. The program combines 10 courses taken from September to April with a four-month work integrated learning placement from May to August. 

Duration: One year, full-time or two years, part-time

Start: September

Location:   In class or Online

Program Details

Program: Ten required courses + One four month practicum

Full-Time Duration: One year | September to August

Part-Time Duration: Two years | Year one: September to April (5 courses), Year two: September to August (5 courses + practicum)

Location:   In class or Online, asynchronous

Work Integrated Learning

The practicum component of our Diploma programs is a culmination of your work in the classroom and the bridge to a great career in your target industry. Gain valuable hands-on experience with mentorship from industry professionals, uniting theory and practice in the real world of work. Students must successfully complete all ten required courses and the practicum placement in order to satisfy program requirements and graduate with a Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management. 

Learn more about the four month practicum placement here .

Program Fees

Financial Aid: This program is OSAP eligible. Explore other available Bursaries and Awards here .

Note: Program fees do not include any costs for class materials such as textbooks and software. Ancillary fees are an approximation, calculate your fees  here .

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements: Undergraduate Degree in health sciences, engineering, environmental science, management and organizational studies, or a related field, with a minimum average of 70% in the last two years of study

International Requirements:  A minimum overall average of 70% (around a B- or 2.7 GPA) in your Bachelor's degree in health sciences, engineering, environmental science, management and organizational studies, or a related field, as calculated by Western and after translation to Canadian GPA.

Application Deadline: May 15

Designations

Canadian Registered Safety Professional CRSP® Designation: This program is recognized as an  approved academic program  for the  Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP®)  designation.  

Application

Required courses.

11 Course(s)

Enrollment Closed

Session Time-Out

Privacy policy, your privacy.

We recognize the importance of protecting your privacy and only collect personal information about you when you knowingly provide it.

To provide high quality service to our students, it is neccessary for us to collect some limited personal information from you. This information may include your address and other contact information, birth date and location, educational history, employer information, and educational plans. We understand that you may be concerned about how we handle and maintain this information and your need to keep information private. We only use your personal information when you contact us or we contact you, including information about additional offerings or services that may be of interest to you. We do not market, sell, or rent your personal information to third parties.

Opt-Out Rights

We would like to provide you with news and information a few times each year.  These emails may include notification that registration is open, our Course Calendar is available or promotional offers. We hope you find these messages useful.  If you would prefer not to receive email communications from us, you may modify your preferences at any time. You can "opt out" by updating your preferred method of communication in your personal profile. Please be aware that you are not able to opt out of receiving communications about your course, account or your transactions with us.

Policy Help

If you wish to change any of your personal information, please log in to myWCS . Any changes to this privacy policy will be posted to this page. If you would like more information about the collection, use and disclosure of personal information, please contact the Director, Continuing Studies, Western University, 240-355 Wellington Street, London, ON. N6A 3N7, tel: 519.661.3658, ext. 84909.

If you have a concern about the protection of your personal information at Western, please contact Western's Information and Privacy Office .

Cookie Policy

Cookie policy

This statement explains how we use cookies on our website. For information about what types of personal information will be gathered when you visit the website, and how this information will be used, please see our privacy policy.

How we use cookies

All of our web pages use "cookies". A cookie is a small file of letters and numbers that we place on your computer or mobile device if you agree. These cookies allow us to distinguish you from other users of our website, which helps us to provide you with a good experience when you browse our website and enables us to improve our website.

Types of cookies we use

We use the following types of cookies:

• Strictly necessary cookies - these are essential in to enable you to move around the websites and use their features. Without these cookies the services you have asked for, such as signing in to your account, cannot be provided.
• Performance cookies - these cookies collect information about how visitors use a website, for instance which pages visitors go to most often. We use this information to improve our websites and to aid us in investigating problems raised by visitors. These cookies do not collect information that identifies a visitor.
• Functionality cookies - these cookies allow the website to remember choices you make and provide more personal features. For instance, a functional cookie can be used to remember the items that you have placed in your shopping cart. The information these cookies collect may be anonymized and they cannot track your browsing activity on other websites.

Most web browsers allow some control of most cookies through the browser settings. To find out more about cookies, including how to see what cookies have been set and how to manage and delete them please visit http://www.allaboutcookies.org/ .

Specific cookies we use

The list below identify the cookies we use and explain the purposes for which they are used. We may update the information contained in this section from time to time.

• JSESSIONID: This cookie is used by the application server to identify a unique user's session.
• registrarToken: This cookie is used to remember items that you have added to your shopping cart
• locale: This cookie is used to remember your locale and language settings.
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Changes to our Cookie Statement

Any changes we may make to our Cookie Policy in the future will be posted on this page.

Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management MSc

Study alongside your job, tailor your studies to match your professional and personal aspirations, and apply your new learning within your current company or a future role.

Key information

Accreditation:.

This course is Accredited

• 2 years part-time
• September 2024
• January 2025

Course information

Please select the page of your interest

Showing content for section Overview

Do you want to boost your career prospects by studying for an occupational health, safety and environmental management Master's degree alongside your current job?

Whether you want to progress your career as an Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) Practitioner or specialise in managing HSE in fields such as construction, nuclear or oil and gas, this MSc Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management through the Learning at Work Masters course gives you the skills, knowledge and confidence to fulfil your ambitions.

Because the course is work-based, you need to already be in a full-time, part-time or voluntary role. If you don't have an undergraduate degree, you could still do this postgraduate course if you have several years experience in a responsible position or you have high-level skills through experience that isn't reflected in your qualifications.

You can tailor the course to match your professional and personal aspirations and your employer's objectives. You'll be able to schedule your studies around your existing commitments, and to take advantage of flexibility in the submission deadlines for your work-based projects. As there are no residential requirements, you can study wherever is most convenient for you.

You'll get to put the skills you learn to work instantly in your job, contributing to the success of your company. When you complete the course, you'll improve your career prospects and have the skills and knowledge to perform more effectively in your job.

This course is a fixed 3-year course, which means the course will last for 3 years with no flexibility in extending or shortening the course. This course allows you to apply for a  postgraduate loan  if you are based in England.  Should you wish greater flexibility and the opportunity to apply for Recognised Prior Learning, please take a look at our  flexible MSc .

Join our Postgraduate Open Events

From finding out which postgraduate option is right for you, to exploring the perfect course, browse our upcoming webinars and in-person events and book your place today.

Accreditation

This course has been accredited by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). On successful completion of the course students will meet the academic requirements for Certified membership. Certified membership is the gateway to Chartered status. 

You'll qualify for GradIEMA (Graduate) professional status when you complete this course, which is recognised in the marketplace. You can also fast-track to PIEMA (Practitioner Status) once you complete a work-based competence assessment. 

Learning at Work team

+44 (0)23 9284 6260

[email protected]

Entry requirements

September 2024 / january 2025 start, qualifications or experience.

• A degree or equivalent. Other qualifications such as HNDs and Foundation degrees, supported by several years of relevant post-qualification experience in responsible posts, may also be acceptable.
• Applicants are usually working at a professional level.
• Appropriate experience and proven aptitude in health and safety, a certificated professional/vocational qualification or an undergraduate degree or equivalent.
• If you do not hold a level 6 qualification you may be required to present evidence of your ability to study at level 6.

English language requirements

• English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.

If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme  before you start your course.

What you'll experience

On this course, you'll:

• Choose topics that match your personal and professional goals, as well as your employer's objectives
• Develop your ability to analyse problems, research and propose solutions, and make sound professional judgements when faced with the organisational, financial and management aspects of a business
• Take part in work-based learning (WBL) projects enabling you to gain new learning in the context of your role, which ensures that the knowledge you develop is relevant to your employer's business
• Get an optional 1-day induction in Portsmouth at the start of the course
• Develop your learning plan with the University and your employer, so you can make an effective contribution to your workplace as you learn
• Have full access to our student support services and community including study support, sports and recreation facilities, and the Students' Union
• Tap in to our Library's electronic resources, which you can access from anywhere with a Web connection
• Choose a Workplace Mentor to support your learning – someone at work who can offer advice, guidance, and moral support
• Have support from an academic tutor specialising in your area of study and a University learning manager who oversees your programme
• Use online tutorials and lectures to help you with study skills, including your analytical and writing skills

Careers and opportunities

When you finish the course, you'll have the skills and knowledge to advance your career with your current employer and boost your long-term career prospects.

After the course, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career.

What you'll study

You'll make up the academic requirement for their award through a combination of core online modules and work-based learning projects which is detailed in a learning contract.

To get a Master's degree, you need to accumulate a total of 180 credits. If you leave the course before you accumulate 180 credits, you can get a Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) if you've accumulated 60 credits or a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) if you've accumulated 120 credits. You can get these credits in 3 ways:

1. Work-based learning (WBL) projects

Some of your learning will come from work-based learning (WBL) projects. These are projects that are valuable to your employer, which you complete at work.

These projects won't involve activities you do in your day-to-day job as they need to involve new learning for you. 

You'll study 3 core modules which cover the essential learning required by today’s health, safety and environmental professionals, and selected optional modules:

• Management Essentials for Health and Safety : This core module aims to provide you with an appreciation of health and safety management and its integration into organisational management systems. You will develop knowledge and interpretation of the requirements and responsibilities imposed by laws in respect of occupational health and safety. You will also advance your understanding of risk management and reflect upon the relationship between human behaviour, culture and risk.
• Risk Management in Practice : This core module concerns the operational practice of health and safety by considering the potential risks, from both a health and safety perspective, and their subsequent assessment and control. The aim of the module is to explore the potential hazards in a variety of industries both UK based and international, and to develop strategies for the assessment and control of hazards associated with the workplace and working practices.
• Environmental Management : This core module considers the global, national and local environmental issues prominent in our society. It aims to provide the student with an appreciation of pollution, its sources and control and considers the management of environmental factors within organisations.

Changes to course content

We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.

Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.

Course duration

This course is a 3-year fixed course. You'll study the full 180 credits. You'll study the modules and work based project(s) alongside your day job.  

Learning support

As well as support by faculty teaching staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University’s Academic Skills Unit (ASK).

ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:

• academic writing
• note taking
• time management
• critical thinking
• presentation skills
• referencing
• working in groups
• revision, memory and exam techniques

Extra support

To help you juggle this course alongside your work and home life, you'll get extra support from:

• a Workplace Mentor chosen by you – someone at work who can offer advice, guidance, and moral support
• an Academic Tutor specialising in your area of study
• a Learning Manager who oversees your programme

How you're taught will depend on which modules you take and the work-based learning projects you do.

Most of the course is delivered via our interactive virtual learning environment. With access to all the study material you’ll need, discussion forums and the chance to connect with peers and lecturers via chat sessions, you’ll have plenty of academic support and heaps of resources.

Depending on the modules you study and your location, you may also be able to study on campus, experiencing face-to-face teaching methods.

How you're assessed

The way you're assessed will depend on which modules you take and the work-based learning projects you do.

Costs and funding

Tuition fees, september 2024 start.

All fees subject to annual increase.

• UK / EU / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / International students: £12,000 a year

Tuition fees terms and conditions

Funding your studies

Find out more how to fund your studies , including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs , including what your tuition fees cover. 

If you're a UK student, you may be eligible for a Government postgraduate loan, which you can use to help with course fees and living costs.

Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students  and our  international student scholarships .

Ready to apply?

When you're ready to start your application, choose your start date.

Start this course in September 2024

Apply now (part-time)

Start this course in January 2025

I'm a current portsmouth student, or a recent portsmouth graduate.

If you're currently in your final year of study at Portsmouth, or you graduated since July 2023, you're eligible to make a fast track application. You'll have:

• a shorter application form to complete
• access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
• a guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses 

Learn more about fast track

Admissions terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our  Student Contract  (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.

Recognition of work-based and distance learning courses

Our Learning at Work degrees at levels 6 and 7 are approved by the University under its powers to award degrees. They comply with the Office for Students (OFS) and Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) standards in the United Kingdom.

These qualifications are generally recognised internationally but as with distance learning type courses, each country will have its own regulations and rules on work based and distance learning education. You should check with the qualification recognition authority in the country you reside in or intend to use the degrees to secure employment, that the Learning at Work degrees are recognised by them before you commit to studying with us.

We also strongly recommend you check that your employer recognises the value of our work based/distance learning courses. Some countries, including Singapore, state the 'value of the qualification is subject to the employer'.

Applications from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain and Qatar

We are currently unable to offer our courses to applicants who are nationals of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain and Qatar.

If you're not a national citizen but are working or living in these countries, you can enrol onto our Learning at Work courses. You'll need to sign an Applicant Declaration Letter to confirm you understand that the University of Portsmouth won't accept any liability issues you may have with the recognition of your distance learning course, with your government or employer.

Applications from India and China

If you’re a national or foreign national in India or China, you can enrol onto our Learning at Work courses. You'll need to sign an Applicant Declaration Letter to confirm you understand that the University of Portsmouth won't accept any liability issues you may have with the recognition of your distance learning course, with your government or employer.

Applications from Oman

We're unable to accept enrolment from nationals or foreign nationals from Oman.

Other courses you might like

• MSc Occupational Health and Safety Management
• MSc Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management (Learning at Work)