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Online Occupational Health and Safety Degrees: Comparing Schools

Are you a “safety first” kind of person? Keeping safety top-of-mind is more than a habit; it also makes you a natural fit for a well-paying and in-demand career in the field of occupational health and safety.

Specialists in this field evaluate workplaces, collect and analyze data, design improvements, and educate employees. All of this is done to increase safety and decrease injuries. If these tasks sound intriguing to you, read this STEPS guide for an overview of online occupational health and safety degree programs, standout programs at various levels and costs, and potential career paths.

Author: Karen A. Brudnak
Editor: Ginny Gillikin
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Basics of Online Occupational Health and Safety Degree Programs

Do you find yourself thinking about how to improve processes for keeping others safe? Do you enjoy problem-solving and proactively identifying things that could cause harm? If so, a career in occupational health and safety might fit your skills and interests.

Whether you’re inspecting a local power plant to ensure it operates according to environmental standards or working on a construction site to keep workers safe, these careers allow you to help others while earning a salary.

The median annual salary for occupational health and safety specialists was $77,580 as of 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The projected growth rate for jobs in this field between 2023 and 2033 was 14% – much faster than the average job.

Online occupational health and safety degree programs combine the challenges of a rigorous curriculum with the convenience of learning from home.

Still interested? Let’s take a deeper look at career paths in online occupational health and safety and see which one might be the right fit.

Career Options for Occupational Health and Safety Graduates

Online occupational health and safety degree programs are flexible and allow students to take their career in a direction that interests them. Instead of being stuck behind a desk, graduates can spend their days problem-solving, leading educational sessions, investigating incidents, and reporting on findings.

Every day brings a new challenge, with a goal of keeping employees safe. Some career paths that graduates can pursue are listed below.

Community Health Worker

If you’d rather work with the public instead of working in the private sector, a community health job could be right for you. In this field, graduates advocate for healthy habits and behaviors to improve the health of community members.

Graduates might not have the background or training for an intensive medical position such as diabetes educator, but they could be a good fit for leading a program on bike safety. They present information to community groups, work one-on-one with high-risk individuals, develop and distribute educational materials, and maintain client records and results. A bachelor’s degree is typically required for the roles listed below.

  • Community Health Program Coordinator
  • Community Health Program Representative
  • Community Health Promoter
  • Community Outreach Worker

Construction and Building Inspector

Safety is paramount in the construction field. Construction and building inspectors review building plans, visit building sites to ensure that safety protocols are followed, determine whether electrical and plumbing systems meet a required code, interact with construction managers, and use compliance and project management software. They can issue stop-work orders if safety concerns arise at a construction site. A bachelor’s degree is typically required for the roles listed below.

  • Building Code Administrator
  • Building Inspector
  • Code Enforcement Officer
  • Construction Inspector
  • Public Works Inspector

Environmental Science and Protection Technician

If you prefer to focus on field tests or work with samples in a lab, environmental science might be the right occupational health and safety area for you. A technician job includes collecting samples of gases, soils, water, wastewater, and/or asbestos products and testing pollutant levels; investigating hazardous conditions, spills, and outbreaks of diseases or food poisoning; recording test data and preparing reports and charts; presenting test results; and using analytical, computer-aided design and geographic information software. A bachelor’s degree is typically required for the roles listed below.

  • Environmental Health Officer
  • Environmental Technician
  • Health Inspector
  • Lab Technician
  • Water Quality Specialist

Occupational Health and Safety Specialist

This role is a step up from occupational health and safety technician. Employees are focused on reviewing, evaluating, and analyzing work environments and designing safety-oriented programs and procedures. They might be the person in charge of suspending activities that threaten workers’ health or safety and investigating accidents. They also use various compliance software and databases. A bachelor’s degree is typically required for the roles listed below.

  • Chemical Hygiene Officer
  • Environmental Health and Safety Officer
  • Health and Safety Analyst
  • Industrial Hygienist
  • Risk Control Consultant

Occupational Health and Safety Technician

Day-to-day tasks for these employees include collecting data on work environments for analysis by occupational health and safety specialists; implementing and evaluating workplace programs to limit chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic risks to workers; operating protective equipment; training workers in safety procedures; using analytical software and databases; and maintaining health and safety records.

Certification or a diploma from a vocational school, an associate degree, or job experience is typically required for the roles listed below.

  • Construction Safety Consultant
  • Environmental Health and Safety Advisor
  • Health and Safety Technician
  • Industrial Hygiene Consultant
  • Safety Specialist

FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:

Salary and Career Details for Occupational Health and Safety Graduates

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Area ↕ Occupation ↕ 10th Percentile ↕ 90th Percentile ↕ Median ↕
U.S. Health and Safety Engineers $62,190 $160,600 $103,690
U.S. Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health $35,800 $85,010 $50,660
U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $49,550 $128,040 $81,140
U.S. Fire Inspectors and Investigators $46,360 $137,220 $74,160
U.S. Construction and Building Inspectors $43,740 $106,200 $67,700

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

Area ↕ Occupation ↕ Curr. Jobs ↕ Proj. Jobs ↕ New Jobs ↕ Growth % ↕
United States Construction and Building Inspectors 142,400 140,200 -2,200 -1.50%
United States Environmental Science and Protection Technicians 35,000 37,100 2,100 6.00%
United States Fire Inspectors and Investigators 15,000 15,600 600 4.00%
United States Health and Safety Engineers 22,000 22,800 800 3.60%
United States Occupational Health and Safety Specialists 113,800 128,900 15,100 13.30%

Online Occupational Health and Safety Degree Programs by Level: Which One do You Need?

Many schools offer occupational health and safety degree programs fully or partially online. Most of these programs can be completed without visiting a campus. But, some schools provide hybrid options and others require in-person internships. These requirements can often be completed at an approved site near a student’s residence.

Associate and bachelor’s degree programs cover foundational topics such as construction safety and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. In contrast, advanced degree programs address more niche subjects such as industrial safety program development, probability, and waste management.

The information listed below will help you take a deeper dive into the components of online occupational health and safety degree programs. So, you can determine which degree type matches your interests and educational goals.

Undergraduate Certificates

If you’re responsible for health and safety as part of your job but don’t have formal training, an undergraduate certificate is an ideal place to start. Some programs allow you to take only the classes you need, and others require core courses and electives for a full certificate.

Students can gain basic knowledge, develop a specialty, obtain credentials for a new job, and/or decide whether they want to pursue additional education in the occupational health and safety field. Most certificate programs take between nine and 18 months to complete.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Undergraduate Certificate Program

The University of Alabama – Health and Safety Management Online Certificate program

If you’ve taken on duties for health and safety management but don’t have an occupational health and safety background, this program can help you get up to speed. You’ll take four core courses, including introductions to OSHA, workplace safety, industrial hygiene, and workers’ compensation.

To complete the certificate, you must take six elective courses that cover topics such as ergonomics, personal protective equipment (PPE), bloodborne pathogens, heat stress, wellness, health promotion, mine safety, and more. Students can start taking classes at any time.

CostCreditsModeAccreditation
$385/credit hour100OnlineSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Associate Degrees

An online associate degree program could be a great fit if you think a career in occupational health and safety fits your professional goals but you aren’t quite ready to commit to a four-year degree. These two-year programs provide an overview of foundational topics and allow students to pursue entry-level and support jobs after graduation. They also shorten the amount of time needed for those who choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree later.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Associate Degree Program

Edmonds College – Occupational Safety and Health Technician Associate in Applied Science-T degree program

Students in this program can obtain the foundational knowledge they need to be an advocate for health and safety and to prevent accidents and health hazards. They must complete 13 credits of general education and career/college success courses; 20 credits of humanities, natural sciences, math, and social sciences courses; and 63 credits of program requirements, including safety and accident prevention, project management, regulatory environment, incident investigation, and ergonomics. A certificate program is also available.

CostCreditsModeAccreditation
$127.59/credit99OnlineNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Bachelor’s Degrees

Bachelor’s degree programs in occupational health and safety take approximately four years to complete. They are a great option for students who know that they want to gain knowledge past an associate degree. These programs are found at public and private schools and meet many hiring managers’ requirements for jobs in the field.

Many programs also offer specializations to help students further develop the skills and knowledge they bring to future employers. Typically, the curriculum covers basic science, engineering, behavioral science, environmental health, occupational safety, and industrial hygiene. Some programs prepare students to take the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) exam.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Program

Southeastern Oklahoma State University – Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health degree program

By earning a bachelor’s degree, students can start their career in the occupational health and safety field with a solid understanding of skills that keep workers safe. They learn to promote safety practices, train staff, implement safety measures, and evaluate safety programs. Graduates are prepared to take roles such as facilities manager, occupational safety and health manager or specialist, production supervisor, or manufacturing manager.

CostCreditsModeAccreditation
$321/credit hour124OnlineBoard of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP)

Graduate Certificate Programs

If you’re in the occupational health and safety field and ready to step into a management role, a graduate certificate program is a great next step. Some programs focus on project management, financial management, and legal compliance, while others focus on emergency management, environmental science, and/or health management.

These programs provide advanced skills without the need to complete a full master’s degree program. Credits earned for the certificate can be applied to a master’s degree in public health or a related degree at some schools.

Graduates are qualified to take on roles such as emergency management director, safety engineer, health educator, environmental health and safety specialist, or community health program manager.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Graduate Certificate Program

Tulane University – Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety Management program

This program combines the principles of occupational health and safety with the business skills needed to create a budget and manage a project. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (preferably in STEM, public health, nursing, or another area of healthcare), a minimum 2.7 GPA, and three years of professional experience in a related field.

CostCreditsModeAccreditation
$1,686/credit hour16OnlineCouncil on Education in Public Health (CEPH), SACSCOC

Master’s Degrees

After working in the field for several years, you might feel ready to take on leadership, research, and/or academic roles. An online occupational health and safety degree at the master’s level requires two years of study and can help you reach this goal.

Like bachelor’s-level programs, many of these degree programs allow students to specialize in particular areas so they can stand out against other job competitors after graduation. Some programs offer multiple start dates and asynchronous classes, while others use a hybrid format that allows students to work face-to-face with industry experts.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Master’s Degree Program

West Virginia University – Master of Science in Safety Management degree program

This master’s degree program prepares students to identify workplace hazards, design and implement safety procedures, investigate accidents, and conduct safety training, all while following state and federal regulations.

The program is offered through the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources. Multiple start dates are offered and no campus visits are required. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

CostCreditsModeAccreditation
$746/credit hour36OnlineAccreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)

Doctoral Degrees

An occupational health and safety-related doctoral degree program prepares students to oversee large-scale health initiatives at government agencies, health systems, and/or non-profit organizations. It’s designed for students who are interested in research, and qualifies them to develop and lead research projects.

With an online degree program, students can continue working in the field and gaining experience as they complete a doctorate. Graduates can teach occupational health and safety topics at the college level either online or in-person.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Doctoral Degree Program

Walden University – PhD in Health Education and Promotion degree program

This program offers six specializations so students can target topics that interest them: behavioral health, global health, management and leadership, online teaching in higher education, population health, and research. Students can participate in four academic residencies virtually or in-person.

The program prepares graduates to take the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam or the Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) exam.

CostCreditsModeAccreditation
$640/credit hour109OnlineHigher Learning Commission (HLC)

Choosing an Online Occupational Health and Safety Degree Program

Any good education program is a challenge, whether it’s a certificate program designed to get you started in a new field, a doctorate to prepare you to lead a major research project, or anything in between. You should focus primarily on a program’s specifics to ensure that it matches your career goals.

You should also note other important factors, including whether the program offers academic support, whether it is properly accredited, and its price. The questions below can help start your thought process.

What area of occupational health and safety interests me the most?

Occupational health and safety is a wide-ranging field; it covers everything from technical topics (such as mine safety and construction safety) to broader topics (such as health promotion and wellness). As you evaluate the many standout programs that are available, focus on their curriculum to ensure that the coursework matches your interests.

Do I want to work in the field or in a management role?

Understanding this can help you choose the right path and help determine what level of education you need. If you’re happiest out of the office – visiting work sites, conducting evaluations, and gathering data – a certificate or associate degree might be enough to get you started. But, if you like sitting at a computer and planning, researching, and creating presentations, you should consider a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Am I comfortable with public speaking and presentations?

While you won’t have to lead community information sessions at a construction site, you might find yourself in front of a crowd at an employee or community education session. Some people get a charge out of leading these sessions, and others are filled with dread. Knowing your comfort level will help you choose the program that’s right for you.

What level of education do I truly need?

If you want to be in charge of other employees, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree. If you want to lead research projects or teach college classes, you should plan to continue your education to the doctoral level.

If you’re not sure, look for programs that allow you to transfer credits to the next educational level. For example, the associate degree program offered by Edmonds College can set you up to transfer into a bachelor’s degree program.

Am I comfortable with online learning?

Online learning has many benefits; if your classes are asynchronous, you can complete your coursework anywhere and at any time. This is a big plus for a working student who might also have family responsibilities. But, if you don’t like to sit at a computer, consider either a hybrid program that combines online convenience with in-person learning or a traditional on-campus program.

How Much Does an Occupational Health and Safety Degree Program Cost?

The amount you’ll spend on an online occupational health and safety degree program depends on several factors. Is the program shorter, like a certificate program, or longer, like a master’s degree program? Does your employer offer tuition reimbursement? Are you attending a public or private school? And finally, have you submitted a FAFSA form and investigated financial aid and scholarships? After all of those pieces are in place, you’ll have a clearer picture of the price of your degree program.

Online degrees have a powerful advantage regarding cost – and some drawbacks, too. As you decide if online college is right for you, you might think about flexible schedules. With an online degree program, you can continue working in your current job and study during off-hours.

Also, you won’t need to pay to move to the area where your school is located. Plus, some programs allow you to speed up the process if you’re eager to finish a degree program and move on to a new role (or slow down if life or finances dictate it).

You’ll need to invest in a good computer and reliable internet service, which comes at a cost, to be successful. The bottom line? Salaries in the occupational health and safety field are good, so the money you spend on your degree should come back to you in the form of a higher salary and opportunities for advancement.

FAQs from Occupational Health and Safety Students

What type of accreditation should I look for?

Several programmatic accrediting agencies exist within the world of occupational health and safety. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)’s Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission (ANSAC) is one name to know.

You should also consider the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) and the National Environmental Health, Science, and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC).

Institutional accreditation should also play an important role in your decision. Both regional and national accreditation exists; the former is viewed as the more desirable of the two. If you’re unsure whether a prospective school holds regional accreditation, search the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP).

What are the admissions requirements for an online occupational health and safety degree program?

Admissions requirements depend on what level of education you’re pursuing. For the associate degree program at Edmonds College, you’ll need only a high school diploma or the equivalent; if you’re over the age of 18, you might be able to enroll without a diploma.

For the master’s degree program at West Virginia University, you’ll need a minimum 3.0 GPA; 63 credits of science, math, engineering, and technology courses; 21 credits of communications, humanities, and social sciences courses; and a personal statement to apply.

What types of classes will I take in an online occupational health and safety degree program?

Occupational health and safety degree programs offer a variety of courses to familiarize you with the discipline and help you hone specialized skills. You should expect to start with a Fundamentals of Occupational Safety and Health class and an OSHA standards class; these standards should be followed in most aspects of the occupational health and safety field.

Beyond that, you can choose courses that match your area of interest, so you can finish a degree program with a high level of expertise.

Will I need a license after I complete an online occupational health and safety degree program?

Licensure and certification requirements vary based on both where you live and the job you want. For example, most states require construction and building inspectors to hold licensure or certification. If you plan to work as a health and safety engineer, you might need a professional engineering license. Ensure that you understand what licenses or certifications you might need when deciding whether a specific program is right for you.

Can an occupational health and safety degree program be offered fully online?

Yes; many programs require no campus visits. For example, both The University of Alabama’s Health and Safety Management Online Certificate program and Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health degree program are offered fully online.

Making Your Decision

You’ve learned a lot about the options, formats, costs, and opportunities for online occupational health and safety degree programs. Is your brain buzzing with excitement because this degree feels like the right fit for you? You might know where you want to start, like with a certificate, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree. If that’s the case, you can check out the school’s timeline for admissions and start the application process.

However, if you’re still not sure, you can visit each school’s website to get a feel for the curriculum and the jobs you’ll be qualified for. Then, you should contact your front-runner schools to ask any questions you have and find out about available financial aid options.

Soon, your occupational health and safety degree will be in hand, and you’ll be ready to launch your career in this quickly evolving, life-saving field.

STEPS’ Top Online Occupational Health and Safety Degree Programs

As your knowledge of online occupational health and safety degree programs grows, you might find yourself focusing on a particular program. Or you might be completely overwhelmed, with too many options to choose from. That’s where our rankings come in.

We evaluated key factors for each program, including accreditation, online learning options, and access to academic counseling and career placement services. We also considered the number of available programs, student engagement, tuition costs, graduation rates, financial aid availability, and student-to-faculty ratios.

The results, listed below, highlight top online occupational health and safety degree programs.You can sort them by two-year and four-year programs to find the right one for you.

1

Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus

Indiana, Pennsylvania

Why We Selected Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus:
Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s Master of Science in Safety Sciences is a 36-credit program focusing on both technical and managerial aspects of safety sciences. It includes coursework in advanced safety managerial practices, construction, disaster preparedness, and industrial hygiene. The program offers a thesis option and prepares students for career advancement in safety leadership roles, including positions like safety engineers and specialists. Graduates benefit from above-average employment growth projections for occupational health and safety specialists. The program includes live weekly sessions, fostering leadership and ethical responsibilities in safety management, and participation in an annual career fair with over 60 companies.
Program Highlights
  • Faculty members are certified safety professionals with extensive industry experience.
  • The program offers a thesis option, enhancing research and publication opportunities.
  • Students benefit from networking at the annual Safety Sciences Career Fair.
School Details
  • AccreditationMSCHE
  • Average Tuition$9,570
  • Average Grant Aid$3,329
  • % of Students Awarded Grant Aid100%
  • % of Students Awarded Any Financial Aid100%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio22/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course48%
2

Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Durant, Oklahoma

Why We Selected Southeastern Oklahoma State University:
The Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health requires 124 credit hours, including 41 in occupational safety, 18-24 in a minor, 44 in general education, and electives. It is a BCSP Qualified Academic Program, granting the Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) certification. The curriculum covers hazard control, safety training, and hazardous materials management, preparing students for roles in safety, compliance, and management. Optional internships provide practical experience. Tuition is $321 per credit hour, with financial aid and admissions handled through Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
Program Highlights
  • Online flexibility allows students to work while earning their degree through Southeastern Oklahoma State University's program.
  • The program offers a Graduate Safety Practitioner designation, bypassing the Associate Safety Professional exam requirement.
  • Southeastern provides internship opportunities that give students real-world experience in occupational safety roles.
School Details
  • AccreditationHLC
  • Average Tuition$6,420
  • Average Grant Aid$5,808
  • % of Students Awarded Grant Aid98%
  • % of Students Awarded Any Financial Aid100%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio21/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course89%
3

Indiana State University

Terre Haute, Indiana

Why We Selected Indiana State University:
Indiana State University offers a Safety Management Graduate Certificate, part of its broader occupational safety offerings. The certificate program is for graduate students (excluding Occupational Safety Management) and includes four courses totaling 12 credits, focusing on organizational and legislative safety aspects, accident prevention, and communication techniques. The Occupational Safety Management M.S. program is available for advanced roles, requiring a minimum of 30 credits (not 33) and preparing graduates for managerial positions across sectors like industries, government, consulting, and healthcare. Career opportunities are enhanced through various certifications and paths.
Program Highlights
  • Faculty with industry experience provide personalized feedback and mentorship in small class sizes.
  • Expert professors integrate research into classes, offering real-world insights and best practices.
  • Program coursework can partially satisfy graduate degree requirements, streamlining academic pathways.
School Details
  • AccreditationHLC
  • Average Tuition$9,318
  • Average Grant Aid$3,735
  • % of Students Awarded Grant Aid79%
  • % of Students Awarded Any Financial Aid96%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course61%
4

University of Alaska Anchorage

Anchorage, Alaska

Why We Selected University of Alaska Anchorage:
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Occupational Safety and Health at the University of Alaska Anchorage prepares students for entry-level safety roles in industries like construction, petroleum, and mining. This two-year, 60-credit program focuses on recognizing, evaluating, and controlling workplace hazards through courses in industrial hygiene, safety training, and ergonomics. Students can earn certifications such as the OSHA-10 card. Financial aid is available, and graduates qualify for roles like safety coordinators. The program transfers to a Bachelor’s degree and includes hands-on internships, enhancing career readiness in this high-demand field.
Program Highlights
  • Financial aid opportunities include scholarships and tuition assistance for occupational safety and health majors.
  • Courses are available online and during convenient evening times, accommodating working students.
  • Technical internships provide hands-on experience and networking opportunities with industry experts.
School Details
  • AccreditationNWCCU
  • Average Tuition$7,224
  • Average Grant Aid$3,943
  • % of Students Awarded Grant Aid38%
  • % of Students Awarded Any Financial Aid86%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio12/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course87%
5

University of Central Missouri

Warrensburg, Missouri

Why We Selected University of Central Missouri:
The University of Central Missouri offers an ABET-accredited Master of Science in Occupational Safety Management, requiring 30 credits and typically completed in one to two years. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Tuition is about $20,340 annually. Graduates are eligible for the Graduate Safety Practitioner designation, aiding in Certified Safety Professional status. Career opportunities abound in industries like construction, manufacturing, and government. The program emphasizes hands-on learning with small class sizes, making UCM a strong choice for those seeking leadership roles in occupational safety.
Program Highlights
  • The University of Central Missouri offers the Graduate Safety Practitioner® (GSP) designation upon graduation.
  • The program features small classroom sizes, ensuring personalized attention for each student.
  • It boasts a 100% job placement rate among graduates in occupational safety and health positions.
School Details
  • AccreditationHLC
  • Average Tuition$7,758
  • Average Grant Aid$3,695
  • % of Students Awarded Grant Aid86%
  • % of Students Awarded Any Financial Aid100%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course50%
6

Central Washington University

Ellensburg, Washington

Why We Selected Central Washington University:
Central Washington University’s Bachelor of Science in Occupational Health and Safety Management prepares students to ensure workplace safety through core courses in Risk Management, Construction Safety, and Industrial Hygiene. The four-year, 124-126 quarter credit program includes hands-on learning and a 400-hour internship. Annual tuition costs $7,469 for in-state and $26,176 for out-of-state students, with financial aid available. Admission requires a $60 application fee and official transcripts. Graduates achieve high job placement rates as Safety Managers, Health Officers, or Safety Engineers, with an average starting salary of $89,000, and qualify for the Graduate Safety Practitioner® (GSP®) designation.
Program Highlights
  • Central Washington University offers small class sizes for personalized learning and mentorship.
  • The program features strong industry connections and a near 100% job placement rate for graduates.
  • Hands-on learning opportunities enhance practical skills through real-world applications.
School Details
  • AccreditationNWCCU
  • Average Tuition$6,656
  • Average Grant Aid$3,368
  • % of Students Awarded Grant Aid59%
  • % of Students Awarded Any Financial Aid86%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio15/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course72%
7

Central Community College

Grand Island, Nebraska

Why We Selected Central Community College:
Central Community College’s Environmental Health and Safety program prepares students for roles ensuring safe, healthy work environments. It emphasizes practical skills in hazard identification, regulatory compliance, and occupational risk management. The two-year program requires prospective students to confirm specific credit, cost, and financial aid details directly with the College. Admissions may require high school transcripts or prerequisites. Graduates pursue careers as safety specialists, loss control consultants, or environmental health officers, with hands-on training aligning to industry standards. Positions are available in sectors like construction and general industry. Consult the College for precise program details and financial assistance.
Program Highlights
  • CCC offers customized training programs tailored to organizational needs, providing flexibility and relevance.
  • Flexible training delivery options allow students to access courses on-site or at the college.
  • Hands-on experience is provided through state-of-the-art simulators for realistic confined space training.
School Details
  • AccreditationHLC
  • Average Tuition$2,760
  • Average Grant Aid$954
  • % of Students Awarded Grant Aid48%
  • % of Students Awarded Any Financial Aid86%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio15/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course72%
8

Arkansas State University

Jonesboro, Arkansas

Why We Selected Arkansas State University:
The Bachelor of Science in Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health at Arkansas State University is designed to equip students with skills needed to promote workplace safety and compliance with health regulations. This program requires 120 credit hours, typically completed in four years, with tuition around $13,248 annually and options for financial aid. Applicants need a high school diploma and a minimum GPA of 2.0. Graduates can pursue careers as Environmental Health Officers, Industrial Hygienists, or Safety Advisors, and are prepared for certification exams. The curriculum includes practical internship experience.
Program Highlights
  • The program offers accelerated coursework with multiple start dates per year.
  • Affordable tuition includes all fees for U.S. residents, with potential financial aid available.
  • Prior learning credits can reduce tuition costs and accelerate graduation.
School Details
  • AccreditationHLC
  • Average Tuition$5,232
  • Average Grant Aid$6,509
  • % of Students Awarded Grant Aid93%
  • % of Students Awarded Any Financial Aid100%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio14/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course69%
9

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, Virginia

Why We Selected Old Dominion University:
Old Dominion University offers a Certificate in Occupational Safety (15-16 semester hours) and a Minor in Occupational Safety (12 semester hours) for students pursuing careers in occupational health. The certificate helps students meet industry safety standards and attracts engineering and business majors, while the minor prepares graduates for safety management and compliance roles. Both programs lead to careers as Occupational Health Specialists or Technicians in public or private sectors, including risk management and environmental health. Financial aid and scholarships are available, with admissions requiring a minimum GPA and varying course prerequisites.
Program Highlights
  • The program offers accredited internships in diverse settings such as health departments and industrial sites.
  • Hands-on experience is enhanced by faculty who are environmental health professionals and Certified Industrial Hygienists.
  • Practical education is fostered through scenario-based exams and exercises for critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
School Details
  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average Tuition$7,029
  • Average Grant Aid$4,386
  • % of Students Awarded Grant Aid66%
  • % of Students Awarded Any Financial Aid91%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course76%
10

Honolulu Community College

Honolulu, Hawaii

Why We Selected Honolulu Community College:
The Occupational and Environmental Safety Management (OESM) program at Honolulu Community College provides practical training in safety and health management, focusing on workplace hazard recognition, emergency preparedness, and environmental compliance. Classes accommodate working professionals, meeting in the evenings or on Saturdays. Prerequisites include placement in ENG 100 and a “C” or higher in specific math courses. Tuition is approximately $3,174 for in-state and $8,310 for out-of-state students annually. Graduates can become safety officers or environmental technicians. The program offers an internship leading to employment opportunities and OSHA certificates in some courses.
Program Highlights
  • Strong employer network supports internship and job placements within the safety community.
  • Evening and weekend classes accommodate full-time workers seeking professional growth.
  • Industry-recognized OSHA certifications are available upon completing specific courses.
School Details
  • AccreditationACCJC
  • Average Tuition$3,144
  • Average Grant Aid$2,462
  • % of Students Awarded Grant Aid18%
  • % of Students Awarded Any Financial Aid78%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course89%
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Karen A. Brudnak AUTHOR

Karen Brudnak-Slate has 30+ years' experience as a magazine editor and writer. Starting out as a copy editor at Nursing magazine, she then moved into the education arena and eventually became Managing Editor of Learning magazine. Karen also served as Director of Custom Publishing for The Education Center, working with national corporations to develop high-quality custom content for teachers. Karen now manages marketing and fundraising for A Simple Gesture, a Greensboro, NC, nonprofit with an innovative strategy for keeping local food pantries stocked. She has one daughter in college and one in high school, so she particularly enjoys editing articles about scholarships, success strategies, and standout programs. Karen has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, and a master's in liberal studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

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Ginny Gillikin EDITOR

Ginny Gillikin is a detail-oriented and dedicated professional with over 3 years of experience as a copy editor. She enjoys editing and fact-checking informative and engaging content for healthcare and nursing education websites. Ginny earned a Communication/Print Journalism BA degree and an English minor from Virginia Tech.

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