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Graduate Program

Safety Management (M.S.)

The Master of Science degree in safety management prepares students for careers in a rewarding and challenging field. Safety professionals are needed to protect human life and property in industry, government, and service organizations.

Safety professionals usually serve in management positions. They must be knowledgeable about current safety regulations, equipment engineering, behavioral aspects of safety, and ways to prevent and minimize hazards in the workplace. Safety professionals find positions in many industries and organizations, including:

• aviation

• chemical, refining, military, and utility services

• construction

• hospitals

• insurance

• local, state, and federal government

• manufacturing

• schools

Typical work activities include developing and managing safety programs, inspecting for hazardous conditions, conducting industrial hygiene surveys, clarifying safety regulations for leadership, advising safety committees, and educating and training employees and management in safety and health issues. The bottom line is this: there’s no such thing as a “typical” workday for safety professionals.

In addition to internationally recognized faculty members, the program features courses that stay abreast of current trends and initiatives in safety management. Our faculty will work with students on relevant research projects already established or in the planning stages. This close working relationship with a faculty member will not only ensure subject mastery but will produce a mentoring relationship that will last long after graduation.

The core requirements provide students with a solid base in advanced study of safety theory, behavior, and organization; and basic competency in statistics and research. Students can complement this foundation with other safety or applied health courses to provide an advanced degree that meets their needs and experiences.

Job Outlook

The safety profession is a good choice for those who want to make a difference through their work and be able to earn a good living while doing so. Because of continuing public demand for a safe environment and quality products, most jobs in the safety field are expected to reflect average growth, with an increase of 15 percent by 2010, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition, demand for human resources, training, and labor relations experts will increase as legislation and court rulings set standards in the field of occupational safety and health.

As with any profession, salaries vary by geographic region, employment setting, and job responsibilities. Currently, safety management is one of the higher-paying health areas, with midcareer salaries averaging between $50,000 and $60,000. Safety professionals who work their way to top positions in organizations and corporations can earn six-figure annual salaries.

According to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2003 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the number of women, minorities, and people with disabilities entering the safety profession is likely to continue to grow. It is estimated that in the future about 25% to 33% of all degreed, entry-level safety professionals will be from minority populations.

Click for program brochure and tab sheet (PDF).