MASTER'S STUDY IN SAFETY MANAGEMENT
SAVING LIVES & PRESERVING HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE
The Master of Science degree in safety management prepares students for careers in diverse settings, including a wide variety of industries such as aviation, construction, chemical, and manufacturing, as well as schools, government agencies, consulting, hospitals, transportation, utilities, and insurance companies.
According to the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP), “The primary focus of safety practice is to prevent incidents and accidents that may lead to injuries, illnesses, damage to property and equipment, or harm to the environment. Many companies have combined safety, health, and environmental matters into a single department.” (www.bcsp.org)
Safety professionals protect human life and property. There’s no typical work day or a typical job. Responsibilities may include developing and managing safety programs, inspecting for hazardous conditions, conducting industrial hygiene surveys, clarifying regulations, advising the organization’s leadership, and educating and training employees.
Dr. Kevin Slates examines worker safety and health issues at a jewelry and ceramics factory in China.
Program Emphasis
The program features courses that stay abreast of current trends and initiatives in safety management. Safety experts must be knowledgeable about current safety regulations, equipment engineering, behavioral aspects of safety, and ways to prevent and minimize hazards in the workplace.
Our internationally recognized faculty work with students on relevant research projects that have already been established or are in the planning stages. This close working relationship ensures subject mastery and creates a mentoring relationship that will last long after graduation.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Applied Health Science with an option in safety management requires 36 credit hours of coursework, including core courses that provide a solid base in advanced study of safety theory, behavior, and organization and basic competency in statistics and research. Students can personalize their degree by choosing from relevant electives.
Tabsheet (PDF)
Job Outlook and Salaries
The safety profession is a good choice for those who want to make a positive difference. Because of continuing public demand to protect worker safety, jobs in the safety field are expected to increase 9 percent by 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The demand for human resources, training, and labor relations experts will also increase as legislation and court rulings set new occupational safety and health standards.
Safety management is one of today’s higher-paying health areas. Based on May 2006 data, the U.S. Department of Labor reported that the average income for occupational health and safety specialists was $62,010 (www.bls.gov). According to the BCSP, the average salary of Certified Safety Professionals (CSP) was projected at approximately $90,000 per year in 2006. Recent graduates of our master’s program report salaries starting in the $60s. Many safety professionals in top management positions can earn well over six-figure annual salaries.
According to a 2005 survey of Applied Health Science alumni, 88 percent of master’s degree graduates attained full-time employment within six months of completing their degree or internship.
Safety professionals enjoy their profession. According to the BCSP, “a number of surveys report that job satisfaction in the safety field is high. Typically, 90% of respondents say they are ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with their careers in safety. The reasons often include work differing each day and being able to contribute to the welfare of others.”
For more information, contact:
Dr. Earl H. Blair
Telephone: (812) 856-4887
E-mail: blair@indiana.edu
Dr. Kevin Slates
Telephone: (812) 856-3766
Email: kslates@indiana.edu
Department of Applied Health Science
Indiana University
HPER Building 116
1025 E. Seventh Street
Bloomington, IN 47405-7109
Click for program brochure (PDF)
