Occupational Safety and Health, Ph.D.
Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources
The online Occupational Safety and Health Ph.D. program from West Virginia University is designed for students and professionals who aspire to advance their knowledge, research potential, and overall expertise. This program will prepare you to tackle research and development opportunities in academia, consulting, or high-level industry positions. Our industry-focused curriculum addresses the growing demand for doctoral-level expertise in high-risk sectors such as healthcare, fire safety, construction, and more.
Cost:
$746 / Cost per credit hour *
Courses and Credits:
6 Courses / 42 Credits (18 coursework, 24 research)
Duration:
Approximately three to four years
Dates:
Next Start: August 20, 2025 Admission Terms: Fall, Spring, Summer
Learning Format:
Online courses
Program Overview
Master Occupational Safety and Health
The Occupational Safety and Health Ph.D. program equips you with the skills necessary to tackle complex challenges in occupational safety and health by seamlessly integrating structured coursework with applied research. The flexible, self-paced online curriculum allows you to balance your professional commitments while pursuing your doctoral degree. Additionally, the option to visit the WVU campus to conduct lab-related research enriches your learning experience and fosters a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Curriculum
The Occupational Safety and Health Ph.D. program is meticulously designed to offer a self-paced learning structure that caters to the varying needs of full-time students and/or working professionals. The program entails a total of 42 credit hours, encompassing 24 credits dedicated to research work and 18 credits attributed to coursework. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree or a master's degree in safety or related fields (with exceptional academic performance and/or relevant research experience) will be eligible for admission into the program.
Program Educational ObjectivesDrawing from the university's mission, the program mission, and the needs of our constituents, the following educational objectives were developed for the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Occupational Safety and Health:
-
Anticipate and recognize hazards and environmental cases requiring the application
of safety and health methods in occupational settings.
-
Identify social and epidemiological trends in occupational safety and health issues
at the national and international levels.
-
Identify methods of management in application of effective control techniques.
-
To demonstrate understanding of regulatory agencies as they impact the practice
of occupational safety and health.
-
Conduct, disseminate, and publish original research in occupational safety and health.
- Be qualified to enter the profession as a professor, practitioner, or researcher in occupational safety and health.
- Construct, manage, and evaluate a comprehensive safety and health program for large
industry or government agencies.
- Participate in the safety and health regulatory process as an individual or part
of a corporation or university.
- Critically evaluate research conducted by other individuals or corporations in
occupational safety and health.
- Provide excellent teaching at the University or corporate levels.
- Participate in activities such as conferences or seminars for continued professional
improvement.
- Actively participate as a leader in the professional organizations that serve the
occupational safety and health fields.
- Demonstrate the highest possible ethical standards in the field of occupational safety and health.
The doctor of philosophy degree with a major in occupational safety and health is administered through the college’s interdisciplinary Ph.D. program. The research work for the doctoral dissertation must show a high degree of originality on the part of the student and must constitute an original contribution to the art and science of occupational safety and health.
All Ph.D. degree candidates are required to perform research and follow a planned program of study. The student’s research advisor, academic advisor, and the student’s Advising and Examining Committee (AEC) will be responsible for determining the plan of study appropriate to the student’s needs. The underlying principle of the planned program is to provide the students with the necessary support to complete their degree and prepare them for their career.
Course requirements for the Ph.D. program are determined by the student’s area of concentration. The research work for the doctoral dissertation may entail a fundamental investigation or a broad and comprehensive investigation into an area of specialization.
Curriculum Requirements (BS-PhD Pathway)
- SAFM 601: Research Methods
- SAFM 602: Systems Thinking
- SAFM 603: Applied Statistics for Occupational Safety and Health
- SAFM 501: Safety Management Integration
- SAFM 502: Controlling Environmental and Personnel Hazards
- SAFM 505: Safety Legislation and Compliance
- SAFM 528: Economic Aspects of Safety
- SAFM 534: Fire Safety Management
- SAFM 550: Loss Control and Recovery
- SAFM 552: Safety and Health Training
- SAFM 640: Instrumentation for Safety Managers
- Any BIOM, BMEG, CE, CHE, CHEM, CPE, CS, EE, EMGT, IENG, IH&S, MAE, MATH, MINE, PCOL, PNGE, PHYS, PUBH, SAFM, SENG, or STAT courses 500-795, as approved by the student's AEC
- SAFM 797: Research
- Plan of Study
- Qualifying Exam
- Candidacy Exam
- Final Exam
- Dissertation
Curriculum Requirements (MS-PhD Pathway)
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required in all coursesFoundation Courses, 9 credit hours
- SAFM 601: Research Methods
- SAFM 602: Systems Thinking
- SAFM 603: Applied Statistics for Occupational Safety and Health
- SAFM 501: Safety Management Integration
- SAFM 502: Controlling Environmental and Personnel Hazards
- SAFM 505: Safety Legislation and Compliance
- SAFM 528: Economic Aspects of Safety
- SAFM 534: Fire Safety Management
- SAFM 550: Loss Control and Recovery
- SAFM 552: Safety and Health Training
- SAFM 640: Instrumentation for Safety Managers
- Any BIOM, BMEG, CE, CHE, CHEM, CPE, CS, EE, EMGT, IENG, IH&S, MAE, MATH, MINE, PCOL, PNGE, PHYS, PUBH, SAFM, SENG, or STAT courses 500-795, as approved by the student's AEC
- SAFM 797: Research
- Plan of Study
- Qualifying Exam
- Candidacy Exam
- Final Exam
- Dissertation
Admissions Requirements and Eligibility
Admission to the OSH doctoral program is highly competitive; meeting the minimum standards for admission does not guarantee admission. Success in the program requires significant commitment and research contributions.
To be eligible for consideration for the OSH doctoral program applicants must:
- Have a master's degree in safety related field from an accredited college or university.
- If you do not have a master’s degree, we offer direct B.S. to Ph.D. track option for prospective qualified students with exceptional academic record.
- Have earned a GPA of 3.5 or better (out of a possible 4.0) in an undergraduate and graduate degree program.
- Applicants with a cumulative grade point average of less than 3.5 may be considered for admission if they have relevant research experience.
Admissions Process and How to Apply
- Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of Purpose (one page)
- Explain your specific research topic focusing on the research gap, methodology, and feasibility. Explain how your research interests align with the program's focus and faculty expertise.
- When applicable, discuss resources that you may have to be able to successfully collect primary or secondary data and test your research interventions and or hypotheses.
- Identify 2 OSH faculty with whom you would be interested in working.
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts of all previous college coursework
- International applicants must meet the WVU requirement of English language proficiency.
Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid
- File the application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the June deadline to determine eligibility for funding and scholarships.
- Inquire with your employer about potential financial support for continuing your education.
Connect with Our Team
Ann Clayton Online Admissions Coach
(304) 293-0915 Ann.Clayton@mail.wvu.edu
Explore Profile Schedule Chat
Careers and Employment
Upon graduation from the program, you will be ready to address the needs of the public and private sectors. Specifically, the program graduates will help employers adhere to safety and health regulations, and design and implement programs to prevent disease, injury, or environmental damage.
Career Paths
- Healthcare Safety Manager: Graduates can ensure a safe environment in healthcare facilities by identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks, developing policies, and overseeing compliance to protect patients and staff from infections, injuries, or accidents.
-
Infection Control Specialist: With specialized knowledge, graduates can develop and implement infection control programs, monitor compliance, and train healthcare staff in best practices to minimize the spread of infections within healthcare settings.
-
Construction Safety Manager: With industry-specific knowledge, graduates can develop and implement safety programs for construction sites, ensuring worker safety, reducing accidents, and maintaining compliance with regulations.
-
Site Safety Coordinator: Graduates can oversee safety operations on construction sites, monitor compliance with safety regulations, conduct safety training, and investigate incidents to prevent future occurrences.
-
Fleet Safety Manager: By applying advanced knowledge of safety management principles, graduates can develop and maintain comprehensive safety programs for vehicle fleets, minimizing accidents and ensuring compliance with transportation safety regulations.
-
Rail Safety Specialist: Graduates can assess rail systems for safety hazards, develop and implement safety measures, and ensure compliance with industry regulations to maintain the safety and integrity of rail transportation systems.
-
Occupational Safety and Health Specialist (OSHA): With a strong foundation in safety legislation and compliance, graduates can work with government agencies such as OSHA, inspecting workplaces, enforcing safety regulations, and contributing to developing new safety policies.
-
Environmental Health and Safety Specialist (EPA): Graduates can collaborate with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop and enforce regulations, evaluate the environmental impact of industrial activities, and promote best practices for environmental health and safety.