Become a subject matter expert.
The online Occupational Safety and Health Ph.D. program is designed for students/professionals who aspire to advance their knowledge, research potential, and overall expertise to be able to tackle research and development opportunities in academia, consulting, or high-level industry positions. The program equips students with the skills necessary to tackle complex occupational safety and health challenges by seamlessly integrating structured coursework with applied research. The flexible, self-paced online curriculum allows students to balance their professional commitments while pursuing their doctoral degrees. Optional on-campus sessions and the opportunity to visit the campus to conduct lab-related research enrich the learning experience and foster a deeper understanding of the subject matter. The program's industry-focused curriculum addresses the growing demand for doctoral-level expertise in high-risk sectors such as healthcare, fire safety, construction, and more.
With the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting a 4 percent yearly increase in job opportunities in this field through 2024, graduates 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.
Program Requirements
Curriculum in Doctor of Philosophy – Occupational Safety and Health
A candidate for the Ph.D. degree with a major in occupational safety and
health must comply with the rules and regulations as outlined in the WVU
Graduate Catalog and the specific requirements of the Statler College and
the Industrial and Management Systems Engineering Department.
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, in conjunction with 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 degrees and prepare them for their career.
Required core courses for the Ph.D. program are determined by the student’s area of emphasis. The research work for the doctoral dissertation may entail a fundamental investigation or a broad and comprehensive investigation into an area of specialization.
Educational Objectives/Outcomes
Program Educational Objectives
Drawing 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 federal, state, and local 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.
Student Outcomes
In order to meet the Program Educational Objectives, students of the Occupational
Safety and Health Doctoral program must be able to meet the following educational
outcomes at the time of their graduation. Students will have acquired the
ability:
- To construct, manage, and evaluate a comprehensive safety and health program for large industry or government agencies.
- To participate in the safety and health regulatory process as an individual or part of a corporation or university.
- To critically evaluate research conducted by other individuals or corporations in occupational safety and health.
- To provide excellent teaching at the University or corporate levels.
- To participate in activities such as conferences or seminars for continued professional improvement.
- To actively participate as a leader in the professional organizations that serve the occupational safety and health fields.
- To demonstrate the highest possible ethical standards in the field of occupational safety and health.
Program Detail
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 (with significant work experience) or a master's degree in safety or related fields will be eligible for admission into the program.
Format: Online 8-week courses
Next Start Date: Spring 2024