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SAFETY MANAGEMENT M.S.

Jan. 13, 2025

Next Start Date

12

Courses Required

$746

Cost Per Credit Hour

36

Total Credit Hours

Online Asynchronous

Learning Format

Preparing Risk Minimizers

The Master of Science in Safety Management program offered by the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources prepares you to help companies follow state and federal regulations, while designing programs to prevent disease, injury, or damage to the environment. And with a strong job market - Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 4 percent yearly increase in the number of jobs in this field through 2024 – you will be ready to respond to the needs of the public and employers, to inspect hazardous situations, and to investigate and administer government regulations.

Fast Five

  1. The degree is housed in the WVU Statler College of Engineering & Mineral Resources and has been ABET-accredited since 1993.
  2. Military Friendly - The Safety Management program is the only online program that will count your armed forces training.
  3. Multiple start dates per year.
  4. No campus visits required.
  5. Job placement rates near 100 percent.

Safety worker inspecting an airplane engine.

The Master of Science in Safety Management program is accredited by the Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission of ABET. The Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering offers the online Master of Science in Safety Management for those seeking careers in occupational health and safety. Graduates will be able to identify hazards in the workplace, design and implement procedures to protect workers, investigate workplace accidents, and conduct training on safety procedures.

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Safety Management M.S. Admission Requirements

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (certain Board of Regents degrees will be considered). A minimum GPA of a 3.0, 63 credit hours at the undergraduate or graduate level in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology (15 credits at the junior/senior/graduate level) as well as 21 credit hours in communications, humanities, and social sciences. Individuals who have at least a 2.75 will be considered for provisional admittance. Provisional students must earn a 3.25 GPA in the first 12 hours of the program.

Admissions

  • Personal Statement
    • Your personal statement should include a very brief background (education, work, life). Connect this to where you are going with it (career, life, etc.). Please include what you expect to get out of the Safety Management M.S. degree and how gaining the M.S. degree can positively influence your career and its effect on others. "What does this safety degree mean to me and what can I do with it."
  • Pay graduate application fee
  • Request official transcripts from all institutions attended (other than WVU) and
    1. Mail to:
      WVU Hub
      P.O. Box 6004
      Morgantown, WV 26506
    2. or Email to: GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu

English Language Proficiency

Generally, applicants whose first language is not English must submit adequate TOEFL or IELTS results before an application can be considered for admission to WVU:

  • TOEFL Internet-Based = 79
  • TOEFL Paper-Based = 550
  • IELTS = 6.5

Applicants who have received a high school diploma or a bachelor’s degree in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand or Australia need not submit TOEFL/IELTS results.

However, applicants having only a master’s degree from an accredited US college or university must still provide acceptable TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Application Requirements

  • Official transcripts of all previous college course work
  • ABET-ANSAC prerequisite course requirements:
    • sixty-three credit hours of approved science, mathematics, and other technical courses. Of these, at least fifteen credit hours must be junior or senior level.
    • twenty-one hours of social sciences, humanities, and/or communications.
    • Based on application review, additional requirements may be required on a case by case basis.
  • International applicants must meet the WVU requirement of English language proficiency.

All applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency. WVU accepts either the TOEFL or the IELTS for this purpose.

Apply Now

Omar Al-Shebeeb profile image.

Dr. Omar Al-Shebeeb

Safety Management M.S.
"I strive to learn from and to adapt both the style and content of my teaching material to reflect the diversity of my students."

Omar Al-Shebeeb went into industrial engineering because he was interested in optimizing processes and creating effective solutions to engineering problems.

In addition, he already had a solid foundation in production engineering, a profession that combines parts of mechanical and industrial engineering.

He says his teaching style is determined by the class arrangement and structure. It is adaptive and varies from class to class.

"I use a variety of teaching approaches in my graduate and undergraduate classes, depending on the courses," he says.
"When I get productive feedback from students, and I see positive results on their faces, it makes me more motivated to give more and more. I consider my students to be my customers, and I am motivated by their needs."

Omar says the development of a vibrant and welcoming learning atmosphere that prioritizes active participation, open communication, and a sincere interest for the material is essential for student success in his classrooms.

He thinks students are more likely to effectively retain and understand knowledge when they are actively engaged in their learning process.

"The common activity in all the classes that I teach is the availability of the projects and teamwork in addition to the self-learning activities," he says.
"I strive to learn from and to adapt both the style and content of my teaching material to reflect the diversity of my students."

Avishek Choudhury profile image.

Dr. Avishek Choudhury

Safety Management M.S.
"My aim is to empower students to become not just proficient learners, but critical thinkers with a robust problem-solving toolkit that extends well beyond the confines of the classroom."

Avishek Choudhury went into his field of study because it was in the pioneering landscape where systems engineering meets cognitive human factors in healthcare.

"I found myself at the thrilling intersection of technology, healthcare, and human behavior," he says.

His work involves unraveling the intricacies of healthcare environments, fostering systems that are not only efficient and reliable but also emphatically human-centered.

"We champion innovative solutions, setting a new benchmark in healthcare delivery," he says. "The solutions are user-friendly, enhancing the safety and wellbeing of both healthcare professionals and patients alike."

But his role is also about preparing the next generation of professionals.

"This is not just a profession, it is a commitment to revolutionizing healthcare."

In his classroom, he expects his students to immerse themselves in a deep well of knowledge, venturing far beyond the pursuit of grades.

He emphasizes conceptual understanding over rote memorization and nurtures a learning environment where curiosity is not just encouraged, but is a requisite.

"My aim is to empower students to become not just proficient learners, but critical thinkers with a robust problem-solving toolkit that extends well beyond the confines of the classroom."

Makenzie Dolly profile image.

Dr. Makenzie Dolly

Safety Management M.S.
"My teaching style is interactive, engaging, exploratory, experiential, and involved."

Makenzie Dolly went into industrial engineering because it is all about high efficiency, productivity, and organization.

"It's a representation of my character inside and out," she says. "From the time I first read about industrial engineering on some random internet forum many years ago, I knew it would be the perfect fit for me. I've never thought twice."

Similarly, Makenzie says she has always been an educator, whether it was formal or informal.

"I started peer tutoring at the age of 12 and never stopped sharing my knowledge with others. Getting to teach industrial engineering and engineering management is truly the perfect combination for me."

She describes her teaching style as interactive, engaging, exploratory, experiential, and involved.

Jeremy Gouzd profile image.

Dr. Jeremy Gouzd

Safety Management M.S.
"All students learn a little differently than others. Being able to see that and provide the material in different ways until you see the ‘light bulb’ moment is crucial."

Jeremy Gouzd decided to go into his field of study because throughout his career he enjoyed engineering and the field of occupational safety.

"Along with those fields of study, I had a passion for teaching," he says.

He tries to get as much involvement with his students as possible, because he believes this is the best way to communicate the material that is being taught.

"Teaching online is different in that the paths you need to take to connect with the student are different," he says. "The information isn't conveyed in the same manner as the traditional style of teaching."

He engages in as much feedback with students as possible, through grading comments, discussions, announcements, and emails.

"I also record shorter versions of my lectures that students seem to be more apt to watch and which highlight and move through the material as the student would, week to week."
"I think that all students learn a little differently than others. Being able to see that and provide the material, information, and lectures in those different ways until you see the ‘light bulb’ moment is crucial."

JuHyeong Ryu profile image.

Dr. JuHyeong Ryu

Safety Management M.S.
"To adapt to the changing landscape of education, I leverage advanced web-based tools in online classes, tailoring learning experiences to individual students' needs and progress."

JuHyeong Ryu entered the field of safety engineering and management because he was driven by a strong desire to enhance worker safety, health, and productivity.

"Combining my background in architectural and civil engineering, I have developed a multidisciplinary approach, focusing on sustainability and leveraging cutting-edge technologies like human motion sensing, artificial intelligence, biomechanical analysis, and automated work systems," he says.
"Despite the challenges, I'm proud to have made a meaningful contribution to improving occupational safety in various industries."

His teaching approach is centered on facilitating meaningful and engaging online learning experiences.

"I am proficient in delivering content effectively through digital platforms, ensuring that students remain actively involved in the online classroom."
"My experiences as a research advisor, particularly in the online PhD in Occupational Safety and Health program, have equipped me with valuable insights and strategies to enhance the online education environment."
"I place a strong emphasis on personalized feedback and engagement, ensuring that students have the resources they need to excel in their academic journey."

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Financial aid is available. Students are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to determine their eligibility for federal and state funds as well as scholarships. WVU’s FAFSA Code is 003827. Please contact the WVU Financial Aid Office at (304) 293-5242 or financialaid.wvu.edu for additional information.

The tuition rate per credit hour listed above is for the 2024-2025 academic year. Tuition and fees increase beginning in the fall term of each academic year.

Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies and living expenses. Please see the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage for how to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

Your future in Safety Management

To meet Program Educational Objectives of the Safety Management program, students must be able to meet the following outcomes at the time of their graduation:

  • Mathematics and science and/or technical topics to areas relevant to safety management.
  • An ability to formulate or design a system, process, procedure or program to meet desired needs.
  • An ability to develop and conduct experiments or test hypotheses, analyze and interpret data and use scientific judgment to draw conclusions.
  • An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  • An ability to understand ethical and professional responsibilities and the impact of technical and/or scientific solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
  • An ability to function effectively on teams that establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, and analyze risk and uncertainty.

The Benefits to Choosing Our Program

A graduate of the Safety Management program will be able to:

  • Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, including the transmission of safety data to management and employees.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills in the area of safety management.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of ethical and professional responsibilities and knowledge of applicable legislation and regulations.
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply various research activities through the decision-making process used in safety management.

Career Outlook for Safety Management

Students who graduate from WVU Online with the Safety Management M.S. degree may be prepared for the following careers. These are only a few examples of some of the many opportunities that will be open to you with this degree. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for some positions: occupational health and safety technician/specialist, industrial safety and health engineer, emergency management director, and environmental specialist.

A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required in all courses.

Course Requirements

A minimum of 60% of courses must be from 500 level or above.

Course Title Credit Hours
SAFM 501 Safety Management Integration 3
SAFM 502 Controlling Environmental and Personnel Hazards 3
SAFM 505 Safety Legislation and Compliance 3
SAFM 528 Economic Aspects of Safety 3
SAFM 534 Fire Safety Management 3
SAFM 550 Loss Control and Recovery 3
SAFM 552 Safety and Health Training 3
SAFM 640 Instrumentation for Safety Managers 3
SAFM 689 Professional Field Experience 3

Electives

Select three from the following:

Course Title Credit Hours
SAFM 470 Managing Construction Safety 3
SAFM 471 Motor Fleet Safety 3
SAFM 533 Disaster Preparedness 3
SAFM 539 Security Management 3
SAFM 580 Fundamentals of Environmental Management 3
SAFM 641 Leadership Safety Management 3
EMGT 501 Engineering and Systems Management 3
EMGT 502 Quality Management Systems 3
EMGT 503 Project Management 3
EMGT 504 Operations and Supply Chain Management 3
EMGT 506 Lean Six Sigma 3
EMGT 511 Analytics for Decision Making 3
EMGT 512 Machine Learning for Business Analytics 3
EMGT 513 Managerial Accounting/Financial Analytics 3
EMGT 521 Strategic Engineering Management 3
EMGT 522 New Product and Services Development 3
EMGT 523 Team Facilitation 3
RESM 440 Foundations of Applied Geographic Information Systems 3
RESM 460 Energy Project and Program Management 3
AGEE 421 Agricultural and Natural Resource Communications 3
IENG 474 Technology Entrepreneurship 3
FNRS 421 Renewable Resources Policy and Governance 3
FNRS 425 Global Forest Resources 3
FNRS 485 Environmental Water Resource 3

Any online STEM or related course 400-795 and approved by the student's advisor.

Choose 1 of the following options:

Coursework Option (most students pursue this option)

Course Title Credit Hours
Final Oral or Written Examination

Total Hours: 36-42

Thesis Option

Course Title Credit Hours
SAFM 697 Research 6
Final Oral or Written Examination
Thesis

Problem Report Option

Course Title Credit Hours
SAFM 697 Research 3
Final Oral or Written Examination
Formal written report or professional report/paper

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take me to earn my Safety Management Master's Degree?

Completion of the Master of Science Degree in Safety Management should take a student 18 months to complete following the coursework option plan of study.

Do I need to have a Bachelor's Degree in Safety Management?

Students who do not have a bachelor’s degree in Safety Management may be required to take a set of undergraduate courses above and beyond the minimum coursework requirements.

What exactly is a Risk Minimizer?

The Safety Management program will prepare graduates to meet the safety mission of any enterprise. The goal is to protect, conserve, and improve the resources – people, property and efficacy – of the organization.

What kind of jobs can I get with a Master's Degree in Safety Management?

Jobs in this field can include but are not limited to the following careers: occupational health and safety technician/specialist, industrial safety and health engineer, emergency management director, and environmental specialist.

Is there a place to view courses in detail?

To view the courses related to this degree please visit the WVU Catalog.

WVU Online

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Morgantown, WV 26506-6800


Phone: (800) 253-2762
Email: WVUOnlineInquiry@mail.wvu.edu

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