Did you know that WVU Extension offers online OSHA courses through the WVU Certified Safety Specialist program? For one student, it provided an opportunity to get ahead in the industry, while simultaneously earning her bachelor's degree.
Recently, we caught up with Missy Stewart, Program Coordinator at WVU Extension. She graduated at the end of 2025 with her Regents Bachelor of Arts, R.B.A. degree. After working at WVU for several years, she decided to go back to school and used the courses taught through WVU Extension to achieve her goal.
Missy walked through her journey as the first student to earn her RBA through this pathway, highlighted students pursuing OSHA certificates, and shared her advice for those returning to school after spending years in the workforce.
Photo: Missy Stewart at the 2025 Commencement
To lay some groundwork, can you give a little background on the OSHA Certified Safety Specialist programs?
We’re one of 25 OSHA Training Institute Education Centers across the country. The Certified Safety Specialist programs allow participants to specialize in their field.
There are six distinct tracks to choose from:
- Construction
- General Industry
- Maritime
- Oil and Gas
- Healthcare
- Industrial Hygiene
Many individuals pursue these programs as a pathway toward advanced credentials, and some complete multiple tracks to expand their expertise and earn more than one certificate.
Once a student graduates from their chosen program and becomes a Certified Specialist Safety (CSS), they are eligible to enroll in the Certified Safety Trainer (CST) program and have the ability to teach the OSHA 10- and 30-hour courses themselves.
What about your personal journey? What led you to where you are now?
I’ve worked at the University for 30 years. I attended Fairmont State College years ago and earned a lot of credits but never finished my degree. I always wanted to, but raising my children was my priority at the time. Now that my children are grown and pursuing their own dreams, I thought it might be the right time to go back to school to pursue one of mine.
The journey started with a few of the OSHA courses WVU Extension offers.
I don't have a background in safety, but I've worked at WVU Extension for a long time. Much of what I do is on the administrative side of things, processing student cards, guiding trainers and assisting with their topics.
I wanted to get to know the students and the OSHA material better, so I took those classes.
Around 2018, my supervisor and a former colleague proposed to the Higher Education Policy Commission to have our OSHA courses approved for college credit through the Regents Bachelor of Arts (R.B.A.) program. That created an opportunity for me to apply the credits I earned though our coursework towards getting my R.B.A.
I did not need to earn many credits, but I did need to complete additional electives and upper-division coursework to finish the program. The R.B.A. program allowed me to create portfolios to document my work and experience, as well as taking a couple of online courses through the Communications Department.
During your time in your program, did you take any electives that stood out?
I took a communications course focused on film. It was definitely interesting, but it was more writing intensive than I expected. Writing isn’t my strongest skill, and the experience helped me improve.
In your experience, why are people taking these OSHA classes?
Primarily for knowledge and credentialing. Many take these courses to earn promotions, raises, or additional credentials within their organizations. Others want to expand their knowledge so they can train employees and improve workplace safety. Their goals are usually career focused.
As an OSHA Training Institute Education Center, we provide training that helps professionals ensure their workplaces are safe, learn regulation and remain compliant. Many participants are working safety professionals or those interested in becoming a safety professional.
Students are often motivated because this directly impacts their careers and the safety of others. West Virginia University adds value to these programs, as professionals take pride in coming to WVU for training and being associated with a respected institution known for advancing workplace safety and professional development.
What advice would you give someone interested in this pathway?
Everyone’s path is different. Our OSHA courses are open to the public and operate through our own registration system. They’re not traditional, admissions-based programs.
For those pursuing a degree like the R.B.A., it’s important to understand all available options and how credits may apply. People just aren’t aware of what’s possible.
What resources were available to you to help you figure out your path?
In my case, working at WVU has been incredibly valuable to my professional growth. I especially want to recognize the individuals who played a key role in helping me get to where I am today. My program peader, Mark Fullen, and the director of the OSHA Training Institute Education Center, Tiffany Rice, were instrumental in providing guidance and support along the way.
I would also like to recognize my advisor on the R.B.A. side, Nick Sano-Franchini, for his help throughout the process.
Learn More
Thank you to Missy for talking with us and sharing about her educational journey. If you’re interested in learning more about the available online OSHA Workforce Education programs offered by Extension, check out the WVU Safety and Health website or reach out via email.
Additionally, if you want to find out how your previously earned credits can help you complete your degree, learn more about the online Regents Bachelor of Arts, R.B.A program.