Master of Science in Occupational Safety
Earn a master’s in occupational safety to solve tomorrow’s problems today
Every day, millions of workers and employers around the U.S. depend on occupational safety specialists to make sure that workplaces remain safe, healthy, and comfortable environments. As offices, factories, hospitals, and laboratories continue to evolve and adopt new technologies and regulations, experienced occupational health and safety professionals are in higher demand than ever before.
Earning a graduate occupational safety degree from East Carolina University will provide you with the advanced skills and knowledge to take on leadership positions in one of the most important career fields in the country. Through a combination of theory and practical research experience, you’ll develop the qualities and expertise needed to excel in occupational health and safety jobs and be recognized for your commitment to workplace safety.
Earn your graduate occupational safety degree on your terms
Whether you’re a working professional looking for promotion in your current organization or are just starting your career in occupational safety, our master’s in occupational safety is perfect for you. Earn your occupational safety degree online or on campus without sacrificing time with your family or current position.
When you earn your occupational safety degree online or in person at ECU, you can rest assured knowing that you are earning one of only three online MS occupational safety degrees and one of only five traditional MS occupational degree programs in the country accredited by the Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Occupational Safety – Master of Science Degree Information Flyer
Why earn your graduate occupational safety degree at ECU?
Since it was created in 1994, ECU’s graduate occupational safety degree has boasted a high placement rate for its graduates. There are so many benefits to earning your occupational safety degree online or in person from ECU, including:
National recognition
As one of only a handful of graduate occupational safety degree programs accredited by ABET, our degree opens more doors and much higher salary potentials for graduates than a nonaccredited degree. Having ABET associated with your occupational safety degree shows employers and colleagues that you are a serious and accomplished professional.
World-class instruction
As a student in the occupational health and safety degree program, you’ll work closely with faculty mentors who are leaders in their fields as certified safety professionals, OSHA authorized trainers, and internationally recognized researchers. Learn from industry experts while making valuable professional connections.
Research experience
Each of our occupational safety degree courses integrates practical research projects that let you apply the knowledge and skills you accrue in class to real-world scenarios. These research opportunities will teach you how to be an equally skilled leader and team member.
Courses you will take in the occupational safety degree program
Every course we offer provides you with a broad skill set to succeed in a diverse range of occupational health and safety jobs. Our talented faculty members design their courses to accommodate both in-person students and those earning their occupational safety degree online. Whether you’re an online or on-campus student, you’ll take the same cutting-edge courses.
Our 36-credit-hour master’s in occupational safety degree incorporates foundational courses covering regulations, environmental safety, and field audits. Students then move into advanced courses on topics ranging from fire protection and prevention to critical thinking and research methods in occupational safety.
Finally, students will have a choice between a practicum option and a thesis option. Your choice will depend on your career goals and conversations with your faculty adviser.
View the occupational safety online and in-person curriculum (PDF).
Hear from our occupational safety degree students
“This program launched my career to a new level.”
—Jarvis Gray, MSOS 2017, Deputy Director, Safety and Risk Management, North Carolina Department of Transportation
What can you do with your master’s in occupational safety?
After graduating with your graduate occupational safety degree from ECU, you’ll be well-prepared to design, improve, and manage enterprise-wide safety systems in a wide range of occupational health and safety jobs.
Professional skills in the occupational safety degree
The core lessons of our occupational safety degree program include:
- Critical thinking
- Innovative problem-solving
- Effective communication
- Research and development
- Ethical decision-making
These skills are not only essential for any inspirational leader, but also will help you stand out from other applicants during interviews and evaluations.
Where are occupational safety degree graduates working?
As graduates of one of the top accredited master’s in occupational safety programs in the nation, our students are in high demand both in North Carolina and throughout the country for their experience, expertise, and commitment to ethical treatment of workers.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for occupational health and safety specialists is projected to grow faster than average through 2030, adding nearly 10,000 new jobs each year.
Now is the best time for students to begin their journey to finding rewarding occupational health and safety jobs.
Get started on your occupational safety degree
Take the next step toward earning your occupational safety degree online or in person at East Carolina University. We have the resources to answer all your questions and help you get started preparing for occupational health and safety jobs across the U.S.
Accreditation for the occupational safety degree at ECU
East Carolina University’s Master of Science in Occupational Safety is accredited by the Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission of ABET. Because we offer one of only five MS occupational safety degrees and one of only three online graduate occupational safety degrees in the United States, that means we are recognized around the country for meeting the high standards of education and professional preparation set by ABET.