Explore Top Online Occupational Health and Safety Degrees

Basics of Online Occupational Health and Safety Degree Programs

Do you find yourself thinking about how to improve processes for keeping others safe? Do you enjoy problem-solving and proactively identifying things that could cause harm? If so, a career in occupational health and safety might fit your skills and interests.

Whether you’re inspecting a local power plant to ensure it operates according to environmental standards or working on a construction site to keep workers safe, these careers allow you to help others while earning a salary.

The median annual salary for occupational health and safety specialists was $77,580 as of 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The projected growth rate for jobs in this field between 2023 and 2033 was 14% – much faster than the average job.

Online occupational health and safety degree programs combine the challenges of a rigorous curriculum with the convenience of learning from home.

Still interested? Let’s take a deeper look at career paths in online occupational health and safety and see which one might be the right fit.

Career Options for Occupational Health and Safety Graduates

Online occupational health and safety degree programs are flexible and allow students to take their career in a direction that interests them. Instead of being stuck behind a desk, graduates can spend their days problem-solving, leading educational sessions, investigating incidents, and reporting on findings.

Every day brings a new challenge, with a goal of keeping employees safe. Some career paths that graduates can pursue are listed below.

Salary and Career Details for Occupational Health and Safety Graduates

Online Occupational Health and Safety Degree Programs by Level: Which One do You Need?

Many schools offer occupational health and safety degree programs fully or partially online. Most of these programs can be completed without visiting a campus. But, some schools provide hybrid options and others require in-person internships. These requirements can often be completed at an approved site near a student’s residence.

Associate and bachelor’s degree programs cover foundational topics such as construction safety and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. In contrast, advanced degree programs address more niche subjects such as industrial safety program development, probability, and waste management.

The information listed below will help you take a deeper dive into the components of online occupational health and safety degree programs. So, you can determine which degree type matches your interests and educational goals.

Undergraduate Certificates

If you’re responsible for health and safety as part of your job but don’t have formal training, an undergraduate certificate is an ideal place to start. Some programs allow you to take only the classes you need, and others require core courses and electives for a full certificate.

Students can gain basic knowledge, develop a specialty, obtain credentials for a new job, and/or decide whether they want to pursue additional education in the occupational health and safety field. Most certificate programs take between nine and 18 months to complete.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Undergraduate Certificate Program

The University of Alabama – Health and Safety Management Online Certificate program

If you’ve taken on duties for health and safety management but don’t have an occupational health and safety background, this program can help you get up to speed. You’ll take four core courses, including introductions to OSHA, workplace safety, industrial hygiene, and workers’ compensation.

To complete the certificate, you must take six elective courses that cover topics such as ergonomics, personal protective equipment (PPE), bloodborne pathogens, heat stress, wellness, health promotion, mine safety, and more. Students can start taking classes at any time.

Associate Degrees

An online associate degree program could be a great fit if you think a career in occupational health and safety fits your professional goals but you aren’t quite ready to commit to a four-year degree. These two-year programs provide an overview of foundational topics and allow students to pursue entry-level and support jobs after graduation. They also shorten the amount of time needed for those who choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree later.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Associate Degree Program

Edmonds College – Occupational Safety and Health Technician Associate in Applied Science-T degree program

Students in this program can obtain the foundational knowledge they need to be an advocate for health and safety and to prevent accidents and health hazards. They must complete 13 credits of general education and career/college success courses; 20 credits of humanities, natural sciences, math, and social sciences courses; and 63 credits of program requirements, including safety and accident prevention, project management, regulatory environment, incident investigation, and ergonomics. A certificate program is also available.

Bachelor’s Degrees

Bachelor’s degree programs in occupational health and safety take approximately four years to complete. They are a great option for students who know that they want to gain knowledge past an associate degree. These programs are found at public and private schools and meet many hiring managers’ requirements for jobs in the field.

Many programs also offer specializations to help students further develop the skills and knowledge they bring to future employers. Typically, the curriculum covers basic science, engineering, behavioral science, environmental health, occupational safety, and industrial hygiene. Some programs prepare students to take the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) exam.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Program

Southeastern Oklahoma State University – Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health degree program

By earning a bachelor’s degree, students can start their career in the occupational health and safety field with a solid understanding of skills that keep workers safe. They learn to promote safety practices, train staff, implement safety measures, and evaluate safety programs. Graduates are prepared to take roles such as facilities manager, occupational safety and health manager or specialist, production supervisor, or manufacturing manager.

Graduate Certificate Programs

If you’re in the occupational health and safety field and ready to step into a management role, a graduate certificate program is a great next step. Some programs focus on project management, financial management, and legal compliance, while others focus on emergency management, environmental science, and/or health management.

These programs provide advanced skills without the need to complete a full master’s degree program. Credits earned for the certificate can be applied to a master’s degree in public health or a related degree at some schools.

Graduates are qualified to take on roles such as emergency management director, safety engineer, health educator, environmental health and safety specialist, or community health program manager.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Graduate Certificate Program

Tulane University – Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety Management program

This program combines the principles of occupational health and safety with the business skills needed to create a budget and manage a project. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (preferably in STEM, public health, nursing, or another area of healthcare), a minimum 2.7 GPA, and three years of professional experience in a related field.

Master’s Degrees

After working in the field for several years, you might feel ready to take on leadership, research, and/or academic roles. An online occupational health and safety degree at the master’s level requires two years of study and can help you reach this goal.

Like bachelor’s-level programs, many of these degree programs allow students to specialize in particular areas so they can stand out against other job competitors after graduation. Some programs offer multiple start dates and asynchronous classes, while others use a hybrid format that allows students to work face-to-face with industry experts.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Master’s Degree Program

West Virginia University – Master of Science in Safety Management degree program

This master’s degree program prepares students to identify workplace hazards, design and implement safety procedures, investigate accidents, and conduct safety training, all while following state and federal regulations.

The program is offered through the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources. Multiple start dates are offered and no campus visits are required. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Doctoral Degrees

An occupational health and safety-related doctoral degree program prepares students to oversee large-scale health initiatives at government agencies, health systems, and/or non-profit organizations. It’s designed for students who are interested in research, and qualifies them to develop and lead research projects.

With an online degree program, students can continue working in the field and gaining experience as they complete a doctorate. Graduates can teach occupational health and safety topics at the college level either online or in-person.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Doctoral Degree Program

Walden University – PhD in Health Education and Promotion degree program

This program offers six specializations so students can target topics that interest them: behavioral health, global health, management and leadership, online teaching in higher education, population health, and research. Students can participate in four academic residencies virtually or in-person.

The program prepares graduates to take the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam or the Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) exam.

Choosing an Online Occupational Health and Safety Degree Program

Any good education program is a challenge, whether it’s a certificate program designed to get you started in a new field, a doctorate to prepare you to lead a major research project, or anything in between. You should focus primarily on a program’s specifics to ensure that it matches your career goals.

You should also note other important factors, including whether the program offers academic support, whether it is properly accredited, and its price. The questions below can help start your thought process.

What area of occupational health and safety interests me the most?

Occupational health and safety is a wide-ranging field; it covers everything from technical topics (such as mine safety and construction safety) to broader topics (such as health promotion and wellness). As you evaluate the many standout programs that are available, focus on their curriculum to ensure that the coursework matches your interests.

Do I want to work in the field or in a management role?

Understanding this can help you choose the right path and help determine what level of education you need. If you’re happiest out of the office – visiting work sites, conducting evaluations, and gathering data – a certificate or associate degree might be enough to get you started. But, if you like sitting at a computer and planning, researching, and creating presentations, you should consider a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Am I comfortable with public speaking and presentations?

While you won’t have to lead community information sessions at a construction site, you might find yourself in front of a crowd at an employee or community education session. Some people get a charge out of leading these sessions, and others are filled with dread. Knowing your comfort level will help you choose the program that’s right for you.

What level of education do I truly need?

If you want to be in charge of other employees, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree. If you want to lead research projects or teach college classes, you should plan to continue your education to the doctoral level.

If you’re not sure, look for programs that allow you to transfer credits to the next educational level. For example, the associate degree program offered by Edmonds College can set you up to transfer into a bachelor’s degree program.

Am I comfortable with online learning?

Online learning has many benefits; if your classes are asynchronous, you can complete your coursework anywhere and at any time. This is a big plus for a working student who might also have family responsibilities. But, if you don’t like to sit at a computer, consider either a hybrid program that combines online convenience with in-person learning or a traditional on-campus program.

How Much Does an Occupational Health and Safety Degree Program Cost?

The amount you’ll spend on an online occupational health and safety degree program depends on several factors. Is the program shorter, like a certificate program, or longer, like a master’s degree program? Does your employer offer tuition reimbursement? Are you attending a public or private school? And finally, have you submitted a FAFSA form and investigated financial aid and scholarships? After all of those pieces are in place, you’ll have a clearer picture of the price of your degree program.

Online degrees have a powerful advantage regarding cost – and some drawbacks, too. As you decide if online college is right for you, you might think about flexible schedules. With an online degree program, you can continue working in your current job and study during off-hours.

Also, you won’t need to pay to move to the area where your school is located. Plus, some programs allow you to speed up the process if you’re eager to finish a degree program and move on to a new role (or slow down if life or finances dictate it).

You’ll need to invest in a good computer and reliable internet service, which comes at a cost, to be successful. The bottom line? Salaries in the occupational health and safety field are good, so the money you spend on your degree should come back to you in the form of a higher salary and opportunities for advancement.

FAQs from Occupational Health and Safety Students

What type of accreditation should I look for?

Several programmatic accrediting agencies exist within the world of occupational health and safety. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)’s Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission (ANSAC) is one name to know.

You should also consider the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) and the National Environmental Health, Science, and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC).

Institutional accreditation should also play an important role in your decision. Both regional and national accreditation exists; the former is viewed as the more desirable of the two. If you’re unsure whether a prospective school holds regional accreditation, search the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP).

What are the admissions requirements for an online occupational health and safety degree program?

Admissions requirements depend on what level of education you’re pursuing. For the associate degree program at Edmonds College, you’ll need only a high school diploma or the equivalent; if you’re over the age of 18, you might be able to enroll without a diploma.

For the master’s degree program at West Virginia University, you’ll need a minimum 3.0 GPA; 63 credits of science, math, engineering, and technology courses; 21 credits of communications, humanities, and social sciences courses; and a personal statement to apply.

What types of classes will I take in an online occupational health and safety degree program?

Occupational health and safety degree programs offer a variety of courses to familiarize you with the discipline and help you hone specialized skills. You should expect to start with a Fundamentals of Occupational Safety and Health class and an OSHA standards class; these standards should be followed in most aspects of the occupational health and safety field.

Beyond that, you can choose courses that match your area of interest, so you can finish a degree program with a high level of expertise.

Will I need a license after I complete an online occupational health and safety degree program?

Licensure and certification requirements vary based on both where you live and the job you want. For example, most states require construction and building inspectors to hold licensure or certification. If you plan to work as a health and safety engineer, you might need a professional engineering license. Ensure that you understand what licenses or certifications you might need when deciding whether a specific program is right for you.

Can an occupational health and safety degree program be offered fully online?

Yes; many programs require no campus visits. For example, both The University of Alabama’s Health and Safety Management Online Certificate program and Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health degree program are offered fully online.

Making Your Decision

You’ve learned a lot about the options, formats, costs, and opportunities for online occupational health and safety degree programs. Is your brain buzzing with excitement because this degree feels like the right fit for you? You might know where you want to start, like with a certificate, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree. If that’s the case, you can check out the school’s timeline for admissions and start the application process.

However, if you’re still not sure, you can visit each school’s website to get a feel for the curriculum and the jobs you’ll be qualified for. Then, you should contact your front-runner schools to ask any questions you have and find out about available financial aid options.

Soon, your occupational health and safety degree will be in hand, and you’ll be ready to launch your career in this quickly evolving, life-saving field.

STEPS’ Top Online Occupational Health and Safety Degree Programs

As your knowledge of online occupational health and safety degree programs grows, you might find yourself focusing on a particular program. Or you might be completely overwhelmed, with too many options to choose from. That’s where our rankings come in.

We evaluated key factors for each program, including accreditation, online learning options, and access to academic counseling and career placement services. We also considered the number of available programs, student engagement, tuition costs, graduation rates, financial aid availability, and student-to-faculty ratios.

The results, listed below, highlight top online occupational health and safety degree programs.You can sort them by two-year and four-year programs to find the right one for you.