Online Master's in Occupational Safety and Health

• You must meet the prerequisite undergraduate course requirements before applying to the master's degree. These are listed in the Admissions Requirements link below. 
• Review the Graduate admission checklist and check to see that you meet the minimum requirements for admission.
• Submit an admission application online by  creating a new account. Click on "Create Account" to get started. It is very important that you are admitted as an online student. On the application make sure “Your primary class location” on question 15 is marked as “Online.” If you have questions, call Graduate Admissions at 270-809-3779.
• The application will be reviewed for an admission status decision by Graduate Admissions and the Department of Occupational Safety and Health. You will be notified by email of the admission decision.

The following courses are the minimum accepted requirements for pursuing the MS in Occupational Safety and Health. Occupational Safety and Health courses must be passed with a grade of “C” or higher. Applicable work experience, training and certifications may exempt individuals from some courses. This will be determined by the Department Graduate Admissions Committee on a case-by-case basis and will require submission of additional supporting documentation. 

Technical Courses: (course number in parentheses is corresponding Murray State course number)

• Biological Concepts (BIO 101)
• Introductory Chemistry (CHE 105)
• Algebra & Trigonometry (MAT 130 or MAT 140&145 or 150 or 230)
• Physics and Lab (PHY 125/126)
• Statistics (STA 135/PSY 300)

• Introduction to OSH (OSH 192)
• OSH Standards (OSH 387)
• Industrial Hygiene (OSH 420)
• Ergonomics (OSH 353 or 453)
• Construction Safety (OSH 384)

Getting through the financial aid process can be daunting. We have an office full of people ready to help. Learn all about eligibility, types of aid and how to apply. There are no restrictions for online students. All aid opportunities and processes are the same as on-campus students.

Many scholarship opportunities are available to occupational safety and health students and range from general scholarships for any student who meets basic eligibility requirements to those sponsored by companies and individuals specifically targeted toward occupational safety and health students. Transfer scholarships may be available to first-time transfer students.

• Murray State's general scholarships
• Occupational Safety and Health scholarships

Veteran Affairs assists veteran students with the transition from military to civilian/university life. Veteran Affairs educational assistance is available under six different programs, which include active duty and National Guard/Selected Reserve status. Contact the Veteran Affairs office at 270-809-6837.

The curriculum includes ten courses, each 3 hours, for a total of 30 credit hours. Students will enroll in two courses per semester for five semesters total. Below are the courses and the order they will be presented:

In order to receive the degree, a candidate must earn a minimum grade point average of 3.00 on all graduate courses taken at Murray State University. Repeating a graduate course does not cancel a previous grade in the course.

A candidate may not repeat a course in which a previous grade of A or B was earned for credit. A minimum grade of C is required to receive credit for a graduate course.

A candidate is awarded one “quality deficit point” for each grade of C received, two points for each D, and three points for each E. Upon receipt of four quality deficit points, a candidate is dropped from the program without opportunity for readmission except by special permission. (Also see Scholastic Probation in Academic Bulletin.)

A maximum of twelve semester hours of graduate credit taken at a regionally accredited institution with the approval of the academic advisor and collegiate graduate coordinator and/or dean may be transferred toward the fulfillment of core courses or electives, that a grade of B or better was earned, and that a 3.00 grade point average is earned in Murray State graduate courses. Transfer courses must fall within the eight-year time limit allowed for completion of the master’s degree.

Foundation courses may be completed at Murray State University or at any regionally accredited four-year institution or recognized foreign institution, before or after acceptance into the program. Only the 100- and 200-level foundation courses may be completed at a community or junior college.

A candidate who reapplies after a period of inactivity of 36 months will be subject to the degree requirements in effect at the time of reapplication.