Online Master's in Occupational Safety and Health
Take your career to the next level
The online Master of Science (MS) degree in occupational safety and health (OSH) with an emphasis in Safety Management will prepare individuals for careers in safety leadership. This program is designed for those already working in the field and is especially applicable for those who have a BS degree in occupational safety and health or a closely related degree. The program is accredited through the Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission of ABET (ANSAC/ABET), www.abet.org.
Why choose Murray State?
The 100% online degree program is offered by Murray State's Department of Occupational Safety and Health and is equivalent to the on-campus program. Murray State graduates hold positions in various areas, including manufacturing, construction, insurance and petro/chemical industries, government, and academia. We have over 40 years’ experience preparing individuals to take their place in organizations as effective practicing professionals. The graduate degree provides a comprehensive, broad-based educational background designed to prepare academically sound graduates with practical experience for positions in the occupational safety, health and environmental professions.
What can I expect?
- No trips to campus. No required virtual meeting times. There is no required on-campus time. Within the curriculum, there are no required synchronous online meetings. This degree was built with working professionals in mind.
- You will go through the program with the same classmates. Students will go through the online program within a cohort, beginning the program with other classmates and then completing the program together.
- Expect to finish in under two years. Students will enroll in two courses per semester for five semesters total. The degree consists of 30 credit hours.
- Plan to start in the fall. A new cohort will start each August. The deadline to apply for the August cohort is June 30th.
Admission to the program
- No GRE required.
- Work experience may be considered for some classes.
- Satisfy the undergraduate prerequisites.
Checklist for admission
- 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.
Admission Requirements
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 and Lab (BIO 100/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)
Unconditional Admission
Conditional Admission
How much does it cost?
Our online students pay the same as our in-state students, no matter where you live. We pride ourselves on providing a high quality education at a competitive price.
Financial aid
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.
Scholarships
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.
Military and veteran benefits
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.
Curriculum
The 30-hour curriculum is designed to provide the technical and professional knowledge required by individuals pursuing careers in occupational safety and health, focusing on management aspects of safety and occupational health.
Course sequence
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:
Semester | Course | Course Title |
---|---|---|
1st Fall | OSH 655 | Legal Aspects of Safety and Health |
OSH 621 | Industrial Hygiene and Safety Program Development | |
1st Spring | OSH 640 | Safety and Health Program Management and Training |
OSH 637 | Biostatistics and Probability | |
1st Summer | OSH 644 | Cooperative Education/Internship |
OSH 636 | Transportation Safety | |
2nd Fall | OSH 650 | Occupational Safety & Health Organizational Leadership & Management |
OSH 689 | Solid and Hazardous Waste Management | |
2nd Spring | OSH 656 | Ergonomics and Biomechanics |
OSH 657 | Current Literature and Research in Safety and Health |
Other degree requirements
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the emphasis of the online program?
Is this degree accredited?
What can I do with this degree?
Is the GRE required for admission?
How many hours can I transfer to this program?
How long will it take me to finish this master's program?
What is the basic organization of the online degree?
Are there any electives?
Is there a comprehensive examination?
Is an internship required?
Is there any special equipment needed?
Who will be my advisor?
What if I have technical questions or need help with my e-mail, myGate, textbooks, etc.?
What if I need help with writing?
- Murray State on-campus resources: Racer Writing Center is in Murray State's Waterfield Library. Staffed by faculty and graduate students, the writing center gives students one-on-one instruction during directed appointments where students can receive guidance on how to improve their writing skills. They offer a grammar hotline at 1-877-900-0114.
- A great writing/grammar resource is available at The Purdue OWL.
- The University of Delaware has information on topics like commas and semicolons, apostrophes, etc.
- Another resource is from the Capital Community College Foundation and includes PowerPoints, interactive exercises, etc.
Can I work at my own pace?
What happens if I have to drop out a semester?
What are the grade and hour requirements for graduation?
How do I apply for graduation?
Contact us!
We would be happy to speak with you! Contact us a msu.oshonline@murraystate.edu.