ETSC

Bachelor of Science in Safety and Health Management

About the Safety and Health Management, BS

In our Safety and Health Management program, you will study a variety of concepts and principles from diverse areas such as business administration, enforcement, engineering, health, risk management, and statistics to prevent harm to people, property, and the environment. Through hazard analysis and risk reduction, Occupational Safety and Health Management professionals create safe and healthy work settings in industries such as agriculture, petrochemical, government, construction, insurance, and many more.

Why Study Safety and Health Management at CWU?

We offer one of the few, four-year Occupational Safety and Health Management degrees on the West Coast.

At CWU, we support small class sizes, hands-on learning opportunities, high job-placement rates, and a welcoming culture that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and prioritizes student success. The program enrolls around 20 students in each year's SHM cohort who will study the safety technical classes together over the next two years.

Where is this program offered?

• Ellensburg

How much does this program cost?

Explore information on Cost, Aid, and Value to make an informed decision about investing in your education at CWU.

Where can I find more information?

Please visit the CWU Academic Catalog for current information about admission requirements, course descriptions, learner outcomes, and credit information.

Careers & Opportunities

A degree in safety opens the door to incredibly diverse career options. OS&H professionals are essential members of every organization all across the world.

Our students have a near 100% job placement, with average entry-level salaries of $74,000 or more per year.

Highlights

Program History

The roots of the Safety and Health Management degree can be tracked back to 1974 when a 20-credit minor in OSH was first offered under the Safety Education (SED) Program. The SED program included faculty members, Dr. Duane Patton and Dr. Ron Hales.

On January 8, 1975, Dr. Patton submitted a proposal for a new Bachelor of Science in OSH to the CWU Faculty Senate, which was approved unanimously. The purpose of the integrated interdisciplinary OSH Major was to provide an education program for aspiring safety personnel in the region.

Through name changes—from Loss Control Management to Safety and Health Management—over the last 48 years, the program has graduated more than 750 OSH professionals. More than 80 percent of them are now employed in Washington, Oregon, and California, where the majority work in construction, insurance, and manufacturing.

Add-On to Your Degree

As a Qualified Academic Program (QAP) the program’s graduates have the option to apply with BCSP for the GSP designation after graduation. The GSP meets part of the credential requirement for the Certified Safety Professional® (CSP®), the “gold standard” in safety certification. The GSP designation allows those who hold the designation to waive the Associate Safety Practitioner® (ASP®) certification examination. It demonstrates accomplishment and commitment to professional development.