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The Safety and Health Management (SHM) program at Central Washington University has been named as the fifth best value occupational safety degree program in the United States. The ranking, performed by College Values Online considered tuition, financial aid, return on investment, and the number of minors, concentrations, or areas of emphases offered.

“I am proud, but not really surprised, to see our program so highly ranked,” said Sathyanarayanan “Sathy” Rajendran, SHM director. “We have developed a rigorous program that seeks to advance industry standards. We want our students to lead developments in health and safety protocols.”

The SHM program is one of two bachelor’s-level safety programs in the western United States. It now enrolls more than 75 students annually and, each year, graduates 25 industry-ready professionals. In addition, there are two program minors available in construction safety, and safety and health management. Due to the demand, and the excellence of the program, SHM graduates enjoy a near 100 percent employment rate, with an average starting salary of $60,000.

In the past 40 years, the program has graduated more than 500 safety and health management professionals. More than 80 percent of them are now employed in Washington, Oregon, and California, where the majority work in construction, insurance, and manufacturing.

College Value Online’s mission is to provide assistance in selecting  the best college for each individual situation by offering rankings of  schools and various degree programs, in addition to information on  numerous career options from a value perspective. For more information, go to www.collegevaluesonline.com/rankings/occupational-safety-degree-programs/.

Media Contact: Valerie Chapman-Stockwell, Public Affairs, 509-963-1518, valeriec@cwu.edu

November 23, 2015