Cohort System

Students attend this program as a cohort, beginning in fall quarter their first year and continuing in the scheduled courses over six quarters. The cohort format contributes to a feeling of support and collaborative relationships that continue beyond completion of the online program. We are currently accepting applications for cohorts every year, with the fourth cohort scheduled to begin Fall 2022.

Designation

The MS-SHM program has been reviewed by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) and approved as a Graduate Safety Practitioner® (GSP®) Qualifying Academic Program (QAP), providing the program’s graduates the option to apply with BCSP for the GSP designation after graduation. BCSP is recognized as a leader in high-quality credentialing for safety, health, and environmental practitioners (SH&E). BCSP establishes standards for and verifies competency in professional safety practice and evaluates certificants for compliance with recertification requirements. The GSP meets the credential requirement for the Certified Safety Professional® (CSP®), the “gold standard” in safety certification, allowing those who hold the designation to waive the Associate Safety Practitioner® (ASP®) certification examination. It demonstrates accomplishment and commitment to professional development.  More information on the GSP are available at bcsp.org/gsp.

Online Format

The MS-SHM is a fully online program, with no in-person laboratories or required campus visits. We use modern instructional tools to engage you in online discussions, complete real-world projects, and perform research applicable to your current workplace. Each cohort begins with a preparatory online course (SHM 502: SHM Graduate Resources) that explains available resources, programs, research and case study formats, degree planning, time management, and study strategies for online courses. Many of our courses are designed using open educational resources (OERs) so that you can save money by not having to purchase textbooks.

Applied Project

Instead of a master’s thesis, the MS-SHM involves an applied project experience that integrates the principles, theories, and concepts of your intended career concentration. This applied project is completed during the spring of your second year in the program, after completing all of the required coursework.

Academic Planning

Courses in the MS-SHM are offered in the quarters listed below. Since each cohort of students goes through the courses at the same time, and follows the same schedule, academic planning is relatively simple. Students take two courses per quarter until the winter of their second year, when they develop their pre-proposal for their applied project in SHM 582: EHS Research Methods. Please contact the graduate coordinator for updated course offerings.

Cost

Based on current (January 2021) tuition and fees, the total cost of the MS-SHM is anticipated to be about $17,500 total for Washington resident graduate students. Non-resident and international graduate students can apply for a waiver through the Financial Aid Office so that they only pay 125% (about $22,000 total) of resident graduate tuition.

Application

Apply directly to the School of Graduate Studies and Research via their website. We do not require students applying to this program to take the GRE or GMAT. Priority applications are accepted until February 1, 2022. There is limited enrollment, so apply early!

Application Checklist:

• Admission to CWU School of Graduate Studies and Research
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Statement of educational and professional objectives
• Written verification from applicant employer confirming 2 years of full-time experience in safety, industrial hygiene, or environmental management
• Earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution
• Minimum 3.0 GPA on your last 90 quarter credits / 60 semester credits
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Resume or CV

Questions

Please contact Morgan Bliss (Morgan.Bliss@cwu.edu) if you are interested in learning more about this degree program. The SHM Handbook also has detailed information about the program, courses, expectations, and time commitment.

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