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Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety

School of Safety, Security & Emergency Management

College of Justice, Safety & Military Science

Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety

School of Safety, Security & Emergency Management

College of Justice, Safety & Military Science

On-Campus & Online

Options

120 Credit Hours

to Graduate

On-Campus: $5,010 Per Semester

Online: $443 Per Credit Hour

Free Books

for All Students

What do Safety and Success Have in Common? Preparation.

Build the foundation you need to become a safety leader

The professional demands of occupational safety specialists are changing rapidly in the modern workforce. Success depends on the ability to adapt to diverse workplace settings, constantly changing codes and regulations, and unforeseen hazards and threats.

EKU’s online bachelor of science in occupational safety degree can help you grow with the industry and cement a career as a safety leader. Expand your knowledge by diving into topics ranging from employee safety education to regulatory compliance to policy and enforcement. You can immediately apply your newfound knowledge in your current position or pursue new career opportunities and increased responsibility.

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Career Outlook


Employment of occupational health and safety specialists and technicians is projected to grow 5 percent from 2021 to 2031

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Students that complete this degree are well-rounded and marketable for a variety of careers within the health and safety fields.

Job Titles Include:

  • Environmental health and safety officer
  • Corporate safety director or manager
  • OSHA trainer
  • Safety technician

EKU’s occupational safety program is real-world focused and graduates have found careers in a variety of industries.

Employers Include:

  • Amazon
  • Dupont
  • Toyota
  • Ceco Concrete Construction, LLC
  • Fairfax County (VA) Government

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • Earn your Bachelor’s & Master’s in as few as 5 years with the Dual Degree Option
  • Excellent cooperative experience and internship opportunities
  • Learn from experienced faculty regarded as experts in their field
  • Dynamic, supportive learning environment

Dual Degree Option

The 3+2 BS in Occupational Safety program offers an accelerated pathway to complete the MS in Safety, Security, and Emergency Management degree through 3+2 enrollment.

Benefits:

  • Enroll in up to nine hours of graduate courses that will apply to both your undergraduate and graduate degree
  • Pay undergraduate tuition rates for the graduate coursework
  • Gain advanced knowledge in the desired subject area

Internship Agreements

An internship can be your gateway to new and exciting professional opportunities. Through our partnerships we’ve been able to place our students with some of the world’s largest companies, including:

  • Marathon Petroleum
  • Georgia-Pacific
  • Owens Corning
  • Aera Energy
  • Turner Construction
  • Siemens
  • ConAgra
  • General Electric (Consumer and Industrial)
  • Toyota Motor Manufacturing
  • Bechtel
  • BMW

In addition, EKU’s Career Development and Placement Office can assist you in identifying and pursuing job opportunities in the safety industry.

Attend Online

Choosing an online program doesn’t mean completing your education alone. EKU Online strives to provide students with unparalleled staff and faculty access, rich engagement opportunities and every resource possible to succeed. We are committed to helping you find success in your coursework, as well as identifying and pursuing employment opportunities upon graduation. We are here to help you every step of the way.

Online students have access to:

  • Accelerated 8-week terms
  • Courses begin 6 times per year
  • No campus visits required
  • Personal advisors stay with you from application to graduation
  • Free online tutoring and career services assistance 

Curriculum & Enrollment


EKU’s occupational safety degree is a comprehensive look at occupational safety concepts and how to implement them. Through the guidance of nationally recognized safety experts from nearly every corner of the industry, you can build the foundation you need to lead. Study the role of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and its rules, regulations and enforcement policy. Learn to identify and analyze potential workplace hazards, infractions and risks. Discover new ways to keep workers safe, and design and implement corrective safety measures. Course topics include occupational safety and health federal and state compliance requirements, hazardous materials, human factors (ergonomics), safety leadership and management, safety training strategies, hazard anticipation, safety performance metrics and evaluation techniques, workers’ compensation, and asset protection.

A minimum of 120 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students may transfer up to 90 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 30 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

On-Campus Deadlines
Online Deadlines

All applicants must provide an application and evidence of appropriate scholastic achievement through prior educational experience.

Please note that certain degree programs have special admission requirements. Admission to the University does not mean automatic admission to all degree programs.

The completed application and all required supporting documentation must be received by the University no later than:

• August 1 for fall enrollment
• December 1 for spring enrollment
• May 1 for summer enrollment

To apply for undergraduate admission to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), submit an application at apply.eku.edu and submit any required materials electronically or by mail to:

Office of Admissions
Eastern Kentucky University
Whitlock Bldg. 112, CPO 54
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475-3154.

Enrolling & Advising Information


EKU’s College of Justice, Safety, and Military Science is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to the college enrollment counselor for your preferred program.

professional photo of Jacinda Bertie-Cockerham

Jacinda Bertie-Cockerham

College Enrollment Counselor

859-622-6520
jacinda.bertie@eku.edu

Jacob Mobley

Online Enrollment Advisor

859-622-2877
Jacob.Mobley@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment

Student Stories & Features

Jesse Valdez

EKU Safety Leadership and Management Student
The advisors, administrator, and instructors at EKU are compassionate, empathetic, and available to meet the educational needs of all students when necessary.

Ricky De La Cruz

EKU Safety, Security & Emergency Management Student
I really like the responsiveness of my assistant professors and really enjoy having to balance my schedule around family and the work week.

Matthew Harris

EKU Safety, Security & Emergency Management Graduate
I was an online student but I felt like I was truly part of the EKU family.

Upcoming Events


News & Updates

Colonels Shine in “Forty Under 40” Class

EKU graduates Josh Jarboe, ’12, and Tony Mudd, ’15, made the Louisville Business First’s Forty Under 40 list for 2023. The program honors “professionals under the age of 40 thriving […]

EKU Awarded Grant for Fire Investigation Research

Faculty in Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) College of Justice, Safety and Military Science, Dr. Shijin Kozhumal and Dr. Greg Gorbett, received a competitive research grant from the National Institute of […]

Related Programs

B.S. in Fire Protection & Safety Engineering Technology

Common Job Titles: fire safety director, industrial safety specialist, fire protection & prevention systems designer

Modalities: online and on-campus

Credit Hours: 120

M.S. in Safety, Security & Emergency Management

Common Job Titles: manufacturing manager, environmental health officer, facilities manager

Modalities: online and on-campus

Credit Hours: 36


Contact Information

School of Safety, Security & Emergency Management

521 Lancaster Ave
Stratton Building 245
Richmond, Ky. 40475

859-622-3565
Fax: 859-622-?
jus.dean@eku.edu