The Safety Sciences undergraduate curriculum concentrates on the study of hazards arising in or from the workplace including product hazards and environmental hazards. Coursework required outside of the major includes natural sciences, mathematics, and business. Students enrolling in Safety Sciences follow a general industrial safety curriculum. All Safety Sciences majors must complete an intensive internship which is arranged by the faculty and industrial organizations which work closely with the department. IUP's Safety Sciences program is considered one of the best in the country. There are twenty-two faculty members in department, eight of whom are full-time instructors. They have varied backgrounds with experience in industries such as oil, chemicals, textiles, explosives, mining, steel, and manufacturing. Enrollment in the Safety Sciences undergraduate program is approximately 150.
Career Options
The undergraduate degree program in Safety Sciences prepares an individual for a career as a safety professional. The entry-level safety specialist is usually associated with hazard control activities and occupies a staff position within an organization. The function of this specialist is to advise management on control measures needed for safety, fire, explosion, and health hazards. The safety professional is also expected to be an expert in regulatory matters where safety is involved. Interpersonal skills are just as important as the technical background provided by the undergraduate education in Safety Sciences. The safety profession is equally suitable for male and female graduates.
Program of Study
Liberal Studies (outlined in catalog with the following specifications) 48 cr.
Mathematics MATH 105
Natural Science CHEM 101 - 102
Social Science PSYC 101, SOC 151
(non-western culture required)
Liberal Studies Elective MATH 217
(no course with SAFE prefix)
Major Requirements 45 cr.
SAFE 101 Introduction to Occupational Safety and Health
SAFE 111 Principles of Industrial Safety I
SAFE 211 Principles of Industrial Safety II
SAFE 212 Hazard Prevention Management I
SAFE 220 Hazardous Materials
SAFE 311 Industrial Fire Protection
SAFE 330 Recognition/Evaluation/Control of Health Hazards I
SAFE 345 Systems Safety Analysis
SAFE 347 Ergonomics
SAFE 410 Environmental Safety and Health Regulations
SAFE 430 Recognition/Evaluation/Control of Health Hazards II
SAFE 412 Hazard Prevention Management II
SAFE 488/493 Internship
Other Requirements 21 cr.
BIOL 155 Human Physiology and Anatomy
PHYS 111 Physics I Lecture
PHYS 112 Physics II Lecture
PHYS 121 Physics I Lab
PHYS 122 Physics II Lab
BTST 321 Business and Interpersonal Communications
MGMT 311 Human Behavior in Organizations
ACCT 200 Foundations of Accounting
Free Electives 6 credits.
Total Degree Requirements 120 credits
Note: All course descriptions are available in the Undergraduate Catalog.
