Contact Information
Any questions about the Safety Sciences master’s program should be directed to Dr. Chris Janicak, the graduate coordinator. Here are some questions we commonly get about the program:
What is the tuition?
See the IUP Bursar’s Office website for current tuition rates.
How do I apply?
Contact the School of Graduate Studies and Research to request a paper application or apply on line. We are now accepting applications for Summer 2010. Apply now, as seats for the cohort fill up quickly.
Overview
The Department of Safety Sciences offers a 36-credit distance education and summer workshop program of study leading to a Master of Science degree in Safety Sciences. The Technical Track is offered in this format.
Students are required to complete 27 credits through distance-education courses and nine credits through three one-week summer workshop courses. The specific curriculum is the technical track of our program. The summer workshop courses are offered at IUP during the summers. The total time needed to complete the degree is approximately two years. Distance education courses have a weekly required chat room.
The M.S. in Safety Sciences is based on a cohort model, in which a group of students is admitted into the degree program and progresses through an established series of courses. The next cohort will begin in Summer 2010.
Course Schedule for Distance Education Summer Class Cohorts
|
Spring
(January-May) |
Summer
(June) |
Fall
(August-December) |
| 2010 |
|
One-week workshop: SAFE 647 at IUP |
Distance Education: SAFE 674
Distance Education: SAFE 602 |
| 2011 |
Distance Education: SAFE 605
Distance Education: Elective
|
One-week workshop: SAFE 603 at IUP
Distance Education: Elective
|
Distance Education: SAFE 644
Distance Education: Elective
|
2012
|
Distance Education: SAFE 610
Distance Education: Elective
|
One-week workshop: SAFE 660 at IUP |
|
During the first Summer Session course, students will receive an orientation to IUP, the Department of Safety Sciences, library resources, and distance education. For the summer workshop courses, housing and meals are available to students through the university residence halls.
Program Objectives
After completing the M.S. program in Safety Sciences, students will have achieved the following:
- Expanded their technical and managerial knowledge and skills of the Safety, Health, and Environmental field
- Acquired advanced research and communication skills
- Enhanced their leadership skills
- Developed an understanding of their professional and ethical responsibilities within the Safety, Health, and Environmental field.
Admission Prerequisites
Admission into the M.S. in Safety Sciences program requires a baccalaureate degree with a minimum 2.6 cumulative grade-point average.
In addition to meeting the requirements for admission to the School of Graduate Studies, a student intending to work toward a Master of Science in Safety Sciences will be required to have the following prerequisite professional preparation:
Entry-level competency in safety management, ergonomics, occupational safety, industrial hygiene, occupational health, and fire protection through relevant education, documented work experience, certifications, or other means acceptable to the Safety Sciences Graduate Committee.
When the Safety Sciences Graduate Committee determines that a deficiency in work experience or relevant education exists, a student will be required to complete additional studies to eliminate the deficiency. More information on deficiency clearing procedures is available from the Safety Sciences Department.
Graduate Assistantships
A limited number of graduate assistantships, available within the Department for qualified individuals, provide a stipend and tuition waiver. Interested students must complete an Assistantship Application, which is available from the IUP Graduate School prior to March 1. Assistantships are assigned by the Department by May 1.
International Students
To meet student visa requirements, international students who wish to attend on campus will be required to enroll in at least two classroom-based courses during the Fall and Spring semesters along with their on-line courses. The Graduate Program coordinator will assist students in developing a program of study that meets the student visa requirements.
Programs of Study
It is the policy of the Safety Sciences Department to offer its courses at a time convenient for both full-time and part-time students who may be pursuing a full-time work career.
Core Courses (12 credits)
SAFE 602 Research Methods in Management
SAFE 603 Human Relations in Safety Management
SAFE 644 Preventing Unsafe Acts
SAFE 610 SH and E Administration
Choose One Track (12 credits)
Safety Management Track:
- SAFE 541 Accident Investigation
- SAFE 624 Risk Strategies for the SH and E Professional
- SAFE 623 Advanced Safety Administration
- SAFE 624 Solving Safety Problems
Technical Track:
- SAFE 660 Applied Industrial Hygiene
- SAFE 647 Applied Ergonomics
- SAFE 605 Application of Engineering Principles
- SAFE 674 Fire Safety in Building Design
Advisor-Approved Controlled Electives (12 credits)
Four elective courses are required. Electives are offered on a rotating basis.
Computer Requirements
Distance Education Offering: Students must have access to a computer with an Internet connection. It is recommended the computer have the minimum technical specifications as outlined by IUP Distance Education. The majority of classes use “Live Classroom,” and the student must have a headset with microphone to participate.
