Safety Sciences, MS

Lead Your Company's Efforts for a Safer Workplace

Whether you currently work in the safety department of a company or want to pursue a career in safety sciences, we have the master's program for you. If you apply with no prior safety sciences background or education, there are a number of requirements you'll need to complete in math, natural sciences, and safety sciences.  

Upon completing the MS degree you will have:

• Expanded your technical and managerial knowledge and skills of the safety, health, and environmental field.
• Acquired advanced research and communication skills.
• Enhanced your leadership skills.
• Developed an understanding of your professional and ethical responsibilities within the field.

On-Campus MS in Safety Sciences

• The on-campus MS in Safety Sciences program is designed for students who want to immerse themselves in the one-calendar-year program.
• The 36-credit degree can be completed on a full-time basis in as few as three semesters (fall, spring, and summer). Students may begin in any semester.
• The program consists of both on-campus and online courses.
• If you're identified with deficiency areas in the undergraduate preparation, you'll be required to take additional coursework as part of your program of study.
• We are currently accepting applications to this program for all terms.

Online/summer Workshop MS in Safety Sciences

• The online MS in Safety Sciences program is designed for professionals who currently hold full-time positions.
• The 36-credit online education and summer workshop program can be completed in approximately two years.
• Students are required to complete 30 credits through distance education courses and 6 credits through two one-week summer courses offered on the IUP campus.
• Distance education courses have a required weekly chat room session.
• You'll be part of a cohort of students who have been admitted into the degree program at the same time and who progress together through an established series of courses.
• We are now accepting applications for all terms (summer, fall, or spring).

Graduate Assistantship Opportunities

We are now accepting applications for spring 2017 Graduate Assistantships. To be eligible, you must be able to report to Johnson or Eicher Hall in Indiana, Pa.

Here are the answers to other common questions and instructions on how to fill out and submit the application, as well as the actual application. The submission due date is Sunday, September 25, at 11:59 p.m.

Summer 2017 Course Dates

• SAFE 660: Applied Industrial Hygiene (May 15–19, 2017)
• SAFE 647: Applied Ergonomics (June 12–16, 2017)
• SAFE 541: Accident Investigation (Summer 2: online)
• SAFE 701: Environmental Impact Assessment and Documentation (Summer 1 and Summer 2: online)

Admission Criteria

Admission to the MS in Safety Sciences program requires the same admission procedures established for admission to the School of Graduate Studies and Research-that is, a baccalaureate degree with a minimum 2.6 CGPA.

In addition to meeting the requirements for admission to the School of Graduate Studies and Research, a student intending to work toward a Master of Science degree in Safety Sciences will be required to have the following prerequisite professional preparation: entry-level competency in safety management, occupational safety, occupational health, and fire protection through relevant education, documented work experience, certifications, or other means acceptable to the Safety Sciences Graduate Review Committee. 

When the Safety Sciences Graduate Review 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 admissions requirements is available from the Department of Safety Sciences.

Additionally, the graduate coordinator, after consulting with the department screening committee, will submit a recommendation regarding applicants to the School of Graduate Studies and Research. The following criteria are reviewed:

1. All official college transcripts
2. Two letters of recommendation
3. Statement of goals
4. Resume

International students must also meet Graduate Admissions requirements for international students. These requirements include:

• Submission of Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores for applicants from people whose native language is not English. The minimum TOEFL score for admission to the program is 540.
• Submit a Foreign Student Financial Statement. International students must document their ability to assume full responsibility for the cost of graduate education per Graduate School requirements.

Please see application instructions.

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 online courses. The graduate program coordinator will assist students in developing a program of study that meets the student visa requirements.

Computer Requirements

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 “Blackboard Collaborate,” and the student must have a headset with microphone to participate.

Questions? Contact the MS in Safety Sciences Program Coordinator

Dr. Wanda Minnick, CSP
122 Johnson Hall
Indiana, PA  15705
wanda.minnick@iup.edu
(724) 357-3276