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.
Our Master’s Degree Advances You Toward Certification
Our Safety Sciences master’s degree meets the Board of Certified Safety Professionals standards as a Qualified Academic Program.
As a QAP, graduates of the MS degree are awarded the Graduate Safety Practitioner designation from the BCSP. Graduates with this designation receive a waiver of the Safety Fundamentals Examination and the recognition they are proceeding toward the
CSP safety certification.
You have one year from the date of graduation to apply for the GSP. Instructions on how to apply are available on the BCSP website.
Please Note: As a courtesy, the BCSP is permitting those who graduated from the MS program beginning August 2015 to apply for the GSP until January 1, 2020.
Online Program with Two On-Campus Summer Workshops
- The 36-credit degree can be completed on a full-time basis in as few as three semesters (fall, spring, and summer), or on a part-time basis in six semesters.
- Students may begin in any semester. 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.
- Students complete 30 credits through distance education courses and six credits through two one-week summer courses offered on the IUP campus.
- Distance education courses have a required weekly chat room session.
- We are now accepting applications for all terms (summer, fall, or spring).
Typical Recurring Course Offerings
Courses Offered in Summer:
SAFE 660, SAFE 647, SAFE 701, SAFE Elective, SAFE Elective
Courses Offered in Fall:
SAFE 644, SAFE 774, SAFE Elective, SAFE Elective
Courses Offered in Spring:
SAFE 602 / SAFE 791, SAFE 605, SAFE 610, SAFE Elective
Graduate Assistantship Opportunities
Information on how to apply for graduate assistantships is posted on this website when we are accepting applications for new openings. We are now accepting applications for AY 19-20 graduate assistantships. We anticipate having four or five openings. To be considered, read the application instructions and submit the application by April 1, 2019, at 8:00a.m.
Note: Students are required to report to work on-campus in Indiana, PA.
Summer 2019 Course Dates
- SAFE 660: Applied Industrial Hygiene (June 17–21)
- SAFE 647: Applied Ergonomics (June 24–28)
- SAFE 701: Enviro Impact Assess (Mondays, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Summer I and II)
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:
- All official college transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of goals
- Resume
- Graduate Handbook signature page
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
All international students admitted to this program will receive F-1 student visa immigration documents which will allow them to enter the US for on-campus summer workshops only. The remainder of the program will be completed outside of the US. The
Office of International Education will contact students once they are admitted to this program with more details.
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