Overview
The mission of the safety management program is to prepare program graduates to preserve and protect the resources – people, property and business continuity – of the organization.
Undergraduate students entering the program are typically trained in the areas of business and economic sciences, animal sciences, chemical and biological sciences, engineering and technology sciences, medical sciences and the physical sciences.
Program Overview (Safety Management) - Catalog
The master of science degree in safety management is accredited by the Applied and Natural Sciences Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.
Safety Management Program Accreditation and Assessment
Admissions
To qualify as a regular graduate student, applicants must have as a minimum the equivalent
of a 3.0 GPA. Applicants with a minimum 2.75 GPA (or the equivalent) may be admitted
on a provisional basis. Applicants with GPA below 2.75 would need approval of the
dean or his designee. International students must demonstrate proficiency in communicating
in English (a minimum TOEFL Score of 550, or IBT Score of 79 or IELTS Score of
6.5). Students must comply with the rules and regulations as outlined in this catalog
for graduate work in the Statler College and meet individual major and degree admission
standards. No GRE or letters of recommendation are required.
For admission into the MSSM program, applicants must meet department admission standards
and ABET/ASAC prerequisite course requirements, which are currently a minimum of
63 credit hours of approved science, mathematics and other technical courses. Of
these, at least 15 credit hours must be junior or senior level. In addition, students
must have a minimum of 21 hours of social sciences, humanities and/or communications.
On an individual basis, the faculty may identify additional prerequisite coursework.
Applicants will be advised about their specific requirements at the time of admission.
Applicants not meeting all of the listed requirements may be considered for admission
as provisional students.
FAQ
Q: What is the placement rate for safety management graduates?
A: The placement rate is between 95-100 percent.
Q: What is the typical starting salary for occupational safety?
A: The starting salary is between $55,000-$65,000.
Q: Is the GRE required for the online safety masters program?
A: No.
Q: Are letters of recommendation required?
A: No.
Q: Are campus visits required for the online program?
A: No, but they are recommended.
Q: If I am an online student will I have an advisor?
A: Yes and you can be in touch with your advisor by phone or by email.
Q: How long will the on campus version take to finish?
A: Typically a year and a half.
Q: How long will the online program take to finish?
A: Typically two years.
Q: Is a field experience required for graduation in either program?
A: Yes, unless the student can show evidence of three or more years of work experience.
Q: What is the typical load for online students?
A: 9 credits per semester.
Q: What is the typical load for online students?
A: 12 credit hours.
Program Requirements
All MS degree candidates are required to complete a coursework-only track or perform
research (thesis or problem report option) and follow a planned program of study.
The student’s faculty advisor, in conjunction with the student’s advising and examining
committee will be responsible for determining the plan of study appropriate to
the student’s needs. The underlying principle of the planned program is to provide
the students with the necessary support to complete their degree and prepare them
for their career.
Safety Management Master's Course Requirements
Financial Support
The safety management program offers students several possibilities for financial assistance. Safety management students have been able to obtain funding through:
- Graduate Research Assistantship:. Faculty members are awarded grants or contracts to do research which includes money for a GRA to assist in the research. GRA availability varies with the award of a grant or contract and GRAs are selected by faculty members who receive grant awards.
- Graduate Assistantships in other WVU units: Safety management students often obtain assistantships with WVU's Environmental Health and Safety department, WVU Medicine's Radiation Safety, the Job Accommodation Network (a national center helping employers meet ADA requirements) and WVU's undergraduate student advising. These assistantships are awarded through the specific units and depend on availability.
- Quota Hours: In the fall and spring semesters, the program is given a number of hours to waive student fees. These hours depend on the number of students taking graduate work the preceding year, and are awarded in blocks of three. Thus a full time student who receives three quota hours will pay for six semester hours instead of nine semester hours.
- Scholarships: The admissions committee may award incoming students modest scholarships of up to $1,000 ($500 per semester for two semesters). These scholarships are based on undergraduate academic performance and Departmental funds. Scholarships have been offered to part-time students.
Program Coordinator
Jeremy Gouzd
Teaching Assistant Professor
304-293-9474
jeremy.gouzd@mail.wvu.edu
MRB 345G
