Key Takeaways:
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and University of Central Missouri are two top schools for a fast online occupational health and safety degree.
- These programs typically cover essential topics such as workplace safety regulations, hazard recognition, and health risk assessments.
- Graduates of these programs are prepared for roles in ensuring safe work environments and may work in various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and government agencies.
A fast Occupational Health and Safety degree online is a flexible program that prepares students for a career in this growing field. Online programs can also help students get into graduate school.
Best Health Degrees looked at schools offering bachelor’s degree programs in Occupational Health and Safety to help you find the right program. We offer information that gives you a general idea of admission requirements, cost, coursework, school reputation, etc. This ranking provides information for first-year students, but transfer students will follow the same program guidelines. Most schools on this list offer generous transfer credit policies, which can help speed up your degree.
Our editors first ranked fastest bachelor’s in occupational health and safety programs in September 2022. This ranking was updated March 2024.
Ranking Method 10 Fastest Online Bachelor’s in Occupational Health and Safety Programs
To rank the 10 Fastest Online Bachelor’s in Occupational Health and Safety degree programs, Best Health Degrees editors researched accredited, trusted programs of all kinds. From our initial pool, we ranked programs according to price, accreditation, reputation, and salary potential, using data from IPEDS and Niche, U.S. News and World Report, and other higher education rating publications. You can read about our findings below.
| Rank | College Name | Admission Rate | Tuition |
| #1 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | 58% | $11,665 |
| #2 | University of Central Missouri | 71% | $9,739 |
| #3 | University of Maryland Global | Open admission | $7,992 |
| #4 | Eastern Kentucky University | 64% | $10,130 |
| #5 | University of Arizona | 87% | $13,626 |
| #6 | Southeastern Oklahoma State University | 74% | $7,200 |
| #7 | Columbia Southern University | Open admission | $5,808 |
| #8 | Capitol Technology University | 64% | $27,318 |
| #9 | Waldorf University | 74% | $25,220 |
| #10 | Unity University | 94% | $12,640 |
1. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle offers an online BS in Safety Management which is a Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) Qualified Academic Program (QAP) and a Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) program. This designation is beneficial for the pursuit of certification.
This occupational health and safety degree program begins with general education classes in Humanities, Communication Theory and Skills, Physical and Life Science, and others. Classes in the Safety Management major offer studies in Fundamentals of Occupational Safety and Health, Ergonomics, Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology, Environmental Compliance and Safety, and Introduction to Health, Occupational, and Transportation Safety. Elective courses help round out your studies.
Pros
- Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) Qualified Academic Program (QAP)
- BSSM-MSOSM 4+1 program
- Certification options
- Top-ranked school with U.S. News and World Report
- Transfer credits accepted
Cons
- More competitive than some programs
- Stringent admission requirements
2. University of Central Missouri
There are three options with the BS in Occupational Safety degree at University of Central Missouri with specialty choices in Environmental, Safety, or Health Science Management concentrations.
Among the foundational courses, you’ll take classes in Environmental Compliance, Applied Sciences for Professional Studies, Industrial Hygiene, Ergonomics in Safety and Health, Accident Investigation, Occupational Risk Management, and Systems Safety. An Internship is available, which can help students network and make connections. You can also enroll in the Occupational Safety BS/Occupational Safety Management MS (Accelerated Program) either online or hybrid. This accelerated program will let you earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in five years, rather than the six usually required for both degrees.
Pros
- ABET-accredited
- Fast-paced pathways to a master’s degree
- 100% job or graduate school placement
- 100% of faculty hold CSP certification
- Minimum GPA of 2.2
Cons
- 53% graduation rate
- Assessment exam for graduation
3. University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global is a well-known online campus that awards a BS in Environmental Management through the Healthcare and Science division.
Studies in the 120-credit hour curriculum include general education classes along with the major’s requirements. You’ll take classes in Environmental Regulations and Policy, Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Technology, Human Health and Disease, Environmental Technology, and others. Other required studies are Pre-Calculus, Environmental Chemistry, and Introduction to Statistics. Depending on your career path and choices, you’ll be able to enroll in either a Sustainability or Toxicology and Hazard Control focus.
Pros
- Access to student organizations (Environmental Awareness Club)
- Diverse selection of courses
- Leadership skills emphasized
- Online courses
- Transfer up to 90 credits
Cons
- Prerequisite math and chemistry courses
- Only select hybrid courses available
4. Eastern Kentucky University
The BS in Occupational Safety at EKU will qualify you for the Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) as the program is an Academic Program (QAP) by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP).
This major includes Principles of Occupational Safety and Health, Measures of Safety Performance, Human Factors in Occupational Safety, Safety and Health Program Management, Environmental Law and Management, Process Safety Management, Safety Training Strategies, and a Senior Capstone Project. An internship is available with departmental approval. This curriculum is the same for online students as for those attending the Richmond, KY campus.
Pros
- 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- BCSP qualified
- Internship opportunities
- Unique blend of courses and curriculum
Cons
- Senior capstone project required
- Out-of-state tuition for non-residents
5. The University of Arizona
You have a choice of delivery options with this University of Arizona BS in Public Health with an Environmental and Occupational Health emphasis. The four-year degree covers general education coursework and Public Health classes for 120-credit hours. A sampling of classes available includes Introduction to Public Health, Introductory Biology (with lab), Human Anatomy and Physiology, Health Care in the United States, Global Health, and Introduction to Environmental and Occupational Health. Other classes include Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Topics in Environmental Justice, and also Field Work in Health Education.
This degree is through the Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health. You’ll start the admission process by applying to Arizona University with an application and fee. Scores from the ACT or SAT are optional, but you do need a high school diploma (or GED).
Pros
- Fast-paced online coursework
- Moderate level of math required
- No pre-major required
- Transfer credits accepted
Cons
- Higher application fee for non-residents
- Optional test scores
6. Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Depending on your objectives, the online BS in Occupational Safety and Health in at Southeastern Oklahoma State University might be a good fit.
Courses include Drugs in Society, Industrial Hygiene, Hazardous Materials, Waste Management, Acoustics, Vibration, Noise Control, Introduction to Occupational Safety and Health, Training and Instructional Techniques, etc. A strong slate of electives from topics such as General Safety, Management, and Organizational Behavior, Special Studies, and an Internship requirement complete the 124-credit hour curriculum. To help shorten the time it takes to complete your degree, you can transfer up to 90 credits.
Pros
- Accelerated online classes
- Accepts up to 90 transfer credits
- BCSP-accredited
- Pay as you go tuition
Cons
- Out-of-state tuition for non-residents
- Overall graduation rate of 34%
7. Columbia Southern University
Columbia Southern University awards a BS in Occupational Safety and Health. This program has recognition from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals as a Qualified Academic Program (QAP) that will allow you to apply for the Graduate Safety Practitioner® designation with the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. This degree also has approval from the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM).
The 120-credit hour curriculum includes studies in OSHA Standards, Fundamentals of Occupational Safety and Health, Industrial Hygiene, Interaction of Hazardous Materials, and Advanced Concepts in Occupational Safety and Health. Electives will round out your OSH degree, as there are many diverse choices. CSU offers a generous transfer policy and considers CLEP, DSST, and Excelsior’s UExcel exams as well as possible academic credit for professional licenses, certificates, and training programs.
Pros
- Board-approved through the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM)
- Career-focused courses
- Generous transfer credit policy
- Low flat-rate tuition
- Online, accelerated courses
Cons
- Higher student-to-faculty ratio of 28:1
8. Capitol Technology University
This online BS in Occupational Safety has recognition as a Qualified Academic Program (QAP) and will allow you to make an application for the Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) designation. The program holds ABET accreditation.
You’ll study Industrial Hygiene, Safety Management Systems, Hazardous Materials, Ergonomics, Risk Management, a Safety Senior Project, and electives. This is a 121-credit curriculum and also includes coursework in Humanities, Social Science, Management, Mathematics, and Sciences. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible for entry-level positions working as Compliance Officer, Health and Safety Specialist, Safety, Security, and also Health & Environment Manager.
Pros
- Access to internships and high-paying jobs
- BCSP-approved program
- Career focused curriculum
- Generous transfer credit policy
- Online courses
Cons
- Higher tuition than some other schools
- Smaller student population (800+ students)
9. Waldorf University
You can choose between a BA or a BS in Occupational Safety online from Waldorf University. This online program is for students with no background in occupational safety who want to enter the field. The program has recognition from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals.
Coursework includes topics in fundamentals in both occupational health and safety as well as industrial hygiene. Other classes involved are in Total Environmental Health and Safety Management, Introduction to Fire Prevention, Industrial Ergonomics, Legal Aspects of Safety and Health, and more. You can also choose electives from a strong catalog of classes such as Risk Management, Leadership, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, etc.
Pros
- Approved as a Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) Qualified Academic Program (QAP)
- Fast-paced, online options
- Flat-rate tuition for all students
- Liberal transfer policy
- No prior safety experience required
Cons
- 24:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Remote campus setting
10. Unity University
Maine’s Unity University is known as America’s Environmental College. The school awards an online BS in Environmental Health and Safety. This program gives you skills to work in EHS safety management and compliance, as well as pollution prevention and control, and also waste management.
Among the courses are core studies in Occupational Safety and Health, Environmental Psychology, Environmental Remediation and Toxicology, Fire Protection and Safety, Social Science for Environmental Professionals, and Professional Skills, Building a Better World: Ethical Decision-Making. General education includes biology, chemistry, communications, and other core studies. A Capstone Project completes the program.
Pros
- 100% online courses
- Job placement assistance
- No application fee
- Transfer up to 90 credits
Cons
- Capstone project requirement
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! According to the projected job outlook for occupational health and safety therapists, now is a good time to get a degree in occupational health. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 12% growth in jobs for this career through 2032. Growth should result in 9,600 job openings for occupational health specialists each year for the next 10 years.
Public interest and concern for the environment and occupational health has helped make occupational safety and health a growing field. The occupational health field has many opportunities to create policies and regulations that keep the whole population safe and healthy. With job security and public interest, it is a good degree to get for students.
It depends on the program, but most accelerated bachelor’s programs in occupational health and safety are designed to be completed in a shorter time frame than traditional programs. These accelerated programs take around 2 to 3 years, as opposed to the standard 4 years for a traditional bachelor’s degree.
Some programs have special accreditation. You should look for programs accredited by the Applied Science Accreditation Commission of Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), and the Qualified Academic Program (QAP) by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). The QAP meets the credentialing certification requirement for Certified Safety Professional (CSP).
In an online bachelor’s program in occupational health and safety, you complete a series of core courses and electives. Topics often covered include:
• Corrective Safety Measures
• Employee Safety Education
• Health Regulations
• Occupational Safety Management
• Organizational Leadership
• Safety Hazards and Safety Regulations
There are many health and safety careers for students with a bachelor’s degree. Below are some jobs you can get:
• Construction and building inspector
• Health administrator
• Health and safety engineer
• Safety technician
You find these jobs in government agencies, private sector, and public offices and buildings. Some safety inspectors work with construction sites, while others work for OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration).
Accelerated occupational health and safety degree programs offer the following advantages:
• Career advancement sooner
• Flexibility in scheduling
• Focused curriculum
• Faster completion time
• Industry-relevant skills
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