Overview

Designed to integrate two of Columbia Southern University's leading areas of influence, the university’s online B.S. in occupational safety and health with a concentration in fire science combines the expertise of leaders in the fields of safety and fire science. This degree program has been granted the Graduate Safety Practitioner® Qualified Academic Program designation by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, allowing graduates to apply for the GSP® designation through the BCSP. This designation eliminates the need to sit for the Associate Safety Professional (ASP®) exam prior to taking the Certified Safety Professional (CSP®) exam.

CSU's B.S. in occupational safety and health with a concentration in fire science meets the educational requirements mandated by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals for the ASP® and the CSP®. This degree program is also board-approved through the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM).

Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography and degree field, affect career outcomes. CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.

Program Description

The Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health degree program provides students with a flexible, relevant, and current curriculum that includes opportunities for students to demonstrate a depth and breadth of knowledge in safety and health theory and technology necessary to function at the safety and health professional level in industry. This degree program has been identified as Qualified Academic Program (QAP) by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). Individuals who graduate with a BS in the current program may apply to the BCSP for their Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) designation. This designation will allow graduates to obtain a waiver for the Associate Safety Professional (ASP) examination requirement in pursuit of their Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students should be able to do the following:

• Formulate solutions to control occupational hazards.
• Develop team-based approaches to minimize occupational hazards.
• Analyze workplaces to identify occupational hazards.
• Apply safety and health-related theory and technology.

Fire Science Concentration

Provides students with specialized curricula focused on fire-related theory and technology applicable for individuals who work or plan to work in fields or industries requiring specialized knowledge in fire-related hazards and prevention methods.

Concentration Outcomes

• Examine fire prevention and protection technologies as they relate to industrial facilities.
• Interpret fire safety codes.