The Environmental, Health and Safety Management major is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare you for professional careers in a variety of fields including, but not limited to: federal, state, local, and tribal governments, consulting, industry, and other privately owned companies. Employment opportunities exist in manufacturing, production, health care, insurance, public safety, law enforcement, construction, public and private utilities, communication, and transportation industries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates approximately 20% growth in job opportunities in this field over the next ten years.

What is an Environmental, Health and Safety professional? Although it's often easier to define the role of a lawyer, doctor or teacher; the function an environmental, health and safety professional performs is just as vital to society. Being an environmental, health and safety professional involves protecting America's workforce, the public and the environment from injury, illness and damage. In this era of technological and scientific advancement, environmental, health and safety management has become one of the most challenging and rewarding career options.

Coursework in this program covers regulatory compliance with EPA and OSHA regulations and standards, industrial hygiene, waste minimization, toxicology, pollution control, risk assessment, science regarding the fate, transport and effects of contaminants, workers compensation, climate change, loss control, hazardous waste management, ergonomics, emergency planning, transportation and handling of hazardous materials and much more. This is a very broad discipline and thus provides numerous and diverse career opportunities.

EHSM General

This Bachelor of Science degree program is designed to prepare people for careers in a variety of environmental, health and safety related fields including government, industrial and privately owned companies. This program is designed to familiarize the student with state and federal environmental and occupational safety and health regulations. Emphasis is placed on management skills necessary to ensure compliance, provide employee training, and to promote continuous improvement through innovation to reduce waste generation and eliminate or minimize exposures to create safer and healthier workplaces and environments. An internship is available for those who qualify that offers on-the-job training. Those who wish to work for governmental agencies such OSHA, EPA, and the NRC or allied health related fields will need to take additional appropriate science and mathematics courses.  

Specialty Accreditation

NSU's Environmental, Health and Safety Management, B.S. is recognized as a Qualified Academic Program (QAP) by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, 8645 Guion Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268, 317-593-4800, https://www.bcsp.org

Credential Requirements

Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Science in Environmental, Health, and Safety Management are eligible to apply for the Graduate Safety Practitioner® (GSP®) designation with BCSP. This designation is a pathway to the Certified Safety Profession credential.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Describe and use all relevant federal, state, and local environmental agencies and regulations as well as OSHA standards to ensure protection of human health and the environment.
2. Discuss and evaluate global, regional, and local environmental problems affecting human health and the environment.
3. Review fundamental environmental and safety issues affecting society with regard to costs, health, safety and environmental impact.
4. Explain sources, significance and fates of contaminants found in the terrestrial, atmospheric, subsurface, and work environments.
5. Develop plans and programs that can be utilized to meet regulatory requirements.
6. Conduct internal and external audits of environmental and safety programs.
7. Evaluate and select appropriate treatment technologies, pollution prevention strategies, and personal protective equipment for contaminants.
8. Apply chemical principles relating to identification and management of hazardous materials.
9. Identify, evaluate, and solve programs relating to regulatory requirements.
10. Explain differences and similarities between the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency.
11. Conduct research and communicate effectively both orally and in a variety of written formats.
12. Effectively management people, time, and resources and participate on management teams.

Course Information

General Education - 46 hours

EHSM General Education Requirements

The following are course prerequisites that may be completed as part of the General Education requirements.

• CHEM 1123 - General Chemistry I (Lecture)
• CHEM 1131 - General Chemistry I (Laboratory)
• MATH 1513 - College Algebra

EHSM Core - 48 hours