The consequences of business activities, both private and public sector, have an enormous effect on employers and employees. This is evident in the increase in demand for safety professionals. Our curriculum goes above and beyond regulatory compliance and examines risk management, environmental stewardship, economic impact, and other critical issues.
No requirements to come to campus
Based on 2018 survey data
Qualified Academic Program
Designed for working professionals, the MS Environmental Safety and Health degree is offered 100 percent online and uses an innovative part-time model.
BCSP-approved curriculum from a respected institution
The Online MS in Environmental Safety and Health has been reviewed by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals and approved as a GSP Qualified Academic Program. This ensures the curriculum is a substantial match for the Associate Safety Professional exam blueprint, and graduates can apply to receive the GSP designation. You will learn from full-time, Ph.D. faculty with advanced degrees, industry certifications, and extensive experience in industry, government, and academia. Furthermore, the college's reputation and regional accreditation are acknowledged by employers and other higher education institutions.
Mission to protect
The Department of Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is committed to providing a high quality, collaborative and fully online Master of Science in Environmental Safety and Health to working professionals around the world. The goal of the MS ESH program is to deliver an interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates previous and new learning experiences, which enhances the student's intellect, scientific expertise and professional integrity. Our academically and professionally qualified faculty is dedicated to the advancement of the Environmental Safety and Health field and assisting students to achieve their personal learning goals.
The MS in Environmental Safety and Health program requires a total of 30 or 36 credits of coursework, depending on the program option selected. Most courses are delivered in sequential 8-week class sessions. Students typically complete their studies in about two to two and a half years.
To earn the UW-Whitewater MS ESH, you must:
Complete the 30-credit research option
Breadth (24 graduate credits of required courses)
Elective (3-credit graduate elective)
Research (3-credit capstone course requiring successful completion of a research paper)
OR complete the 36-credit coursework option
Breadth (24 graduate credits of required courses)
Electives (12 credits of graduate electives, with at least 6 credits from SAFETY)
Students must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0
Breadth Courses for the MS Environmental Safety and Health may include;
Elective Courses for the MS Environmental Safety and Health may include;
MS ESH students pursuing the 36-credit coursework option must complete at least 6 of the 12 credits of electives from SAFETY. Up to six credits may be completed from the MBA emphasis 9 credits courses.
To ensure a high-quality graduate student group, all MS Environmental Safety and Health students must have an undergraduate degree from a recognized institution and meet the criteria provided below.
Admission to the Master of Science in Environmental Safety and Health requires:
Exceptions
Individuals who do not have the required one year of full-time professional experience in environmental safety and health can be enrolled in the program by enrolling in the ESH Common Body of Knowledge please reach out to our graduate office to learn more by email.
Additionally you may consider the Master of Business Administration with Environmental Health and Safety emphasis as an alternative.
The Online MS in Environmental Safety and Health graduate program at UW-Whitewater are a superior value at USD $637.43 per credit for the 2020-21 academic year and USD $652 per credit for the 2021-22 academic year — whether you are a Wisconsin resident, an out-of-state student, or international student.
What creates this value?
Course materials
Graduate students can purchase textbooks and other instructional materials through the University Bookstore or elsewhere online. Students should verify what materials are needed with their instructor.
Financial aid
UW-Whitewater students may apply for financial aid in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, or employment. All of these make up a “Financial Aid Package” and may be offered singly or in various combinations. Since funds are limited, priority for aid is based on financial need and how promptly applications are filed.
Environmental Safety and Health professionals with advanced credentials are in high demand.
Based on a 2018 survey by the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) and the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP),1 the median base salary for full-time professionals is $97,000 and 22 percent of respondents earn $125,000 or more. Environmental Safety and Health professionals with a master's degree earn an average of $9,000 more per year than those with a bachelor's degree, and those with an industry-specific licensure/certification such as CSP can earn $20,000 more per year than those without. Information from surveyed UW-Whitewater graduates is shared below, along with the industry-reported salary data.
MS Environmental Safety and Health Placement Rate2
100%
Highlighted Employers2
AECOM, Alliant Energy, ConAgra Foods, First in Rescue Safety & Training, Gundersen Health System, M3 Insurance, Oshkosh Corporation, Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Common Titles2
Corporate Safety Officer, EHS Specialist, Liability Claims Specialist, Safety Director, Worker's Compensation Specialist
Industry Salary1
$97,000
1 Board of Certified Safety Professionals - 2018 Safety Salary Survey
2 Based on 2017 - 2018 survey data (national average with median industry tenure of 16 years)