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Mission Statement

The academic program in the Department of Occupational Safety and Health at Murray State University provides a comprehensive, broad-based educational background designed to prepare academically sound graduates with practical experience for positions in the occupational safety, health, and environmental profession.

Program Educational Objectives

The objectives of the occupational safety and health undergraduate and graduate programs at °ÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û are to prepare graduates who:

1. °ÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û a broad educational background in mathematics, science, technology, and management as occupational safety and health professionals in state, regional, national, or international levels in industry, government, or academia; 
2. Are critical thinkers and anticipate, identify, and evaluate hazardous conditions and practices, and implement effective hazard control strategies in such areas as accident prevention, safety management, occupational health, industrial hygiene, loss/risk control management, ergonomics, emergency planning and response, and environmental health and safety;
3. Are effective communicators and ethical leaders within the occupational safety and health profession; and
4. Pursue life-long learning to effectively practice within a rapidly evolving, continually changing and increasingly diverse global environment.

Student Outcomes

Baccalaureate and master of science degree students graduating from the occupational safety and health programs at °ÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û will demonstrate:

1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve broadly-defined technical or scientific problems by applying knowledge of mathematics and science and/or technical topics to areas relevant to the safety and health field;
2. An ability to formulate or design a system, process, procedure, or program to meet desired needs;
3. An ability to develop and conduct experiments or test hypotheses, analyze and interpret data pertinent to the safety and health field, and use scientific judgment to draw conclusions;
4. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
5. An ability to understand ethical and professional responsibilities and the impact of technical and/or scientific safety and health solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts; and
6. An ability to function effectively on teams that establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, and analyze risk and uncertainty.

The Advisory Council is a valuable link between the Department of Occupational Safety and Health at °ÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û and the occupational safety and health field. Membership of the council consists of professional representatives from the faculty, alumni, and employer constituency groups. In addition, the council also consists of constituents including representatives from academia, professional organizations, and governmental agencies. The members perform an invaluable advisory role, providing feedback for program improvements that will produce the highest quality occupational safety and health professionals to meet the needs and demands of the field. The council meets at least annually on-site at the university to review program updates and develop recommendations to ensure program relevance and future-anticipating curricula. The following is a list of Advisory Council members. 

• Jason Adams - Inland Marine Services
• Bradley Barber - General Motors
• Tara Falin - Cummins
• Mike Farris - Montco Oilfield Contractors
• Brad Giles - Bradley Giles and Associates
• Rob Hobson - Shimmick
• John Kind - Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health
• Kim Kleine - The Kalvis Group
• Travis Kruse - Grainger
• Anthony Miller - Sunbelt Rentals
• Stephanie Miller - URS CH2M Oak Ridge, LLC
• Troy Ogden - Brasfied & Gorrie
• Jimmie Rhodes - Google - Data Centers
• Adelle Rosa - General Motors
• Chuck Stribling - Kentucky Labor Cabinet
• John Tindall - Brasfield & Gorrie
• Jason Underhill - Marathon Petroleum
• Cindy Weatherford - Overland Solutions, Inc. 

The following details recent enrollment and graduation figures for the Bachelor and Master of Science degree programs in occupational safety and health.

Enrollment

Fall 2023

BS Students - 159
MS Students - 42

Graduation

2023-2024 (Aug/Dec/May)

BS Degrees Conferred - 36
MS Degrees Conferred - 16