The Occupational Health and Safety master’s program, a concentration in Engineering
Technology, offers mostly evening classes to accommodate working adults attending
school part-time. Occupational health and safety specialists analyze workplaces to
help prevent disease and injury to workers and damage to the environment related to
biological, chemical, ergonomic, and physical factors. They may inspect work environments
for potential hazards, design new programs and procedures, and enforce public health
and safety regulations. MTSU’s graduate degree includes both thesis and non-thesis
options. Courses cover a range of topics such as industrial hygiene, fire safety,
federal and state safety and environmental laws, safety psychology, ergonomics, toxicology,
industrial safety, and safety planning. Faculty members have strong academic backgrounds
and practical work experience in engineering, industrial management, vocational education,
safety, and industrial hygiene. Graduate assistantships are available to qualified
students. Also there may be internships, short-term work experiences, and cooperative
education experiences available.
Health/beauty company promotes alumnus
MTSU alumnus Matt Powers enrolled in the Occupational Health and Safety master’s program
in 2010 when his employment ended due to economic factors. Powers was promoted to
environmental, health, and safety (EHS) supervisor for a health and beauty care manufacturer
in April 2016. “Being able to work on various projects for different companies while
at MTSU was a big benefit,” Powers says. He assisted on many projects in a co-op position
at an aerospace company. A Plant and Soil Science B.S. graduate in 2007, Powers returned
to MTSU for his M.S. because of the Occupational H&S small class sizes. “You actually
got to know your professors, and they got to know you. Everyone there wants you to
succeed,” he says. “Industry contacts are also a big plus.” Powers, now a certified
safety professional (CSP) and associated safety professional (ASP), supervises recycling
operations and three employees. He oversees confined space rescue and hazmat teams,
makes regulatory reports, handles shipping off hazardous/non-hazardous waste, and
answers EHS questions from co-workers, among other duties.
Grad enforces industrial hygiene regulations
Eva Glosson got passionate about occupational health and safety when three major mining
disasters happened during her final semester as an MTSU Geology major. She minored
in Environmental Science and Technology, where Dr. Carol Boraiko’s class discussed
the mine accidents. “Occupational safety and health isn’t just common sense—it’s a
lot of little things. . . . You literally get to save lives every day,” Glosson says.
She did research with Boraiko on two published papers and landed a job with an Alcoa
smelter in August 2008 in Washington state before finishing her Occupational Health
and Safety M.S. online that December. She now is an industrial hygienist compliance
officer with Washington state, which OSHA allows to enforce its own stringent health
and safety regulations. “I don’t know of any other master’s programs where you have
so many opportunities through internships, research, going to governors’ conferences,
things like that, that really help you with networking and understanding what you’re
going to walk into in the real world.”
Related Media
-
MTSU College of Graduate Studies
-
MTSU | The University of Opportunities
The median annual wage for occupational health and safety specialists was $70,210
in May 2015, and the job outlook is expected to grow by 7.4% in Tennessee—almost double
the national projection. The majority of graduates are employed by industry or government.
Some pursue other advanced degrees. Federal agencies include the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Occupational health
and safety specialists also work in management, scientific, and technical consulting
services; education services; hospitals; and manufacturing.
Some types of positions held by graduates
- Certified industrial hygienist
- Chief safety officer
- Corporate safety director
- Director of employee safety and health
- Energy management specialist
- Environmental health and safety (EHS) officer or manager
- Environmental management specialist
- Environmental protection officers
- Environmental scientist or specialist
- Health and safety engineer
- Health and safety manager
- Occupational health and safety technician
- Risk control consultant
- Safety and health consultant
- Safety director
- Safety specialist
Employers of MTSU alumni include
- Amazon
- Bridgestone
- Coca-Cola
- ERS-USA
- Feintool Tennessee
- General Mills
- General Motors
- Lockheed Martin
- Middle Tennessee State University
- Murfreesboro Water and Sewer Dept.
- Nissan
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- Select Staffing
- State of Washington
- Tennessee Dept. of Environment and Conservation
- United Technologies
- Vi-Jon, Inc.
Occupational Health and Safety is a concentration leading to the Master of Science (M.S.) degree at MTSU under the
Engineering Technology major. In addition, there is also an Engineering Technology concentration. Thesis and non-thesis options are available for both programs.
To be admitted, applicants must have
- taken the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)—typically a GRE quantitative score of 148 and
a verbal score of 143 for successful applications
- a bachelor’s degree
Application deadlines: April 15 for those wishing to be considered for graduate assistantships and admission in the
Summer or Fall; Oct. 1 for admission in the Spring. Applications will be accepted after these dates, but
admission consideration is not guaranteed.
NOTE: The GRE may be waived for those students who have a GPA of at last 3.00 from
the MTSU Engineering Technology undergraduate program.
Students complete 18 hours of core courses including safety planning and take 9 hours
of concentration courses in safety technology and engineering, accident prevention,
and occupational and environmental hygiene. The thesis option is a 30-hour program,
while the non-thesis option is 36 hours with a Six Sigma research project course and
6 hours of electives that can include a cognate in management, computer science, economics,
or psychology.
For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS tab above.
Other programs
The Department of Engineering Technology also offers courses for the Master of Science
(M.S.) in Professional Science concentration in Engineering Management.
Undergraduate students majoring in Engineering Technology can pursue a Bachelor of
Science (B.S.) degree in one of three concentrations: Computer Engineering Technology, Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology, or Mechanical Engineering Technology. Other departmental majors leading to a B.S. include Environmental Sustainability and Technology and Mechatronics Engineering. Undergraduate minors available include Electronics, Engineering Systems, and Engineering
Technology.
Engineering Technology, Occupational Health and Safety Concentration, M.S.
Saleh Sbenaty, Program Director
(615) 898-2966
Saleh.Sbenaty@mtsu.edu
The Department of Engineering Technology offers the Master of Science degree in Engineering Technology with concentrations in Engineering Technology as well as Occupational Health and Safety and thesis and non-thesis options. The department also offers courses in the Master of Science in Professional Science concentration in Engineering Management.
Please see undergraduate catalog for information regarding undergraduate programs.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Master of Science in Engineering Technology with a concentration in Occupational Health and Safety requires an earned bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college.
Application Procedures
All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.
Applicant must
- submit an application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
- submit official transcripts of all previous college work.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Engineering Technology with a concentration in Occupational Health and Safety requires completion of 30-36 semester hours (thesis option), with at least 21 hours at the 6000 level. The non-thesis option requires completion of 36 hours, with at least 26 hours at the 6000 level.
Students are expected to have completed 3 semester hours of an approved research tool at the undergraduate or graduate level. Students not meeting this requirement will be expected to complete it as part of their program of study.
Students in the thesis option must complete and successfully defend a thesis (3-9 hours).
Students following the non-thesis option must successfully complete the research project within the required ET 6190 Six Sigma course, complete a report on the project, and present the results.
Curriculum: Engineering Technology, Occupational Health and Safety
The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements. In addition, a maximum of 9 hours of thesis research may be required to fulfill degree requirements.
Thesis Option (30-36 hours)
Core Courses (18 hours)
ET 6010 - Safety Planning
3credit hours
Advanced study of planning in occupational safety and health management, including program planning and development methods and techniques as well as various systems approaches to hazard control.
ET 6190 - Six Sigma
3credit hours
Prerequisite: MATH 1530 or equivalent or consent of instructor. The Six Sigma methodology is defined as a comprehensive and flexible system for achieving, sustaining, and maximizing business success. Through class instruction, simulations, and hands-on projects, students will be able to identify and focus on customers' critical-to-quality (CTQ) characteristics and solve problems using the define, measure, analyze, improve, and control (DMAIC) process and its associated tools. A Green Belt certification will be awarded upon successful completion of an industry/business Green Belt project.
ET 6300 - PMI Project Management
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Project management processes and knowledge areas as sanctioned by the International Project Management Institute (PMI). Successful completion of the course will earn 23 contact hours/professional development units (PDUs) issued by PMI.
ET 6390 - Productivity Strategies/Lean Systems
3credit hours
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and ET 3910 or consent of instructor. Topics include the human element (supervisory and teamwork skills), the theoretical aspect (laws and science covering service and production systems), and the practical aspect (tools for lean operational systems implementation). Theoretical and practical methods needed to complete a required industry/business project and obtain a certification in Lean Manufacturing.
ET 6620 - Methods of Research
3credit hours
Introduces Master of Science students to scholarly research principles and to thesis formats for research reporting. A problem is researched and written up in thesis proposal format.
ET 6710 - Current and Future Trends in Engineering and Technology
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. The latest advancements and practices in various engineering and technology fields. Selected topics may include computers and electronics, networking and telecommunication, instrumentation, lasers, automation and robotics, manufacturing and rapid prototyping, bioengineering and biotechnology, and renewable energy sources. Takes a student-centered, hands-on learning approach and focuses on understanding new technologies and how technology is used in the industry. Research projects will provide appropriate experience and accommodate individual's interest.
Concentration Courses (9 hours)
ET 6020 - Safety Technology and Engineering
3credit hours
Advanced study of the technical components of occupational workplace hazards, hazards analysis, workplace design, current regulatory requirements, engineering techniques for hazard control, personal protective systems, equipment and techniques. Includes a practical application problem of hazard analysis and control.
ET 6040 - Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
3credit hours
An advanced quantitative study of occupational and environmental health principles, practices, and sampling techniques as required by either consensus or regulatory standards and their specific protocols to protect both workers and the public.
ET 6070 - Anthropometric Factors in Accident Prevention
3credit hours
The necessity and desirability of a thorough consideration of anthropometric factors when designing facilities and equipment and recognition of those factors most prevalent in accidents.
Thesis Course (3-9 hours)
ET 6640 - Thesis Research
1 to 6 credit hours
(3 credit hours)(3 credit hours required)
dotslash:(3 credit hours required)
title:(3 credit hours)
(3 credit hours required)
ET 6640 - Thesis Research
1 to 6credit hours
Prerequisite: ET 6620. Selection of a research problem, review of pertinent literature, collection and analysis of data, and composition of thesis. Once enrolled, student should register for at least one credit hour of master's research each semester until completion. S/U grading.
Non-thesis Option (36 hours)
Core Courses (18 hours)
ET 6010 - Safety Planning
3credit hours
Advanced study of planning in occupational safety and health management, including program planning and development methods and techniques as well as various systems approaches to hazard control.
ET 6190 - Six Sigma
3credit hours
Prerequisite: MATH 1530 or equivalent or consent of instructor. The Six Sigma methodology is defined as a comprehensive and flexible system for achieving, sustaining, and maximizing business success. Through class instruction, simulations, and hands-on projects, students will be able to identify and focus on customers' critical-to-quality (CTQ) characteristics and solve problems using the define, measure, analyze, improve, and control (DMAIC) process and its associated tools. A Green Belt certification will be awarded upon successful completion of an industry/business Green Belt project.
ET 6300 - PMI Project Management
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Project management processes and knowledge areas as sanctioned by the International Project Management Institute (PMI). Successful completion of the course will earn 23 contact hours/professional development units (PDUs) issued by PMI.
ET 6390 - Productivity Strategies/Lean Systems
3credit hours
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and ET 3910 or consent of instructor. Topics include the human element (supervisory and teamwork skills), the theoretical aspect (laws and science covering service and production systems), and the practical aspect (tools for lean operational systems implementation). Theoretical and practical methods needed to complete a required industry/business project and obtain a certification in Lean Manufacturing.
ET 6620 - Methods of Research
3credit hours
Introduces Master of Science students to scholarly research principles and to thesis formats for research reporting. A problem is researched and written up in thesis proposal format.
ET 6710 - Current and Future Trends in Engineering and Technology
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. The latest advancements and practices in various engineering and technology fields. Selected topics may include computers and electronics, networking and telecommunication, instrumentation, lasers, automation and robotics, manufacturing and rapid prototyping, bioengineering and biotechnology, and renewable energy sources. Takes a student-centered, hands-on learning approach and focuses on understanding new technologies and how technology is used in the industry. Research projects will provide appropriate experience and accommodate individual's interest.
Concentration Courses (9 hours)
ET 6020 - Safety Technology and Engineering
3credit hours
Advanced study of the technical components of occupational workplace hazards, hazards analysis, workplace design, current regulatory requirements, engineering techniques for hazard control, personal protective systems, equipment and techniques. Includes a practical application problem of hazard analysis and control.
ET 6040 - Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
3credit hours
An advanced quantitative study of occupational and environmental health principles, practices, and sampling techniques as required by either consensus or regulatory standards and their specific protocols to protect both workers and the public.
ET 6070 - Anthropometric Factors in Accident Prevention
3credit hours
The necessity and desirability of a thorough consideration of anthropometric factors when designing facilities and equipment and recognition of those factors most prevalent in accidents.
Individualized Study Course (3 hours)
ET 6510 - Advanced Topics in Technology
3credit hours
Independent investigation and report of current problems of particular interest to individual students directed by department faculty members.
ET 6910 - Problems in Engineering Technology
3credit hours
Independent investigation and report of a problem in engineering technology. Designed to meet the particular needs of the students; pursued under the direction of a department faculty member.
Advisor-Approved Electives (6 hours)*
Complete 6 semester hours from approved courses (could include a minor).
* The program may include a cognate of 6 hours in management and marketing, computer science, economics, computer information systems, or psychology.
Our adjunct faculty bring outstanding professional experience to our programs. Many are industry leaders with decorated careers and honors. Importantly, they are innovative educators who offer hands-on learning to our students to prepare them to enter and thrive in a dynamic, and oftentimes emerging, industry and professional world. They inspire, instruct, and challenge our students toward academic and professional success.
Online or Hybrid Programs at a Glance
This program is available .
For More Information or Explore Your Options
Contact your department / program coordinator or advisor for more details about the program OR work one-on-one with your advisor to explore your options.
The Online Advantage
With over 25 years of experience in online teaching and learning, MTSU Online offers students access to innovative, high-quality programs. Designed with students in mind, our courses allow maximum flexibility for those unable to participate in person.
Resources and services for online students are available from MTSU Online or contact us at distance@mtsu.edu.
