Michelle Poland
College Assistant
Fairmont State University
1201 Locust Avenue
Fairmont, WV 26554
Phone: (304) 367-4246
E-Mail: mpoland2@fairmontstate.edu
Melissa Abbott, CSP
415 Engineering Technology
Phone: 304.367.4633
E-Mail: mabbott2@fairmontstate.edu
OVERVIEW OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY PROGRAM
The ABET accredited Occupational Safety program prepares competent professionals who serve as valued members of the management, engineering, and business team providing solutions to complex Safety problems.
This program focuses on principles drawn from engineering technology, health, physics, math, psychology, language and speech. Hands-on applications of these principles are emphasized through preparatory and professional courses. Preparatory courses include math, chemistry, physics, human anatomy, statistics, speech, written composition, and psychology. Professional courses include industrial hygiene and toxicology, safety engineering and design, systems safety, safety and environmental law, fire prevention, ergonomics, environmental hazard control, OSHA compliance, and program management. Computer skills and experiential learning is heavily emphasized, including laboratory activities, industrial projects and/or internships. Internships may be paid or unpaid and can include academic credit.
The curriculum is a highly flexible 2 + 2 curriculum. Once the two-year degree is earned, the graduate may choose to enter the workforce or continue their education with two additional years at the baccalaureate level.
EMPLOYMENT IN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
The need for Safety professionals will continue to grow into the next millennium. Major employers of our graduates include insurance companies (Liberty Mutual), government entities, state and local agencies, and businesses (IBM, Mobile Oil), and consulting firms. Increased emphasis on ergonomics, hazardous waste, accident costs, worker’s compensation, regulatory compliance, and health hazard control will require more Safety professionals. The average mid-career Safety professional with a bachelor or master’s degree can expect to earn between $50,000 and $60,000 per year. The annual median wage for this career field is $60,140.00, and the projected need for this career field is expected to increase during the next 10 years.
To contact the College of Science and Technology with general questions, please email us at scitech@fairmontstate.edu
