About this Program

A minor in occupational safety is available in the environmental and occupational health program and requires a minimum of 12 semester hours of ENVH courses in safety. The minor in occupational safety is designed to prepare students to meet safety standards and guidelines in such areas as business, education and industry with the goal of managing operations to minimize financial losses resulting from accidents, health claims, legal actions and property damage. It is especially attractive to students in majors such as engineering, occupational and technical studies, and business who may reasonably anticipate assignment of safety as an additional duty.

Program Highlights

  • This minor prepares the students for positions in occupational safety and health, environmental safety and health, industrial hygiene, and government safety positions. Courses target safety management, hazard control, and safety regulations and laws.

  • Students practice management techniques through solving 12 Safety Dilemmas posed in a scenario as if the student were an industrial Safety Manager.

  • Students can gain hands-on experience with occupational safety equipment during the Principles of OSH course.

AT A GLANCE
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Degree Earned
Minor
Delivery Modes
On-Campus

Careers

Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

$73,600 Median Salary

Review, evaluate, and analyze work environments and design programs and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury caused by chemical, physical, and biological agents or ergonomic factors. May conduct inspections and enforce adherence to laws and regulations governing the health and safety of individuals. May be employed in the public or private sector. Includes environmental protection officers.

Occupational Health and Safety Technicians

$53,930 Median Salary

Collect data on work environments for analysis by occupational health and safety specialists. Implement and conduct evaluation of programs designed to limit chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic risks to workers.

Emergency Management Directors

$81,140 Median Salary

Plan and direct disaster response or crisis management activities, provide disaster preparedness training, and prepare emergency plans and procedures for natural (e.g., hurricanes, floods, earthquakes), wartime, or technological (e.g., nuclear power plant emergencies or hazardous materials spills) disasters or hostage situations.

Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors

$92,190 Median Salary

Promote worksite or product safety by applying knowledge of industrial processes, mechanics, chemistry, psychology, and industrial health and safety laws. Includes industrial product safety engineers.

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Occupational Safety at ODU?
Students entering the Minor program in Occupational Safety should meet the minimum university admission requirements Undergraduate Admission.

Transfer

At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...

Cost

Estimated rates for the 2024-25 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Active Duty Military Rate
Cost Per-Credit $250
Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $408
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $439
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,109

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial Aid.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for Bachelor of Science Environmental Health (B.S.E.H.) students annually averaging $1000-$2000.

Contact

Master Lecturer and BSEH Advisor

3121 HEALTH SCIENCES BLDG
NORFOLK, 23529