Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health Management (OSHM) degree is designed to prepare individuals for entry level safety management positions while at the same time setting the stage for professional certification. The demand for competent, fully-qualified safety professionals continues to grow in Michigan and the rest of the country and Grand Valley has played a major role in providing individuals who meet the educational requirements to succeed in the safety profession.

Grand Valley's Occupational Safety and Health Management degree is ranked in the top 10% of undergraduate programs in the U.S. Its curriculum is structured to provide students with the proper balance of safety management and scientific training, required in the field. The program prepares its graduates for careers in both the private and public sector. 

The B.S. in Occupational Safety & Health Management degree is recognized by the Institute for Safety and Health Management.  Such recognition permits GVSU's OSHM graduates to apply for the Associate Safety and Health Manager's (ASHM) designation. Two additional years of work experience and the graduate can seek the Certified Safety & Health Manager's designation.  Individuals graduating from non-recognized programs must work five years before applying for certification.

Career opportunities in West Michigan, as well as the rest of the country, continue to abound with the increased emphasis on workplace safety and health. Career opportunities for GVSU/B.S. in OSHM graduates is very good.  Entry level starting salaries continue to rise locally and nationally. Starting salaries currently are in the $38/$55K range. Grand Valley OSHM graduates are also eligible to seek advanced degrees up to the doctorate in Safety, Industrial Hygiene, and Environmental Safety & Health.