Fire and Safety Engineering Technology- Occupational Safety
Occupational Safety and Health is more than just complying with OSHA regulations. It is an interdisciplinary approach to recognize and control hazards, both old and new, for a healthier work environment.
The Occupational Safety concentration prepares students for a variety of careers in the health and safety field, where a broad background in the physical and life sciences and a foundation in fire science are essential. Coursework, experiential learning, quantitative analysis, and computer skills are heavily emphasized throughout the program, and a capstone experience (internship, co-op, or a supervised directed project) is required so that graduates are prepared for work as an entry level EHS/Occupational Safety professional.
Our recent graduates have been hired by the following companies:
- Amazon
- Siemens Energy
- Flagger Force
- Saudi Aramco
- Maaden
- NEOM Project
- Zahid Industries
- Southwire
- Walt Disney World
- Progressive Consulting.
Target career fields for graduates:
- Construction
- Industrial Plants
- Manufacturing Facilities
- Military Bases
- University/Academic Facilities
- Local, Sate, Federal Agencies
- Insurance Companies
Our recent graduates have been hired as:
- Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Professionals
- Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Professionals
- Safety Managers or Officers
$60,000 – $65,000 ($30/hr)
starting salaries for recent graduates, offering higher wages for those with certifications and more experience
Curriculum Overview
The Fire and Safety Engineering Technology – Occupational Safety program prepares students for a variety of careers in the health and safety field, where a broad background in the physical and life sciences and a foundation in fire science are essential. Coursework, experiential learning, quantitative analysis, and computer skills are heavily emphasized throughout the program, and a capstone experience (internship, co-op, or a supervised directed project) is required so that graduates are prepared for work as an entry level EHS/Occupational Safety professional. The Occupational Safety program at UNC Charlotte is one of a few programs in the Southeastern United States that offers a curriculum that prepares students to join the workforce market as an Occupational Safety Professional. The courses offered in the occupational safety program focus on core competencies across nine knowledge and skill domains designated by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals as preparation for the ASP10 Exam.
Transfer Students
The Fire and Safety Engineering Technology – Occupational Safety concentration program welcomes transfer students at various levels of academic progression.
Transfer applicants must meet the University Transfer Admission Requirements. The best transfer pathway for students into this program is completing an Associate of Science (AS) degree. Students who intend to complete an AS degree can refer to our transfer guide that can be found here.
Changing Your Major
If you are interested in changing your major to Fire and Safety Engineering Technology – Occupational Safety concentration, please follow this guidance.
Occupational Safety Minor
The Occupational Safety Minor at UNC Charlotte provides a basic understanding of hazard recognition and management, which is a great complement to studies in public health and engineering. It’s less intensive than the Occupational Safety major, but it offers a flexible way to widen career prospects in health/safety fields with the workplace safety principles learned in the minor.
Common majors that benefit from Occupational Safety and Health knowledge:
- Public Health/Environmental Health
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- Environmental Science
- Sociology/Sociology of Work
- Fire Safety
- STEM Disciplines (Chemistry, Biology, Engineering)
Scholarships
There are several scholarship opportunities available for students in the Fire Safety Engineering Technology program. As a student, you are encouraged to apply for all of them.
National Safety Council Scholarships
American Society of Safety Professionals
National Fire Protection Association Scholarship
W.S. Lee College of Engineering Scholarship Information Page
Early Entry for M.S. in Fire Protection and Safety Management
Students wishing to pursue a master of science degree may choose to enroll in the early entry program and obtain their M.S. in Fire Protection and Safety Management in just two additional semesters.
The Major is recognized by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals as a Qualified Academic Program (QAP). Students can apply for a Graduate Safety Professional (GSP) credential after graduation.
Program Contact
Program Faculty & Staff
Meet our Fire and Safety Faculty & Staff.