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.

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.

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)

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for Occupational Safety and Health Professionals is $60,000-$65,000 ($30/hour) starting salary, offering higher wages for those with certifications and more experience.

Recent Graduates:

  • Have worked for the following companies: Amazon, Siemens Energy, Flagger Force, Saudi Aramco, Maaden, NEOM Project, Zahid Industries, Southwire, Walt Disney World, and Progressive Consulting.
  • Are prepared for jobs like Construction, Industrial Plants, Manufacturing, Military Bases, University Facilities, Local, State, Federal Agencies, and Insurance Companies.
  • UNC Charlotte students taking safety courses are well-prepared for Graduate Studies in Industrial Hygiene or Public Health.

Core Courses (12 Total CH):

  • ETGR 2230 Occupational Safety (3 CH)
  • ETFS 3123 Industrial Hazards (3 CH)
  • ETGR 4302 Industrial Hygiene (3 CH)
  • ETGR 4303 Ergonomics (3 CH)

Elective Course Options (3 Total CH):

  • ETFS 2230 Hazardous Materials
  • ETGR 4301 Environmental Pollution
  • ESCI 3170 Environmental Quality Mgmt
  • GEOG 3180 Hazards and Disasters
  • HLTH 2102 Foundations of Public Health
  • PSYC 2171 Intro to Industrial Psychology
  • PSYC 3174 Organizational Psychology
  • SOCY 4112 Sociology of Work


For more information, please contact Dr. Michael Benjamin at mbenjam3@charlotte.edu