MPH in Occupational Health and Safety: Protecting Workers and Advancing Public Health

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is the branch of public health dedicated to protecting the physical, mental, and social well-being of workers across all industries. It integrates two interconnected pillars:

• Occupational Health focuses on preventing and managing illnesses, injuries, and stress-related conditions caused or worsened by work environments.

• Occupational Safety emphasizes identifying hazards and implementing measures to prevent accidents, exposures, and unsafe practices.

At its core, OHS aligns with public health principles of prevention, population health, and health equity ensuring that all workers, regardless of occupation, have safe and healthy working conditions. Federal agencies play a central role: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducts research and recommends best practices, while the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces workplace safety standards.

Examples of OHS enforcement in action include improving air quality in manufacturing plants, preventing heat stroke among agricultural workers, and reducing repetitive strain injuries in office settings. Together, these efforts strengthen the workforce and, by extension, the public’s health.

An MPH in Occupational Health Sciences offers a rich, interdisciplinary curriculum that blends core public health training with specialized knowledge in workplace health risks and prevention. Students build a strong foundation in essential topics such as:

• Epidemiology – studying patterns of injury and illness in worker populations

• Biostatistics – using data to identify trends, assess risks, and evaluate interventions

• Health Promotion – designing programs that encourage safer practices and support mental health, grounded in behavioral science theories and evidence-based interventions

• Environmental Health Sciences – examining how physical, chemical, and biological exposures impact worker well-being. There is overlap in disciplines like environmental medicine, which explores the health effects of environmental factors on individuals and populations.

• Health Policy and Management – understanding regulatory systems and leading safety initiatives

• Global Health – exploring occupational health issues in an international context, including labor migration, global supply chains, and disparities in worker protections across countries

• Community Health – assessing health needs at the local level and implementing programs that reduce workplace and environmental health risks in specific populations

Specialized coursework deepens expertise in areas like:

• Industrial Hygiene – assessing and controlling workplace hazards including chemical exposures, environmental hazards, and unsafe physical conditions

• Toxicology – evaluating chemical exposures and their effects on human health in workplace and environmental settings

• Ergonomics – designing jobs and tools to prevent musculoskeletal disorders

• Risk Communication and Regulation – learning how to translate scientific data into policy and compliance

Programs also explore emerging topics such as climate-related heat exposure, remote work and mental health, and how automation and AI are reshaping job hazards.

Nearly all accredited MPH programs include a fieldwork or practicum component, as well as a culminating experience like a final capstone presentation, giving students hands-on experience in settings like OSHA offices, healthcare systems, labor unions, or corporate safety departments. These are essential skills and experiences to prepare you for successful public health practice. 

Graduates of MPH programs in Occupational Health and Safety are well-positioned for careers that blend science, policy, and advocacy to protect worker health across diverse industries. These professionals play a vital role in designing safer workplaces, investigating work-related health risks, and shaping organizational or governmental health strategies.

Common job titles include:

• Occupational Safety Specialist

• Industrial Hygienist

• Environmental Public Health Specialist

• Occupational Epidemiology Manager

• Disaster Management Specialist

• Graduate Safety Practitioner

• Certified Safety Professional

Graduates work in a variety of settings, such as:

• Government agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), OSHA, NIOSH, or state and local health departments

• Private-sector corporations in manufacturing, biotech, energy, and aerospace

• Hospitals and healthcare systems, managing worker safety and infection prevention

• Research institutions and universities, supporting studies in occupational health, environmental toxicology, and exposure science

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth in this field remains steady due to increasing awareness of workplace health risks, aging infrastructure, and heightened focus on environmental justice and pandemic preparedness.

Median salaries reflect both specialization and sector:

• Occupational Health and Safety Specialists: $81,140⁶

• Environmental Scientists & Specialists: typically around $80,000⁷

What Jobs Can I Get With a Master’s in Occupational Health and Safety?

• Compliance Analyst

• NIOSH Research Fellow

• Risk Assessment Consultant

For working professionals, online and hybrid MPH programs in Occupational Health and Safety offer the flexibility to advance your education without pausing your career. These programs are ideal for:

• Environmental Health Specialists looking to move into management or policy roles

• Nurses, HR professionals, and industrial managers transitioning into occupational health leadership

• Career changers seeking a flexible, interdisciplinary degree that builds expertise in areas like exposure assessment, regulatory policy, and occupational risk prevention.

Many programs are delivered fully online or in low in-person attendance formats, allowing MPH students to complete coursework remotely while gaining hands-on experience through local practicum placements. This ‘low attendance format’ means that you may have to come to campus once every 6 months for a weekend immersion with your cohort, but the bulk of the learning is online. These programs are considered hybrid because there is some in-person attendance required, but it is limited. 

When researching programs, prioritize CEPH accreditation, which ensures public health education quality standards. Some programs may also offer ABET-accredited (which is a global accrediting agency for STEM degrees) tracks in industrial hygiene.

Notable programs include:

• University of South Florida

• City University of New York

• Colorado School of Public Health

• University of Pittsburgh

• Drexel University

• Florida A&M University

• University of Iowa

• Harvard University

• Oregon State University

• University of Arizona

Online MPH degrees make this vital field accessible to professionals nationwide, without sacrificing academic rigor, career relevance, or the ability to specialize in a focused concentration.

This MPH concentration is an excellent fit for individuals who want to make workplaces healthier, safer, and more equitable. You might thrive in an MPH in Occupational Health and Safety program if you:

• Care about workplace justice, injury prevention, and long-term worker well-being

• Have a background in science, health, or engineering and want to move into leadership or policy roles

• Are currently working in environmental health science, nursing, environmental science, or human resources and seeking to advance your career

• Are a career changer drawn to public health and systems thinking

The degree is especially suited to those who want to influence organizations or public agencies at scale, whether by shaping workplace safety policy, leading large-scale risk assessments, or conducting field research that informs national regulations. If you're motivated by impact and prevention, this path offers both intellectual challenge and real-world significance.