How to Get a Safety Engineering Degree

In today’s world, safety is more than a priority—it’s a necessity. From oil rigs to office buildings, ensuring the safety of systems, equipment, and personnel is critical. That’s where Safety Engineers come in. These professionals combine principles of engineering and health and safety to create systems that prevent accidents and protect people and assets. If you’re interested in making a difference and enjoying a stable, high-demand career, pursuing a Safety Engineering degree might be the right step.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk you through how to get a Safety Engineering degree, including prerequisites, types of programs, cost, career options, and everything in between. Whether you’re a high school graduate or a mid-career professional seeking a career shift, this article will provide unique insight into your journey toward becoming a certified safety engineer.

What Is Safety Engineering?

Safety Engineering is a field of engineering that focuses on designing systems and processes to minimize the risks of injury, damage, and environmental harm. Safety engineers analyze hazards, conduct risk assessments, and implement control measures to prevent workplace accidents and system failures.

Key Responsibilities of a Safety Engineer

• Identifying hazards through inspection and analysis

• Developing safety protocols and compliance strategies

• Designing protective systems and safety devices

• Investigating accidents and providing preventive solutions

• Ensuring regulatory compliance (OSHA, ISO 45001, etc.)

Common Industries Hiring Safety Engineers

• Oil and Gas

• Construction

• Manufacturing

• Aerospace

• Healthcare

• Transportation

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for Health and Safety Engineers was $99,040 per year as of 2023, and the demand is projected to grow due to increased workplace safety regulations.

Educational Path: How to Get a Safety Engineering Degree

To become a professional in this field, the primary path is obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Safety Engineering or a related discipline. Here’s how to go about it:

1. Complete High School with Relevant Courses

Start with a solid foundation in high school by taking:

• Mathematics (Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus)

• Physics and Chemistry

• Computer Science

• English and Technical Writing

2. Choose the Right Degree Program

There are multiple academic routes to becoming a safety engineer:

a) Bachelor’s Degree in Safety Engineering

Direct programs in Safety Engineering are less common but growing. These programs focus specifically on:

• Systems safety

• Risk analysis

• Industrial hygiene

• Safety design engineering

• Fire protection systems

b) Related Degrees That Lead to Safety Engineering Careers

• Occupational Safety and Health

• Environmental Health and Safety

• Industrial Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering with a safety concentration

Look for ABET-accredited programs (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology), which are often a requirement for certification and licensure.

3. Consider a Master’s Degree (Optional but Recommended)

If you’re looking to advance your career, specialize, or increase your salary potential, a Master’s in Safety Engineering or a related discipline (e.g., Risk Management, Fire Protection Engineering) is highly valuable.

Common graduate programs include:

• MS in Safety Engineering

• MS in Fire Protection Engineering

• MS in Occupational Health and Safety

Admission Requirements for a Safety Engineering Degree

To get accepted into a Safety Engineering program, you’ll need to meet several requirements. These vary by country and institution, but generally include:

Academic Prerequisites

• High school diploma or equivalent

• SAT or ACT scores (U.S. only)

• High grades in math and science subjects

Application Materials

• Transcripts

• Letters of recommendation

• Personal statement or essay

• Resume or extracurricular activities (for mature students)

International Students

If you’re applying from outside the U.S. or Europe, additional requirements may include:

• TOEFL or IELTS scores (English proficiency)

• Student visa application

• Proof of financial support

Duration and Curriculum: What You’ll Learn

A Bachelor’s in Safety Engineering typically takes 4 years of full-time study. Here’s what you can expect from the curriculum:

Sample Courses

• Principles of Safety Engineering

• Engineering Ethics and Risk Assessment

• Occupational Health and Safety

• Fire Protection and Life Safety

• Human Factors Engineering

• Industrial Hygiene

• Environmental Safety Technologies

• System Reliability Engineering

Practical Experience

• Internships or Co-op placements with companies

• Capstone Projects focused on safety system design

• Laboratory sessions with real-world simulation

This hands-on approach ensures students graduate with applicable, job-ready skills.

Top Universities Offering Safety Engineering Degrees

Here are some reputable institutions offering accredited programs in Safety Engineering or related fields:

United States

• Texas A&M University – MS in Safety Engineering

• University of Alabama at Birmingham – BS in Occupational Health and Safety

• Indiana State University – BS in Safety Management

• University of Houston-Clear Lake – MS in Occupational Safety and Health

United Kingdom

• University of Aberdeen – MSc in Safety and Reliability Engineering

• University of Strathclyde – MSc in Safety and Risk Management

Canada

• Fanshawe College – Occupational Health & Safety Advanced Diploma

• British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) – OHS Certificate and Diploma programs

Australia

• Curtin University – Bachelor of Science (Health, Safety and Environment)

• University of Queensland – Graduate Certificate in Safety Science

Each program varies in cost, curriculum, and entry requirements. Make sure to compare options based on your budget and career goals.

Licensing and Certification After Graduation

After completing your degree, certification boosts your credibility and expands your career opportunities.

Common Certifications Include:

• Certified Safety Professional (CSP) – by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP)

• Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) – by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene

• Associate Safety Professional (ASP)

• NEBOSH Certificate or Diploma – recognized internationally

• OSHA Certification (for U.S. roles)

Requirements for Certification

Most certifications require:

• A relevant degree

• Work experience (e.g., 1–4 years)

• Passing a certification exam

• Continued education credits

Licensing is generally not required unless you work in highly regulated sectors like nuclear energy or fire safety engineering, where a Professional Engineer (PE) license might be needed.

Cost of Earning a Safety Engineering Degree

In the United States

• Public Universities: $10,000–$25,000/year

• Private Universities: $25,000–$50,000/year

• Online Programs: $5,000–$15,000/year

In the UK

• Home Students: £9,000–£11,000/year

• International Students: £15,000–£22,000/year

In Canada

• CAD 6,000–20,000/year depending on the institution

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Many institutions offer:

• Merit-based scholarships

• Need-based grants

• Employer sponsorships

• Federal student loans

Look into scholarships specifically for engineering or safety studies through organizations like the NSC (National Safety Council) or BCSP Foundation.

Career Outlook and Salary Potential

Entry-Level Roles

• Safety Coordinator

• Safety Inspector

• Risk Analyst

• Industrial Hygienist

Mid-Level to Senior Roles

• Safety Engineer

• Process Safety Manager

• Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Manager

• Fire Safety Engineer

• Safety Consultant

Average Salary by Region

(Source: PayScale, Glassdoor, 2024 data)

Advantages of Pursuing a Safety Engineering Degree

• High Demand: Workplace safety is a growing concern globally.

• Diverse Job Opportunities: Work in various industries—tech, oil, aerospace, etc.

• Competitive Salary: Median salaries exceed national averages.

• Global Recognition: Safety certifications are recognized worldwide.

• Meaningful Impact: Help save lives and protect the environment.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

While the field is rewarding, it does come with its share of challenges:

Common Hurdles

• Complex regulations and compliance standards

• High responsibility and legal accountability

• Physically demanding in some industries (e.g., oil rigs)

How to Manage

• Stay current with global safety standards (e.g., ISO, OSHA)

• Regularly attend workshops and seminars

• Join professional associations (e.g., ASSE, IOSH, BCSP)

Final Tips: How to Succeed in Safety Engineering

• Start Early: Build a solid STEM foundation in high school.

• Network: Connect with professionals via LinkedIn and engineering forums.

• Stay Certified: Regularly update your skills with relevant certifications.

• Keep Learning: Safety technology and regulations evolve; stay ahead.

• Be Detail-Oriented: Small oversights can lead to major incidents.

Conclusion

Getting a Safety Engineering degree is a strategic move toward a fulfilling, impactful, and high-paying career. It requires dedication, technical aptitude, and a genuine passion for protecting lives and systems. From choosing the right academic path to understanding the certifications and career options, the journey is achievable and rewarding.

Whether you’re aiming to become a Safety Engineer, EHS Manager, or Risk Consultant, the roadmap begins with education. Follow the steps outlined above, stay committed, and you’ll position yourself as a safety leader in an ever-evolving global workforce.

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