Safety Management Degree Program

Explore the Safety Management degree program

Safety management is about identifying hazards and reducing workplace risks. Increased productivity, better employee morale, and lower costs are just some of the results of a safer environment you can help create. With the Safety Management degree program at Wayne State, you’ll be prepared to work in industry, government, construction, and private sector companies. You’ll study foundational and cutting-edge technologies, safety-related concepts, supervision and leadership skills, and business knowledge. You’ll be prepared to dive into government regulations, interpretations, documentation, and robust understandings as you develop your safety expertise and pass it along to others.

Increase your impact
Students who complete WSC’s Safety Management degree program automatically qualify for the Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) certification and meet the credentials required for Certified Safety Practitioner (CSP) status through the Board of Certified Safety Practitioners (BCSP). Certification from the BCSP gives you the credentials to protect more people while advancing in the field and increasing your earning potential. After completing WSC’s Safety Management degree program, you’ll be ready for a high-demand field with lots of options for where to go and what to do.

View program courses Download program fact sheet (PDF)

Fast facts

Degree options:

B.A. or B.S. in Industrial Technology/Safety Management
Minor in Safety Management

Delivery format: On campus (Wayne)

Program credit hours: 63

Industrial technology core (30 credit hours)
Safety management concentration (33 credit hours)

Note: Students must also take 30 credit hours of General Studies courses. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to graduate from WSC. Additional majors or minors can be added to help meet graduation requirements.

School: Business and Technology

Department: Technology and Applied Science

Prepare for your future

Opportunities and outcomes

Safety management topics covered

Communication skills for business and industry
HR management principles and information systems
Supervision and project management
First aid and CPR
Industrial safety and proper use of machinery and construction tools
Engineering and technology principles in production and design
Designing, estimating, planning, and scheduling processes
Reading and interpreting blueprints
Fundamentals of workplace design, ergonomics, and industrial hygiene
Manufacturing technology materials and processing
Residential drawing with computer-aided design (CAD) software
Safety management for construction and industrial environments
Accident prevention and investigation in business and industry
Systems and process safety management
Analysis of safety data and decision-making techniques
Handling hazardous materials in construction and industrial environments

Student learning outcomes

Demonstrate effective skills in written, oral, and graphical communication
Apply current technologies and tools to identify and solve problems in industrial settings
Implement occupational and personal safety, health, and well-being principle
Apply management and leadership skills in industrial technology

Career Scholars Program

Students majoring in Safety Management are eligible to take part in the Career Scholars Program. The Career Scholars Program offers a generous scholarship package while you embark on a unique cooperative education journey starting your freshman year at Wayne State. During your time here, you’ll participate in career readiness activities, job site visits, job shadowing, and more - all while learning the fundamentals of professional practice. After three years on campus, you’ll complete your senior year by working at a paid job in your chosen field. Job locations include Norfolk or Grand Island, Neb., where you'll live in community housing with fellow Career Scholars students.

Career Scholars Program

Safety management internships

Our outstanding Career Services Office is available to help you find safety management internships and career opportunities. Students recently completed internships at the following locations:

CNH Industrial
Constructors, Inc.
Great Dane Trailers
Hausmann Construction
Heritage Homes
Michael Foods
Nelson Commercial Construction
Norfolk Iron & Metal
Nucor Corporation
The Waldinger Corporation

Career services and internships

Graduates of the Safety Management degree program work in their chosen field using the skills they learned while at Wayne State College. Each year, eager employers welcome WSC graduates into their organizations.

Jobs of recent graduates:

Assistant Project Manager – Woodruff Construction (Fort Dodge, Iowa)
Construction Administration Technician – E&A Consulting (Omaha, Neb.)
Engineer I – Kiewit Building Group (Omaha, Neb.)
Field Safety Specialist – Lyman-Richey Corporation (Omaha, Neb.)
Project Engineer – Beckenhauer Construction (Norfolk, Neb.)
Project Manager – Sand Creek Post & Beam (Wayne, Neb.)
Safety Manager – Hausmann Construction (Norfolk, Neb.)
Safety Manager – Timberlyne (Wayne, Neb.)
Superintendent – Hausmann Construction (Lincoln, Neb.)

job or grad school placement rate
within six months of graduation
Data based on most recent
employment outcomes survey

Safety practitioners certified by the Board of Certified Safety Practitioners (BSCP) see new career opportunities with an average salary increase of $30,000 or more, and set the standard for life-saving safety practice. (Source: BCSP website)

WSC’s Safety Management program meets Qualified Academic Program (QAP) standards and has received Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) designation by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). Upon successful completion of the Safety Management degree program, simply submit your application for the GSP certification within the applicable dates and you’ll receive the GSP digital certificate, among other benefits, including:

automatically meeting the eligibility requirements for Certified Safety Practitioner (CSP) and waiving the need to sit for or pass the Associate Safety Practitioner (ASP®) exam
eligibility for STS and STSC certifications
recognition in the BCSP Credential Holder Directory and a digital badge
use of the BCSP Career Center to post your resume and view career opportunities

Our BSP Status Learn more about GSP designation

Cost of attendance

Most Affordable College in Nebraska

- College Affordability Guide, 2024

Wayne State is considered the most affordable four-year college or university in Nebraska. With same rates for in- and out-of-state students, our tuition guarantee, and our generous scholarship packages, it is clear to see how WSC earned the title. In fact, the average remaining annual cost of attendance for 2024-25 is $2,268 for undergraduate students after financial aid and scholarships.

Credits: 3
Description: Selected topics of environmental concerns to be presented by the laboratory-oriented approach, and in compliance with the requirements of General Studies. Does not apply to any major, minor, or endorsement in any science area (BIO, CHE, EAS, NAT) unless specified. Four hours lecture-lab combined.
Credits: 3
Description: Development of critical communication skills used in business and industry. Emphasis on assisting business students to become more effective and efficient writers. Includes instructions, reports, memos, and letters.
Prerequisite: ENG 102 Composition Skills
Credits: 3
Description: This course concentrates on the skills needed by first-line supervisors. Issues covered include the following: supervisor’s job description, organizing an effective department, acquiring employees, motivation, effective leadership, communication skills, supervising groups and work teams, labor relations and supervisory challenges in the 21st century.
Credits: 3
Description: This course provides an introduction to the management of projects. Emphasis is placed on both the technical aspects of the project management process and the management of the human behavioral/situational aspects of projects. The nature of projects is explored. The techniques and tools of project management are introduced. Operational, tactical, and strategic implications of project management approaches are considered. The use of current project management software is incorporated. Students are also provided with an understanding of the many environmental and behavioral issues surrounding project management, and approaches to dealing with these issues. Graduate students in these courses have additional requirements beyond those for the undergraduate students.
Credits: 3
Description: This course examines the fundamentals of creating a safe and healthy work environment. Topics focus on reducing injuries, identifying common safety hazards, and safely operating specific machines and tools in the Center for Applied Technology building labs. This course also includes training in American Heart Association’s (AHA) Heartsaver First Aid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use. These training sessions are designed to prepare students to provide first aid and CPR, and how to use an AED in a safe timely, and effective manner. Students will have the opportunity to earn certifications through a 10-hour OSHA Safety card (does not expire) and a First Aid CPR AED (valid for two years). ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $35 required.
Credits: 3
Description: An introductory course of engineering and technology principles. Designed to provide a foundation of knowledge and skills for all Industrial Technology, Skilled and Technical Sciences (STS) and undeclared majors. Engineering concepts along with new technology will be utilized in the design and production of products made. Students will employ problem-solving, research and design, and interpersonal communication skills as they work through the assigned classroom and lab activities. Lecture and lab combined. ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $25 required.
Credits: 3
Description: This course covers the proper care and operation of various hand and power tools used in residential and light commercial construction, basic masonry, and carpentry practices; framing, interior and exterior finishing; reading and interpreting of building blueprints and specifications with actual application of the competencies necessary to complete various construction projects. Course also covers the processes of design, estimating, planning, and the contractor’s role in scheduling. Lecture and lab combined. ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $25 required.
Credits: 3
Description: An exploratory course introducing students to the five areas of the manufacturing industry. Hands-on lab activities will reinforce lessons in sheet steel and aluminum, plastics, wood, and the foundry. Appropriate material selection, process selection, safety, use of manufacturing and industrial tools and equipment, and measurement will be presented. Lecture and lab combined. ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $25 required.
Credits: 3
Description: This course fosters a solid understanding of the mathematics applicable for trade and technical environments. Topics include measurement, proportions, solving equations, rational expressions, geometric measures, trigonometry, and statistics. This course is intended for Industrial Technology majors.
Choose one of the following courses:
- ITE 214 Residential Drawing (3 credits) - This course explores the fundamentals of residential drawing and the application of computer aided drafting. Students develop skills in sketching, home planning, design, layout and building material selection for residential structures, zoning, an introduction to code requirements, building permits process and energy audits. Students are required to complete a full set of construction documents to include floor plans, foundation plans, elevations, kitchen and bath plans, detail drawings, specific notes, and a 3D rendering. Lecture and lab combined. ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $25 required.
- ITE 219 Mechanical and Engineering Drafting (3 credits) - A drafting and design class that will emphasize geometry, geometric construction, multi-view drawings, orthographic projection, sectional views, primary and secondary auxiliary views, dimensioning, isometric drawing, sketching and drafting standards. The course will include extensive use of computer aided drafting software and solid modeling software, problem-solving and elements of design. Students will be introduced to prototype development and 3D printing. (Lecture and lab combined) ITE majors must pass with a C or better. $25 class fee required.

Safety management courses (33 credits)

Credits: 3
Description: This course identifies the foundations of human resources in an organizational setting. The course introduces students to the history of human resource management and its role, and provides an overview of human resource management including: workforce planning and employment; employee recruitment, selection, orientation, performance appraisals; human resource development; job analysis and design; compensation and benefits; employee relations; and Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS).
Credits: 3
Description: An overview of the reasons for, benefits of, and activities related to occupational environmental control programming and industrial hygiene practices.
Credits: 3
Description: This course is a study of human characteristics for the appropriate design of the workplace environment to promote safety, well-being, and work efficiency.
Credits: 3
Description: This course will focus on safety issues directly related to the construction industry. Students will explore state and federal regulations associated with the construction industry. The course will include both classroom activities and “in the field” activities to further their understanding of the issues faced by construction companies. Class fee of $10 required.
Credits: 3
Description: This course will focus on safety issues directly related to the industrial environment.
Students will look at state and federal regulations associated with the industrial/manufacturing environment.
Class fee of $10 required.
Credits: 3
Description: This course will explore the principles and application of workplace accident investigation techniques as they relate to the management of occupational safety and health programs. A variety of theories and practices will be discussed and evaluated using case studies of actual accidents.
Credits: 3
Description: This course will focus on the key elements of Systems Safety and Process Safety Management (PSM) as they apply to the creation, management, and improvement of safety and health programs. The student will explore a variety of current and topical concepts as they pertain to Systems Safety and PSM fields.
Credits: 3
Description: This course will cover accident safety data and analysis. Analysis decision making with relevant accident data will be a major focus of this course. Resources available that compile accident statistics will be investigated. The course will include basic statistical techniques and emphasis will be placed on the preparation of safety data for presentations.
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing
Credits: 3
Description: This course will explore the principles and theories of accident causation and prevention in the workplace. The impact of accidents on society today, psychological factors related to accidents, legal requirements, accident prevention in business and industry, schools, and the community.
Credits: 3
Description: This course will focus on the examination of issues concerning the use of hazardous materials in the construction and industrial environments. Chemical and physical properties as well as issues related to the transportation of these materials will be addressed.
Credits: 3
Description: Students taking an internship for their major are required to secure placement in an internship of a professional capacity and related to their major concentration. Internships must be approved by the advisors. Internships are supervised and must show at least 50 clock hours at work for each credit hour earned. A signed internship agreement is required.

Popular pairings

Many students at Wayne State will add a second major or a minor to complement their program of study or to focus their studies on a specific topic. Students who recently majored in Safety Management at Wayne State also paired this major with one or more of the following programs:

Construction Management (major or minor)
Drafting and Design (major or minor)
Manufacturing Management (major or minor)
Spanish (major or minor)

View all majors and minors

Related programs

Students interested in the Safety Management program may also be interested in:

Construction Management (B.A. or B.S.)
Engineering Technology (B.A. or B.S.)
Manufacturing Management (B.A. or B.S.)

Wayne State was my choice due to its affordability, community, and local opportunities. The instructors and professors are personable and passionate about what they do, and they install that passion into their teachings. In the years I have attended, I have made lifelong friends, while also vastly increasing my knowledge in my field of study. The classes I have taken in pursuit of my Safety Management and Drafting and Design degrees include great introductions but do not shy away from challenging the individual.

Isaac Bruning

Hartington, Nebraska

Majors: Safety Management and Drafting and Design

Isaac Bruning

Hartington, Nebraska

Majors: Safety Management and Drafting and Design

Meet the professors

Technology and Applied Science Department

Jeff Allen, Ed.D.

Professor

Erin Arneson, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

David Hix, MSE

Instructor

Al Lindsay, MSE

Instructor

Dan Mitchell, MSE

Instructor

Jessie Piper, MSE

Instructor

Grant Schrick, MSE

Instructor

Clubs for safety management majors

American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) - A local chapter of the national ASSP, an organization for students pursuing careers in safety, health, and environmental fields
Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) - Student chapter of AGC designed to enhance learning experiences in the field of construction
Epsilon Pi Tau - A national honor society for students in technology-related fields
FBLA Collegiate - A collegiate division of FBLA and professional organization for students in business and related majors
SkillsUSA - National career and technical student organization