As an Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) professional, you can make a positive influence on people, the environment, and your organization.
EHS experts improve the health of employees by reducing injuries, illnesses, and deaths; protect the environment; increase sustainability; and bolster the bottom line for companies by controlling liabilities and costs.
You don't need to have a background in construction or environmental health. No matter where you are in your career, the University of Minnesota offers an EHS program that meets your needs.
Which Option Is Right for You?
| Program | Delivery | Admission Requirements | Apply By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Fully online | Open to anyone who meets minimum requirements; starts as a cohort in the fall every odd year | July 15 for fall 2021 |
| Track | In person and online | An option that results in a BASc. in Construction Management degree | August 1 for fall |
| Minor | In person and online | An option for admitted U of M undergraduates |
Want to learn more about any of the EHS programs or the admission process?
Prepare for Safety Certification
The EHS curriculum was designed around the required exams to become a certified Construction Health and Safety Technicians (CHST) and Associate Safety Professionals (ASP).
All three programs—the certificate, track, and minor—require the same five core courses:
- Introduction to Environmental Health and Safety (CMGT 4301)
- Environmental Health Principles (CMGT 4302)
- Industrial Hygiene Principles (CMGT 4303)
- Fire and Life Safety Principles (CMGT 4303)
- Health and Safety Planning and Management (CMGT 4305)
“Becoming a certified safety professional helped me find an awesome job with a much better salary! In my experience, employers look for certifications when hiring and those with certifications stand out above the rest.” — Jean C., CIH, CSP
Gain Up-to-Date Health and Safety Training
In addition to the latest health and safety technology, you'll expand your knowledge of:
- critical-thinking techniques
- communication and interpersonal skills
- management and leadership principles
- legal and ethical concepts of EHS
You'll be exposed to a wide range of fields: construction management and safety, chemistry, ergonomics, environmental sciences, engineering, and more.
Increase Your Earning Potential
With the right combination of education, soft skills, and certifications, safety professionals can expect to have a rewarding career far into the future.
Median annual wages for health and safety engineers in the following industries (from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019):
| Engineering Services | $99,410 |
| Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting | $97,110 |
| Manufacturing | $89,140 |
| Construction | $79,570 |
| State and Local Government | $89,250 |