The Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) program is designed for professionals who currently are in, or pursuing, leadership roles in the safety professions. It focuses on the management and prevention of accidents, illnesses, fires, explosions, and other events which harm people, property, and the environment.
Safety professionals apply principles from multiple disciplines to prevent loss and mitigate its impact. They will have knowledge in a wide range of areas, such as construction management and safety, chemistry, ergonomics, environmental sciences, engineering, and business management.
Curriculum
The EHS program aligns with the BASc. degree in Construction Management. It will assist the student in preparing to apply for and take the examination leading to the Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST), the Associate Safety Professional (ASP) certifications issued by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, and certifications issued by the International Code Council.
EHS Track (15 credits)
Introduction to Environmental Health and Safety (CMGT 4301, 3cr)
Provides the student with a comprehensive understanding of environmental health and safety standards and their application for the management of workplace injury prevention and health promotion.
Environmental Health Principles (CMGT 4302, 3 cr)
Review requirements and provide direction in controlling regulations related to environmental and occupational health, chemical and biological safety, hazardous materials, and other health hazards that can create harm.
Industrial Hygiene Principles (CMGT 4303, 3 cr)
Studies and identifies the science of anticipating, recognizing, evaluating, and controlling workplace conditions that may cause worker injury or illness.
Fire and Life Safety Principles (CMGT 4304, 3 cr)
Provides strategies to protect people based on building construction, protection, and occupancy features that minimize the effects of fire and related hazards in both new and existing structures.
Health and Safety Planning and Management (CMGT 4305 3 cr)
A comprehensive study of the essential components needed in developing an effective safety planning and management system. Examines the cultural aspects of integrating total safety planning and management into all levels of an operation.
Total Credits for BASc. in Construction
- Liberal Education Requirements = 38 credits
- Preparatory Courses = 30 credits
- Construction Management Required Core = 31 credits
- Environmental Health & Safety Track = 15
- Electives as needed to reach = 120 total credits
Career Outlook
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 |
Admission
Admission to the Environmental Health and Safety track requires admission to the Construction Management major. Students must meet all admission requirements for the major.
We also offer a Construction Management minor and certificate.
Nondegree students may also be interested in these related courses.
Let's Connect
You can learn more about the Environmental Health and Safety track in a way that works for you. Enrollment Advisor, Willie Wong, is here to help.
Or, ask Willie a question at wkwong@umn.edu or 612-625-2529
Meet Willie
Willie Wong works with students who are interested in one of our applied undergraduate majors (Construction Management, Health Services Management, and Information Technology Infrastructure). He is here to answer your questions about admission requirements, the application procedure, and choosing the right courses. His hobbies and interests revolve around sports, both as a participant and spectator. He and his family love to eat and travel.