Occupational Safety and Health @ GVSU
Occupational Safety and Health Management (OSHM) ensures workplace safety and health by identifying, evaluating, and managing risks that could harm workers. The OSH profession draws on the principles of many scientific disciplines to creatively solve problems that reduce the risks of injuries and illnesses in the workplace. There continues to be a demand for OSH professionals as the nature of work continues to evolve with increased automation, use of technology, and increased exposure to new risks from chemical, biological, and physical hazards.
The Bachelor of Science in OSHM program at Grand Valley State University immerses students in a curriculum combining engineering, psychology, biology, chemistry, design thinking, and problem solving. Students will be exposed to learning experiences and opportunities and encounter real-world applications to enhance their learning experiences. The program blends hands-on and theoretical learning, offering paid internships to help students gain practical, marketable skills. At the end of the program, students are eligible for prestigious certifications such as the Graduate Safety Practitioner® and the Associate Safety and Health Manager.
Graduates of the OSHM Program are well equipped to work in a variety of different industries, from manufacturing to construction, to service, to insurance. Job titles may include Safety Manager, Environmental Health and Safety Specialist, Loss Control Consultant, and Environmental Safety Engineer. Alumni have secured positions in companies such as Boeing, Ford, Amazon, Rockford Construction, JR Automation, Walt Disney World, Pfizer, and Founders Brewing. Other graduates also go on to pursue graduate degrees in safety or industrial hygiene.
Welcome to the GVSU Engineering Undergraduate Student Resources Hub
At Grand Valley State University, we are committed to supporting our engineering students both inside and outside the classroom. Whether you’re looking for scholarship opportunities, co-op experiences, student organizations, academic support, or career development resources, this site is your go-to destination for all the tools and information you need to succeed.
Explore the links below to connect with valuable resources that will help you make the most of your time at GVSU:
Scholarships & Financial Aid – Find engineering-specific scholarships, grants, and financial assistance to support your education.
Co-op & Career Services – Gain hands-on industry experience through our required co-op program and explore job and internship opportunities.
Student Organizations – Join engineering-related student groups, including WMASSP, ASME, SAE, SWE, and more, to network, develop skills, and engage with the GVSU engineering community.
Advising Services – Connect with academic advisors to plan your courses, track degree progress, and explore career pathways.
Tutoring & Academic Support – Get help with coursework through peer tutoring, study sessions, and additional academic resources.
Engineering Facilities & Labs – Learn about our state-of-the-art Innovation Design Center, project labs, and maker spaces.
Study Abroad & Global Experiences – Broaden your perspective with international study programs and global engineering opportunities.
We encourage you to take advantage of these resources to enhance your education, build your network, and prepare for a successful engineering career. If you have any questions or need guidance, our faculty and staff are here to help!
TRANSFER PLANS
Transfer plans for Michigan community colleges show you exactly which courses to take based on your planned major at GVSU. This helps ensure that you will be able to transfer the maximum number of credits when it's time to start classes at GVSU.
COURSE EQUIVALENCIES
Course Equivalencies show you how courses from other colleges and universities transfer to GVSU. Once you apply for admission and send official transcripts, you will receive an official Transfer Credit Evaluation.
MICHIGAN TRANSFER AGREEMENT
The Michigan Transfer Agreement is designed to help you transfer from your community college to a Michigan four-year college or university.
MiTRANSFER PATHWAYS
GVSU is proud to participate in the MiTransfer Pathways while continuing our support of Michigan transfer students.
Thank you for considering GVSU Occupational Safety and Health students to complete an internship at your site. Our Interns are excited for the opportunity to apply the health and safety principles learned in a real-world setting. Our interns have also been very successful at their internship locations, and employers find the experience very beneficial to their company. An internship is a requirement of all OSHM majors. The specific requirements and details for the internship experience can be found in the internship guidelines document by clicking on the Internship Guidelines button below.
If you are interested in hosting a GVSU OSHM major at your site for an internship, please contact Courtney Aloul, Internship Coordinator, at (616) 331-6249 or email at [email protected]
Grand Valley State University has partnered with MIOSHA to allow MTI Level 2 Safety and Health Management System certificate holders to earn college credit towards a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health Management at GVSU.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MTI to HIGHER ED @ GVSU
Dave Huizen, PhD
Program Chair
Top 6 reasons to study OSH at GVSU
- Nearly a 100% job placement out of university.
- Occupational Safety professionals work with a diverse group of people.
- Occupational Safety professionals experience a high degree of job satisfaction.
- Occupational Safety professionals protect and promote employee health and safety.
- Occupational Safety professionals enjoy higher-than-average wages. (See the Bureau of Labor Statistics for more information)
- Occupational Safety professionals enjoy a tight-knit community among professionals and experience a deep kinship with their fellow professionals.
What is Occupational Safety and Health at GVSU?
