By combining core MBA coursework with courses on workplace safety management Oakland University now offers a Master of Science in Safety Management (MSSM) degree program online at in-state rates for both residents of Michigan and non-residents.
The MSSM program, the first of its kind in Michigan, equips graduate students with business essentials they can apply to risk assessment; loss control; risk management; and safety program planning, administration and management.
Representatives from the Oakland University schools of Business Administration and Health Sciences created the program specifically for safety professionals as well as people who have a safety-related bachelor’s degree – or another degree coupled with safety-related work experience or required prerequisite safety courses.
Where business and safety meet
The joint program builds on the strengths both schools offer to the community and regional economy. The SBA’s commitment to integrative thinking and meeting the demands of today’s workforce combined with the SHS’s solid partnership with southeast Michigan’s industrial community and its ability to quickly respond to the increasing national regulatory focus on workplace safety and health provides a steady foundation for the program’s success.
With a strong working relationship between OU’s MSSM program and the Big Three automobile manufacturers, the United Automobile Workers International Union, many auto parts and equipment suppliers, state and federal government agencies and a wide variety of other key employers throughout Michigan and beyond, the program prepares graduates to make sound management decisions about occupational safety, health and environmental issues.
Prospective employers strongly support the program.
"Safety Management is, and has been, a rapidly emerging field vital to industry and employees alike. Oakland University has a history of being proactive in seeking out the needs of the employers and the students that it serves and ensuring that its programs meet those needs. The MSSM program once again demonstrates that Oakland is ahead of the curve,” says John Hoffmann, certified safety professional and president, Safety Engineering Labs, Inc.
"There is truly a business side to health and safety that sometimes gets overlooked by the safety professional until they attain many years of experience -- this approach to the master’s curriculum expedites that process,” says Michael C. Nicholson, Group Safety Director, URS Corporation.
For details about the online Master of Science in Safety Management program, see the program website. (http://www.oakland.edu/www.oakland.edu/shs/osh/mssm)
Free leadership seminar
Based on the success of the collaboration that created the MSSM program, the SBA and SHS joined together with Oakland University’s School of Engineering and Computer Science and OU INC to present a free learning professional development opportunity for business leaders and safety directors.
Oakland University’s first Leadership Seminar on Occupational Safety and Health is set for 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, in the Gold Rooms at Oakland Center. Admission is free.
With each unit bringing its own expertise and insights to the table, the seminar will show participants how a world-class health and safety program can result in lower costs, higher quality, improved on-time delivery and more loyal and dedicated employees.
Activities include speaker presentations, a panel discussion, lunch and a tour of the state-of-the-art facilities in OU’s new Human Health Building.
The experienced business leaders speaking at this event will include representatives from General Motors, ABB Group, URS, DuPont and Schneider Electric.
For a detailed seminar agenda, speaker information and online registration, visit www.Oakland.edu/shs/osh
For more information about the online MS in Safety Management program, visit www.oakland.edu/www.oakland.edu/shs/osh/mssm
By Flori Meeks