New Recognition and New Path to Success for Safety Grads

Keene State students pursuing a master’s in safety and occupational health applied sciences or a bachelor’s in construction safety sciences will have more ways to advance their careers after graduation. The Board of Certified Safety Professionals recently recognized these degrees as Qualified Academic Programs.

The distinction means those graduates will have a streamlined path to Certified Safety Professional certification by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, which is required by many employers. The certification has an added bonus of increasing a graduate’s earning potential by as much as $30,000 annually.

“Having Keene State’s Safety and Occupational Health Applied Sciences degrees reviewed by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals and approved as Qualified Academic Programs recognizes that our graduates are prepared for entry into, or advancement in, professional safety practice,” says Linda Martin, faculty member and an environmental health and safety professional. “These students receive the ability to waive the Associate Safety Professional examination requirement on their path to Certified Safety Professional eligibility, which is a significant leg up to professional success.”

The safety and occupational health applied sciences undergraduate degree program is expected to receive Qualified Academic Program distinction in the fall. Currently, there are only 67 Qualified Academic Programs at colleges and universities across the country, though over 250 safety degree programs are offered nationwide.