Occupational safety degrees educate students in the assessment, risk and prevention of workplace hazards. Such dangers can include physical, biological or chemical risks to employers and their employees. Occupational safety degrees teach students using both theoretical and hands-on methods. An occupational safety degree will prepare students for careers with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or with businesses.
Quality control degrees educate students on the safety policies and procedures used in manufacturing. Learning these guidelines prepares students to check and regulate the safety and standards for products before they are released to the public. Associate's, bachelor's or master's degrees are available in quality control.
Public safety degrees focus on criminal justice, law enforcement, emergency medical services (EMS) or firefighting. These degrees will teach students how to serve the public. They also will prepare students for Civil Service exams, which are needed to become certified in their chosen field. Public safety degrees may take two to six years to complete.
A safety science degree more generally covers each of the previous topics. It is a growing field that educates students to help set safety standards in businesses, governments and industries locally, nationally or worldwide. Although this is a science degree, students are often taught of social aspects as well, including how safety standards affect populations, economies and commerce. This degree will prepare students to enter careers in OSHA; the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); or the Defense, Transportation or Energy department.