How to Become an Environmental Health and Safety Specialist
Research the requirements to become an environmental health and safety specialist. Learn about the job description, and read the step-by-step process to start a career in environmental health and safety.
Requirements for Environmental Health and Safety Specialists
Environmental health and safety specialists protect the well being of the public and the environment by ensuring that environmental regulations and workplace safety standards are met. Bachelor's degree programs in environmental health and safety prepare students for work in this field. Professional certification is available, and numerous universities offer master's degree programs for those who seek advancement. The following table contains the main qualifications and requirements needed to become an environmental health and safety specialist, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Common Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | Bachelor's degree |
| Degree Field | Occupational health, safety or a comparable scientific discipline |
| Certification | Voluntary certification is available through professional organizations |
| Experience | Work experience is important, through internships or otherwise |
| Key Skills | Good communication skills, attention to detail, problem-solving personality |
| Technical Skills | Knowledge of the complex equipment needed to measure the environment |
| Additional Requirements | Physical stamina, willingness to work on call in case of emergencies |
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) stated that most employers require environmental health and safety specialists to earn a bachelor's degree in environmental health and safety or a related discipline, such as biology or chemistry. Students in these programs typically complete classes in math, physics and chemistry. Coursework for the major may cover industrial waste management, environmental law compliance, ergonomics, occupational safety, toxicology, industrial hygiene, construction safety and organizational leadership. Students may be required to complete a senior capstone project.
Success Tip:
- Complete an internship. Internship programs are an excellent way to gain work experience. Most programs include an internship or cooperative learning experience. Some internship opportunities may even be paid and can allow students to work under experienced safety specialists.
Step 2: Gain Experience
The State of California Employment Development Department reported that many employers prefer to hire environmental safety specialists with 1-3 years of work experience. Applicants may want to look for government jobs, since almost 40% of all health and safety specialists were employed by regional, state and federal government agencies as of 2010, according to the BLS. Many of these specialists focus on public health or environmental law. They may test drinking water, enforce product safety standards, clean up contaminated resources and inspect public spaces for health hazards. They also ensure that environmental regulations are met.
Success Tip:
- Complete any specialized training. Under federal law, training approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required for specialists who assess asbestos and certain pesticides. Workers who wish to enter fields like these might want to look ahead at training or certification requirements.
Step 3: Consider Certification
Certification is not necessarily required by law, but voluntary certification could increase a professional's job prospects. For example, the Board of Certified Safety Professionals offers the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) title. The CSP credential requires a 4-year degree in any discipline or a 2-year degree related to environmental health and safety. Additionally, a minimum of three years of work experience in the environmental health and safety field is typically required. CSP candidates must pass two exams on safety principles and practices in order to earn the credential.
Other specialty certifications are available from various professional boards and organizations. For example, individuals who monitor radiation can voluntarily pursue health physicist certification. Those who monitor air quality in industrial settings might obtain certification as an industrial hygienist.
Step 4: Pursue a Master's Degree
According to the BLS, a graduate degree and extensive work experience are typically required for advanced safety specialist positions. Relevant master's degree programs are available in environmental health and safety, industrial hygiene and health physics. Students in industrial hygiene programs can learn how to recognize work-related hazards to prevent employee illness and injury. Health physics programs can teach students how to prevent radiation exposure. Environmental health and safety programs emphasize environmental protection and occupational safety.
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5 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Master
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
- Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Distance Learning Programs
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Non-Degree
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- AS in Engineering Technology
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- Certificate in Holistic Planet
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Arizona (1 campus)
- California (5)
- Colorado (1)
- Florida (2)
- Hawaii (1)
- Illinois (2)
- Minnesota (1)
- Tennessee (1)
- Texas (1)
- Utah (1)
- Virginia (1)
- Washington (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Doctorate
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- DBA in Sustainable Management
- Master
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Alabama (1 campus)
- Arizona (6)
- California (24)
- Colorado (3)
- Columbia (D.C.) (1)
- Florida (6)
- Georgia (5)
- Hawaii (2)
- Iowa (1)
- Idaho (1)
- Kansas (1)
- Louisiana (2)
- Massachusetts (1)
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- Utah (3)
- Washington (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
- Master
Other Schools:
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School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Michigan include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Engineering
- Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Biomedical and Medical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Engineering - Architectural
- Engineering Mechanics
- Engineering Physics
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Health Engineering
- Geological Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
- Plastics Engineering
- Systems Engineering
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School locations:
- Florida (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of South Florida include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Biomedical and Medical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Health Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
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School locations:
- Texas (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Texas Tech University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Engineering - Architectural
- Engineering Physics
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Health Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
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School locations:
- Arizona (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Northern Arizona University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Health Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
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School locations:
- Florida (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Florida include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Biological and Agricultural Engineering
- Biomedical and Medical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Health Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
- Ocean Engineering
- Surveying
- Systems Engineering
