Balancing work and higher education can be a challenge, but there are significant benefits to pursuing a degree.
According to a 2020 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers make over 1.5x more with a bachelor’s degree and the unemployment rate is significantly lower for bachelor’s degree holders when compared to high school graduates without a bachelor’s degree.
The cost of tuition, course supplies, and potentially fewer hours worked can seem like a steep investment. However, earning a degree can open doors for future opportunities and broaden your perspective.
It’s rare to find an opportunity to work collaboratively with others – researching new topics of interest, exploring the history of a discipline/industry, or creating new and innovative ways to approach EHS-related challenges.
Here we explore the types of courses available and the real benefits of studying a degree to help pursue your EHS Career.
Illinois State University: Environmental Health and Sustainability
Environmental Health and Sustainability at Illinois State gives you the skills and experience needed for a successful, in-demand career. Many of the classes involve labs and field-based learning whilst also the ability to take your learning out of the classroom and research alongside faculty.
The EHS major is the only accredited program in Illinois and means you can immediately take the following certifications after graduation:
State of Illinois Licensed Environmental Health Practitioner (LEHP) examination.
National Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) examination, administered by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA)
Professor Tom Fuller at Illinois State says:
"There are great benefits of achieving a college degree, including better job advancement, a better career, and a better outlook on life. Without one, you could be limited in your career path and earning potential. Many of our past students are now graduates with a bachelor’s degree, starting at good and competitive salaries in Chicago.”
Find out more about the course here.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University: Occupational Safety and Health
The Department of Occupational Safety and Health at Southeastern Oklahoma State University prides itself on being dedicated to the education and training of individuals for supervisory, management, and training roles in business, industry, government, and education.
The Department strives to develop future safety professionals and leaders in OSH needed for the 21st Century and offers undergraduates in occupational safety & health the tools to satisfy the needs of the profession in numerous ways.
To date, they have graduates in nearly every state, numerous countries overseas and working in a wide range of different sectors.
Dr. Hal Poovey from SE says:
"Time management is a large key for any EHS professional returning to the field. Students need to ensure they can take on a full-time course load and to slow down the pace if needed. Taking the time to fully get through the program will have plenty of benefits.”
Find out more about the course here.
Keene State College: Safety & Occupational Health Applied Sciences
Keene State College is in New Hampshire and is known for its strong academic programs and emphasis on experimental learning. Their Safety & Occupational Health Applied Sciences degree is a hands-on, practical course which explores the impact of accidents, how to develop strategies by applying scientific and engineering principles, analyzing processes, equipment, products, facilities, and environments to make them as safe and healthy as possible.
The course also explores how to work with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), meet its compliance standards, and understand OSHA inspection procedures, citations, appeals, and the necessary record-keeping.
Central Washington University: B.S Safety and Health Management.
Located in Ellensburg, CWU was established in 1891 and is one of the six public four-year universities in Washington. Their Safety and Health Management program covers a variety of concepts and principles including business administration, enforcement, engineering, health, risk management, and statistics to prevent harm to people, property, and the environment.
They offer one of the few, four-year Occupational Safety and Health Management degrees on the West Coast and offer small class sizes, hands-on learning opportunities, high job-placement rates, and a welcoming culture that promotes diversity, equality, and inclusion initiatives and prioritizes student success.
Find out more about the course here.
How Shirley Parsons can help you with your EHS Career
Here at Shirley Parsons, we are the global leader for Safety, Health, Environmental & Sustainability recruitment. Our unique combination of EHS industry knowledge and exceptional service delivery ensures that our clients acquire the best talent for their organizations, whilst also providing valuable candidate feedback and benchmarking data.
We are committed to advancing the EHS profession and since our inaugural year, we have:
Filled thousands of EHS positions, from entry to executive level
Helped tens of thousands of candidates achieve their personal and career ambitions.
Made EHS placements across Europe, North America and Asia