Occupational Health and Safety (BASc)
Workplaces in Canada are safer than ever before, thanks in large part to occupational health and safety professionals. Toronto Metropolitan University graduates working in this progressive field help prevent injury and illness by anticipating, evaluating and controlling physical, biological, chemical and other hazards in workplaces. Drawing on their specialized knowledge, these professionals help develop and implement initiatives that improve health, safety and well-being in work environments across every sector.
Program at a Glance
Program Formats
- Full-time, Four-year Regular
- Full-time, Five-year Co-op
- Full-time, Two-year Option for University Graduates
- Full-time, Three-year Co-op Option for University Graduates
Degree Earned
Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc)
Start Date
September
Prepare for a range of careers in the public, private or not-for-profit sector:
- Health and safety consultant
- Ergonomics and safety specialist
- Quality assurance professional
- Health and safety officer
- Safety project officer
- Safety specialist
The Occupational Health and Safety program provides appropriate preparation for certification as a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (external link, opens in new window) .
This designation is the benchmark in the profession.
You’ll also graduate prepared to pursue the Registered Occupational Hygienist (external link, opens in new window) designation and American designations such as Certified Industrial Hygienist (external link, opens in new window) or Certified Safety Professional (external link, opens in new window) .
Certifying bodies:
Occupational Health and Safety at Toronto Metropolitan University is the only degree-level program of its kind in Canada.
Our curriculum integrates a strong foundation in occupational health and safety with relevant courses in the sciences, law, epidemiology, and a range of specialist areas (e.g. occupational hygiene, ergonomics, physical agents, control measures, safety management systems, toxicology and risk assessment). A balanced education prepares you to become the well-rounded and highly skilled professional that industry demands.
You’ll have access to outstanding learning opportunities in the classroom and in the workplace. Qualified students can apply to gain important real-world experience through paid co-operative education opportunities.
Plus, we support your success with:
- Workplace visits
- Opportunities for laboratory testing and analysis
- Presentations and seminars
- Independent research project
- Faculty with international expertise in occupational hygiene, risk assessment, ergonomics, safety systems and occupational health and safety law
Whether you're a high school or university graduate, take advantage of three pathways for completing the program.
Full-Time, Four-year Regular
- Program length: Four years of full-time study
- Eligibility: High school graduates with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent) or mature students
Full-Time, Five-year Co-op
The School of Occupational and Public Health provides students in the Full-time Four-year Regular program with challenging and rewarding opportunities to put theory into practice through co-operative education.
The co-op option consists of three, four-month paid work terms integrated throughout your study semesters and adds approximately one year to the length of the program.
By taking on projects for relevant employers, you will further develop your knowledge and skills, make valuable professional contacts and explore possible career paths. You will also earn a competitive salary that can partially offset the cost of your education.
You can apply for admission to co-op in the winter term of your second year. To be eligible, you must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.67. As part of your application, you will need to submit a resume and cover letter and go through an interview process.
Full-Time, Two-year Option for University Graduates
University graduates with a bachelor's degree can apply to pursue a condensed full-time, two-year option that focuses on practical education and professional career preparation.
Certain courses from the four-year option are eliminated, as university graduates already possess a certain level of academic experience.
Full-Time, Three-year Option for University Graduates
University graduates with a bachelor's degree can apply to pursue a condensed full-time, co-op option that focuses on practical education and professional career preparation, in addition to opportunities to put theory into practice through co-operative education.
Certain courses from the four-year option are eliminated, as university graduates already possess a certain level of academic experience.
The co-op option consists of two, four-month paid work terms integrated through your study semesters and adds approximately one year to the length of the program.
By taking on projects for relevant employers, you will further develop your knowledge and skills, make valuable professional contacts and explore possible career paths. You will also earn a competitive salary that can partially offset the cost of your education.
You can apply for admission to co-op in the winter term of your first year. To be eligible, you must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.67. As part of your application, you will need to submit a resume and cover letter and go through an interview process.
When you apply to the program, you'll be required to meet a number of admission requirements.
You'll need to meet certain deadlines when submitting your application online and may be required to submit supporting documents.
An engaging curriculum will challenge you to develop a rich knowledge base in occupational health and safety. You'll enhance your understanding of:
- Epidemiology and disease processes
- Safety systems and accident theory
- Management and law
- Health research methods
- Occupational hygiene and toxicology
- Risk assessment and communication
- Health education, promotion and planning
Research electives will allow you to pursue research under the supervision of a professor, while field project electives will support you to gain hands-on experience with an outside agency or firm.
Opportunities to explore other disciplines will challenge you to broaden your horizons.
Co-operative education gives five-year students the chance to apply theory to practice in professional work environments.