Skip to Main Content
You are now in the main content area

Occupational Health and Safety (BASc)

Two occupational health and safety students perform experiments in the lab.

Program Overview

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.

Unique

Only degree-level program of its kind in Canada

$46K

Average annual co-op earning potential

100%

Employment rate two years after graduation

At a Glance 

Full-time Formats 

Degree

  • Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc)

Tuition 

Start date

  • September 

Recognized by

Certification (Canada)

(Additional steps required)

Certification (US)

(Additional steps required)

Occupational health & safety: Cool tools TMU undergrads learn to use

Interested in a career making workplaces safer and healthier? At TMU, occupational health and safety students learn hands on. Check out just a few of the advanced tools they’re trained on before graduating!

Program Formats

Whether you're a high school, college or university graduate, take advantage of five 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.
Additional 4-Year Requirements
Full-time, Five-year Co-op

Develop your knowledge and skills, grow your professional network, learn about possible career paths and earn a competitive salary. 

Program length: Three or four, four-month paid work terms, which will alternate between study semesters. Co-op adds approximately one year to the length of the program.

Program entry: Students can apply for co-op in early May of first year. Successful applicants will begin their first work terms in the fall term of third year.

Eligibility: Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.67. As part of their application, students will need to submit a resume and letter of intent.
Co-operative education
How to apply
Full-time, Two-year Option for University Graduates

Program length: A condensed full-time, two-year option that focuses on practical education and professional career preparation.

Eligibility: University graduates with a bachelor's degree.
Additional 2-Year Requirements
Full-time, Three-year Co-op Option for University Graduates

Develop your knowledge and skills, grow your professional network, learn about possible career paths and earn a competitive salary. 

Program length: Two, four-month paid work terms, which will alternate between study semesters. Co-op adds approximately one year to the length of the program.

Program entry: Students can apply for co-op in early May of first year. Successful applicants will begin their first work terms in the winter term of second year.

Eligibility: Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.67. As part of their application, students will need to submit a resume and letter of intent.
Co-operative education
How to apply
Full time, Two-year Degree Completion Option for College Graduates

Program length: A condensed full-time, two-year option leading to a BASc.

Eligibility: Completion of the Workplace Safety and Prevention Diploma from Lambton College, Seneca College or Cambrian College.
Additional 2-Year Degree Completion Requirements

Since every work environment has its own risks and hazards, occupational health and safety professionals are found in sectors and industries of all kinds — such as construction, manufacturing, healthcare, government and more.

Roles can vary widely and range from generalized to specialized. Some are behind the scenes, for example involving policy development or injury claims. Others are more hands-on, such as conducting safety inspections or laboratory testing. There’s lots to explore.

Professional Certifications

Once you graduate, you’ll be eligible to apply directly for the examination and certification as a Canadian Registered Safety Technician (CRST) (external link)  — a recognized designation for entry-level practitioners.

As a program graduate and with further work experience, you could also apply for additional advanced and/or specialized certifications, such as:

Work settings & job titles: Where do you see yourself?

Some OHS roles/specializations require further education, but your path is ultimately shaped by your interests and skills. Check out just a few examples of roles and industries you might pursue.

Construction

  • Construction Safety Officer
  • Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Coordinator
  • Return to Work Coordinator

Environmental

  • Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Consultant
  • OHS Project Manager
  • Sustainability Specialist

Manufacturing

  • Compliance Officer
  • Ergonomics Coordinator
  • Safety Data Sheet Specialist
  • Senior Health & Safety Officer

Mining

  • Environmental Compliance Officer
  • Industrial Hygienist
  • Risk Management Specialist

Pharmaceutical

  • HSE Associate/ Coordinator
  • Laboratory Safety Coordinator
  • Occupational Hygienist

Transportation

  • Ergonomics and Occupational Hygiene Manager
  • Health and Safety Coordinator
  • Transportation Safety Coordinator

Where some of our alumni have landed

  • Amazon
  • AstraZeneca
  • Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)
  • Institute for Work & Health
  • Magna International
  • Mount Sinai Hospital
  • Ontario Power Generation (OPG)
  • Regional of Peel
  • Wellness Works Canada
  • Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)

Advanced learning

After graduation, you may also consider earning a master’s degree or applying to a complementary/related professional school such as medicine or law.

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

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.

Undergraduate calendar
More Program Info
How to Apply