Program Description

Students can expect to be involved in areas that deal with significant issues within the public health pertaining to occupational safety and health, such as occupational diseases, biological, and physical agents; control, mitigation and management of health and safety hazards; laws and regulations; unintentional injury causes and prevention; analysis and investigation of occupational injuries and illness; and other personal, occupational, and community health and safety issues. The curriculum emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of occupational health and safety.

The Occupational Safety and Health Minor requirements are achievable and relevant to all disciplines, especially sciences, engineering, environmental studies, health and business. Undergraduate students in any discipline can choose this minor as part of their curriculum. This minor will help students prepare for jobs in various settings such as state and federal agencies, hospitals, manufacturing, construction, insurance, automotive industry, and warehouses, typically in roles such as occupational health and safety specialists, safety managers, safety engineers, EHS specialist, industrial hygienist, safety inspectors and insurance specialists. It will also prepare them for higher studies and research in the area of occupational health and safety.

Note: Students must have a declared major in order to declare a minor.

Program Requirements

Students need to have an overall GPA of 2.5 or more and be in good academic standing to declare the Minor in Occupational Health and Safety.

• Total Units required for Minor: 18

Notes:

• ALL courses in the major require a grade of "C" of better

Careers

The Occupational Safety and Health comprises an enormous range of possible career pathways and areas of application. Below is a sample of the common areas of expertise and related job titles that program graduates could pursue:

• Environmental Health & Justice: Environmental Health Specialist, Environmental Engineer, Hydrologist, Water Safety Engineer, Sustainable Systems Designer, Sustainability Strategist
• Disaster & Humanitarian Response: Disaster Response Coordinator, Humanitarian Logistics Officer, Crisis Data Analyst, Emergency Prepardeness Specialist
• Occupational Safety, Health & Workplace Wellbeing: Industrial Hygienist, Occupational Safety Specialist, Safety Inspector, Workplace Wellness Coordinator, Corporate Safety Director
• Public Safety & Injury Prevention: Violence Prevention Strategist, Injury Prevention Specialist, Emergency Medical Services Director, Consumer Protection Specialist
• Food Systems & Nutrition Innovation: Food Policy Analyst, Consumer Safety Officer

Note: some options listed may require training additional training, coupled with a degree in Public Health.

For detailed labor market insights for each program, visit the Sacramento State Catalog.

1. Visit the Public Health catalog page.
2. Select any program listed under Degree Programs.
3. Review the Career Data section.

Where/How to Obtain Advising

HHS Student Success Center - GE/Academic/Declare

The Health & Human Services Student Success Center advises all Majors and Minors in Public Health and serves an array of students from first-time freshman to graduating seniors. Please visit the center for in-person or virtual drop-in hours. If you have questions, please email them directly at: chhs_success_center@csus.edu

Undeclared/Expressed Interest Advising

The Academic Advising Center offers one-on-one advising to help current Sacramento State students explore major/minor opportunities. The Center engages students in a developmental process that helps clarify and implement individual educational plans consistent with their skills, interests, and values.

Department Contact Information

Email

publichealth@csus.edu

Phone

(916) 278-6441

Office Hours

Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Except Holidays (Campus Closed)

Department Location

Solano Hall 3002

California State University, Sacramento

6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819

Mailing Address

Department of Public Health

California State University, Sacramento

6000 J Street, MS 6073

Sacramento, CA 95819

Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)

How do I declare or change my major to Public Health, Health Services Administration, or Hospitality and Tourism Management?

Please complete the change/declaration of major survey to submit your request: https://csus.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_djcg8N8i8tgYuZT. Please allow 2-4 weeks for the major change to be reviewed and processed.

Once the change of major is processed by the Office of the Registrar, you can verify the change in your My Sac State>Student Center>Academics.

How do I make an appointment with my faculty advisor?

Students who have been assigned a faculty or program advisor are encouraged to meet with their advisor during designated office hours. For current faculty office hours, please visit our department webpage and refer to the Faculty Office Hours (PDF).

Prospective or undeclared students should consult with an advisor at the HHS Student Success Center for further guidance and support.

How can I change my faculty advisor?

Please see Joanna Sampanis, College Advisor & Retention Specialist, at the HHS Student Success Center for further assistance.

What should I do if the course I want to register for is full?

We strongly recommend that you submit a Course Add/Drop/Withdraw Petition form for the specific course and section you wish to enroll in once the new semester begins. Please note that any add permits submitted prior to the first week of the semester will be processed by the department initially. Submission of a petition does not guarantee enrollment in the course.

Which courses completed at a community college are eligible for transfer to Sacramento State?

For additional information and assistance regarding transfer credits, please visit the Transfer Credit webpage. If additional assistance is needed, please see an adcvisor at the HHS Student Success Center.

Can I pursue a Second Bachelor's Degree in the program?

Students can pursue a Second Bachelor's Degree in any of our undergraduate programs in the department. Sac State students would need to complete only at least 24 new Upper Division units. Students from other schools would need to complete 30 units at Sac State.

To apply, please visit Apply to Sacramento State. Be sure to select the Undergraduate Application and indicate that you are applying for a Second Bachelor's Degree by checking the appropriate box.

I’m an incoming freshman student and would like to change my major—what steps should I take?

Please visit the Hornet Launch Program webpage and submit the "Freshman Change of Major Form" and follow the steps. For further assistance, please contact the HL team at hornetlaunch@csus.edu.

I am an incoming transfer student and am interested in changing my major. What steps should I follow to initiate this process?

Please contact the New Student Orientation office at orient.reservations@csus.edu or (916) 278-7841 to reschedule your orientation session. Transfer students interested in changing their major should consult with an academic advisor to complete the Change of Major e-form. Additional support will be available during Orientation to assist with your transition to the new major.

How do I submit official transcripts to Sacramento State?

Transcripts may be sent electronically directly from the college/university you attended. Inquire at the college/university to check if the service is available. Official electronic transcripts can be sent from college/university to incomingtranscripts@csus.edu

• Current Sacramento State students: You are required to submit official transcripts from ALL colleges you have attended AFTER enrolling at Sacramento State. Transcripts must show ALL college coursework completed and courses currently in progress. Sacramento State Transcripts are not required.
• New Transfers: Visit the Admissions & Outreach website for transcript deadlines & other important dates.
• Returning Sac State students: Only send transcripts from colleges attended since leaving Sac State.