M.S. in Safety Science

student learning about safety in aviation by examining a plane crash

The Master of Science in Safety Science is designed to provide a course of study in aviation safety, preparing students for roles in safety management and technical applications across industries. The program includes coursework related to safety program implementation and regulatory compliance involving agencies such as the EPA, OSHA, FAA, NTSB and state health and workplace standards.

At the Prescott Campus, the Master of Science in Safety Science is housed in the College of Aviation. Students complete coursework with access to facilities such as the Robertson Aircraft Accident Investigation Lab, which includes recreations of aircraft accidents using customizable scenarios. Additional resources include the Aviation Safety and Security Archives and the Ergonomics and Motion Measurement Laboratory, which support study of historical safety developments and human factors in workplace safety.

The Master of Science in Safety Science is recognized by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM). Graduates may apply for the Associate Safety and Health Manager (ASHM) credential without an exam requirement, which may support progression toward the Certified Safety and Health Manager (CSHM) certification.

Program-Level Student Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • Apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and applied sciences.
  • Analyze data provided from various sources.
  • Make positive contributions to function on multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Assess professional and ethical responsibility as it applies to industry.
  • Effectively communicate using technical writing and verbal communication skills.
  • Build the skills required for lifelong learning.
  • Explain contemporary issues affecting industry.
  • Use techniques, skills, and modern technology necessary for professional practice.
  • Assess the national and international environment as it relates to safety science.
  • Apply pertinent knowledge to identify and solve problems.
  • Apply knowledge of accepted business practices to health and safety issues.
  • Apply knowledge of advanced qualitative and quantitative problem-solving skills.

Prescott Program Requirements

Core Requirements12
Area of Concentration9
Option12
Total Credits33

Program Requirements

The Master of Science in Safety Science program requires successful completion of a minimum of 33 credit hours. The curriculum consists of required core coursework, aviation safety coursework, elective coursework, and a culminating experience through either a Graduate Capstone Course or a master's thesis. Students pursuing this graduate degree must earn a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.00 for all work completed at the University. The program may typically be completed in 18 to 24 months assuming full-time enrollment. The courses necessary to earn this degree are listed below.

Students should be aware that many courses have prerequisites and/or corequisites. Students are encouraged to work closely with faculty mentors in the development of their research interests and professional goals. Students are responsible for ensuring that all prerequisite and degree requirements are met prior to enrollment in advanced coursework.

Core Requirements

SFTY 603Occupational Safety3
SFTY 604Quantitative Methods3
SFTY 612Research Methods in Safety3
SFTY 616Safety Training and Leadership3
Total Credits12

Area of Concentration

Aviation Safety

SFTY 531Aircraft Accident Investigation3
SFTY 613Aviation Safety Management Systems3
SFTY 617Aviation Human Factors3
Total Credits9

Capstone Option (GCP)

SFTY 691Capstone3
Choose 3 of the Following:9
Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response
Case Studies in Safety
Aviation/Aerospace System Safety
Safety Ethics
Aircraft Accident Analysis
Advanced Aircraft Survivability
Aviation Maintenance Safety
Total Credits12

Thesis Option

SFTY 700Graduate Thesis6
Choose 2 of the Following:6
Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response
Case Studies in Safety
Aviation/Aerospace System Safety
Safety Ethics
Aircraft Accident Analysis
Advanced Aircraft Survivability
Aviation Maintenance Safety
Total Credits12

Directed Study may be approved by the Department Chair. Students may complete up to 3 credits from an approved internship (COIN 696) toward elective course credit. 

Suggested Plans of Study

Capstone Option (GCP)

Year One

Fall
RequirementsCredits
SFTY 604 - Quantitative Methods3
SFTY 612 - Research Methods in Safety3
SFTY 617 - Aviation Human Factors3
Semester Hours9
Spring
RequirementsCredits
SFTY 531 - Aircraft Accident Investigation3
SFTY 603 - Occupational Safety3
SFTY 616 - Safety Training and Leadership3
Semester Hours9

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 18

Year Two

Fall
RequirementsCredits
SFTY 540 - Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response3
SFTY 613 - Aviation Safety Management Systems3
SFTY 700 - Graduate Thesis3
Semester Hours9
Spring
RequirementsCredits
SFTY 551 - Case Studies in Safety3
SFTY 691 - Capstone3
Semester Hours6

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 15

Thesis Option

Year One

Fall
RequirementsCredits
SFTY 604 - Quantitative Methods3
SFTY 612 - Research Methods in Safety3
SFTY 617 - Aviation Human Factors3
Semester Hours9
Spring
RequirementsCredits
SFTY 531 - Aircraft Accident Investigation3
SFTY 603 - Occupational Safety3
SFTY 616 - Safety Training and Leadership3
Semester Hours9

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 18

Year Two

Fall
RequirementsCredits
SFTY 540 - Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response3
SFTY 613 - Aviation Safety Management Systems3
SFTY 700 - Graduate Thesis3
Semester Hours9
Spring
RequirementsCredits
SFTY 551 - Case Studies in Safety3
SFTY 700 - Graduate Thesis3
Semester Hours6

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 15