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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)

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

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

TMU graduates are eligible to apply for the examination and certification as a Canadian Registered Safety Technician (CRST).

Following a period of work experience and an examination process, graduates may choose to pursue registration as a Registered Occupational Hygienist through the Canadian Registration Board of Occupational Hygienists, or to apply for certification as a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) through the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals.

Graduates can also pursue American designations such as Certified Industrial Hygienist or Certified Safety Professional.

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

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