Welcome to the Industrial Safety program at the University of Central Oklahoma. As the Program Coordinator, I am so pleased that you have chosen, or are considering Industrial Safety as your major and as a future career. Our Industrial Safety graduates are currently working as safety professionals in one of the most challenging, exciting, and rewarding career fields available. Companies that have hired UCO Industrial Safety graduates include General Electric, General Motors, FlintCo Construction, Home Depot, Federal OSHA, Burlington Northern Railroad, Oklahoma State Department of Labor, Tyson Foods, Braums, Skaanska Construction, DUIT Construction, Devon Energy, Mustang Fuels, Dayton Tire Corporation, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma City Fire Department, City of Moore, City of Edmond, Advance Foods, Francis Tuttle Technology Center, and Oklahoma Gas & Electric to name just a few. Our faculty and staff are here to serve you and to make your educational experience an enjoyable one.
We hope you find this newly designed website helpful and informative. Information available includes faculty web pages, course descriptions, job postings, internship opportunities, frequently asked questions, degree program requirements, links to regulatory agencies and informative websites, links to UCO resources, alumni database, and the student chapter of the ASSE. On behalf of the Industrial Safety Program, I am pleased you are here.
Robin Lacy
Program Coordinator - Industrial Safety
What is the difference between a practicum and internship? When should I enroll?
A practicum is required, and involves placement with a host company. The student is expected to gain a basic understanding of the functions of the EH&S arena by systematically shadowing a practicing professional. An internship is not required, but also involves placement with a host company. Ideally, an internship should involve the student taking on more responsibility in their position, and the student should be paid for their services to the host company. You should enroll in the practicum and/or internship in your last semester before graduation. Remember that at least 1 hour of practicum is required, the internship is optional.
Why is there a choice for the number of hours a student can enroll in for the practicum and/or internship?
The variable hours offered for academic credit are designed to give the student maximum flexibility toward graduation. You are trying to reach 124 hours to graduate. In other words, if you don't need 4 hours, then don't enroll in 4, only enroll in the number of hours needed. For each hour of credit enrolled in, the student owes 2 hours in the field per week for a 16 week semester (1 hour equals 32 in the field; 2 hours equals 64 in the field; 3 hours equals 96 in the field; 4 hours equals 128 in the field). Because summer is half as long as a fall or spring semester, the field hours required for each week must be doubled for summer.
Who is the academic advisor for the BS - Industrial Safety?
LaKeisha (Keisha) Bryant. Her office is on the first floor of the Nigh University Center in Academic Advisement. Her phone number is 974-2434 and her e-mail address is lbryant3@uco.edu. My suggestion is to meet with Keisha at least annually to check for progress toward graduation.
Why does the program utilize adjunct instructors?
We utilize adjuncts to teach specialty courses in the curriculum. Our adjuncts bring expertise in their discipline, and years of practical experience to the students in the classroom. Courses taught by adjuncts include: Electrical Safety; Legal Issues; Fire Prevention; Life Safety Code; StormWater Management; Accident Investigation and Supervision of Transportation. Our adjuncts work for companies including OG&E, ODEQ, Oklahoma City Fire Department, UCO, Federal Aviation Administration , Complete Production, General Motors and Francis Tuttle Technology Center. All of our full-time faculty teach full loads (12 hours) and cannot exceed that in a given semester. Utilizing adjunct instructors allows us to serve the increasing number of majors in the program, and maintain class sizes at reasonable levels.
Are the practicums/ internships paid or unpaid?
The breakdown is generally 50% paid opportunities and 50% unpaid opportunities. I believe that more important than the pay is that the student has a meaningful experience and learns what the field is really like and what is expected of EH&S professionals.
Who is the faculty sponsor for the Student Chapter of ASSE?
Dr. Robert Delano. His office is located in Room 200 of the HES Building and his phone number is 974-5800. His e-mail is rdelano@uco.edu.
How strong is the job market for graduates in Industrial Safety?
The job market is very strong for graduates in environmental, health and safety areas. The continuing strength of the energy sector, combined with ever increasing regulatory oversight of all sectors, bodes well for our graduates.
What kind of salary can I expect when I graduate with my BS - Industrial Safety?
Starting salaries range between $40K - $65K. A reasonable expectation for any student that is motivated, willing to re-locate if necessary and desires to make a difference in the field is $50K. Many opportunities in our field come with company vehicles (a really nice perk).
What types of companies participate as practicum/ internship host sites?
There are a wide variety of companies in the greater OKC Metro area that host Industrial Safety students as interns. Following is a representation: DUIT Construction; Oklahoma Publishing Company; Oklahoma City Fire Department; Federal OSHA; Devon Energy; Chesapeake Energy; Goober Drilling; SMICO Manufacturing; Marathon Oil; Home Depot; Lowes; Francis Tuttle Technology Center; ChromAlloy; AirInc; Federal Aviation Administration; Tinker Air Force Base; UCO; Oklahoma Department of Labor/ Asbestos and OSHA Consultation divisions; General Electric; The Washington Group; Crutcho Creek Sod Farms; Diamondback Energy; Oklahoma Safety Council; City of Oklahoma City; City of Edmond; Oklahoma Restaurant Association; SouthWest Airlines.
I have some elective hours to "burn". What are some beneficial classes outside the department to take?
There are a variety of courses offered at UCO that would be beneficial to you as an Industrial Safety major. Consider courses in Spanish, Human Resources, Business Management, Statistics, Public Speaking, Technical Writing, Physics, and Chemistry to name a few.
What is a safety professional?
A safety professional is a person engaged in the prevention of accidents, incidents, and events that harm people, property or the environment. Safety professionals must be competent in identifying hazards, utilizing controls, and have knowledge of physical, chemical, biological, and behavioral sciences, mathematics, business, training and educational techniques, engineering concepts, and particular kinds of operations and safety assessment methods.
How many students are in the program?
There are currently 130 declared majors in the undergraduate program, and approximately 25 majors in the graduate program.
What scholarships are available for Industrial Safety majors through the OCTED department?
The departmental tuition waiver scholarship applications are due every February for implementation the following fall. The Harvey Mankins Endowed Scholarship application is also due in February, and is for $250 based on need and scholarship.
Do I really have to take Chemistry and College Algebra?
YES
What courses should I take first?
In general it is wise for students to take required courses as they are offered. Supplement with concentration and elective courses as your schedule allows. The courses to take first include Safety Education, Basic Measurements, Introduction to OSHA, Industrial Safety 1, and Industrial Hygiene 1. These courses are prerequisites to other courses in the program.
Do I find my own practicum/ internship host site or does Mr. Lacy find it for me?
It is preferable for a student to seek out and acquire an intern host site on their own. This teaches valuable networking and forces a student to display the drive necessary to succeed in the field. I always have companies that I work with and am glad to assist if necessary.
How do I find a job after I graduate?
I would prefer that you finalize a job before you graduate. To do that you must network, network, network. Utilize friends, family, professors, professional organizations, the internet, headhunters, and former graduates to assist you in your search. The importance of being involved and engaged during your time at UCO cannot be overstated. Nail down that first job before graduation and take the pressure off.
I really have a problem with a particular professor. What should I do?
Attempt to resolve your difference(s) by visiting with your professor. They really are here to help you and ensure your ultimate success, not just make your life miserable. If no resolution is reached, schedule a meeting with Dr. Candy Sebert, Department Chair of OCTED.
What about all these certification courses, are they really valuable?
Absolutely. As opportunities arise to take a fall protection, scaffolding, HAZWOPER, First Aid/CPR, Confined Space or other type of certification course, TAKE IT! These courses look great to employers on a resume, and provide practical training in technical subjects.
How do I get one of those really cool UCO hardhats?
GRADUATE!!!