Jun 08, 2025  
2025-2026 University Catalog 
    
2025-2026 University Catalog

Professional Studies BAS, Safety and Health Management Specialization


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Degrees Offered (listed A-Z)

Safety and Health Management Specialization Skill Areas

  • Describe the fundamental aspects of safety and health management.
  • Identify and apply standards, regulations, codes, and guidelines associated with the safety and health management discipline.
  • Anticipate, recognize, evaluate, and develop control strategies for hazardous conditions and work practices.
  • Explain the purpose and operation of insurance.
  • Develop a workplace emergency management plan.
  • Design and evaluate an organization’s safety management system using ISO 45001.
  • Complete safety management training by applying adult learning theories.
  • Conduct an incident investigation and analysis.

Professional Studies BAS Core


The Professional Studies Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS-PS) is a specialized professional degree-completion program designed for working professionals. This degree program is available in many concentrations and allows individuals to transfer completed college credits to finish their bachelor’s degrees. CWU’s BAS in Professional Studies provides students with a flexible structure, career-focused curriculum, and convenient credit for prior learning options. The Professional Studies program at CWU is offered entirely online to increase flexibility for adult learners and especially working professionals. Additionally, our Professional Studies program enables students to maximize their transfer credits to complete their degree much more quickly, without sacrificing their professional and personal lives.

The Professional Studies BAS allows individuals who have worked in industry for a period of time to enhance their career potential by utilizing their prior credits, community/technical college education, and on-the-job experience to earn a baccalaureate degree following completion of upper-division coursework.

The Professional Studies BAS accommodates a wide range of professionals seeking to meet their educational and career goals. Graduates of the Professional Studies Bachelor of Applied Science program find new opportunities and advancement in a wide variety of fields where leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving are critical to success.

Credit for Prior Learning enables undergraduate students to earn credit for some courses based on what they have learned through their previous work, life, or military experiences. Through this program, students can reduce the amount of time required to graduate and benefit from significant savings on the total cost of earning their degree.

Prior Learning Assessment 
Applicants may submit academic credit for prior learning (ACPL) through the following process: 

  1. Documentation Submission: Provide official transcripts, certificates, or other relevant documentation demonstrating prior learning experiences, such as training programs, work experience, or non-traditional education.
  2. Portfolio Development: Create a portfolio that outlines learning outcomes achieved through prior experiences. This portfolio should detail how this experience is relevant to the degree program and its requirements.
  3. Credit Evaluation: Submit the completed documentation and portfolio to the admissions office for evaluation. The evaluation will assess the relevance and equivalency of prior learning to the degree program.
  4. Advising Session: Schedule a meeting with an advisor to discuss the submission process to earn ACPL, and potential credits that may be awarded.

Flex Pace
Please note that approximately 50% of the courses (stackable certificates or selected courses in the core) can be completed at a flexible pace, so don’t hesitate to ask about this option during your advising session.

Admission Requirements
Applications are accepted throughout the academic year. Students are encouraged to consult with an advisor before submitting their application. During the application process, submitting a resume and personal statement (outlining goals and career plans and prior learning experiences relevant to the degree and associated specialization) is encouraged but not mandatory. The following criteria are recommended for admission into the degree program: 

  • Completion of an associate degree from an accredited institution. 
  • A cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.0 or higher at the time of application. 
  • A world language is not necessary for admission or graduation. 
  • A minimum grade of C in ENG 101 or their equivalents is suggested but may be considered based on individual circumstances. 

Program Requirements
A minimum grade of “C” is required in each of the courses used to satisfy the BAS degree program.

Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Evaluate relevant data to make informed decisions aligned with organizational goals.
  • Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  • Analyze ethical dilemmas and propose responsible decisions.
  • Formulate or design a system, process, procedure or program to meet desired needs.
  • Integrate diverse perspectives and expertise within multidisciplinary teams to achieve common goals.
  • Demonstrate career readiness through participation in high-impact practices and co-curricular programs.

Professional Studies Core


Total Core Credits: 57


Safety and Health Management Specialization Credits: 39-43*


Complete both of the following certificates:

* The specialization credit range represents that SHM 371 may be used towards completion of the requirements of either or both certificates, but credits will only be counted once for the degree.

Total Credits: 96-100


College and Department Information


Engineering Technologies, Safety, and Construction Department  
College of Education and Professional Studies  

Online Availability
This program is offered exclusively online.

Program Codes
Major: PSBASO, PSBASOP
Specialization: SHMO, SHMOP

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Degrees Offered (listed A-Z)