Description of Program

The degree will prepare candidates for employment in industry and Government working in the field of occupational health and safety. This is an expanding area of interest internationally and candidates are in demand leading practices and research in a variety of industry endeavors such as mining, construction, agriculture, forestry and other high-risk sectors as well as with Government agencies such as advisory bodies and legislators.

The program would be specifically designed for health and/or safety professionals with opportunities for the application of scientific knowledge or methods in the health sciences and/or the delivery of health and human services.

A key concept is that the outcome must contribute uniquely to the body of knowledge and application to reduce occupational injury or disease.

As part of the preparation for the degree, students will undertake research in a particular field of occupational health and safety that is of relevance and interest in advancing practices and knowledge in their country and internationally. At PhD levels, publication is essential in peer reviewed journals and international presentations as part of the course. It is also important in disseminating new advances in the field and raising the profile of the student and Charisma University.

Qualified people are highly sought after in most parts of the world because of their specialized knowledge to prevent injuries and ill-health. Currently these are related to such areas as the need to protect people from Ebola virus in the field, coronavirus protection of health care workers, reducing noise exposure in most industry sectors, prevention of airborne contaminants contributing to disease such as accelerated silicosis, asbestosis and mesothelioma as well as many others.

In many countries as the topic is considered increasingly relevant and graduates are in demand internationally.

The program provides opportunities for independent and directed study and research under the guidance of a faculty advisor.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Meet the increasing Occupational Health and Safety demands for professionals internationally who are knowledgeable in specific aspects of the field and able to impart that knowledge to reduce injuries and disease incidence and costs.
• Contribute expertise to research and enforcing legislative body activities in their respective countries.
• Raise awareness of preventable injuries and disease through knowledge, application and promotion and publications worldwide.
• Successfully defend dissertation including publication of findings in an open-access, peer reviewed journal.
• Function in a leadership role in an academic and professional Occupational Health and Safety setting.
• Demonstrate competency in Occupational Health and Safety.
• Critically review, appraise and synthesize Occupational Health and Safety literature into an applied Occupational Health and Safety report.
• Demonstrate competency in oral, written and electronic modes of communication, using both scholarly and technical formats.
• Be able to work collaboratively with others.
• Be able to demonstrate competency in Occupational Health and Safety leadership.

Total Credits required for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Sciences is 62.

Please refer to the University Catalog or website for admissions requirements; transfer credits policy; and tuition fees.