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.
Course Requirements
DHS 810 Key Concepts in Public Health (3 Credits)
DHS 820 Case Studies-Global Health (3 Credits)
DHS 830 Managerial Epidemiology (3 Credits)
DHS 840 Statistical Methods in Health Care Research (3 Credits)
DHS 850 Computer Applications in the Health Sciences (3 Credits)
One other Core Courses to be decided between the Supervisor and the candidate relevant to the proposed research.
Occupational Health and Safety can encompass many areas of concern by nations and industries ranging from adherence to regulations to nuclear fall-out protection. The student will have a particular interest based on the country or industry specialization that requires innovative research and solutions. Essentially, the work must contribute to the body of science in the field and be original. The area of research and application will be decided by the student and the faculty.
The following courses in dissertation are all required for graduation Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Sciences Program. Dissertation must be taken when all the non-dissertation courses are completed. No more than one dissertation course should be taken per session. Dissertation Guidelines
DHS 999a Dissertation – Practical Research I (Proposal)
DHS 999b Dissertation – Practical Research II (Review of Related Literature & Methodology)
DHS 999c Dissertation – Practical Research III (Data Collection & Analysis)
DHS 999d Dissertation – Practical Research IV (Dissertation complete and Oral Defense)
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.