JSU Safety Degree Becomes GSP Qualifying Academic Program

05/01/2018

JSU’s Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health Management has been approved as a Graduate Safety Practitioner Qualifying Academic Program by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. It’s a designation that enables program graduates the option to apply with BCSP for the GSP designation after graduation.

The GSP meets the credential requirement for the Certified Safety Professional®, the “gold standard” in safety certification, allowing those who hold the designation to waive the Associate Safety Professional®  certification examination. It demonstrates accomplishment and commitment to professional development.

“We welcome Jacksonville State University’s exceptional safety program and those who graduate from it,” says the CEO of BCSP, Dr. Treasa Turnbeaugh, CSP, ASP, CET, CAE. “Those who graduate from GSP Qualifying Academic Programs have a strong foundation of knowledge that deserves recognition, and BCSP looks forward to supporting them in the development of their careers.”

Dr. Jess Godbey, program coordinator and associate professor in Occupational Safety and Health Management in the Department of Applied Engineering in JSU’s School of Business and Industry, explained that the comprehensive review of the JSU academic safety program examined the relevancy and rigor of the curriculum.

“This distinction is a direct result of the high quality of our safety students and the dedication of the faculty in the Applied Engineering Department,” he said. “Without their commitment to a strong academic curriculum, effective classroom teaching and student success this achievement would not have been possible.”

A Qualified Academic Program is a degree program in safety, health and environmental practices that has been reviewed by BCSP and demonstrates a substantial match to the ASP Exam Blueprint. Any person having graduated JSU’s Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health Management may apply for the GSP within one year of their graduation.

The designation will afford JSU Safety graduates numerous benefits, including recognition by potential employers for the level of preparation for professional safety practice. Employers well also recognize that JSU safety graduates are on the path toward the CSP certification.

“JSU safety graduates are in high demand,” Dr. Godbey said. “The job placement rate within one year of graduation is well over 90 percent, with a high median starting annual salary in the mid-$50,000. JSU safety students learn in the classroom and in the workplace.”