Accelerated Degree Completion Program now available for Safety Professionals at GVSU

MIOSHA and GVSU Form Alliance to Offer Students an Accelerated Path Toward Degree Completion

Pictured left to right: GVSU OSHM Professor Courtney Aloul; Interim Dean of GVSU’s Padnos College of Engineering Dr. Timothy Born; MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman; MIOSHA Senior Safety Consultant Deb Ziel; GVSU OSHM Program Director Dave Huizen; MIOSHA CET Division Director Tarah Kile; and GVSU Acting Provost Jennifer Drake at the MIOSHA-GVSU Higher Education Alliance signing.

LANSING, Mich. – A new partnership with the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration will allow safety professionals to apply the credentials they earned from MIOSHA training toward their Grand Valley State University (GVSU) occupational safety and health degree. This process ensures prior knowledge and experience are recognized and rewarded, accelerating the path to graduation.

MIOSHA, housed within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), is driving home the goals outlined in the Statewide Workforce Plan to increase skills and degree attainment, expand opportunities to grow the middle class, and enable business growth.

"This alliance between MIOSHA and Grand Valley State University is a great example of how state and key partners can work together to strengthen Michigan’s talent pipeline by aligning our workforce development efforts with the needs of our industries,” said Susan Corbin, LEO Director. “Through initiatives like this, which offer safety professionals an accelerated path toward degree completion, we’re advancing our commitment to equipping Michiganders with skills that ensure workplace safety and elevate career opportunities. This partnership exemplifies our statewide strategy to create a dynamic, resilient workforce ready to meet the demands of today’s economy."

Through this partnership, anyone holding a MIOSHA Training Institute Level 2 Safety and Health Management Systems certificate can now earn college credits toward a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health Management at GVSU. The accelerated degree program will launch during GVSU’s Winter Semester, beginning in January 2025.

The program aims to bridge professional safety training with higher education, equipping students with skills in hazard prevention, safety best practices, and regulatory compliance. Participants will benefit from workshops, guest lectures, and hands-on training with access to MIOSHA’s expertise, fostering a stronger safety culture across industries.

“We’re excited to work with GVSU to equip future professionals with critical safety knowledge,” said MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman. “By integrating workplace safety into higher education, we’re building a proactive foundation that ensures the next generation of leaders is prepared to protect Michigan’s workforce.”

A long-standing partnership between MIOSHA and Oakland University provides students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Health and Safety. Since 2022, 13 students have participated in the program, with nine completing courses and four actively working toward their degrees.

In partnership with MIOSHA, both universities provide working professionals and certificate holders with access to the latest safety practices, aligning education with industry advancements.

“This alliance aligns with our goal of preparing students to excel in their careers while prioritizing safety and well-being in the workplace,” said Dr. Timothy Born, Interim Dean of GVSU’s Padnos College of Engineering.

The MIOSHA-GVSU Degree Completion Program offers safety professionals a unique opportunity to advance their careers by building on existing credentials and developing new skills, with the added benefit of the MIOSHA Training Institute to Higher Education Program.

Learn more and take advantage of this opportunity at michigan.gov/mti.