Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Occupational Health and Safety
Earn a doctorate degree in occupational health and safety, advance both scholarly research and your career
The rapid infusion of new technology, techniques, and materials into every workplace is creating new challenges for occupational health and safety professionals in every work environment. The pressures to identify hazardous conditions and prevent injury or harm to people in the workplace is greater now than at any time in the past. Many employers now view safe workplace practices as a key component of generating and maintaining a strong stream of revenue.
Capitol Technology University’s online PhD program in occupational health and safety is designed to provide industry professionals with an opportunity to conduct the in-depth research and investigation needed to develop solutions to meet a wide variety of industry needs. Through this research-based, online doctorate, you’ll engage quickly in research and publishing without the limitations inherent in traditional coursework models. While completing the program you’ll aid in the creation of new knowledge and ideas and become prepared for a variety of leadership roles in occupational health and safety, or for teaching roles in higher education.
As a doctoral student in occupational health and safety at Capitol Tech, you’ll enter the program with a research idea and a chair will be assigned to develop this into a full research proposal. After enrollment, you’ll work with your chair and research committee to develop further your research proposal. You’ll then work independently to produce a meaningful body of original research of publishable quality. In the process, you’ll also gain valuable insight into the legal, political, ethical, and social dimensions of your field of study.
This is a research based doctorate PhD degree where you will be assigned an academic supervisor almost immediately to guide you through your program and is based on mostly independent study through the entire program. It typically takes a minimum of two years but typically three years to complete if a student works closely with their assigned academic advisor. Under the guidance of your academic supervisor, you will conduct unique research in your chosen field before submitting a Thesis.
As your PhD progresses, you move through a series of progression points and review stages by your academic supervisor. This ensures that you are engaged in a process of research that will lead to the production of a high-quality Thesis and/or publications and that you are on track to complete this in the time available. Following submission of your PhD Thesis or accepted three academic journal articles, you have an oral presentation assessed by an external expert in your field.
Why Capitol?
Learn around your busy schedule
Program is 100% online, with no on-campus classes or residencies required, allowing you the flexibility needed to balance your studies and career.
Proven academic excellence
Study at a university that specializes in industry-focused education in technology fields, with a faculty that includes many industrial and academic experts.
Expert guidance in doctoral research
Capitol’s doctoral programs are supervised by faculty with extensive experience in chairing doctoral dissertations and mentoring students as they launch their academic careers. You’ll receive the guidance you need to successfully complete your doctoral research project and build credentials in the field.
Degree Details
This program may be completed with a minimum of 60 credit hours, but may require additional credit hours, depending on the time required to complete the dissertation/publication research. Students who are not prepared to defend after completion of the 60 credits will be required to enroll in RSC-899, a one-credit, eight-week continuation course. Students are required to be continuously enrolled/registered in the RSC-899 course until they successfully complete their dissertation defense/exegesis.
The student will produce, present, and defend a doctoral dissertation after receiving the required approvals from the student’s Committee and the PhD Review Boards.
Prior Achieved Credits May Be Accepted
Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates are subject to change.
The following rates are in effect for the 2024-2025 academic year, beginning in Fall 2024 and continuing through Summer 2025:
- The application fee is $100
- The per-credit charge for doctorate courses is $950. This is the same for in-state and out-of-state students.
- Retired military receive a $50 per credit hour tuition discount
- Active duty military receive a $100 per credit hour tuition discount for doctorate level coursework.
- Information technology fee $40 per credit hour.
- High School and Community College full-time faculty and full-time staff receive a 20% discount on tuition for doctoral programs.
Find additional information for 2024-2025 doctorate tuition and fees.
I chose Capitol Technology University because of the flexibility of online learning and thesis/research driven coursework.
-Amanda MacPherson
PhD in Occupational Health and Safety