To work as a safety engineer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have a bachelor's degree in engineering.

Education after high school

Most students prepare for this field by earning a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering. Many four-year colleges and universities offer this program of study. However, fewer schools offer programs specifically in safety engineering. Some engineering schools do not offer a bachelor's degree in safety engineering, but do offer it as a master's program.

Some jobs require a master's or doctoral degree. For instance, if you are interested in teaching industrial engineering you need a doctoral degree (PhD).

Work experience

You should consider participating in an internship while in college. An internship is usually part of a four-year degree program. It offers you a chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a work situation. It also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field.

On-the-job training

New graduates work under the guidance of experienced engineers. In large companies, you may also receive formal classroom training. This usually lasts about a month.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be environmental health and safety officers. You need a bachelor's degree to enter this military occupation. Some training is provided on the job.