Waldorf University Occupational Safety/Health

Hi guys,

I'm currently browsing around looking for an online program that would provide for advancement in my company. I have been shot down from two jobs inter-company that while I may have been qualified for, I didn't have the educational background to support it. I work in industry, 12 hour rotating shifts, so an online program is the only way I can further my education. Right now, I only hold an AAS in a technical field (automotive/alternate fueled vehicle technology).

The two programs I am looking at are from Waldorf University, which from my research is now owned by Columbia Southern University. But, Waldorf is an RA institution and while that may not matter to some, it does to me.

Bachelor of Arts in Occupational Safety
B.A. Occupational Safety

Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership - Occupational Safety and Health
Occupational Safety & Health

Waldorf also offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in OSH, but from my understanding, a BAS is not ideal if you intend to pursue a graduate level degree.

Does anyone have any knowledge/experience with either Waldorf U or this field in general? Tuition cost will be assisted by my employer, with most coming out of pocket from myself.

 

FWIW, I've not seen any issues with the Columbia Southern OSH degree holders being discriminated against. There are relatively few programs in OSH and experience is typically what gets you the job. The degree is what we call a "check the box" requirement.

That said, it's generally safer to check the box with an RA degree than an NA degree. This is particularly the case when you're dealing with a bachelor's or associate's degree, in my opinion.

How about Waldorf? With any program you need to weigh the cost versus potential gain. And in your field you need to weigh the value of the degree actually saying OSH on it. A BA in Liberal Arts from TESU might be cheaper but it likely won't yield the desired results. But, having never priced Waldorf, I would advise you just to be careful and ensure it is something you can afford. Personally, my rule for a B.A. Is/was that the total cost to me should never exceed $20k. You don't want to hit the job market with a degree from an unknown school and $30k+ in debt.

For me, My total BS put me about $19k in debt with much of that being for my A.A. Had I been more cost conscious at the time I likely would have wrapped it up under $15k and had I started the whole adventure with cost in mind I would have aimed for unde $10k.

So, just watch your costs. The OSH is important but it's not worth outspending the alternatives by very much especially when you can take many other degrees and supplement them with certifications (E.g. CSP).

 

That is good information, and I agree the experience is will what will provide me opportunities at other companies if I choose to do so.

The cost difference between the CSU and Waldorf degree amounts to around $6k, assuming I need to fulfill all 120 credits.

Honestly, cost is not an issue for me. My employer will reimburse up to $5k a year and also will repay more if I continue with the company for three years after completing my degree.

For the industry I am in, a liberal arts degree may not get me a position I am seeking.

What is the difference between a BA and a BS in relation to an OSH degree?

Also, from my limited research on CSP requirements, both CSU and Waldorf meet requirements for the CSP certification.

 

Also, I just wanted to add that Waldorf does have a brick and mortar school, and has for many years.

 

It does for now. It was a traditional, private non-profit school. Then it was acquired by a for-profit that basically bought them for the accreditation. If the campus proves profitable then it will remain. Otherwise, don't get attached.

campuses do not make your school legitimate.

 

Is it normal practice for an online program to accept courses taken at a previous institution to transfer as elective credits even though the credits aren't relevant to the degree I am seeking?

 

It isn't uncommon.

The actually degree outline can vary from school to school. However, general education and liberal arts requirements typically take up a sizable chunk.

It isn't terribly uncommon to find that the courses related to your major are only 30 - 36 credits of the total 120. So many programs have quite a bit of wiggle room when it comes to electives.

It's why a psychology major can take a few business courses without sacrificing degree progress or a business major can take a few music courses. The purpose is to allow you a well rounded education where you are free to explore beyond your major. Whether it accomplishes that goal may be debatable but it is the reality of a 4 year degree in this country.

 

To add onto Neuhaus's reply, this is a common practice for a lot of degree programs at a wide range of schools and is not specific to distance learning programs.