An examination of the major content topics included in baccalaureate safety curricula

This study examined the appropriateness of the major content topics currently included in baccalaureate safety curricula. The appropriateness of the content topics was based on the safety professional's perceived importance of the topic for proficiency in the safety field and on the extent of use of the topic in current job activities. These two measures of appropriateness were used to develop a prioritized list of content topics for inclusion in baccalaureate safety curricula. Safety professionals were also asked to identify any new knowledge or competencies that would be important for safety professionals in the future.; The survey population for this study was 200 Certified Safety Professionals (CSPs) randomly selected from the 1993-1994 BCSP Directory. Data for this study were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire specifically developed for this study. Completed questionnaires were received from 125 CSPs.; The findings from this study demonstrated the need for a multidisciplinary curriculum for the education of safety professionals. Only one of the 35 topics included on the questionnaire (calculus) was perceived by the majority of the CSPs to be not important for proficiency in the safety field. Therefore, the key issue for safety educators is determining which disciplines and topics to include in safety curricula, especially in light of the expanding roles of today's safety professional.; The findings from this study also indicated the preparatory topics of calculus, life sciences, physics, and statistics were the least appropriate topics for inclusion in safety curricula. Conversely, the professional topics of safety management, safety and health regulations, safety training, industrial hygiene and written and verbal communications were found to be the most appropriate content topics. New topics identified as important for future safety professionals included total quality management, international safety practices, financial aspects of safety and salesmanship. Three recommendations are provided to safety curriculum planners concerning the content of baccalaureate safety curricula.