CITE program offers high job placement after graduation

by SARAH HEREFORD
reporter

The nationally accredited Safety Technology program in the College of Information Technology and Engineering (CITE) is a program unknown to many Marshall students that holds a high job place­ment after graduation.

Protecting the safety and health of the public by pre­venting and controlling hazards is the main focus of safety professionals. Employment in safety tech­nology has continued to grow in the last twenty years. More and more col­leges are offering programs to prepare students for careers in safety technology.

Dr. Allan Stern, Safety Technology Program Coordinator, said the pro­gram at Marshall is one of the best kept secrets in the university. Most students learn about it through word of mouth. However, Stern said the biggest problem of the program is students not knowing what it is.

The safety program gives students the knowledge on how to control and prevent hazards. Hazard control goes on every day through­out the world, anywhere people may be exposed to personal injury or illness.

Safety technology is one of the oldest professions, involved in every aspect of every day life.

Justin Greene, an Indus­trial Hygiene graduate stu­dent from Fayetteville, said he entered the program after seeing the success his older brother had in the field. He said the job changes and problem solving are what he enjoys most about the work. “Everyday is different,” Greene said.

A broad background in chemistry, physics, mathe­matics, engineering and management are needed to prepare students for careers in industry, government agencies and consulting firms. The safety program is challenging, but students who like science and mathematics tend to find it inter­esting. A strong desire to help other and serve the community is also important.

“Safety technology jobs are very rewarding. Not only are they well paying and stable, but knowing you are helping keep people safe is most rewarding,” Greene said.

He said positions for safety professionals exist in every part of the United States.