Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management?

What are the minimum admission requirements?

When do I apply?

When will I know if my application has been accepted?

How long do I have to complete the program?

Is this program eligible for OSAP?

Can I take courses before being admitted to the program?

I have been working in an occupational health and safety management related field for a few years. Do I still need the undergraduate degree-credit courses to apply?

How many letters of reference do I need and who should write them?

Who should I contact if I need more information?

What is the Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management?

The Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management is offered by Continuing Studies in partnership with the Faculties of Social Science and Health Science. This program enables graduates from a number of disciplines to build on the solid theoretical grounding obtained in their degree programs by adding practical and applied skills required to work in the field. In addition, students in the Diploma program obtain valuable work experience through the practicum component.

What are the minimum admission requirements?

Successful completion of, or current enrollment in the final year of, a bachelor's program in an appropriate discipline (Health Sciences, Management and Organizational Studies, Business, or the Sciences)

When do I apply?

The application deadline is March 1. Applicants who must apply for admission to the University first are encouraged to begin the application process as soon as possible. Application forms are typically available by November.

When will I know if my application has been accepted?

All decisions regarding admission to the program are communicated in writing. Admission decisions may take approximately 6-8 weeks after receipt of all application documents. Applicants are strongly encouraged to ensure all pieces of both the supplemental application, as well as the OUAC application (where applicable), arrive well before the application deadline. Decisions will not be relayed over the telephone.

How long do I have to complete the program?

The Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management is a one (1) year, full-time program offered in-class only. Diploma-credit courses begin in September and end in August. This program cannot be completed on a part time basis.

Is this program eligible for OSAP?

Yes, online OSAP applications are available at http://osap.gov.on.ca

Can I take courses before being admitted to the program?

No, these courses are offered only to students accepted into the Occupational Health and Safety Management program. Based on the competitiveness to enter the program and its one year duration, students must apply and be accepted into the program to be eligible for these courses.

I have been working in an occupational health and safety management related field for a few years. Do I still need the undergraduate degree-credit courses to apply?

Yes, applicants are required to have successfully completed an undergraduate degree from an accredited university in health sciences, management and organizational studies, or related field of study to be considered eligible for the program..

How many letters of reference do I need and who should write them?

With the supplemental program application, we require two (2) letters of reference. Based on the study/work nature of our Post-Degree Diploma and Certificate programs, we ideally would like to receive one (1) reference from an academic source and one (1) from an employment source.

We will accept two (2) reference letters from academic sources, but request that one (1) of your referees be able to speak to your skills/employability in the field.

Failure to submit letters of reference will prevent the timely processing of your application.

There is no official form for reference letters; however, letters should be written on the referee’s letterhead if possible. Letters of reference tend to be more helpful when the referee is aware of the information in your application. For example, the diploma program you are applying to, as well as why and how you would be an ideal candidate for this program should be included.

Letters of reference must be sealed by the referee with his or her signature across the seal and may be mailed to Continuing Studies either directly from the referee or with the supplemental application.

Who should I contact if I need more information?

Prospective students are encouraged to contact the Continuing Studies office at 519 661 3658 or email post-degree@uwo.ca