Human safety performance
Certificate, undergraduate
Overview
Related Topics
Prevent errors before they happen
The undergraduate certificate in human safety performance at University of Idaho provides you the foundational knowledge of how human behavior, individual performance and organizational systems influence workplace safety outcomes. The program examines the connection between human factors, behavior-based safety and error prevention to help professionals understand why errors occur and how to reduce risk.
The curriculum explores the psychological, physical and environmental factors that affect human performance, as well as the organizational processes and systems that support safer work environments. You will learn how to analyze safety challenges, improve safety culture and apply evidence-based strategies to prevent incidents.
This certificate prepares professionals to contribute to safety initiatives, strengthen organizational performance and implement effective human-centered safety practices across a range of industries and workplace settings.
Customize your degree, enhance your career prospects and gain a competitive edge for promotion and new job opportunities.
This certificate is particularly well-suited for:
- Individuals working in or aspiring to enter fields where safety is a critical concern
- Occupational safety professionals for enhancing their understanding of human behavior in the workplace
- Engineering and technical students interested in human factors surrounding safety
- Supervisors and managers in high-risk industries such as manufacturing, energy or healthcare interested in improving team safety performance
- Military personnel, government employees and human resources or organizational development specialists focused on building safer workplace cultures
Think safe, act smart
Curriculum
The human safety performance undergraduate certificate is a 12-credit program that helps build specialized expertise, complement your degree and develop skills in emerging fields to enhance your career opportunities.
Explore program courses in the University Catalog
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the human safety performance certificate, you will be able to explain how human behavior, performance factors and organizational systems influence safety outcomes; apply behavior-based safety principles; analyze workplace incidents and contributing factors; evaluate human performance influences; conduct field investigations; and develop evidence-based strategies to reduce errors, improve safety processes and promote a proactive safety culture across diverse professional environments.
Class format
The human safety performance certificate is delivered through flexible course formats designed to support working professionals and students seeking to advance their safety knowledge. Coursework combines applied learning, case studies, discussions and practical investigations that connect safety theory with real-world workplace challenges. You’ll engage with concepts in human factors, behavior-based safety and error prevention through interactive activities and assignments that build practical skills for improving safety performance in diverse organizational settings.
Career outcomes
Current job openings
577 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
$96,747 - Industrial Engineering Technicians • Nanotechnology Engineering Technicians
$74,045
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Clubs and organizations
- Humanitarian Engineering Corps (HEC)
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
- Tau Beta Pi - Engineering Honor Society (TBP)
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
U of I’s certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid or scholarships on their own. However, students enrolled in a bachelor's or associate degree program may apply their financial aid and scholarships toward a certificate if they are pursuing both simultaneously.
For more information or to explore funding options, contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@uidaho.edu or call 208-885-6312.
Idaho LAUNCH
This degree is approved for Idaho LAUNCH, a grant that supports Idaho students pursuing high-demand careers. Students enrolling under the 2026–27 Academic Catalog may be eligible for up to $4,000 per year / $8,000 total in scholarship funding through the Idaho LAUNCH program.
Learn about eligibility and application deadlines at nextsteps.idaho.gov/launch, or see our full list of approved U of I programs on the in-state scholarships page.
Recognized STEM Program
This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.
Application information
Admission criteria for undergraduate certificates are the same as those for U of I undergraduate degree programs. View our admission requirements to learn more.
Undergraduate certificate application process
Students interested in adding a certificate to their bachelor’s or associate degree program should speak with their academic advisor.
Students interested in earning an undergraduate certificate as a standalone program should contact the Admissions Office at 208-885-6326 for information on how to apply.
Have questions?
Not sure if this program is the right fit? Connect with your admissions counselor or request more information to get personalized guidance on program details, requirements and next steps.
Find your admissions counselor
Request more information
Connect with program faculty