ENHS examines the interactions between humans and their environment. Human activities
impact on environmental quality and environmental factors, and in turn, are principal
determinants of human health. Exploration of these complex interactions often combines
elements of both pure and applied sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry, engineering,
public health, medicine). Two master's programs (Master of Public Health and Master of Science) and two doctoral paths (Doctor of Philosophy
and a dual Doctor of Philosophy in Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences)
are available.
Master of Public Health in Environmental Health Sciences (MPH)
The MPH degree is oriented toward the development of a broad background in public
health and preparation for professional practice. This degree requires 42 credit hours
of study and is practice-oriented. MPH students complete a supervised internship (practicum)
in lieu of a thesis. Graduates from our MPH program obtain employment within federal,
state and local public health and environmental regulatory agencies, non-profit organizations,
industry, consulting firms and universities. Positions include health and safety officer,
risk assessor, risk manager, outreach coordinator, resource manager and health physicist.
Master of Science in Environmental Health Sciences (MS)
The M.S. degree is an academic research degree, which may be tailored to individual
research interests and job market needs. This degree requires a minimum of 36 graduate hours
and combines real-world problem solving, field and/or laboratory research and development of research skills with other scientific, health and related skills to prepare effective environmental health researchers
for the public and private sectors. Students complete a research thesis, and graduates
from our M.S. program generally obtain employment within federal, state and local public health and environmental
protection agencies, federal and state research laboratories, contract research and
laboratories, industry, consulting firms and universities. Positions include research
scientist, water quality specialist, toxicologist, ecotoxicologist, nanomaterials scientist, air pollution specialist and environmental regulatory enforcement.
Ph.D. in Environmental Health Sciences
The Ph.D. is a highly specialized academic research degree that emphasizes scientific
competence, research skills and professional development. The doctoral degree requires
a minimum of 60 hours of graduate course work (post-baccalaureate), including 12 hours
of dissertation preparation. Graduates from our Ph.D. program obtain employment within
federal and state research laboratories, contract research laboratories and universities.
Positions include research scientist and professor.
Certificate of Graduate Study in Disasters and Climate-Ready Public Health (DCRPH)
The lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic revealed that public health professionals are in dire need of emergency management skills. This program will enable students to better navigate public health emergencies for more effective disaster response, recovery, mitigation, and preparedness. Program highlights include:
- Applied Training in Climate and Disaster Resilience - Gain practical, real-world skills to prepare communities for the health impacts of climate change and disasters. Students will learn to assess vulnerabilities, design response strategies, and strengthen local public health systems.
- Interdisciplinary Curriculum with Public Health, Climate Science, and Emergency Management - This program bridges public health with environmental science, emergency preparedness, and hazard mitigation—equipping learners to work across sectors and lead during climate-driven emergencies.
- Real-World Case Studies and Community Engagement - Explore case studies from recent disasters (e.g., wildfires, heatwaves, floods) and collaborate on projects with local and global partners to apply your knowledge in meaningful ways.
- Flexible Learning for Working Professionals - Offered in a hybrid format, the certificate
is ideal for health professionals, emergency planners, and students seeking specialized
skills without interrupting their careers."
Certificate of Graduate Study in Environmental Nanoscience and Risk
This cross-disciplinary certificate provides the fundamental concepts and principles of environmental nanoscience and risk to constitute a common ground for multiple STEM disciplines. The certificate will serve employees of agencies and organizations related to regulation and governance of nanoscience and nanotechnology who wish to enhance their professional credentials by adding the foundations of environmental nanoscience and risk to their expertise.