ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Environmental exposures cause hundreds of thousands of illnesses each year, including asthma and cancers. This interdisciplinary program addresses public health issues associated with exposures to human-caused and naturally occurring chemical and microbial contaminants in air, water, soil, and food. Graduates become professionals who work to identify, evaluate, and control exposures to environmental contaminants.
Hands-on research experience is a key aspect of the program. Students usually select their thesis topics from among the many, diverse research projects directed by department faculty. Faculty include national and international leaders in a wide range of environmental health disciplines, including environmental chemistry, pollution monitoring, hazardous waste management, water and wastewater treatment, policy analysis, and environmental health law and regulation.
Degrees
The program offers two degrees:
MS, Environmental Health
PhD, Environmental and Occupational Hygiene
On average, students typically take two years to earn the MS degree and four to five years to earn the PhD degree.
Program graduates are employed by federal and state environmental protection agencies, state and local public health agencies, environmental consulting firms, and private industry.