ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Undergraduate Programs
The undergraduate program in Environmental Health was established at the University of Washington in 1947 and is fully accredited by the National Environmental Health Science & Protection Accreditation Council.
Graduate Programs
- Toxicology
Toxicology focuses on identifying, understanding, and analyzing toxic agents and their effects on human health. Through a diverse curriculum and research program, students learn to identify major classes of environmental and workplace toxicants, study how they interact with biological systems to cause adverse effects on human health, and assess risks related to toxicant exposures. Students have opportunities to conduct research on neurological, hepatic, renal and respiratory systems, prenatal and neonatal development, and carcinogenic and genetic effects of toxicants. The program also offers a strong focus on risk assessment. Degrees: MS and PhD in Environmental Health/Toxicology. - Exposure Sciences (formerly Industrial Hygiene and Safety Program)
OEES involves the recognition, measurement, and control of health and safety hazards in the workplace or community environment. Students learn to characterize exposures from chemicals, noise, and other hazards, recommend control measures, and to communicate prevention strategies to management and workers. The program provides opportunities for field research and internships. Faculty research interests include exposure assessment for chemicals, physical agents, ergonomics and safety, as well as methods for hazard control. Degrees: MS in OEES, MS in Safety and Ergonomics, and PhD in Environmental and Occupational Hygiene. - Environmental Health Program (formerly Environmental Health Technology)
The Environmental Health program offers a broad, multidisciplinary approach to issues in the field. Students learn sources of contamination of environmental media including air, water, soil, and food; routes of transmission to the public; strategies to prevent or control adverse effects on human health or environmental quality; and effective communication of information to both the public and to health professionals. Additional skills are developed through participation in faculty-mentored research into public health issues typically related to chemical or microbial contamination of the environment. Degrees: MS in Environmental Health and PhD in Environmental and Occupational Hygiene. - MPH in Environmental and Occupational Health (formerly MPH in General Environmental Health
This MPH program provides an opportunity for students to focus on the recognition, assessment, and control of environmental and occupational hazards, the effect of these hazards on health and society, and approaches to regulation, enforcement, and policy development. It emphasizes development of skills essential to science-based public health practice. Degree: MPH.
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Occupational and Environmental Medicine strives to give a better understanding of the clinical and scientific principles of occupational and environmental health. Through focused training in epidemiology, biostatistics, health services, environmental health, and pathobiology, students learn to identify occupational health hazards and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions designed to reduce exposures and improve health. This program offers an MPH degree and concurrent residency programs for students with an MD or DO degree. - Environmental Health and Public Policy
These concurrent MS/MPA and MPH/MPA programs with the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs seek to educate students who will bring substantive public health knowledge and strong policy and management orientation to their professional careers. This collaboration makes it possible to complete the two degrees in three years rather than four, with faculty from both schools involved in teaching, advising, and research. Degrees: MS/MPA and MPH/MPA.
Associated Programs
- Occupational Health Nursing
This program is housed in the School of Nursing. Core courses are taken within the School of Nursing and the Department of Environmental Health. Degrees are granted from the School of Nursing. - Occupational Health Services Research
This training program is jointly sponsored by the Departments of Health Services and Environmental Health within the UW School of Public Health. Degrees are granted through the Department of Health Services.
