INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
Welcome to our prospective student information pages. Explore our department's academic programs, faculty, research, and publications to prepare to apply to the highest-funded department in one of the top five schools of public health in the nation.
Pursue your graduate degree in a department with:
varied programs and degree options to fit your goals
We offer Master of Science (MS), Master of Public Health (MPH), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. Applicants to our MS program may choose Toxicology, Environmental Health, or Occupational and Environmental Exposure Sciences. An MPH program in Environmental and Occupational Health is an option for students with undergraduate or master's degrees who are seeking a broader perspective on environmental and occupational health with more emphasis on application. An MPH program with concurrent residency in Occupational and Environmental Medicine is available for students with a MD or DO degree. PhD applicants may choose programs in either Toxicology or Environmental and Occupational Hygiene.
a focus on student support
The Department of Environmental and Occupational Health's Graduate Student Services recognizes the importance of comprehensive student support. We are advocates dedicated to responding to student's needs and suggestions while pursuing a degree, and beyond. We fund a majority of our students, provide access to technology resources for study and research, and encourage student involvement in department operations and social functions. We provide guidance in navigating administrative requirements of seeking a degree, choosing an advisor, and career opportunities. Our extensive network of alumni and community professionals allows us to provide a wealth of information and opportunity to current students.
Commitment to Financial Support
Our strong base of departmental, research, and training grant funding allows us to support most of our students as research assistants, teaching assistants, or trainees. Support is offered through the ERC Training Grant, the Environmental Pathology Training Grant, state L&I funding, or research grants and contracts. This allows students to concentrate their time and energy on course work and research so they can excel and gain the maximum benefit from their experience at the University of Washington. These appointments include a monthly stipend, tuition waiver, and medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Access to Technology
The Department supports two computer labs, one on our main campus and one at the Roosevelt site. Each lab has ten computers with statistical and graphics software, printers, scanners, and CD burners. In addition, the department provides laptop computers, LCD projectors, and digital video cameras for student checkout. This equipment was partially funded by a UW Student Technology Fee grant. The grant proposal was a collaborative effort between the Graduate Program Office and the students in the program. Technology needs are frequently evaluated through student surveys and informal feedback.
Student Involvement
We regularly solicit student opinions; student representatives participate in faculty meetings, curriculum committee meetings, and admission committee meetings. The Student Advisory Committee (SAC) provides another mechanism for student thoughts and needs to be heard. In addition to its advisory function, SAC sponsors educational activities such as fall quarter's Research Roundtable, which provides new students advice on selecting a preceptor and a research project, and social activities such as the autumn quarter welcome barbecue for new students.
Sponsored Events
We sponsor student-centered events including Student Research Day and the Career Development Workshop. These events resources such as student advising to clarify how thesis research and career choices are made.
well-developed research programs and strong grant support
With $23.7 million dollars of funded grant and contract research in 2007, the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences ranked fourth out of about 105 departments on campus in grant support. Because of this funding, which reflects the excellence of our research and our national and international recognition, we can offer varied research opportunities.
a collaborative approach to environmental problems
Faculty in the Toxicology, Exposure Sciences, Environmental Health, and Occupational Medicine programs work collaboratively on environmental and occupational health problems. Ten centers and institutes in our department encourage this cross-disciplinary approach.
connections to community agencies and businesses
Our connections to government agencies, businesses, consulting firms, and national organizations enable us to match students with internship, practicum, and project sites that provide hands-on experience.
Pursue your graduate degree in a School that is...
one of the top five schools of public health
Our School of Public Health and Community Medicine, the only accredited school of public health in the Northwest, is consistently ranked among the top five nationally by U.S. News and World Report.
committed to service and collaboration
The School of Public Health and Community Medicine provides expert assistance to government and community agencies, industry, and business. Due to these service activities, faculty brings knowledge of current public health problems to the classroom and to research projects.
dedicated to diversity
The School of Public Health and Community Medicine is dedicated to developing a diverse faculty, staff, and student body to better serve communities in our region and beyond. Our commitment to diversity is sponsored by the University of Washington Board of Regents.
Pursue your graduate degree at a University that is...
one of the nation's leading research institutions
The UW has ranked among the nation's top five educational institutions in the receipt of federal research funds for the past 30 years. In recent years, the institution has ranked first among public universities in the receipt of federal grants and contracts.
a "Powerhouse" in instruction and research
In a recent study sponsored by the Association for Institutional Research, UW was determined to be a "Powerhouse" university. It was one of only seven public research universities demonstrating top effectiveness and efficiency in both research and instruction. The University of Washington annually enrolls more than 39,000 students and employs 4,000 faculty members in 17 schools and colleges.
in a city that is...
one of the world's most livable
Seattle is the cultural center of the Pacific Northwest, with more than a dozen theater companies, a major art museum, and professional symphony orchestra, ballet, and opera. The Pike Place Market and historic Pioneer Square are popular attractions, as are professional sports teams. Seattle's temperate climate and its location on Puget Sound, between the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, provide year-round sailing, kayaking, hiking, and mountaineering. Cross-country and downhill ski areas are within an hour's drive.
