Environmental health science professionals work as applied scientists to preserve and improve the quality of the environment and safety of the workplace. They are problem solvers, seeking ways to protect workers and the community from potential health threats while working within fiscal realities and changing priorities. In addition to a strong background in the physical and biological sciences, they bring an interest in legal, administrative and policy issues to their work.
Majoring in environmental health science (or the related field of Occupational Hygiene and Safety) may be right for you. Learn more about:
- protecting the quality of air, water, shelter and food
- enforcing environmental and public health laws
- making workers' jobs as free from hazards as possible
- working to ensure a sustainable, high quality of life for future generations
Graduates work in industry, corporations, insurance companies, food establishments, research facilities and government agencies. Many find employment in health care settings, including hospitals, public health departments, and environmental protection agencies. Still more options exist with public utilities, educational settings, natural resource departments, consulting firms and cruise ships. The program also prepares students for graduate study in public health and other disciplines.
The program provides students with the skills necessary to protect public health by preventing diseases related to water, food, waste, chemicals, radiation and other environmental factors. The curriculum offers a solid foundation in physical and biological sciences, plus hands-on experience using modern equipment and techniques to analyze air and water quality, noise and environmental stressors, food quality and contaminants of all types.
The program includes the study of these topics:
- Environmental rules and regulations
- Food safety and vector-borne disease control
- Solid and hazardous waste management
- Water and air quality management
- Bioterrorism and emerging infectious diseases
Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health (BSEH), and the major fulfills the educational requirements to take the exam for certification as a registered environmental health specialist or registered sanitarian. The program is accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council.
Overview of Coursework
- Environmental health and safety risk communication
- Essentials of industrial hygiene and occupational safety
- Industrial hygiene sampling and analysis
- Toxicology for the health sciences
- Introduction to public health
- Community health epidemiology
- Environmental risks and society benefits
- Introduction to environmental health and safety
- Public health emergency response
Environmental Health Science Minor
The environmental health science minor is particularly appropriate for science majors, such as biological sciences and chemistry, but other majors - such as communications, social sciences, and plant science - may also fit in well with this offering. Occupational hygiene and safety majors are not eligible for the environmental health science minor. The overall purpose of the environmental health science minor is to enhance the practical application of the student's primary degree. A total of six courses (18 credit hours) are required for the minor, three of which are required and three of which are electives.
Required courses:
- EH 2000: Introduction to Environmental Health and Safety
- HLTH 2000: Introduction to Public Health
- OHS 2000: Essentials of Occupational Hygiene and Professions
For more information on the program requirements, view the course catalog