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What is Environmental Health?

An environmental health degree is an area of study within science that examines environmental impacts on human health.  Elements in the environment that can adversely impact human health include water, food, air, soil and their chemical, physical, & biological components.  Environmental scientists or environmental engineers take great care to study, understand, analyze, and positively influence the environmental impact on our health.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$75,360

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

50.81%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

84,250

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Environmental Health Degree

Harvard University (Cambridge, MA) is a well-known private university and one of the top Ivy League universities. The university fosters a liberal arts curriculum allowing its students to explore more fields of study. Harvard’s undergraduate programs are highly recognized. The Department of Environmental Health offers a range of academic programs that focus on complex problems that require the contributions of many specialties. The department also aims to maintain and improve the health of all people through leadership in environmental health research. Graduate and professional programs are also offered in the university. Harvard also fosters a tutorial style of learning and teaching which is a great benefit for all students especially those who take up courses in a particular field of concentration. 

Acceptance Rate

4.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) is one of the highly recognized Ivy League universities. Penn has an interdisciplinary approach to learning allowing students to gain further knowledge in different fields. The quality of education and research activities of the university has been consistently recognized in the country and around the globe. A Certificate in Environmental Health Sciences is offered at the graduate level. It is designed to train students across translational environmental health science disciplines. The Master of Public Health program also offers a top ranked Environmental Health degree. The track trains professionals in identifying, assessing, and discussing environmental health risks. The university offers tons of educational opportunities including international programs, and study grants.   

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Columbia University in the City of New York (New York, NY) is a private research university and an Ivy League member. Columbia offers both undergraduate and graduate programs, and professional degrees. The university offers a wide range of comprehensive academic degree programs for students to choose from. The university offers graduate programs in Environmental Health Sciences. It grants both master’s and doctoral degrees. The Doctor of Public Health program also has an Environmental Health Sciences track. Several certificate programs are also awarded at the university. All programs are designed to explain how the environment affects or contributes to health. The university has a great international presence and maintains several Columbia Global Centers across the world. The school has a long list of relevant and award-winning alumni from different academic and professional fields. 

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD) is a notable public research university. It has consistently ranked among the best institutions for education, research, and medical healthcare. JHU is known to offer highly recognized academic programs. The Bloomberg School of Public Health offers graduate programs that include Environmental Health as one of the areas of specialization. Undergraduates also have the opportunity to take the The Bachelor of Arts/Master of Health Sciences (BA/MHS) program.  The university maintains campuses across the Baltimore-Washington area and in China and Italy. The university is organized into nine schools, however, each has its academic calendars. JHU awards degrees from bachelor’s to graduate studies. 

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

 Washington University in St Louis (Saint Louis, MO) is a private research university founded in 1853 and named after George Washington. The school is organized into seven graduate and undergraduate schools. It has a highly recognized undergraduate curriculum, ranking among the best around the world. Some of the popular programs offered by WUSL are focused on business, legal profession, and allied health. The university has a selective admission process. The university offers a few environmental programs. These programs are designed to understand the environment systems that influence the ecosystem, natural resources, and others. Other courses under the Environmental Health program are Earth and planetary sciences, biology, political science, anthropology, and international and area studies.

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

University of California – Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA) is considered by many as a public Ivy League university. It has been continuously ranking as one of the best public universities in the United States. The university offers a variety of undergraduate programs, professional degrees, and programs. The university is also active in research. The UCLA Institute of the Environment manages several research centers. Most of the studies are focused on climate change and environmental management. The Fielding School of Public Health offers a PhD in Environmental Health Sciences. This is a research focused program. The School also offers other areas of study related to sciences and environment. 

Acceptance Rate

12.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

University of California - Berkeley (Berkeley, CA) is the oldest campus of the University of California system. It is one of the most popular and esteemed public research universities in the United States. It is also recognized around the world. UC Berkeley fosters academic excellence and research activities resulting in top-notch undergraduate and graduate programs. The Division of Environmental Health Sciences offers several graduate programs. These programs train professionals to be leaders through cutting-edge methods and multinational research collaborations. Graduates of the Environmental Health Sciences and Global Health and Environment program can immediately assume roles in the industry as leaders or educators. UC Berkeley has a long list of prestigious and relevant graduates and faculty for various fields of study. 

Acceptance Rate

16.25

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Emory University (Atlanta, GA) operates as a private higher education institution providing several academic programs. The university is organized into nine schools and colleges including Rollins School of Public Health. It also manages Emory Healthcare which is the largest healthcare system in GA. The university also operates several research facilities that focus on health-related studies. Emory University has a list of notable alumni in a variety of academic disciplines. 

Acceptance Rate

15.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI) is considered the oldest public university across the state. The university also manages regional campuses in Dearborn and Flint. The university is highly recognized in the United States for its academic excellence and research activity. Popular programs in UM are focused on arts, and sciences. The university offers a two-year program in Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in Environmental Health Sciences. This program is designed for students and professionals who aim to work in protecting the public and the environment from health threats. Environmental Health Promotion and Policy is another concentration under the MPH program. The university is also known for its esteemed faculty line-up and known alumni.  

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC) is one of the most highly regarded public universities in the country. The university is recognized for the quality of education it provides, affordability, diversity, social engagement, and international presence. UNC-Chapel Hill is consistent in ranking among the country’s top universities on research. It received several research grants and support over the years. The university excels in science, medicine, education, as well as performing arts. Environmental Health Sciences is an undergraduate major. The program provides a comprehensive education that leads on understanding of environmental factors that impact human health. Students under this major can choose an area of concentration - environmental chemistry, environmental health biology, or environmental physics. 

Acceptance Rate

22.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Boston University (Boston, MA) is a private institution that offers a variety of academic programs. It has 250 degree programs across 17 schools and colleges. The university is consistently ranking locally and internationally for its top notch education, services, and research activities. The School of Public Health offers graduate level programs. The Master’s and Ph.D. programs in Public Health includes Environmental Health as one of the areas of study. The Environmental Health concentration allows students to understand and evaluate the health effects of environmental hazards as well as the risks associated with exposure. BU maintains small class sizes allowing more hands-on and focused learning. The university has a diverse student population; from across the United States and several foreign countries.  

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Tulane University of Louisiana (New Orleans, LA) operates as a private university. It is organized into 10 schools centered around liberal arts, sciences, and specialized professions. The Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine is one of the oldest public health schools in the country. The university offers undergraduate and graduate studies with a wide range of academic disciplines to choose from. The School also offers several online programs on environmental health. All programs are created to identify and address the environmental factors that impact health. A Master of Science in Public Health also offers Environmental Health Sciences as a specialization. The graduate program is designed for pre- and mid-career professionals. Tulane also fosters a very high research activity. 

Acceptance Rate

12.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

New York University (New York, NY) is a private research university offering a wide range of academic disciplines to explore and study. The university started with only the College of Arts and Sciences. Today, it is organized into 16 schools and colleges. The university offers highly recognized undergraduate and graduate studies. Environmental Public Health Sciences is a concentration under the Master of Public Health program. This concentration trains professionals to use research and applied practice in analyzing and managing environmental and health issues. The program exposes students to global policy and practice. NYU also manages several international educational centers expanding its academic excellence to different parts of the world. 

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of Rochester (Rochester, NY) is a small private research university that offers top-notch undergraduate and graduates programs. The university also offers professional degrees. UR has more than 200 academic majors allowing students to have a variety of options. BS in Environmental Health offers courses from multiple disciplines to enhance the understanding of environmental health including the consequences, and how to address it. Students are also exposed to research opportunities. The school has notable contributions on sciences, engineering, politics, and performing arts through its faculty and alumni. Moreover, UR is also among the largest employers in New York.

Acceptance Rate

29.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

University of Florida (Gainesville, FL) is a public research university under the State University System of Florida. It is considered as one of the most esteemed higher learning institutions in FL. It offers a Master of Public Health in Environmental Health program. The program provides students a  deeper understanding of the effects of hazardous materials on human health and the environment. Students admitted to this program will have an opportunity for internship during their last semester. Its 150 research centers contribute to the high research activity of the university. The University of Florida is organized into 16 colleges offering a wide range of fields of study. It is also one of the listed Public Ivies by several publications. 

Acceptance Rate

36.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

University of California - Irvine (Irvine, CA) is a public research university and considered as one of the fastest growing campuses under the University of California system. Through the years, UCI has been offering highly recognized academic and professional programs. It continues its aim for academic excellence by providing new programs including public health, pharmaceutical sciences, and nursing science. Environmental Health Sciences program leads to a Master’s or Ph.D. degrees. The doctoral degree offers two tracks: Environmental Toxicology, and Exposure Sciences and Environmental Epidemiology. The program provides interdisciplinary research and teaching across related areas of study. UCI is also notable for its research activities by its pool of scholars and award-winning faculty. 

Acceptance Rate

26.54

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH) is a top-ranked private research university offering a wide  in CWRU are engineering, nursing, research, and science. The university is also active in research with contributions from its faculty and students. The admission process in the university is competitive. The School of Medicine manages the Environmental Health Sciences degree programs. Currently, EHS programs are temporarily unavailable due to re-evaluation. The Department of Environmental Health Sciences and the Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics are now merged into a new department, Population & Quantitative Health Sciences. 

Acceptance Rate

27.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

University of California - Davis (Davis, CA) is a public university under the University of California system that offers the largest variety of degree programs. It has over 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and specializations. Over the years, UC Davis has established its reputation in providing quality agricultural and environmental sciences programs. The School of Medicine manages the Division of Environmental and Occupational Health. The division offers a Master of Public Health. This graduate program provides courses that discuss the Principles of Environmental Health Science.  Its award-winning and notable faculty is just one of the gems the university has to offer. 

Acceptance Rate

38.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

University of Maryland - College Park (College Park, MA) offers highly recognized academic programs and is consistently named among best in the country. The university has programs for undergraduate and graduate degrees. Certification programs are also offered for some disciplines. The Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health manages several graduate programs for students to choose from. The programs explore the  interrelationships between people and the environments. Students are trained to be next generation leaders and researchers. The University of Maryland is the flagship university of the state and it offers a variety of learning experiences including study abroad programs. The university also offers scholarships for interested and deserving students.  

Acceptance Rate

44.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

University of Georgia (Athens, GA) is one of the oldest public universities in the United States. The university has a wide range of academic programs offered. UGA also provides education with programs focused on public service and technology transfer. The university also fosters an active research environment. The College of Public Health offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in Environmental Health. The college uses research, hands-on learning, and community engagement to allow students and professionals to gain comprehensive education on the area of study. UGA extends its top-notch quality education to other parts of the country and several locations around the globe. 

Acceptance Rate

45.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

George Washington University (Washington, DC) provides opportunities for students to work alongside leaders of politics, science, law, and many other disciplines. The university is divided into three campuses. Each campus offers a wide range of academic programs students can choose from. The Milken Institute School of Public Health aims to provide quality education that will allow students to contribute in addressing the needs in public health. A degree in Environmental Health is offered at the graduate level at GWU. This particular area of study is integrated across several graduate programs. Students can also have the option to study on-campus or through the university’s online learning facility, available for some courses.  

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

University of Washington - Seattle Campus (Seattle, WA) a premier public research university and considered the largest college in the northwestern region of the country. The university is organized into 18 schools and colleges. UW has over 250 academic programs for undergraduate and graduate studies. An environmental Health degree is offered at both academic levels. The discipline is offered as an undergraduate major and minor. It is considered as an applied science program and designated as a STEM discipline. An MS in Environmental Health is also offered to interested professionals. The university is also UW notable for its commitment to environmental stewardship. 

Acceptance Rate

51.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Baylor University (Waco, TX) is a private university that offers a wide range of program options for students to choose from. The university is affiliated with the Baptist Church and it is evident with its program curriculums. It is also known as the largest Baptist university in the world. The university grants undergraduate and graduate degrees. BS in Environmental Health Science is one of few undergraduate programs offered under Environmental Science. Baylor University is ranking among the Best Colleges in the United States.  

Acceptance Rate

45.33

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus (Pittsburgh, PA) is a public university that offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of disciplines. Pitt fosters liberal arts education particularly on its undergraduate degrees. Most of the programs in the university are focused on arts, sciences, and humanities. The Graduate School of Public Health manages Environmental and Occupational Health degrees and awards several certificates. Professionals are trained to be environmental health specialists. Pitt has a comprehensive study abroad programs for interested students.

Acceptance Rate

56.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (Minneapolis, MN) is a public university and the flagship institution under the University of Minnesota system. It is organized into 19 schools and colleges. UMN is included in a list of Public Ivy universities. It has a wide range of academic programs offered and a high research activity. The Division of Environmental Health Sciences offers graduate programs and a wide range of academic concentrations. The Environmental Health General Program allows students to customize their academic journey based on their career goals. The university has recognized alumni including several Nobel Prize winners and Rhodes Scholars.   

Acceptance Rate

56.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Most Popular Studies in Environmental Health

Environmental health specialists are also known as environmental engineers and can specialize in a number of important fields of study to study and protect our health and well-being. The interdisciplinary area of study in environmental health can include the following disciplines:

  • Issues involving water
  • Wastewater management and treatment
  • Managing contaminants in the natural & engineered world
  • Solid waste and hazardous waste management
  • Environmental fluid dynamics
  • Hydrology
  • Heat, transport, and scaling mechanics of the land-atmosphere interface
  • Dispersion of pollutants in the atmosphere
  • Analysis of turbulent environmental flows
  • Subsurface mathematical modeling & risk analysis
  • Climate change analysis
  • Land use impacts on the environment
  • Biological signaling
  • Estuary paleoecology
  • Globalization and urbanization

Best Environmental Health Degrees

An array of options is available to students considering a degree in environmental health. In fact, programs range from an associate degree through a doctorate degree from accredited colleges and universities. You will find a summary of public health degrees below to help you better understand the options that exist with the ability to quickly request information from top schools offering public health environmental degrees online or in on campus.

Associate Courses in Environmental Health

An on-site or online degree in environmental health is a 2-year program for full-time students mixing general education courses with core classes. The general education classes within the public health programs will typically include courses such as English, philosophy, creative writing, and sociology to help provide students with a well-rounded education. Core classes help students understand foundational elements of the environment coupled with human interactions in and with the world in which we live.

Bachelor Environmental Health Degrees

The online public health bachelors degree is conferred as a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) depending on the program design. The bachelor's degree is a 4-year program for full-time students providing more liberal arts classes and a greater number of core classes.

Examples of core curriculum in environmental health include statistics, ecosystem principles, human health & disease, environment principles, occupational health & safety, global management, environmental technology, and risk assessment. Students earning a BS or BA in environmental health will learn how to utilize software and technology to manage issues ranging from air pollution, hazardous waste, water pollution, solid waste, environmental economics, and their associated risks to humans.

Environmental Health Master’s Degrees

An on-site or online masters degree in environmental health can be earned in one to two years of full-time matriculation. There are many schools that offer a combined bachelors degree and masters degree (BS/MS or BS/MEng) that allow full-time students to earn both a bachelors and masters degree in environmental health in 5-years.

Several options exist in terms of degree options such as a Masters of Science (MS), Masters of Arts (MA), or Masters in Engineering (MEng). Students will perform a deep dive into an array of upper-level courses that may include environmental law, policy development, environmental auditing, environmental systems, environmental communications, principles of pollution control, environmental risk assessment, emerging environmental technologies, water resource management, land use management, air quality management, and natural resources economics.

Environmental Public Health PhD

A doctorate degree in environmental health is conferred as a PhD and will take full-time students 4-6 years to complete. A large portion of the PhD program is the time invested in the dissertation project. Dissertation topics are vetted and approved by your advisor to address a series of key objectives through logical planning and substantive research to support the key hypotheses.

Coursework is often designed by the student and faculty advisor to critically examine subjects within the field of study to help advance the field of environmental health and/or environmental engineering. Students graduating with a doctorate degree will be equipped to continue performing research for public, private, or governmental agencies in the field.

Graduate Courses in Environmental Health

A graduate certificate in environmental health is a tool utilized by qualifying students or working professionals to extend their body of knowledge, specialize in a new field of study, upskill, or prepare for a career change. From global health issues to environmental management specialties, a graduate certificate can provide a solid footing for careers in various fields from environmental law and emerging technologies to computer-based environmental risk assessments.

Employment in Environmental Health

Public health careers will require qualified individuals to review and assess physical locations, recognizing any environmental hazards as necessary, and to ensure that such hazards are safely contained. Various jobs are available to individuals with environmental health degrees, but all will involve recognizing or researching health concerns for individuals in relation to their environment. Government positions are available at the local, state and federal level, requiring the assessment of health risks of zones and buildings and reporting them to a centralized authority.

Research positions are open to individuals holding a master degree or higher. Research in environmental health involves individuals examining potential risks and developing methods to counter or avoid such risks in the future. Advancements in waste management, hazardous material clean-up and disposal and evolving environmental risks are just some of the areas that require perpetual research and refinement.

Salary for Public Health Programs

The average salary for environmental health specialists is approximately $62,000 per year, though income can vary wildly based on experience, education, position and employer. Job growth is expected to increase faster than average due to the increased interest in the environment, including maintaining a healthy and clean environment for the purposes of health.

What Can I Do with An Environmental Health Degree?

A degree in environmental health will prepare individuals enrolled in such a program to understand the connection between human health and the environment. Students will study various environments and how they impact human physiology; learn about various toxins and other factors and how to test for them. Though degrees are available at the associate level, they are typically preparatory for bachelor's degrees. Entry level positions are available at the bachelor level, with research and teaching positions available at the master and doctoral level.

Online Public Health Associations

Individuals interested in environmental health may also be interested in public health, health physics, environmental science, international public health, or wildlife management. The EPA has created a trove of information about the health of the environment and can be researched further on their blog.

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