Master of Science (MS)

Environmental Health MS

Improve environmental and workplace safety and health on a grand scale through this rigorous, top-ranked program that expertly blends science with public health concepts.

Environmental Health is the study of how factors in the environment — such as chemical toxins, infectious disease, foodborne vectors, changing climates, and workplace hazards — affect human health.

The Master of Science (MS) in Environmental Health program focuses on the research and analytic methods underlying evidence-based decision-making, and is ideal for both practitioners and those contemplating careers in research or academic institutions. Learn more about an MS degree

Alumni Profile

Sergio Arce

As an undergraduate studying chemical engineering at UCLA, Sergio Arce cared deeply about the environment.

More about Sergio Arce

What is Environmental Health?

Environmental health is focused on how the environment — where we live and work, what we eat, the air we breathe, etc. — impacts human health.  Our Division of Environmental Health Sciences improves the health of individuals and communities by conducting rigorous and collaborative research to identify risks, reduce hazards, and inform public health policies. We prepare future leaders through MPH, MS, and PhD degrees.

Many of these degree options are STEM designated. No GRE required.

Areas of Emphasis

Students can pursue a general Environmental Health degree or choose one of the following areas of emphasis to pursue distinct interest areas through elective courses:

  • General
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Environmental Infectious Diseases
  • Environmental & Occupational Epidemiology
  • Injury & Violence Epidemiology & Prevention*
  • Exposure Sciences
  • Food Safety
  • Industrial Hygiene*
  • Toxicology

View more information about program options and areas of emphasis.

*Programs offer financial support to cover eligible student tuition fees through training grants. See cost page for more information.

Advantages of the Program

  • Connected. Close partnerships with state agencies (such as the Minnesota Department of Health) and local companies (such as 3M, Medtronic, Cargill, and Ecolab), provide unique applied practice experiences, professional mentorship, and abundant career opportunities.
  • Innovative research. Students engage with and learn from faculty who are deeply involved in current practice and research.
  • Highly ranked. A degree from a top 10 school of public health provides distinction in competitive career environments.
  • State-of-the-art facilities. The 2,500 sq. ft. Industrial Hygiene Laboratory is well-equipped with the latest instruments and equipment necessary to learn sampling procedures and conduct research.

Application Deadline

Scholarship Consideration Deadline: December 1
Final Deadline: June 15

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