The PhD in Environmental Health Sciences is an academic research degree. Didactic training and research in the identification, evaluation, and control of environmental and occupational hazards to human health are emphasized in this program. Students may conduct research and take courses in areas including:
Air and Water Pollution
Industrial Hygiene
Epidemiology
Exposure Assessment
Risk Assessment
Changing Urban Microclimate
Urban Health
Disaster Preparedness and Response
Environmental Justice
In addition to understanding the advanced concepts of environmental health sciences, graduates of this program are expected to develop skills that will enable them to identify and define questions of environmental health importance, design research studies to address these questions, and to complete a program of research that demonstrates abilities as an independent investigator. Graduates may assume upper-level positions in the public or private sector in research, management, teaching, or consulting.
Our goal is to enable students to:
Describe the major environmental and occupational hazards and risk factors impacting human health.
Communicate, verbally and in written form, to the scientific community, stakeholders, and the public, scientific information on environmental and/or occupational health.
Conduct a comprehensive review of literature and identify gaps in environmental and occupational health.
Devise an environmental or occupational health dissertation research proposal with a detailed plan for developing the method and analysis.
Present and defend dissertation research in a public forum.
Curriculum
PhD students are expected to complete departmental required courses, electives and research. Other courses preparatory to dissertation research will be determined by the academic advisor and/or dissertation committee in consultation with the student.
Particular emphasis is placed upon students' interest and their commitment to research. The PhD requires an original and carefully thought-out research dissertation. Students with previous experience and therefore specific ideas for research are particularly encouraged to apply. The general departmental admission requirements apply to applicants; however, a previous master's degree is preferred. Applicants should have a strong academic record and meet the minimum requirements for admission to the School of Public Health.
Certification in public health is a voluntary credential that can help to distinguish a public health professional from their peers in the public health sector. The Certified in Public Health (CPH) credential is administered by the National Board of Public Health Examiners (www.nbphe.org). Specific licensure requirements vary from state to state, and among territories. Please visit the Professional Licensure and Certification General Disclosures webpage for more information on state and territories requirements.