Degrees, Majors, and Certificates
Master of Public Health Degree with a concentration in Environmental Health
Students in this concentration gain technical skills for the development, implementation and evaluation of practices that seek to identify, prevent or minimize the adverse impact of environmental and occupational hazards on human health. Students complete coursework related to the assessment and control of environmental and occupational exposures, the effects of these exposures on human health, principles of toxicology, and toxic regulations and policies. Upon completion of the program, students will be able to communicate environmental health risks to the public, analyze the impact of environmental assaults and exposures to susceptible populations, and manage environmental and occupational risks.
Special Opportunities
Graduates with environmental health degrees are more likely to get hired soon after graduation. There is a national shortage of trained environmental health professionals. The number of environmental health threats continues to grow: E-coli outbreaks, West Nile Virus, devastating events such as September 11th, & Hurricane Katrina, bring about environmental health threats that calls for an increase in the number of people trained to address these issues. We need more people to choose a career in environmental health to protect human health and the environment.
Careers
Environmental health professionals are everywhere and hold a variety of job titles. Below are just a few of the areas in which you could work:
- State, county and city health agencies
- Environmental consulting companies
- Private corporations
- Federal government
- International organizations
- Nonprofit organizations
- Academia (colleges and universities)
An environmental health specialist is a general term for someone who inspects environmental health systems to make sure they are in compliance with local, state and federal regulations. These regulations are set by the government to keep citizens safe and healthy. Responsibilities often include:
- Reviewing permits
- Collecting and interpreting data
- Investigating complaints
- Monitoring
- Educating
- Performing inspections
- Renewing or revoking licenses
Degree Programs
For more information, contact Dr. Barbara Hosevar by email at bhocevar@indiana.edu
