What is Environmental And Occupational Health?
Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH) focuses on creating healthier environments and on preventing adverse health effects in communities and populations.
Many EOH topics are currently at the center of attention in national and global news. These include infectious disease, climate change, and safe access to clean water, air, and housing.
What is the Environmental and Occupational Health Master's Program?
The Master of Public Health (MPH) in Environmental and Occupational Health is an in-person, on-campus graduate degree program at the Dornsife School of Public Health.
Students can choose to complete the program on a full-time basis in either 12, 18, or 21 months.
Students in the MPH in Environmental and Occupational Health program learn to assess and monitor environmental and occupational exposures and understand the health impacts of climate change, air pollution, housing, workplace safety, clean water, and public health emergencies.
Why Pursue an MPH in Environmental and Occupational Health at Drexel Dornsife?
At Drexel University’s Dornsife School of Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH) students develop an expertise in the promotion of environmental and occupational health. Unique benefits of the program include:
What is the Difference Between an MPH in Environmental and Occupational Health and a PhD in Environmental and Occupational Health?
The MPH in Environmental and Occupational Health is a 56-credit program that teaches students how to apply environmental and occupational health principles as a practitioner in the field.
The PhD in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences program provides further training to researchers and scholars. The PhD in EOH has a minimum of 90 quarter credit hours of course work beyond the bachelor’s degree or a
minimum of 45 quarter credit hours of course work beyond the master’s degree. All entering students are expected to have already completed introductory level epidemiology and biostatistics courses or have sufficient experience in these areas.
Admission Requirements for the Environmental and Occupational Health Master's Program
To be considered for the Masters of Public Health program at Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, students should have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or an equivalent international institution. Graduates of any major may apply.
A GPA of at least 3.0 is preferred. Those with lower GPAs are encouraged to apply, highlighting their interest in public health.
Application Requirements for the Environmental and Occupational Health Master's Program
Applicants for MPH admissions are asked to submit the following:
- SOPHAS online application
- Official transcripts from every college-level institution you attended (academic records from institutions outside the U.S. must undergo a credentials evaluation)
- English proficiency test score (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo), if applicable
- Three letters of recommendation
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Statement of Purpose and Objectives
Applications for the Master of Public Health do not require the GRE.
Apply via SOPHAS – the Centralized Application Service for Public Health
Application Deadlines
Applicants interested in being considered for funding through one of the school’s endowed scholarships or fellowships are encouraged to apply no later than January 15.
The regular decision deadline for the 12-month program is April 1.
The fall application deadline for international students is June 1.
The regular decision deadline for all fall programs is August 1.
Applicants to the Environmental and Occupational Health MPH should submit their application and materials through SOPHAS – the Centralized Application Service for Public Health.
Major Competencies in Environmental and Occupational Health
MPH students majoring in Environmental and Occupational Health develop skills and competencies including the following:
- Assess pathways of human exposure to hazardous agents and stressors in the environment and workplace
- Investigate and synthesize research on hazardous agents and their impacts on human health effects, including how individual and population factors affect vulnerability
- Select and apply appropriate quantitative risk assessment methods
- Recommend strategies for preventing, controlling, and managing risks from environmental and occupational hazards
- Analyze environmental and occupational health policies in relation to environmental justice, equity, and efficacy
MPH in Environmental and Occupational Health Curriculum
Core Courses
All MPH students complete the same core public health courses to begin their MPH studies.
These courses lay the foundation for an advanced education in public health before students break off into their respective concentrations.
MPH in Environmental and Occupational Health Required Courses
Required courses for the Environmental and Occupational Health concentration include:
- Principles and Practice of Environmental and Occupational Health – 3 credits
- Environmental and Occupational Toxicology – 3 credits
- Environmental Exposure Science – 3 credits
- Environmental and Occupational Health Policy – 3 credits
Students earn a total of 56 quarter credits to complete the MPH degree.
View a Sample Plan of Study
Elective Courses
Electives serve to further focus an MPH student’s academic work and define their career goals. Many students use their electives to complete a graduate minor.
Elective courses can be within the Dornsife School of Public Health or from other academic units within Drexel University.
EOH MPH Degree Requirements
Completion of the Master of Public Health in Environmental and Occupational Health requires:
To learn more about the EOH MPH, please follow the link below:
Review Degree Requirements and Courses
Environmental and Occupational Health Applied Practical Experience
The Applied Practical Experience (APE) is a supervised, hands-on practical experience.
Through the APE, Dornsife MPH students gain career experience while earning their degree.
Students engage in the practice of public health, working with an external organization to expand their skills and network outside the classroom.
Environmental and Occupational Health Integrative Learning Experience
The Integrative Learning Experience (ILE) is a 6-credit research project or project-based internship over the final two quarters of their program.
The goal is to develop skills and gain experience in practical applications of concepts. Students complete a high-quality written product at the end of the experience. See examples of recent environmental and occupational health ILEs at Dornsife School of Public Health.
What Can You Do With an MPH in Environmental and Occupational Health?
With an MPH in Environmental and Occupational Health, individuals have the opportunity to explore unique and fulfilling career paths. Some common environmental and occupational health mph jobs include:
- Environmental Health and Safety Specialist
- Environmental Epidemiologist
- Occupational Epidemiologist
- Research Analyst
- Environmental Consultant
- Occupational Health Specialist
- Public Health Preparedness Planner
Environmental and Occupational Health MPH Salary Estimates
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the 2023 median pay for environmental scientists and specialists was $78,980. According to BLS, the 2023 median pay for occupational health and safety specialists was $77,580.
While the typical entry-level education is a bachelor’s degree, salary can vary by degree level, work experience and job location.
What is the Job Outlook for Careers in Environmental and Occupational Health?
The job outlook for Environmental Scientists and Specialists is as fast as average, growing at 6% between 2022 and 2032 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
The job outlook for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists is 13% (BLS).
If you are interested in learning more about any of our MPH programs at Drexel Dornsife, request more information to speak with our admissions team.