What is Environmental Health Sciences?
Environmental Health Sciences (EHS) focuses on creating healthier environments and on preventing adverse health effects in communities and populations.
Many EHS topics are currently at the center of attention in national and global news. These include emerging infectious diseases, climate change, and safe access to clean water, food, air, and housing.
What is the Master's in Environmental Health Sciences Program?
Drexel Dornsife's Master of Public Health (MPH) in Environmental Health Sciences is an in-person, on-campus graduate degree program at the Dornsife School of Public Health.
Students complete the program on a full-time basis in 2 years.
Students in the MPH in Environmental Health Sciences program learn to assess exposureto environmental and occupational hazards and understand the health impacts of climate change, air pollution, housing, workplace safety, clean water, and public health emergencies.
Graduates will know how to develop strategies to prevent harm to human health in an equitable way and prepare for public health emergencies around the globe.
Why Pursue a Master's in Environmental Health Sciences at Drexel Dornsife?
At Drexel University’s Dornsife School of Public Health, Environmental Health Sciences students develop expertise in protecting vulnerable populations from today’s environmental public health challenges. Unique benefits of the program include:
What is the Difference Between an MPH in Environmental Health Sciences and a PhD in Environmental Health Sciences?
The MPH in Environmental Health Sciences is a 42-credit program that teaches students how to apply environmental health principles as a practitioner in the field.
The PhD in Environmental Health Sciences program provides further training to researchers and scholars. The PhD in EHS has a minimum of 41 semester 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 Health Sciences 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 Health Sciences 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, 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 application deadline for international students is June 1.
The regular decision deadline for all fall programs is August 1.
Applicants to the Environmental Health Sciences MPH should submit their application and materials through SOPHAS – the Centralized Application Service for Public Health.
Major Competencies in Environmental Health Sciences
MPH students majoring in Environmental Health Sciences develop skills and competencies including the following:
- Interpret results of data analysis for public health research, policy, or practice
- Compare the organization, structure, and function of health care, public health, and regulatory systems across national and international settings
- Propose strategies to identify stakeholders and build coalitions and partnerships for influencing public health outcomes
- Apply leadership and/or management principles to address a relevant issue
- Assess human exposure to hazardous agents and stressors in the environment and workplace
- Investigate and synthesize evidence on hazardous agents and their impacts on human health effects, including how individual and population factors affect vulnerability
- Select and apply appropriate quantitative methods to assess risk from environmental hazards
- Recommend strategies for preventing, controlling, and managing risks from environmental and occupational hazards
MPH in Environmental Health Sciences 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.
Master's in Environmental Health Sciences Required Courses
Required courses for the Environmental Health Sciences MPH concentration include:
- Principles and Practice of Environmental Health – 3 credits
- Toxicology and Health Risk Assessment – 3 credits
- Exposure Science in Environmental Health – 3 credits
- Environmental and Occupational Health Policy – 3 credits
Students earn a total of 42 semester credits to complete the MPH degree.
Elective Courses
Electives serve to further focus an MPH student’s academic work and define their career goals. Students can take additional 5000-level or above electives across the university as long as they meet prerequisite and restriction requirements.
EHS MPH Degree Requirements
Completion of the Master of Public Health in Environmental Health Sciences (EHS) requires:
To learn more about the EHS MPH, please follow the link below:
Review Degree Requirements and Courses
Environmental Health Sciences 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 Health Sciences Integrative Learning Experience
The Integrative Learning Experience (ILE) is a 3-credit research project or project-based internship.
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 health ILEs at Dornsife School of Public Health.
What Can You Do With an MPH in Environmental Health Sciences?
With an MPH in Environmental Health Sciences, 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 Health Sciences MPH Salary Estimates
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the 2024 median pay for environmental scientists and specialists was $80,060. According to BLS, the 2024 median pay for occupational health and safety specialists was $78,900.
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 Health?
The job outlook for Environmental Scientists and Specialists is faster than average, growing at 4% between 2024 and 2034 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
The job outlook for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists is 12% (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.