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School of Public Health

Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences

2nd floor Hans Rosling Center for Population Health
(206) 543-6991
Website
Faculty Website
ehadmin@uw.edu

Environmental health focuses on identifying, evaluating, and controlling environmental conditions that may have an adverse impact on human health. Examples of problem areas requiring environmental health expertise are assuring adequate quality and quantity of food and drinking water, safe treatment and disposal of domestic and industrial waste materials, limiting or reducing air and noise pollution, limiting occupational exposure to hazardous substances and unsafe conditions, assuring safe and healthful housing, controlling the spread of insect- and rodent-borne illness, proper selection and use of pesticides, and understanding the effects of global changes in climate and the atmosphere on human health.

 Undergraduate Programs


Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences

242 Hans Rosling Center for Population Health
206-543-4207
ehug@uw.edu

 Program of Study: Major: Environmental Public Health


Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Public Health is a great fit for students who love science, and who are passionate about using their scientific skills to address human health issues related to the built and natural environments. From water quality to workplace safety, environmental public health professionals are engaged in problem solving to keep communities safe and healthy. In the Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Public Health, students learn to identify, prevent, and control environmental factors that can threaten human health. The coursework introduces students to basic principles of environmental health regulation, environmental sampling, microbiology, epidemiology, toxicology and risk assessment.

This program of study leads to the following credential:
  • Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Environmental Public Health
Recommended Preparation

Suggested First- and Second-Year College Courses: chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, statistics, English composition

Admission Requirements
  1. Minimum requirements major. First- and second-year students complete early admission prerequisites (shown below). Third-year students complete upper-division admission prerequisites (shown below). Prospective students apply the quarter they plan to complete prerequisites for entry the following quarter.
  2. Students are admitted all quarters. Applications, due the second Friday of each quarter, may be downloaded from the Environmental Health website. Applicants who meet stated requirements are admitted in time to register the following quarter as majors.
  3. Students should meet with an adviser before applying.
  4. Transfer students may use transferable equivalent course(s) for prerequisite coursework.

Early Admission Prerequisites

  1. Minimum cumulative 3.00 GPA, with a minimum 2.0 grade in each individual course below
  2. 5 credits English composition
  3. CHEM 142, CHEM 152

Upper-Division Admission Prerequisites

  1. Minimum cumulative 2.50 GPA, with a minimum 2.0 grade in each individual course below
  2. 5 credits English composition
  3. BIOL 180, BIOL 200, BIOL 220
  4. One of the following general and organic chemistry sequences
    1. CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162, CHEM 237, CHEM 238, CHEM 241
    2. CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 223, CHEM 224, CHEM 241
    3. CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 220

 Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Environmental Public Health


Credential Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Public Health is a great fit for students who love science, and who are passionate about using their scientific skills to address human health issues related to the built and natural environments. From water quality to workplace safety, environmental public health professionals are engaged in problem solving to keep communities safe and healthy. In the Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Public Health, students learn to identify, prevent, and control environmental factors that can threaten human health. The coursework introduces students to basic principles of environmental health regulation, environmental sampling, microbiology, epidemiology, toxicology and risk assessment.

Completion Requirements

112-125 credits

  1. Environmental Health Supporting Science (44-56 credits):
    1. Either BIOST 310 (recommended), STAT 220, STAT 311, or Q SCI 381 (4-5 credits)
    2. BIOL 180, BIOL 200, BIOL 220 (15 credits)
    3. One of the following general and organic chemistry sequences
      1. CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162, CHEM 237, CHEM 238, CHEM 241 (26 credits)
      2. CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 223, CHEM 224, CHEM 241 (21 credits)
      3. CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 220 (15 credits)
    4. PHYS 114/PHYS 117 (5 credits)
    5. One of the following courses: MATH 111, MATH 120, Q SCI 190, or department approved math course (5 credits)
  2. Environmental Health Core (minimum 41 credits): ENV H 311, ENV H 320, ENV H 405, ENV H 432, ENV H 433, ENV H 472, ENV H 473, ENV H 480, ENV H 482 (2 credits minimum); EPI 320; MICROM 301, MICROM 302
  3. Environmental Health Selectives (12-13 credits): Minimum four courses chosen from ENV H 310, ENV H 406, ENV H 417, G H 418/ENV H 418, ENV H 439, ENV 440, ENV H 441, ENV H 442, ENV H 443, ENV H 444, ENV H 445, ENV H 446, ENV H 447, ENV H 448, ENV H 451, ENV H 452, ENV H 453, ENV H 460, and ENV H 462
  4. 15 additional credits of approved electives. See adviser for approved list.
  5. Minimum 2.0 grade in each course required for the major
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 Program of Study: Minor: Environmental Public Health


Program Overview

The Environmental Public Health minor is designed to help students understand the influences and impact of environmental factors on human health. Students take one required introductory course and choose from a broad range of selectives and electives covering topics such as air pollution, water quality, infectious disease, and climate change. Students can declare the Environmental Public Health Minor with their major adviser.

This program of study leads to the following credential:
  • Minor in Environmental Public Health

 Minor in Environmental Public Health


Credential Overview

The Environmental Public Health minor is designed to help students understand the influences and impact of environmental factors on human health. Students take one required introductory course and choose from a broad range of selectives and electives covering topics such as air pollution, water quality, infectious disease, and climate change. Students can declare the Environmental Public Health Minor with their major adviser.

Completion Requirements

Minimum 27 credits

  1. Core (3 credits): either ENV H 111 or ENV H 311.
  2. Approved Selectives (9 credits): three courses chosen from ENV H 431, ENV H 440, ENV H 445, ENV H 448, ENV H 451, ENV H 453, ENV H 472
  3. Minimum 15 credits of approved ENV H electives
  4. Minimum 14 credits in upper-division courses
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Additional Information

Student Outcomes and Opportunities

  • Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: In the Bachelor of Science program in environmental health, students learn to utilize tools of scientific inquiry to identify, prevent, and control environmental factors that can damage human health. As part of their training, students are introduced to basic principles of risk assessment, microbiology, epidemiology, sampling, and toxicology, and can choose to focus in one of three interest areas: biomedical sciences, health and environmental science, and environmental public health practice.
  • Instructional and Research Facilities: The department houses thirteen centers and institutes and twenty labs.
  • Honors Options Available: With College Honors (Completion of Honors Core Curriculum and Departmental Honors); With Honors (Completion of Departmental Honors requirements in the major). See adviser for requirements.
  • Research, Internships, and Service Learning: The department operates an internship program in cooperation with government agencies and private employers throughout the state. Each student intern works under the supervision of an experienced employee, with guidance from a faculty member. Internship placements are available throughout the year for variable amounts of academic credit.
  • Department Scholarships: None offered.
  • Student Organizations/Associations: UW Student Environmental Health Association

 Graduate Programs


Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences

242 Hans Rosling Center for Population Health
206-543-4207
ehug@uw.edu

 Program of Study: Doctor Of Philosophy (Environmental Health Sciences)


Program Overview

A research-based doctoral degree program for students who want advanced training in the practice of environmental public health, environmental toxicology, exposure science/occupational hygiene, infectious diseases, One Health or our customizable individualized track.

This program of study leads to the following credentials:
  • Doctor Of Philosophy (Environmental Health Sciences)
  • Doctor Of Philosophy (Environmental Health: Environmental Toxicology) (not admitting)
Admission Requirements

Visit this program's Graduate Admissions page for current requirements.

 Doctor Of Philosophy (Environmental Health Sciences)


Admission Requirements

Contact department for requirements.

Completion Requirements

90 credits

  1. Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Common Core Courses and Research Rotations (40 credits): BIOST 511, BIOST 512, EPI 511, ENV H 501, ENV H 502, ENV H 503, ENV H 504, ENV H 580 (5 credits), ENV H 595 (6 credits), HSERV 579
  2. Choose an Area of Emphasis from the following list (credits vary): Course lists for areas of emphasis maintained on program website.
    1. General Track
    2. Occupational Hygiene
    3. Exposure Science/Occupational Hygiene
    4. Environmental Toxicology
    5. Infectious Disease
    6. One Health
    7. Environmental Public Health
  3. Dissertation (28 credits): ENV H 583, ENV H 800 (27 credits)
  4. Electives (to meet required credit total): Student works with their faculty adviser to identify additional courses to reach or exceed the total minimum credit requirement. Elective courses can be ENV H courses or courses from other prefixes.
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 Doctor Of Philosophy (Environmental Health: Environmental Toxicology) (not admitting)


Admission Requirements

This credential is no longer admitting students.

Completion Requirements

90 credits

  1. Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Common Core Courses and Research Rotations (40 credits): BIOST 511, BIOST 512, EPI 511, ENV H 501, ENV H 502, ENV H 503, ENV H 504, ENV H 580 (5 credits), ENV H 595 (6 credits), HSERV 579
  2. Choose an Area of Emphasis from the following list (credits vary): Course lists for areas of emphasis maintained on program website.
    1. General Track
    2. Occupational Hygiene
    3. Exposure Science/Occupational Hygiene
    4. Environmental Toxicology
    5. Infectious Disease
    6. One Health
    7. Environmental Public Health
  3. Dissertation (28 credits): ENV H 583, ENV H 800 (27 credits)
  4. Electives (to meet required credit total): Student works with their faculty adviser to identify additional courses to reach or exceed the total minimum credit requirement. Elective courses can be ENV H courses or courses from other prefixes.
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 Program of Study: Master Of Public Health (Environmental Health Sciences)


Program Overview

A 24-month program that bridges the scientific and health policy worlds and provides a broad perspective on environmental and occupational health. Students gain the expertise and skills to solve environmental health problems in a variety of settings, including government agencies, private industry and nonprofits. Includes a 160-hour, field-based practicum experience conducted under the guidance of a faculty adviser and practicum site supervisor.

This program of study leads to the following credentials:
  • Master Of Public Health (Environmental And Occupational Health: One Health) (not admitting)
  • Master Of Public Health (Environmental Health Sciences)
  • Master Of Public Health (Environmental Health Sciences: Occupational And Environmental Medicine)

 Master Of Public Health (Environmental And Occupational Health: One Health) (not admitting)


Admission Requirements

This credential is no longer admitting students. 

Completion Requirements

65-68 credits, depending on option

  1. MPH Common Core (27 credits): PHI 511, PHI 512, PHI 513, PHI 514, PHI 515, PHI 516, ENV H 599B (4 credits total)
  2. Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Common Core (credits vary depending on option): See additional requirements below for option-specific requirements.
  3. Degree Option Requirements (credits vary depending on option): See additional requirements below for option-specific requirements.
  4. Culminating Experience: Choose thesis or capstone option.
    1. Thesis (10 credits):ENV H 700
    2. Capstone (9 credits): ENV H 598
  5. Electives (to meet required credit total): Student works with their faculty adviser to identify additional courses to reach or exceed the total minimum credit requirement. Elective courses can be ENV H courses or courses from other prefixes.
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 Master Of Public Health (Environmental Health Sciences)


Admission Requirements

Visit this program's Graduate Admissions page for current requirements.

Completion Requirements

65-68 credits, depending on option

  1. MPH Common Core (27 credits): PHI 511, PHI 512, PHI 513, PHI 514, PHI 515, PHI 516, ENV H 599B (4 credits total)
  2. Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Common Core (credits vary depending on option): See additional requirements below for option-specific requirements.
  3. Degree Option Requirements (credits vary depending on option): See additional requirements below for option-specific requirements.
  4. Culminating Experience: Choose thesis or capstone option.
    1. Thesis (10 credits):ENV H 700
    2. Capstone (9 credits): ENV H 598
  5. Electives (to meet required credit total): Student works with their faculty adviser to identify additional courses to reach or exceed the total minimum credit requirement. Elective courses can be ENV H courses or courses from other prefixes.
Additional Completion Requirements

Option-specific requirements - this option requires 65 total credits

  • Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Common Core (14 credits): ENV H 501, ENV H 502, ENV H 503, ENV H 580 (3 credits total)
  • Degree Option Requirements (4 credits): ENV H 584
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 Master Of Public Health (Environmental Health Sciences: Occupational And Environmental Medicine)


Credential Overview

Occupational and Environmental Medicine (OEM) is a wide-ranging preventive medicine specialty focused on the evaluation, treatment and prevention of disease related to environmental and occupational exposures. OEM physicians treat work-related injuries and diseases, recognize and resolve workplace and environmental hazards, conduct research to understand and prevent illnesses and injuries related to the workplace and the environment, and guide occupational and environmental health public policy.

Admission Requirements

Visit this program's Graduate Admissions page for current requirements.

Completion Requirements

65-68 credits, depending on option

  1. MPH Common Core (27 credits): PHI 511, PHI 512, PHI 513, PHI 514, PHI 515, PHI 516, ENV H 599B (4 credits total)
  2. Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Common Core (credits vary depending on option): See additional requirements below for option-specific requirements.
  3. Degree Option Requirements (credits vary depending on option): See additional requirements below for option-specific requirements.
  4. Culminating Experience: Choose thesis or capstone option.
    1. Thesis (10 credits):ENV H 700
    2. Capstone (9 credits): ENV H 598
  5. Electives (to meet required credit total): Student works with their faculty adviser to identify additional courses to reach or exceed the total minimum credit requirement. Elective courses can be ENV H courses or courses from other prefixes.
Additional Completion Requirements

Option-specific requirements - this option requires 68 total credits

  • Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Common Core (9 credits): ENV H 502, ENV H 503, ENV H 580 (1 credit)
  • Degree Option Requirements (22 credits):
    • EPI 513 OR ENV H 597 (4 credits)
    • BIOST 512
    • BIOST 513 OR ENV H 596
    • ENV H 550
    • ENV H 564
    • ENV H 596
    • ENV H 597 (2 credits)
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 Program of Study: Master Of Science (Environmental Health Sciences)


This program of study leads to the following credentials:
  • Master Of Science (Environmental Health Sciences)
  • Master of Science (Environmental Health Sciences: Applied)
  • Master Of Science (Environmental Health: Environmental Toxicology) (no longer admitting)

 Master Of Science (Environmental Health Sciences)


Credential Overview

A 21-month, research-based degree program for students who want specialized training in the practice of environmental public health, environmental toxicology, exposure science, infectious diseases, occupational hygiene, One Health or our customizable individualized track.

Completion Requirements

52-62 credits, depending on option

  1. Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Common Core (23 credits): BIOST 511, EPI 511, ENV H 501, ENV H 502, ENV H 503, ENV H 580 (2 credits), HSERV 579
  2. Choose one area of emphasis from the following list (credits vary depending on area of emphasis): Course lists for areas of emphasis maintained on program website.
    1. General Track
    2. Occupational Hygiene
    3. Exposure Science
    4. Environmental Toxicology
    5. Infectious Disease
    6. One Health
    7. Environmental Public Health
  3. Elective courses (as needed to meet required credit total): Student works with their faculty adviser to identify additional courses to reach or exceed the total minimum credit requirement. Elective courses can be ENV H courses or courses from other prefixes.
  4. Culminating experience (credits vary depending on option): See additional requirements section below for option-specific requirements.
Additional Completion Requirements

Option-specific requirements - this credential requires a total of 62 credits


Culminating experience (10 credits): ENV H 583, ENV H 700 (9 credits)

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 Master of Science (Environmental Health Sciences: Applied)


Credential Overview

An accelerated, 15-month, 52-credit program for students who plan to pursue practice-based careers in private industry or federal, state or local government agencies and want specialized training in the practice of environmental public health, environmental toxicology, exposure science, infectious diseases, occupational hygiene, One Health or our customizable individualized track.

Admission Requirements

Visit this program's Graduate Admissions page for current requirements.

Completion Requirements

52-62 credits, depending on option

  1. Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Common Core (23 credits): BIOST 511, EPI 511, ENV H 501, ENV H 502, ENV H 503, ENV H 580 (2 credits), HSERV 579
  2. Choose one area of emphasis from the following list (credits vary depending on area of emphasis): Course lists for areas of emphasis maintained on program website.
    1. General Track
    2. Occupational Hygiene
    3. Exposure Science
    4. Environmental Toxicology
    5. Infectious Disease
    6. One Health
    7. Environmental Public Health
  3. Elective courses (as needed to meet required credit total): Student works with their faculty adviser to identify additional courses to reach or exceed the total minimum credit requirement. Elective courses can be ENV H courses or courses from other prefixes.
  4. Culminating experience (credits vary depending on option): See additional requirements section below for option-specific requirements.
Additional Completion Requirements

Option-specific requirements - this credential requires a total of 52 credits.


Culminating experience (6 credits): ENV H 598 (3 credits), ENV H 599 (3 credits)

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 Master Of Science (Environmental Health: Environmental Toxicology) (no longer admitting)


Admission Requirements

This credential is no longer admitting.

Completion Requirements

52-62 credits, depending on option

  1. Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Common Core (23 credits): BIOST 511, EPI 511, ENV H 501, ENV H 502, ENV H 503, ENV H 580 (2 credits), HSERV 579
  2. Choose one area of emphasis from the following list (credits vary depending on area of emphasis): Course lists for areas of emphasis maintained on program website.
    1. General Track
    2. Occupational Hygiene
    3. Exposure Science
    4. Environmental Toxicology
    5. Infectious Disease
    6. One Health
    7. Environmental Public Health
  3. Elective courses (as needed to meet required credit total): Student works with their faculty adviser to identify additional courses to reach or exceed the total minimum credit requirement. Elective courses can be ENV H courses or courses from other prefixes.
  4. Culminating experience (credits vary depending on option): See additional requirements section below for option-specific requirements.
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