MSPH: Concentration in Environmental Health Sciences
Format: In-Class only
The Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) with a concentration in Environmental Health Sciences provides an intensive educational and research experience. MSPH students can learn to understand how environmental pollutants affect the health of populations, learn specific approaches for assessing, preventing, and controlling environmental hazards, and learn to communicate scientific findings.
Students are required to determine a focus area in environmental health, where they will conduct research and prepare a thesis. Coursework prepares students to conduct research on the area of their interest. Working closely with a faculty mentor, students select a focus area in environmental health and develop an original research project. The research experience includes identifying a research question, developing and defending a research proposal, conducting laboratory-, field-, or data-based research, analyzing and interpreting findings, and preparing and defending a formal master's thesis. Graduates are prepared to pursue doctoral training or research-oriented careers in environmental health, government agencies, academic and research institutions, consulting, and industry.
Through coursework and mentored research, students develop competencies to:Review the theories of environmental health sciences for research.
Perform analytical methods that are used for determining how air and water pollutants impact human health and the environment.
Design a study, experiment, or apply analytical techniques using equipment and/or software in an area of specialization in environmental health sciences.
Curriculum
Students must have completed 45 hours, which includes the MSPH core courses, environmental a health science concentration courses, electives, and research. Students in the program are required to write and submit a master’s thesis.
Admission
Applicants should have a strong academic record and meet the minimum requirements for admission to the School of Public Health. In addition, students should have some background in math and science and a strong commitment to conduct research (laboratory or field-based) at the master’s level.
