Fields of Study » Environmental Science & Health
The study of Environmental Health or Environmental Science includes analyzing physical, biological, and medical processes in addition to developing solution methods to current environmental issues. Both degrees offer an interdisciplinary curriculum, as well as courses that force future-oriented thinking concerning how our global environment will affect the world in years to come.
Undergraduate: Students pursuing an undergraduate program in environmental health or science may receive a Bachelor of Science (BS). A BS degree provides well-rounded academic programs, including hard or natural sciences. A sample of courses available at the undergraduate level include Environmental Issues, Political Ecology, Natural Resources, Environmental Data Analysis, Environmental Ethics, Environmental Medicine, and Pathophysiology.
Graduate: Students pursuing a graduate program in environmental health or science may earn a Master of Science (MA), a Master of Environmental Management (MEM), a Master of Public Health (MPH), and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Environmental Science or Health. Degree titles vary by institution and academic program. Graduate students usually will choose among a variety of degree concentrations in the field of environmental health or science such as environmental biology, environmental chemistry, environmental geology, environmental hygiene, aquatic ecology, forest resource management, terrestrial ecology, environmental protection, and natural resource management. A sample of courses available at the graduate level includes sustainable agriculture, environmental modeling tools and techniques, water rights and resources, epidemiology, environmental exposure, and toxicology.
Occupations in Environmental Science/Health:
With a degree in environmental health or science, consider your professional opportunities as an environmental consultant, environmental lawyer, teacher, industry resource manager, park service administrator, physician, public health administrator, environmental advocacy group coordinator, regulatory compliance specialist
Choosing an Environmental Science/Health Program:
If you are considering continuing your education in this field, you should become familiar with academic trends and current developments. Utilize current literature and consider the existing research of professors in matching your academic and career goals with the right institutions for you. EducationUSA Centers provide advising services and a diverse collection of materials to assist students searching for schools and financial aid program. To find the nearest EducationUSA Advising Center, visit www.educationusa.info/centers.php.
There is no professional or programmatic accrediting organization for academic programs in environmental health or science however, prospective students should be sure to research all recognized regionally accredited programs at www.chea.org.
Associations Affiliated with the Study of Environmental Health/Science:
- The Association for Environmental Health and Science, www.aehs.com
- Association of Environmental Health Academic Programs, www.aehap.org
- Association of Environmental Studies and Sciences, www.aess.info
- Association of Environmental Engineers and Science Professors, www.aeesp.org
- National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), www.neha.org
- National Center for Environmental Health, www.cdc.gov/nceh
- World Health Organization, www.who.int
Scholarly Journals related to the study of environmental health/science:Environmental Health, Journal of Environmental Health, Energy and Environmental Science, and Environmental Conservation.
Undergraduate Program Search Print and Online Resources:
- College Board, www.collegeboard.com
- Search for schools with the College Board’s online, “College Matchmaker.”
- Read about specific majors and careers using the “Major and Career Profiles” search www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/
- Peterson’s Green Jobs for a New Economy
Graduate Program Search Print and Online Resources:
- Peterson’s, www.petersons.com
- Peterson’s Graduate Programs in Business, Education, Health, Information Studies, Law & Social Work, Book 6
- Peterson’s Graduate Programs in the Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Agricultural Sciences, the Environment & Natural Resources; Book 4
- The Environmental Careers Organization, Environmental Careers in the 21st Century
Find Scholarships to Study Environmental Health/Science:
- EducationUSA Financial Aid links, www.educationusa.info/pages/students/finance.php
- Funding U.S. Study, www.fundingusstudy.org
- Peterson’s Scholarship Directory, www.petersons.com
- U.S. Department of State Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, www.iie.org/hhh
- Population Council Fellowships, www.popcouncil.org/slr/fellowships.html
- Earthwatch, Center for Field Research, www.earthwatch.org/aboutus/research/researaward
