Environmental health sciences examine how natural and built environments affect human health, addressing risks linked to air, water, land, and living spaces. Professionals identify environmental causes of disease and work to reduce hazards and protect public health. The field is broad and interdisciplinary, drawing from science, engineering, and public health, and does not always require a laboratory background. Environmental health scientists collaborate with many professionals and take a big-picture approach to health. Due to increased public health preparedness funding, demand for this workforce is high, offering strong job prospects and opportunities for career advancement.

Education, Training and Experience

• Environmental health careers often focus on specific environmental risk areas.
• Common topic areas include air quality, food protection, radiation protection, solid and hazardous waste management, water quality, noise control, housing quality, recreational area safety, and vector control.
• Prior background in these areas is not always required for graduate study, though some programs may require science or math prerequisites.
• SOPHAS is the centralized application service for accredited schools of public health.
• Accredited environmental health science programs can be found through the Association of Schools & Programs of Public Health.
• The National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC) accredits environmental health degree programs.
• EHAC accreditation ensures completion of a 180-hour, hands-on internship.
• Students in EHAC-accredited programs are eligible for federal internships and training programs, including NEHIP and U.S. Public Health Service opportunities.

Detailed Work Activities

• A degree in environmental health prepares graduates for a wide variety of careers and work settings.
• Many professionals work in federal environmental and public health agencies.
• Common employers include the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Other agencies include the CDC's National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH).
• Additional opportunities exist with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).
• Environmental health professionals may also work for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).