Environmental Health

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health at the University at Buffalo is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for a dynamic and impactful career in protecting human health and the environment. This program offers a rigorous curriculum that combines foundational sciences, public health principles, and practical skills essential for addressing environmental challenges. Students will explore subjects such as environmental science, toxicology, epidemiology, exposure assessment, environmental policy, and management. The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating aspects of biology, chemistry, and social sciences to provide a well-rounded understanding of how environmental factors influence health outcomes.

Throughout their studies, students have opportunities for hands-on learning through laboratory work, field experiences, and internships with government agencies, environmental organizations, and industries committed to sustainability and health. The program also fosters critical thinking, research skills, and effective communication, preparing graduates to analyze complex environmental health issues and develop evidence-based solutions. Students are encouraged to participate in research projects and collaborate with faculty actively engaged in cutting-edge environmental health research.

Career prospects for graduates include roles in public health departments, environmental consulting firms, regulatory agencies, non-governmental organizations, and research institutions. The program also provides a solid foundation for those interested in pursuing advanced degrees in environmental health, public health, or related fields. The University at Buffalo’s strong network of industry partners and its commitment to experiential learning ensure that students will be well-equipped to address current and emerging environmental health challenges. With a focus on community health, sustainability, and policy development, the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health prepares students to become leaders in creating healthier, safer environments for all.

The program can be completed in four semesters of full-time attendance or up to eight semesters of part-time attendance.

Your program will consist of courses addressing the five areas of knowledge basic to public health, required and elective concentration courses, a field training experience and an integrative project.

Concentration Courses

All courses are 3 credit hours unless otherwise indicated.

Required Courses--30 credits

• CHB 501 Study of Health Behavior
• EEH 501 Principles of Epidemiology (4 credits)
  Must be completed in the first semester
• EEH 505 Application to Biostatistics to Epidemiology I (4 credits)
  Must be completed in the first semester
• EEH 520 Biological Basis of Public Health
• EEH 530 Introduction to Health Care Organization
• EEH 531 Administrative Theory and Practice for Public Health Practitioners
• EEH 550 Environmental Health
• EEH 551 Advanced Environmental Health Sciences
• EEH 590 Public Health Seminar (0 credits)
  Required for two academic years (four semesters)
• PMY 626 Toxicology Principles and Practice (2 credits)
• PMY 627 Toxicology at Target Organs (2 credits)

Elective Courses--9 credits

Select three courses from the list below.

• CIE 563 Air Pollution
• CIE 569 Hazardous Waste Management
• EEH 521 Global Health
• EEH 544 MPH Field Training
  Additional 3 credits beyond the required 3 credits listed below
• EEH 575 Epidemiologic Applications of Environmental Health
• GEO 506 Geographical Information Systems (4 credits)
• URP 604 Community Food Systems Planning
• URP 605 Built Environment and Health

Students can petition to take courses outside their concentration area or at the PhD level if the course is relevant to their future career plans and they obtain permission of the course instructor and the director of graduate studies.

• A bachelor’s degree
• A GPA of 3.0 or above
• Minimum GRE scores in the 50th percentile for each category
• English proficiency as demonstrated by one of the following:
  • Minimum TOEFL scores of 600 for the paper-based test; 250 for the computer-based test or 100 for the Internet-based test
  • Minimum IELTS score of 7.5
  • Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) Minimum scoring on Old Scoring Scale 65 Overall, 185 overall on New Scoring Scale
  • Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE) Minimum scoring on Old Scoring Scale 60 Overall, 185 overall on New Scoring Scale
• The following are highly recommended:
  • One general biology course
  • One health related science course (e.g., nutrition, anatomy, microbiology, or physiology)
  • One college level mathematics course (e.g., calculus or statistics; calculus is preferred for students concentrating in epidemiology; and at least two years of high school algebra)
  • One year of college level chemistry
  • Two courses in behavioral sciences, including a course in sociology or social psychology, and a course in subjects such as anthropology, psychology, political science or economics
  • A basic computing course

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The financial aid process for graduate and professional degree students is similar to that of an undergraduate student; however post-baccalaureate students also need to be aware of a few additional factors that may influence your financial aid awards.

Types of Aid Available

Federal financial aid options that you may be eligible for include:

• Federal Direct Subsidized & Unsubsidized Loans
• Federal Graduate/Professional PLUS Loans
• Health Profession Student Loans
• Federal Nursing Student Loans
• Federal TEACH Grant

To be eligible for federal financial aid awards you must complete a FAFSA application and indicate that you are seeking a graduate or professional degree.

New York State also offers the following programs for graduate and professional study:

• Economically Disadvantaged First Professional Study (EDPS) Program
• Veterans Tuition Award
• Senator Patricia K. McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarships
• SUNY Graduate Diversity Fellowship
• Graduate Opportunity Program
• Masters-in-Education Teacher Incentive Scholarship

The University at Buffalo, The State University of New York offers a comprehensive program in Environmental Health designed to prepare students for careers focused on protecting public health through the study of environmental factors. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating sciences such as biology, chemistry, epidemiology, toxicology, and public health principles to understand how environmental exposures impact human health. Students enrolled in the program have the opportunity to gain practical experience through laboratory work, field studies, internships, and research projects that address real-world environmental health issues. The curriculum covers core topics including environmental toxicology, risk assessment, environmental policy, occupational health, water and air quality management, and community health solutions. The program aims to equip graduates with the skills necessary for careers in government agencies, private industry, research institutions, and non-governmental organizations dedicated to environmental health and safety. Faculty members in the program are distinguished researchers and practitioners with expertise in various aspects of environmental health sciences, providing mentorship and guidance throughout students' academic journey. The university also offers specialized tracks and electives that allow students to tailor their education to specific interests such as hazardous waste management, climate change impacts, or health disparities related to environmental exposures. Graduates of the program are prepared for further advanced studies or for immediate employment in environmental health sciences, policy development, environmental consulting, or public health initiatives. The program also seeks to foster a strong foundation in ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks governing environmental health practices, ensuring students understand the societal implications of their work. Through a combination of academic coursework and practical applications, the Environmental Health program at the University at Buffalo aims to develop competent professionals capable of addressing complex environmental health challenges and contributing positively to community well-being.