Degree Programs: M.P.H, Dr.P.H., Ph.D.
Joseph H. Graziano, Ph.D., Interim Chair, Department of Environmental Health Sciences,
Environmental Health Science is a rapidly expanding field which requires a broad range of basic and applied scientific skills. The program at the School of Public Health is primarily oriented at understanding and predicting the health effects of environmental and occupational exposure to chemicals and radiation. Research activities of the faculty aim to generate scientific data which ultimately serve as the underpinnings of environmental policy decisions. Because the field is so broad, students are encouraged to focus on particular areas, including Medical/Health Physics, Environmental or Molecular Epidemiology, or Toxicology. Each of these is taught with some consideration of national, international, and global policy issues.
Our students find employment in varied settings including academia, the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, federal or local environmental protection agencies, health departments, hospitals, environmental consulting firms, and public interest groups.
The requirements for admission to the Environmental Health Sciences program are special to this department and must be read in conjunction with the general requirements of the Graduate School of Public Health. The program in Environmental Health Sciences typically attracts students with a wide variety of backgrounds and interests, but several academic prerequisites are required for admission. These include one year of undergraduate Biology, one year each of General and Organic Chemistry, and one year of undergraduate Mathematics (which must be Calculus for the Medical/Health Physics track). If a student is missing one of these prerequisites, he or she may be admitted on the condition that the deficiency be successfully completed during the first year. Fall admissions are encouraged.
Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)
Course requirements for the M.P.H. vary substantially among tracks. For example, students interested in Environmental or Molecular Epidemiology are expected to take some toxicology coursework and more than the minimal M.P.H. requirements in epidemiology and biostatistics; those pursuing the Toxicology track are expected to develop a strong background in physiology and molecular biology. Students particularly interested in policy issues may elect to take additional courses offered via the Environmental Policy program in the School of International and Public Affairs at the main campus. Some flexibility and crossover is usually allowed, taking into account each student's background and career goals. A master's essay is optional, but is strongly recommended for students who are also considering the pursuit of the Dr.P.H. degree. For students not doing a master's essay, the advanced Topics in Environmental Health Sciences course is necessary to satisfy the "capstone" requirement. At the M.P.H. level, the practicum experience varies from laboratory research to governmental agency involvement to relevant summer or part-time corporate or interest group employment. Alumni actively participate in these efforts. The practicum can be met for students with professional experience or advanced training.
Doctor of Public Health (Dr.P.H.)
The Dr.P.H. program is designed for professionals interested in advancing their careers particularly in research, advocacy, policy and administrative positions in an area of specialization within the field of environmental health. The DrPH program shares the learning objectives of the PhD program, but is better suited for students interested in a focus on applied, practical or real world research problems in a subspecialty area within environmental health sciences. Our students pursue work in government agencies such as those responsible for developing environmental policy, roles within private and public institutions in the area of health and safety or non-government organizations whose interests are in the affects of environmental exposure to human health. These students are well prepared for leadership roles within the specialty areas of the field of environmental health sciences.
Requirements
* M.P.H. or its equivalent (defined as another master's degree appropriate to the public health field)
* Can be done as a part-time student.
Careers
* Senior roles in research, management or data analysis at Governmental regulatory agencies at the local, state, national and international level
* Researchers within industries including pharmaceutical companies
* Leadership/senior roles at government organizations involved in environmental and health protection, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), health departments, and the Center for Disease Control (CDC)
* Consulting firms
* Community based organizations concerned with health issues related to environmental pollutants
* Non-government organizations involved in developing and advocating for sound environmental policy.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
The purpose of the Ph.D. Program in Environmental Health Sciences is to develop scholarly expertise in the field of environmental health, particularly in environmental toxicology and environmental molecular epidemiology. The emphasis of the program is to understand the underlying mechanisms by which chemical and physical agents in the environment affect human health. Thesis topics range from laboratory based studies on the molecular basis of diseases associated with environmental exposure, to field studies on the effects of pollutants and toxins on human health, to understanding the molecular basis of the relationship between environmental exposures and health outcomes. These investigations form the basis for the understanding and preventing environmental health disorders. Thus, the study of environmental health also requires an understanding of the application of scientific knowledge in environmental risk assessment and environmental health policy.
Requirements
* As a minimum, applicants must have completed one year each of the following: general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology and mathematics
* Students admitted for full-time study only.
Careers
* Academic positions within Universities and hospitals as faculty members and senior level researchers
* Senior roles in research, management or data analysis at Governmental regulatory agencies at the local, state, national and international level
* Researchers within industries including pharmaceutical companies
* Leadership/senior roles at government organizations involved in environmental and health protection, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), health departments, and the Center for Disease Control (CDC)
* Consulting firms
* Community based organizations concerned with health issues related to environmental exposure
Further information on the program can be obtained from Dr. Greg Freyer @ (212)342-0457 or Alysa Turkowitz @ (212)305-3466.
Application is made through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. To obtain an application, please visit the GSAS website or call (212) 854-4737.