Environmental and occupational health scientists are at the forefront of today’s most critical public health challenges. Whether addressing workplace safeguards during a pandemic or mitigating the threats of extreme weather, aging urban infrastructure, and food-borne outbreaks, those working in environmental health inform the health policies that impact where we live and work. Faculty expertise and leadership span industry, government, and academia. Along with interactive curricula, students obtain hands-on learning and research opportunities that produce tangible results for contemporary public health problems.

The MPH in Environmental Health provides a foundation in environmental and occupational health sciences and the skills needed to function as a practitioner in various public health settings. Students are prepared to assume positions in public health practice in government or the private sector. Two specialized programs within the program may also interest potential students: the MPH program in industrial hygiene and an occupational medicine residency program.

 Click here to view the degree plan for the Master of Public Health in Environmental Health.

This degree program is managed by the Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences (EOHS).

The department chair is Dr. Kristina Mena.

The academic and admissions advisor for environmental and occupational health sciences programs is Mark Yeh. 

For more information about the Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, visit their web page.

In addition to the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health’s general admission requirements, Environmental Health Sciences MPH candidate applications will also be evaluated against the following considerations:  

• Successful completion of coursework in mathematics, chemistry and biological sciences
• Hold an undergraduate degree or equivalent in physical, chemical or biological sciences, engineering, nursing or medicine (applicants with other majors who have satisfied undergraduate coursework requirements will be considered)

The MPH program requires students to complete 45 credit hours as detailed in the Environmental Health MPH degree planner. Most full-time students complete the MPH program in 18-24 months. All students are eligible to elect to complete one or more graduate certificates in addition to required coursework. 

For more information about academic requirements at UTHealth School of Public Health, reference the academic catalog.