Program Overview

MS Environmental Health Program

The Master of Science in Environmental Health (MSEH) program at East Carolina University is designed for students seeking rewarding career opportunities while protecting the environment and public health. The program provides current environmental health professionals with an opportunity to upgrade their credentials and improve their career prospects.

Program Description

The MSEH program prepares graduates for challenges and opportunities available with local, state, federal, and international organizations and agencies. Topics of study include:

• Air pollution control
• Elements of environmental engineering
• Water supply and wastewater technologies
• Food safety
• Toxicology
• Epidemiology
• Industrial hygiene
• Occupational health
• Vector-borne disease
• Environmental law and management

Career Prospects

Prospects for employment and career advancement are excellent, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 28% expansion in environmental health sciences employment opportunities in the next decade. Potential employers include:

• Local, state, and federal public health agencies
• Military installations
• Industry
• Consulting firms
• Institutional environments Graduates may also choose to pursue a career in environmental health research or pursue a doctorate in a related field of interest.

Admission Requirements

Completion of an appropriate undergraduate degree is required for admission to the MSEH program. No GRE is required. Traditionally, successful MSEH applicants have earned an undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.7 or above (graduate GPA of 3.0 or above). Admission is based on a holistic review of several factors, including:

• Letters of recommendation
• Previous education
• Work experience in environmental health or a related field
• Other factors, as appropriate

Program Requirements

The Master of Science in Environmental Health requires completion of a minimum of 35 semester hours. A student with less than 30 undergraduate semester hours in the natural sciences may be admitted with the approval of the environmental health sciences faculty and may be required to complete additional science coursework. All students must pass a written, comprehensive examination typically completed during the student's last semester prior to graduation.

Degree Paths

Environmental health offers two degree paths:

• Research Option: Students must complete and submit a thesis to both the thesis committee and the Graduate School for review. The thesis option may require more intensive and/or additional hands-on data collection and typically requires students to complete more face-to-face courses.
• Applied Option: This option is intended for students with previous education and/or experience in environmental health or a closely related discipline. Permission to choose this option must be obtained from the environmental health sciences program faculty. Students must complete and submit a professional paper to their professional paper committee for review. This degree option may be completed entirely online with the approval of the environmental health sciences program faculty.

Delivery Methods

The program is offered in both an on-campus, face-to-face format and an off-campus, online format.

Accreditation Information

The MS in Environmental Health is accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC).

Institutional and Professional Licensure Disclosures

East Carolina University degree programs satisfy the professional licensure and/or certification requirements in North Carolina and prepare students to sit for these exams. However, requirements in other states may be different. Prior to enrolling in a degree program, students should discuss this important topic with their program of interest.