Program Overview

Environmental Health Sciences, Ph.D.

Arnold School of Public Health

Prepare to become an environmental health scientist or professor by enrolling in our doctoral program that emphasizes scientific competence, research skills, and professional development.

Explore new and exciting public health challenges addressing environmental issues such as climate change, forever chemicals, nanomaterials, and environmental justice. Defend a dissertation that represents significant research in an area of advanced study. The specific curriculum for the doctoral degree varies with the discipline.

Program Highlights

• Work That Matters
  • Research in areas of environmental microbiology, toxicology, environmental nanomaterials, sustainable agriculture, and more.
• Supportive Environment
  • Benefit from a fellowship program and health insurance for qualifying students. Join active graduate student group activities.
• National Partners
  • Work in facilities like the Center of Excellence for Oceans and Human Health and Climate Change Interactions.
• Program Excellence
  • Students and graduates receive numerous awards and exciting fellowships at the national and international levels.

What You’ll Study

Participate in research that engages people and communities faced with major environmental problems. Faculty members understand how to engage the public in a collaborative manner to improve the quality of the environment and, in turn, enhance public health and well-being. Enjoy flexible course offerings and a family-like atmosphere.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

• Scientific Writing
  • Communicating scientific research and findings in a clear, accurate, and compelling manner
• Research
  • Gathering and analyzing information to increase knowledge or solve problems
• Leadership
  • Inspiring and guiding others to achieve common goals and reach their full potential
• Public Speaking
  • Delivering a message or presentation to an audience effectively and persuasively
• Innovation
  • Introducing new ideas, methods, or products to improve performance or achieve a specific goal
• Critical Thinking
  • Analyzing and evaluating information to make informed decisions or judgments

Using Your Degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

• Potential Careers
  • Environmental Health Scientist
  • Research Scientist
  • Faculty
• Job Titles of Alumni
  • Clinical Laboratory Technical Supervisor
  • Environmental Analyst
  • Laboratory Manager
  • Marine Habitat Restoration Specialist
  • Senior Research Scientist
• Average Alumni Salary
  • Five to 10 years after graduation without additional education: $91,423
• Workplace Settings
  • Government
  • Academia/Education
  • Private Industry
• Employers of Alumni
  • National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
  • Nephron Pharmaceuticals
  • University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

Advanced Degrees

Advance your career or options with post-graduate education.

• Master's
  • Marine Science, M.S. (McCausland College of Arts and Sciences)
• Doctorate
  • Marine Science, Ph.D. (McCausland College of Arts and Sciences)
  • Chemistry, Ph.D. (McCausland College of Arts and Sciences)
  • Epidemiology, M.P.H. (Arnold School of Public Health)
  • Epidemiology, M.S. (Arnold School of Public Health)
  • Epidemiology, Ph.D. (Arnold School of Public Health)