Program Overview

Environmental Health Science (MS)

The Master of Science degree program in Environmental Health Science is a specialized course of study providing students with the opportunity to develop applicable skills and expertise in selected subject areas. The program is designed for individuals needing graduate training for employment in jobs involving toxicology, pharmaceutical research, worker health and safety, health hazard communication, health risk assessment, and environmental analysis of pollutants and toxicants, including related areas of administration and technical sales.

Program Description

The program offers two specialized tracks: Environmental Toxicology and Occupational-Environmental Hygiene. Although the MS program offers two tracks of study, there is the opportunity to take courses in both tracks in order to facilitate cross-over studies. Potential employers include academia, industry, consulting firms, trade associations, and local, state, and federal governmental agencies. The Master of Science program can also serve as a stepping stone to the PhD program in Environmental Health Sciences.

Tracks

• Environmental Toxicology: The environmental toxicology track provides a broad cross-sectional education on the toxicology of environmental exposures at all levels, from molecular/cell studies to experimental models and human population studies, including community-based research.
• Occupational-Environmental Hygiene: The occupational-environmental hygiene track specifically focuses on the recognition, evaluation, and control of chemical and physical agents in occupational settings.

Admissions

All applicants to the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) are required to submit the general application requirements, which include:

• Academic Transcripts
• Test Scores (if required)
• Applicant Statements
• Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
• Letters of Recommendation
• A non-refundable application fee

Program Requirements

The program requires the completion of 36 credits and a Master's Thesis. The program in environmental health sciences offers two specialized tracks: environmental toxicology and occupational-environmental hygiene.

Course List

• Major Requirements:
  • Environmental Health Sciences Electives (chosen in close consultation with an academic adviser) | 36 credits
• Total Credits: 36 credits

Tracks and Recommended Courses

Environmental Toxicology

• EHSC-GA 1004 | Environmental Health | 4 credits
• EHSC-GA 2025 | Communication skills for Biomedical Students | 2 credits
• EHSC-GA 2303 | Intro to Biostatistics | 4 credits
• EHSC-GA 2310 | Principles of Toxicology | 4 credits
• EHSC-GA 2311 | Organ System Toxicology | 4 credits

Occupational-Environmental Hygiene

• EHSC-GA 1004 | Environmental Health | 4 credits
• EHSC-GA 2303 | Intro to Biostatistics | 4 credits
• EHSC-GA 2310 | Principles of Toxicology | 4 credits
• EHSC-GA 2035 | Principles of Environmental Measurements | 4 credits
• EHSC-GA 2039 | Introduction to Epidemiology | 4 credits

Additional Program Requirements

Master's Thesis

Students must complete and submit a research-based master's thesis project performed under the guidance of a faculty member.

Courses at Other NYU Schools

Students may take relevant courses in other schools within the University, for example, in environmental management and planning, environmental law, risk assessment, and environmental impact assessment.

Sample Plan of Study

• 1st Semester/Term:
  • Elective | 4 credits
  • Elective | 4 credits
  • Elective | 4 credits
  • Total Credits: 12 credits
• 2nd Semester/Term:
  • Elective | 4 credits
  • Elective | 4 credits
  • Total Credits: 8 credits
• 3rd Semester/Term:
  • Elective | 4 credits
  • Elective | 4 credits
  • Total Credits: 8 credits
• 4th Semester/Term:
  • Elective | 4 credits
  • Elective | 4 credits
  • Total Credits: 8 credits
• Total Credits: 36 credits

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:

1. Have an introduction to underlying theories, concepts, critical issues, historical information, and gaps of knowledge in the field of environmental health science.
2. Learn about scientific methods of inquiry, including proper hypothesis development, and familiarity with technologies and investigative tools relevant to the field.
3. Understand and implement appropriate methods of data analysis and statistical testing applicable to the MS thesis research.
4. Develop skills for oral and written scientific communication in the field of environmental health science.
5. Develop an understanding of post-MS degree career options in the field of environmental health sciences.

Policies

• NYU Policies: University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.
• Graduate School of Arts and Science Policies: Academic Policies for the Graduate School of Arts and Science can be found on the Academic Policies page.