Degree Programs
M.P.H. Program | Dr.P.H. Program | Ph.D. Program
The Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree program in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences prepares students to assume positions in public health practice in government or the private sector. The program provides a foundation in environmental and occupational health sciences, in addition to the skills needed to function as a practitioner in a variety of public health settings.
Special Entrance Requirements
Applicants for this degree are expected to have successfully completed coursework in mathematics, chemistry, and biological sciences and typically hold a baccalaureate or higher degree in physical, chemical, or biological sciences, engineering, nursing or medicine from an accredited university or college. Applicants with majors from other disciplines who satisfy the undergraduate course work requirements will be considered. Additional requirements apply for certain areas of study, including industrial hygiene and occupational medicine.
A test score of 1000 for the combined verbal and quantitative portions of the GRE is preferred. Test scores more than five years old will not be accepted. Applicants who have an MD or other doctoral degree earned in the U.S. or Canada may be eligible for a waiver of the GRE.
In addition to the general Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) requirement for international applicants, who have not received an undergraduate or graduate degree in an English-speaking program, the Test for Written English (TWE) will also be evaluated – a score of 4.0 is preferred.
Course of Study
The general requirements for the M.P.H. degree apply. The practicum and culminating experience should have an environmental or occupational health focus. Students usually require a minimum of two years of full-time study to complete the degree requirements. The actual scope and length of the program will be determined by the student’s advisory committee based on the student’s academic objectives and prior experience.
Within the division, the industrial hygiene master’s curriculum is accredited by the Applied Science Accreditation Commission (ASAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The occupational medicine residency program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). For more information, refer to the Southwest Center website.
The Doctor of Public Health (Dr.P.H.) program in Environmental and Occupational Heatlh Sciences offers interdisciplinary training for studnets who wish to practice at an advanced level or pursue academic careers.
Special Entrance Requirements
Applicants for this degree should have a prior M.P.H. degree or equivalent prearation from an accredited university or college. In addition, applicants are expected to have successfully completed coursework in mathematics, chemistry, and biological sciences.
A test score of 1200 for the combined verbal and quantitative portions of the GRE is preferred. Test scores more than five years old will not be accepted. Applicants who have an MD or other doctoral degree earned in the U.S. or Canada may be eligible for a waiver of the GRE.
In addition to the general Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) requirement for international applicants, who have not received an undergraduate or graduate degree in an English-speaking program, the Test for Written English (TWE) will also be evaluated – a score of 4.0 is preferred.
Course of Study
The program is tailored to meet the specific goals of the student. It is expected that a student carry out original research that constitutes a substantial contribution in public health, with an emphasis in
Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences.
The Doctor of Philosphy (Ph.D.) program in Public Health (with a major in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences) offers in-depth didactic and research training for students who wish to focus their careers in academic, governmental or other research institutions, and/or in high-level policy/regulatory positions.
Special Entrance Requirements
Applicants for this degree should have a prior M.S. degree in Environmental Health Sciences or a related field from an accredited university. In addition, it is expected that applicants have successfully completed coursework in calculus, organic chemistry, physics, and biological sciences.
A test score of 1200 for the combined verbal and quantitative portions of the GRE is preferred. Test scores more than five years old will not be accepted. Applicants who have an MD or other doctoral degree earned in the U.S. or Canada may be eligible for a waiver of the GRE.
In addition to the general Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) requirement for international applicants, who have not received an undergraduate or graduate degree in an English-speaking program, the Test for Written English (TWE) will also be evaluated – a score of 4.0 is preferred.
Course of Study
Training at the doctoral level is tailored to meet the student’s goals. Students are expected to carry out original research, with a special emphasis in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences.
Graduates of the program are prepared to carry out research activities in governmental or private organizations or pursue academic careers.
