Environmental Health Sciences - MS/PhD
The UA Zuckerman College of Public Health offers the following doctoral degrees with a focus in Environmental Health Sciences: Master of Science/Doctorate (MS/PhD) in Environmental Health Sciences and a PhD Minor in Environmental Health Sciences.
The MS/PhD in Environmental Health Sciences (EHS) is offered by the Division of Community, Environment and Policy. Environmental Health Sciences is the scientific discipline concerned with the behaviors and environmental conditions linked to human injury or disease. Through the use of applied research in a multi- and interdisciplinary approach, Environmental Health Sciences provide the critical link between the environment and human health impacts.
The degree prepares individuals to evaluate and control health risks posed by chemical and biological contaminants and physical exposures (noise, heat and radiation) in occupational and non-occupational environments. Students will receive advanced systematic training in epidemiological and community-based research methods, biostatistical analysis, environmental health sciences, prevention sciences and behavioral sciences.
Graduates of this program will apply theory and methods from these areas to public health research, evaluation, analysis and decision-making. The program promotes approaches for assessing, preventing and controlling environmental hazards to human health and safety. Advanced courses are available in a variety of specialty areas tailored to the student's interests: Climate and Health; Environmental Contaminant Modeling; and Occupational Health and Safety.
The Master of Science/Doctorate in Environmental Health Sciences is designed for individuals who seek training for leadership roles in environmental health research. It is anticipated that graduates will occupy positions as project leaders, program developers, and academicians. Students will be admitted to the MS/PhD program and are expected to complete a Master's degree prior to admission to the PhD program. Only those students who have completed a related Master's degree program will be admitted directly to the PhD program.
On average, the MS/PhD program requires approximately four to five years for completion. The first two years of this time are usually devoted to coursework, and the master's research thesis followed by additional coursework, the comprehensive doctoral examinations, and development of doctoral research.
Graduate students in the EHS degree programs with a worker protection or industrial hygiene focus may be eligible for funds provided by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). These training funds are administered through the Director of the Office of Student and Alumni Affairs with EHS faculty review.
For the MS, at least 42 credits are required for the major (including up to 13 units of selectives and a minimum of 6 thesis units).
For the MS/PhD, at least 72 credits are required for the major (including up to 20 units of selectives and a minimum of 18 thesis/dissertation units, and at least 9 units minimum for the minor)* See the course listings for further details on the specific course requirements and schedule.
The overall course of study will be developed by the student and the advisor and approved by the student's Graduate Committee and Chair of the Environmental Health Sciences Section.
MS/PhD in Environmental Health Sciences Curriculum
Required Major Courses:
Minimum of 29 required units (plus electives) for the MS;
Minimum 43 required units (plus elctives) for the MS/PhD
-
CPH 584 Fundamentals of Industrial and Environmental Health (3)
- CPH 696R Environmental Health Seminar (1 unit each semester); required MS (2) or MS/PhD (4)
- CPH 910 Thesis/Dissertation Research (6/18)
ELECTIVE COURSES: Minimum 13 units required for the MS; minimum of 20 units required for the MS/PhD (approved by Advisor).
Students select courses in areas of emphasis: Climate and Health; Environmental Contaminant Modeling; and
Occupational Health and Safety.
Suggested Listing of Elective Courses:*
- CPH 418/518 Principles of Risk Assessment (3)
- CPH 422/522 Safety Fundamentals (3)
- CPH 489/589 Public Health Preparedness (3)
- CPH 553 Toxicology and Chemical Exposures (3)
- CPH 655 Control of Occupational Exposures (3)
- CPH 596R Radiation Seminar (1)
*There are a great majority of other University courses that can serve as electives for the MS/PhD in Environmental Health Sciences. Please consult with advisor regarding other University courses which would fulfill the elective requirements.
PhD Minor Courses = minimum of 9 units required.**
Environmental Health Sciences
PhD students must complete a minor of at least 9 units from another area of study. Minors that may interest students in this program include Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Water Quality, Global Climate Change, Environmental Planning, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Atmospheric Science, and Soil, Water and Environmental Science, just to name a few. With committee approval, a minor may be selected from any program of study at the University of Arizona that offers a doctoral degree.
**Requirements for a PhD minor in individual departments may vary. Required elective hours will be reduced if the minor exceeds 9 units.
MS/PhD Environmental Health Sciences -Total Minimum Credit Requirements = 42 units MS or 72 units MS/PhD
PhD Minor in Environmental Health Sciences
The PhD minor in Environmental Health Sciences is for majors outside Environmental Health Sciences and is administered by the Environmental Health Sciences Section in MEZCOPH. A total of 15 course units are required as well as successful completion of written and oral questions during the PhD Comprehensive exam and successful defense of the dissertation. See the course listings for further details on the specific course requirements and specific course requirements and schedule.
Total Minimum of 15 units required, including :
- CPH 502 Environmental Monitoring Methods (3)
- CPH 518 Introduction to Human Health Risk Assessment (3)
- CPH 584 Fundamentals of Industrial and Environmental Health (3)
- 2 additional courses (3 units each) approved by the EHS minor advisor
A list of EHS courses can be found obtained from the EHS Section Chair and are listed in the UA catalog underthe College of Public Health (CPH).
Transfer of Credits for the PhD Minor
Graduate credit earned at other approved institutions may be counted toward fulfilling the PhD Minor requirements, if approved by the minor Faculty Advisor, the Program Chair of the Environmental Health Sciences Section and the student's Graduate Committee. All transferred credit must be at the graduate level with a grade of A or B. The Doctoral Plan of Study requires a listing of all courses the student seeks to transfer from another institution. See the Graduate College website for further details.
MPH in Environmental & Occupational Health
In addition, a Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH) is offered by the Division of Community, Environment and Policy. The degree prepares individuals to evaluate and control health risks posed by chemical and biological contaminants and physical exposures (noise, heat and radiation) in occupational and non-occupational environments.
The faculty teach courses in areas where they have experience. These areas include industrial hygiene, occupational and environmental health, toxicology, occupational and preventive medicine, ergonomics, epidemiology, microbiology, environmental sciences and engineering.
Environmental Health Sciences Faculty
Drachman Hall Rm A223
Drachman Hall Rm A235
Keating Bioresearch 112
Drachman Hall A229
Medical Research Building 113
Drachman Hall A233
Drachman Hall A231
Medical Research Building 116
