Environmental Health Sciences

Academic Program

Environmental Health Sciences

Our Work

Environmental Health Sciences is an interdisciplinary field focused on understanding the effects of environmental and occupational exposures on human health. Our research and educational programs provide a thorough overview of the many aspects of environmental health – ranging from measuring pollutants in communities and workplaces to understanding behavioral approaches to preventing illness/injury in workplaces.

Educational Programs

Several academic programs are available in Environmental Health. Students may select from the several degree pathways available. The EHS Faculty engages in important research projects in which students may participate as they pursue their degrees. Learn more about our application process and available tuition and financial assistance.

Professional Career Opportunities

Our students participate in valuable practical internships and field experiences. Environmental and Occupational Health professionals work in a variety of settings and serve many different populations. Our graduates have been successful at finding a diverse set of employment opportunities. 

Why Study at the University of Arizona?

Students may choose from several doctoral, masters, and undergraduate-level academic programs to best meet their needs. All of the programs foster opportunities to interact closely with the multidisciplinary EHS faculty for learning and research. The University of Arizona is a major research university in a setting that combines urban and desert living. There are many active student groups. 

What Makes our Environmental Health Sciences Unique?

EHS students in a lab

The University of Arizona Environmental Health Sciences program provides unique training and research opportunities with highly interdisciplinary faculty in a prime location. Our program is highly collaborative with very accessible faculty not just in public health but across the University. Our laboratory courses provide hands-on activities and experiences for our students, and all graduate students in our programs receive field experience while leading their internship and research project. Tucson is a vibrant multicultural city 60 miles (100 km) from the US-Mexico border with diverse cultural and recreational opportunities.

Other reasons to consider studying Environmental Health Sciences at the UA

Leadership in Environmental Research

  • The UA is the #1 university in the US and #2 in the world for environmental science research
  • At the center of that reputation is the Institute for the Environment which fosters and facilitates cross-campus, community, state, national, and worldwide collaborations that resolve environmental challenges. This institute houses more than 300 affiliated faculty, internationally recognized for their environmental research and reflects the UA’s commitment to interdisciplinary study.

Service learning courses

  • Students have the opportunity to engage with domestic and international communities through our service learning courses. Students in these courses have hands-on experiences with a variety of complex public health issues.
  • The Institute for Mineral Resources and the Mining Safety and Health Resource Center provide unique opportunities for research and study.

Diverse student body and faculty

  • The University of Arizona Graduate College is highly committed to recruiting and retaining a talented and diverse student body. Of particular relevance to higher education is the understanding that diversity of ideas, perspectives and approaches is critical to the advancement of knowledge.
  • UA students from underrepresented backgrounds comprise 33% of the graduate student body, a much higher representation than any other Research I, AAU-member university in the country.

Opportunities for Peace Corps returnees and veterans

  • The UA is also one of the top institutions for Peace Corps Fellows
  • The UA VETS program has quickly become a national model for student veteran services on a college campus.

The UA is located in Tucson, Arizona