Welcome to our ranking of the best online master’s in environmental health.
Environmental health impacts all human health in some way because it includes a variety of aspects including air, water, soil and food. This is a list of ten different online degree programs that offer an education focusing on public health and environmental health. While this list includes a variety of degrees and schools, each one offers students the opportunity to gain a master’s-level education focusing on the environment and its relationship to public health. If you have an interest in environmental health science and public health, keep reading to find an environmental health degree that may be right for you! These programs offer graduate students and working professionals a flexible learning format and an exciting curriculum to engage in. Earning your online degree in environmental health can lead to exciting new public health career opportunities and lead the way to becoming an environmental health specialist. Check out this list to find a master of science program to meet your professional development needs.
- #1 East Carolina University
- #2 Johns Hopkins University
- #3 New York Medical College
- #4 University of Alabama
- #5 Ferris State University
- #6 University of Illinois at Springfield
- #7 University of Memphis
- #8 Old Dominion University
- #9 University of South Florida
- #10 University of Florida
Methodology for Ranking Online Environmental Health Master’s Degrees
The initial pool of schools was developed from the College Navigator website. Program ranking was based on relevance to environmental health sciences, tuition cost, and online availability. Tuition costs posted here are from the College Navigator website and are for comparative purposes. Prospective students should contact their program of interest to confirm tuition details.
10. University of Florida
Online M.S., Environmental Science track
In State Tuition $10,770
Out of State Tuition $27,335
The University of Florida has a unique master’s degree online program for those interested in environmental issues regarding soil and water. The degree is a master of science in soil and water science with the environmental science track. The soil and water environmental issues are typically regarding a few types of land: agricultural, forested, range, urban and wetlands. Students who are interested in learning about environmental science may be a good fit for this program. The program may have students from a variety of backgrounds including extension agents, environmental health professionals, consultants, and state or federal workers. It can take between two to four years for students to complete the program with starts in the spring, summer or fall. You can learn more about this online MS program and hear from a UF alumni who experienced the program on the website. If you are interested in soil, water and environmental science and its relationship with public health and human health and need the flexibility of an online environmental health program, this unique program may be a good fit for you.
9. University of South Florida
Online MPH with concentration in Health, Safety and Environment
In State Tuition $8,350
Out of State Tuition $19,048
USF offers an online MPH degree with a concentration in health, safety and environment in an online format. Students in this online degree program have the opportunity to gain foundational knowledge and skills needed when addressing challenges in the field. While all courses are offered in an online format, prospective students should anticipate the exciting ten-day capstone portion of the program that happens in Florida at the end of the program where students demonstrate their ability to apply knowledge. While no work experience is required, USF anticipates this program for working professionals around the world who desire to learn more about the areas of health, safety and environment. Students can take courses full-time or part-time. Are you interested in the exciting and thoughtful learning opportunity at the University of South Florida? Click the link to learn more about the program and this unique public health degree program available at USF!
8. Old Dominion University
Online MPH with Environmental Health Focus
In State Tuition $9,168
Out of State Tuition $26,820
Old Dominion University offers an online MPH degree where students can focus their studies in environmental health. Students will engage in the MPH courses and also learn through a practicum experience. This online program can be complete in two years if taking courses full time. Graduates may pursue career opportunities in a private, government or community organization, possibly working as a public health educator or environmental health advocate, for example. Students in the ODU masters program in public health have the opportunity to learn about public health science, and skills that can be utilized in a variety of settings. If you’re interested in advancing your career in public health by earning your degree in environmental health and having a positive impact on environmental health, check out ODU.
7. University of Memphis
Online MPH with Environmental Health Focus
In State Tuition $9,054
Out of State Tuition $17,838
Do you have a passion to improve health on a large scale? The University of Memphis offers an online MPH program with the opportunity to concentrate studies in environmental health. The program is for students from a variety of backgrounds, and the flexible course offerings make it suitable for students with a busy lifestyle. Students in the MPH degree program at UM will engage in a practicum experience. The University of Memphis does offer unique dual degree programs. The UM program communicates that while students in the online MPH program have a variety of backgrounds, there is a shared common desire to make a difference. Prospective students who wish to make a positive difference in the public health field and work in environmental health can lean more about this exciting and flexible opportunity on the website.
6. University of Illinois at Springfield
Online MPH with Environmental Health Focus
In State Tuition $8,772
Out of State Tuition $15,857
The University of Illinois at Springfield offers an exciting opportunity to earn an MPH degree online with a focus on environmental health. The department of public health at UIS has a vision for healthy communities and a mission to provide excellent education to develop public health professionals. Students enrolled in the environmental health concentration can further focus their education in risk assessment, emergency preparedness or environmental health policy. UIS also offers two joint study degrees and options for professionals who have earned a doctorate degree. The MPH degree with a concentration in environmental health at UIS is accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council. Are you interested in learning more about public health, environmental health and how you can make a positive different in your community and the world? Check out the online MPH environmental health program at University of Illinois at Springfield.
5. Ferris State University
Online MPH with Environmental Health Focus
In State Tuition $7,332
Out of State Tuition $10,998
The Ferris State University master of public health program offers students the opportunity to focus on environmental health. This public health degree program is fully online and can be completed within two years. Students will benefit from a low student to faculty ratio and faculty who have professional experience. The online MPH degree at Ferris State University includes a capstone experience for students to engage in practical learning opportunities. Earning your MPH degree with an environmental health focus can lead to career opportunities in management and professional positions.
4. University of Alabama
Online MPH in Environmental and Occupational Health
Hybrid M.S. in Public Health in Environmental Health Toxicology
In State Tuition $7,866
Out of State Tuition $17,910
The University of Alabama has multiple environmental health degree programs, two of which are pointed out here, but prospective students should know that UAB has multiple opportunities for studying environmental health. The online MPH in environment and occupational health program includes examining the connections between environmental stressors and human health. Students have the opportunity to learn the skills needed to recognize a problem and assess the toxicity it creates for humans in order to help communicate ways to reduce risks. Students in this program also participate in an internship.
The M.S. in Public Health in Environmental Health Toxicology program offers students the opportunity to engage in education and research. Students in this program will design and conduct research. This program has several classes offered in an online format, but students will need to attend class for some courses in this program.
These unique learning opportunities can lead graduates to have a positive impact on the environmental health field.
3. New York Medical College
Online MPH with specialization in Environmental Health Science
Tuition $27,476
New York Medical College provides a master of public health degree with a specialization in environmental health science online. Students in the program can earn an education that offers a conceptual framework and helpful tools in order to recognize and address issues in the environment. Students can additionally learn how to address environmental issues such as air and water quality and industrial toxicology, for example. Students will benefit from having teachers who are active practitioners and who are often involved in research projects. The program offers students the opportunity to learn analytical and problem-solving skills. For those interested, the department of environmental health science also offers an advanced certificate in industrial hygiene. The NYMC MPH in environmental health science program also has a unique relationship with the Environmental Health Officers of the U.S. Public Health service.
2. Johns Hopkins University
Hybrid Environmental Health Sciences
Tuition $52,170
Eligible students can earn an exciting environmental health science degree at JHU in a hybrid learning format. This degree is typically for prospective students with an interest in research. Program graduates can anticipate pursuing further education in doctoral programs or pursuing research positions. The program requires two years for completion. Students can choose to focus studies in population environmental health, food systems, water and environment or human toxicology, pathophysiology and risk assessment. The focus area of population environmental health offers students the opportunity to develop a strong foundation in epidemiology and biostatistics. The food systems, water and environmental sustainability involves focusing on the global environment and what impacts the global environment. The third focus area of human toxicology, pathophysiology and risk assessment offers a unique learning opportunity, and these students should have background in the basic sciences. Each of the focus areas have certificates that correlates to the focus area that students can pursue. Each of the focus areas are unique and involve a different area of research for students to pursue and contribute to the environmental health field. The program additionally offers a pre-med focus for interested students. The hybrid environmental health sciences program at JHU offers an exciting learning opportunity for students to learn and pursue research.
1. East Carolina University
Online M.S. in Environmental Health
In State Tuition $4,749
Out of State Tuition $17,989
Students can earn a unique degree in an online format from ECU. The master of science in environmental health degree at ECU can lead to exciting opportunities where graduates can protect the environment and public health. Students who complete the MSEH program at East Carolina University can anticipate opportunities through organizations and agencies from the local to international level. The MSEH program discusses a wide variety of topics including air pollution control, food safety, epidemiology, and water supply and toxicology, to name a few. Students in the program have the opportunity to engage in one of two degree paths: the research option or the applied option. The research option involve a thesis, while the applied option is typically for students with a strong background in environmental health. The MSEH program at East Carolina University is accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council.
FAQ
What is environmental health science?
The National Environmental Health Association defines environmental health as “the science and practice of preventing human injury and illness and promoting well-being…”. The NEHA goes on to say that this is done in environmental health by “identifying and evaluating the environmental sources and hazardous agents.” Environmental health includes air, water, soil, food and more. The NEHA offers extensive information about environmental health as well as professional development, how to become an environmental health specialist, and membership opportunities.
What is the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council?
EHAC is a council that reviews and accredits environmental health programs.
How do I know which program to pursue when there is such a wide variety?
What are your career goals? Is online the best format for you? Even though these are online programs, it can be helpful to visit the schools in order to talk with professors and learn more about the program and talk with students. Another helpful way to learn which path to pursue is to talk with people in the field and possibly shadow other professionals in the environmental health science field to learn more. If you have a mentor in your current position or a previous professor who was a mentor, these people can help offer insight and guidance as you pursue further education in one of the top public health programs. Earning your environmental health degree can set you on your way to professional opportunities.
What career opportunities can I pursue with a master’s in environmental health science online?
Graduates can pursue roles as an educator, leader and advocate in a variety of settings. Each degree offers students a unique set of skills and a knowledge base to pursue a career as as health professionals in environmental health. Check out your program of interest as programs typically list career opportunities that graduates have pursued in the past or typically pursue with the degree discussed.
By Erin Padden RN, BSN
Erin graduated from Cedarville University in 2012 with a BSN. She currently works in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania while pursuing a Doctor or Nursing Practice at Thomas Jefferson University (an online/hybrid program).
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This concludes our ranking of the top 10 online master’s in environmental health degrees.
Source: National Environmental Health Association