Columbia University

What you'll study

The programme is interdisciplinary, drawing on courses across the College, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, and Columbia's public health community. Core coursework typically covers exposure assessment, environmental toxicology, environmental chemistry, environmental epidemiology, biostatistics, and risk assessment. Students also study supporting topics such as human physiology, microbiology, atmospheric and water systems, and environmental policy and law.

Instruction combines lectures, laboratory sessions and fieldwork. Students often complete a senior capstone project or honours thesis involving original research or a practicum placement with a public agency, research centre or community partner. Electives allow specialisation in areas such as occupational health, indoor air quality, climate change and health, industrial hygiene, geospatial analysis and environmental justice.

Entry requirements

Admission to Columbia is competitive and based on a holistic review of academic achievement, test scores (when submitted), personal statement and extracurricular engagement. Applicants to this field should demonstrate strong preparation in mathematics (calculus and statistics), chemistry and biology. Relevant laboratory experience, research projects, community or environmental service and clear interest in public health or environmental science strengthen an application.

For transfer applicants and students entering from other schools, a record of successful college‑level coursework in the natural sciences and quantitative subjects is expected. International applicants should present equivalent academic preparation and evidence of English proficiency where required.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of roles in public health agencies, environmental protection bodies, consulting firms, non‑governmental organisations, and private‑sector health and safety divisions. Typical entry roles include environmental health specialist, exposure scientist, environmental consultant, industrial hygienist technician, regulatory affairs assistant and research analyst. Many students proceed to graduate study — for example an MPH, MSc in environmental health or exposure science, environmental engineering, occupational health, environmental law or medical school — to advance into senior technical, clinical or policy positions.

Why study at Columbia University

Columbia offers strong advantages for students interested in environmental health: proximity to leading public health institutions and city agencies, a wide range of relevant research centres (including those focused on climate, urban health and exposure science), and cross‑school collaboration possibilities with the Mailman School of Public Health and the Earth Institute. The New York location provides extensive internship and practicum opportunities with municipal and non‑profit partners, hospitals and consulting firms. Small seminars, laboratory access and opportunities to work with active research faculty help students develop technical skills and an applied portfolio in a major urban environment.