University of Arizona

What you'll study

The programme blends foundational science with applied public-health training. Early courses typically cover general biology, chemistry with laboratory work, introductory public health, and quantitative methods (statistics and data analysis). Core environmental health topics include exposure assessment, environmental toxicology, environmental microbiology, air and water quality, environmental epidemiology, occupational health and safety, risk assessment, and environmental policy and law.

• Lower-division coursework in biological and chemical sciences, mathematics and statistics
• Major core modules such as environmental toxicants, exposure science, environmental epidemiology and environmental health risk assessment
• Practical laboratory and field modules including environmental sampling, analytical methods and GIS for environmental applications
• Policy, regulation and communication courses addressing environmental health regulations, public health law and risk communication
• Capstone or practicum placement with public health agencies, environmental consultancies, or research groups

Students may also take electives or special-topic seminars in areas such as climate and health, water resources, occupational hygiene, remediation technologies and environmental justice. Opportunities exist to engage in faculty-led research and community-based projects, often drawing on the university’s regional partnerships and field sites.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a secondary-school qualification (or equivalent) with a strong emphasis on science and mathematics. Typical preparation includes high-school biology, chemistry (with laboratory), mathematics (pre-calculus or calculus) and academic writing. Admissions decisions are based on academic record, course rigor and other supporting information such as personal statement and references.

Transfer applicants from community colleges are welcome; relevant transferable coursework in biology, chemistry and statistics will support a successful transfer. International applicants must demonstrate equivalent academic preparation and English language proficiency where required. Prospective students should review the university’s general undergraduate admissions criteria and the College of Public Health’s guidance for specific prerequisites.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles in public and private sectors where environmental health expertise is needed. Common entry-level positions include environmental health technician, public health inspector, environmental compliance specialist, field sampling technician and research assistant. Graduates also work for local and state health departments, environmental protection agencies, industrial employers, environmental consultancies, non-governmental organisations and water or wastewater utilities.

Many graduates continue their training through professional certification (for example in registered environmental health or industrial hygiene pathways) or postgraduate degrees such as a Master of Public Health (MPH), environmental science master’s programmes or specialised technical training, which expand opportunities in epidemiology, occupational hygiene, regulatory roles and research.

Why study at University of Arizona

The University of Arizona offers an interdisciplinary approach to environmental health that leverages strengths across public health, earth and environmental sciences, engineering and policy. The programme provides hands-on laboratory and field training, access to regional field sites in the Sonoran Desert and collaborative research centres focused on environmental contaminants, water resources and community health.

Students benefit from practicum placements with state and local agencies and a network of industry and government partners in Arizona and the broader Southwest, which supports practical experience and career development. The college’s research-active faculty and facilities support student-led research and real-world problem-solving relevant to contemporary environmental health challenges.