Northern Arizona University

What you'll study

The programme combines core environmental health science with applied methods in exposure assessment, environmental monitoring and risk management. Typical modules cover environmental toxicology, exposure and risk assessment, environmental microbiology, occupational and community health, environmental policy and regulation, and epidemiology. Students also learn quantitative skills such as statistics for environmental health, geospatial analysis (GIS) for environmental applications and environmental sampling techniques.

The curriculum is normally structured to allow a mix of classroom and field-based learning. Students may choose between a thesis route focused on original research or a professional project/practicum that places them in a public health agency, environmental consulting firm or community organisation. Coursework emphasises laboratory methods, field sampling, data analysis and communication of technical findings to non-specialist stakeholders.

Entry requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, typically in biology, environmental science, public health, chemistry, engineering or a closely related field.
• A competitive undergraduate GPA; programmes commonly expect evidence of solid performance in quantitative and science coursework.
• Transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining research or professional goals, and two to three academic or professional references.
• Relevant professional or volunteer experience in laboratory work, environmental monitoring, public health or related fields is advantageous but not always required.
• Some programmes may list standardised tests as optional; applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate English proficiency according to university policy.
• Applicants proposing thesis research may be asked to identify a potential faculty supervisor and outline a preliminary research plan.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that require assessment and management of environmental risks to human health. Common career paths include positions in local and state public health departments, environmental protection agencies, regulatory bodies, private environmental and occupational health consulting, industrial hygiene, water and wastewater utilities, and non-governmental organisations focused on environmental justice and community health.

Specific job titles held by alumni include environmental health specialist, exposure assessment scientist, environmental consultant, industrial hygienist (with additional certification), environmental compliance officer, water quality analyst and research assistant in academic or government laboratories. Graduates also progress to doctoral research or professional programmes in public health, environmental engineering and related disciplines.

Why study at Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University offers an environment-focused education with strong opportunities for fieldwork and applied research. The campus’s location provides access to a wide variety of ecosystems — including high-desert, montane and riparian environments — which supports practical training in environmental monitoring and ecological assessment.

Students benefit from interdisciplinary faculty expertise spanning environmental science, public health and natural resources, and from hands-on learning through labs, field stations and practicum placements. Smaller cohort sizes encourage close mentorship with faculty and collaborative research projects. The university’s links to regional environmental and public-health practitioners help students secure experiential placements and build professional networks relevant to careers in environmental health.