Solve environmental, health and safety challenges
Environmental Health Sciences
Environmental degradation and pollution have created an urgent need for environmental health science (EHS) professionals eager to improve public health and well-being. EHS professionals address complex public health challenges, such as controlling infections and preventing hazardous exposures in homes and workplaces, to reduce the incidence of non-communicable diseases like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders.
As EHS researchers and leaders, our goal is to assess, mitigate, and manage the impact of major environmental challenges. Our interdisciplinary faculty investigates how environmental exposures influence human health, developing evidence-based solutions to reduce risks and improve public health for all.
A Leader in Public Health
#35
Public Health program among public universities
#15
NIH funding among public health schools
Degree Programs
Our EHS degree programs offer an outstanding foundation for a wide array of careers where environmental factors and human health intersect. They also prepare students for advanced degrees, serving as a strong platform for entrance into medical schools and Ph.D. tracks.
The department also offers a Graduate Certificate in EHS.
Master of Public Health (MPH) in Environmental Health Sciences
Our MPH program trains students in environmental monitoring and exposure assessment to comprehensively prepare students to tackle complex, real-world issues, contribute to scientific research, and influence policies that protect public health and the environment. FIU offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in EHS concentrations with two majors:
Doctor of Public Health (Ph.D.) in Environmental Health Sciences
Mechanistic research studies within our state-of-the-art facilities provide experiential learning opportunities to examine interactions between people and their surroundings, identifying how environmental factors such as toxic substances, pollutants, and other hazards contribute to adverse health outcomes. The EHS concentration offers doctoral degree in two different tracks:
Career Outcomes
Environmental health science is among the fastest-growing sectors in career development. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, EHS is projected to grow 7% over the next ten years, with entry-level salaries starting above $65,000 for EHS specialists and averaging $80,000 to $130,000.
Government/Regulatory/Compliance
- Environmental health and safety specialist
- Occupational health manager
- State health departments
- Infection control specialist
- Food safety specialist
- Hazardous waste specialist
- Private sections
Academia
- Principal investigator
- Researcher
- Professor
- Doctor
Biotechnology/Pharmaceutical Science
- Environmental Scientist
- Research and Development Manager
- Scientific Director of Toxicology
- Quality Assurance Manager
- Laboratory Manager
Meet our Alumni
Extraordinary careers across the nation and across the globe have started right here, in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences. Read about some of our alumni and how EHS played a role in the responsibilities they hold today.
Alejandra Fernandez, MPH '20
Toxicologist
Alexandria, Virginia
Christian Perez, Ph.D. '23
Analyst
Washington, D.C.
Research Labs
Our curriculum integrates transdisciplinary research with a strong focus on key public health topics. Our research areas include neuroscience, toxicology, exposure science, precision environmental health and occupational health.
EHS Events
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Stempel College students have access to a wide range of funding options depending on degree level and academic discipline, including scholarships and federal student aid.
Contact Us
Quentin Felty
Interim Chair; Associate Professor, Environmental and Occupational Health; Faculty Member, Biomolecular Sciences Institute; Faculty Member, Center for Aquatic Chemistry and Environment
Javier Choque
Office Manager
305-348-7778
jchoque@fiu.edu