Columbia University

What you'll study

The programme combines core environmental health science with quantitative methods and applied practice. Typical components include exposure science and assessment, environmental toxicology, environmental epidemiology, risk assessment and risk communication, occupational and industrial hygiene, air and water pollution, environmental microbiology, and environmental policy and regulation.

• Core quantitative methods: biostatistics, exposure modeling, spatial analysis/GIS and laboratory methods for environmental measurement.
• Toxicology and exposure science: dose–response relationships, biomarkers of exposure and effect, routes of exposure and environmental fate of contaminants.
• Environmental epidemiology: study design, causal inference, and the epidemiologic investigation of environmental and occupational exposures.
• Risk assessment and management: hazard identification, dose–response analysis, risk characterisation and policy implications.
• Applied practicum or research project: a field practicum with a public health agency, NGO or industry partner, or an independent thesis/research project under faculty supervision (format varies by programme track).
• Electives and interdisciplinary options: courses in climate and health, urban health, environmental law and policy, sustainable development, and data science for environmental health.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree. Strong preparation in the natural or physical sciences, engineering, environmental studies, statistics or public health is beneficial. Admissions typically consider the whole application package, including prior academic performance, letters of recommendation, a personal statement describing goals and research or practicum interests, and a CV or résumé.

• Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution in a relevant discipline (biology, chemistry, environmental science, engineering, public health or similar).
• Transcripts demonstrating quantitative coursework (statistics, calculus or equivalent) and foundational science courses.
• Two to three letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees who can speak to potential for graduate study.
• A statement of purpose outlining academic background, professional aims and areas of interest within environmental health.
• Evidence of English language proficiency where required by the university (such as TOEFL or IELTS) for applicants whose first language is not English.
• Some applicants present GRE scores where requested or relevant; check the specific programme track for current testing policies.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of public- and private-sector roles that protect population health from environmental hazards. The degree provides preparation for technical, regulatory and policy positions as well as for further research training.

• Environmental health scientist or specialist in local, state or national public health agencies.
• Exposure scientist, occupational hygienist or industrial hygienist in industry, consulting firms or occupational health services (professional certification may be required).
• Environmental epidemiologist or data analyst focusing on environmental determinants of health.
• Risk assessor or environmental policy analyst in regulatory bodies, international organisations or NGOs.
• Consultant in environmental remediation, air and water quality, or sustainable development practices.
• Research or academic pathways, including progression to doctoral programmes in environmental health sciences, epidemiology or related fields.

Why study at Columbia University

Studying environmental health at Columbia places you within a globally recognised research university with strong public health training. The programme benefits from interdisciplinary collaboration across public health, engineering, earth sciences and policy units, providing access to laboratories, field sites and datasets that support applied research.

• Access to faculty who are active in environmental health research, spanning exposure science, epidemiology and policy-relevant work.
• Opportunities for practicum placements and partnerships with municipal and state health departments, environmental agencies and NGOs in the New York region and beyond.
• Interdisciplinary linkages with Columbia’s Earth Institute, engineering and public policy centres that broaden training and career pathways.
• Urban setting that offers diverse field study opportunities related to air quality, housing, occupational exposures and environmental justice.