University of Michigan

What you'll study

The Environmental Health major delivers a strong foundation in biological, chemical and quantitative sciences alongside core public health principles. Students take courses in toxicology, exposure assessment, environmental microbiology, environmental chemistry, epidemiology and environmental epidemiology methods. Instruction emphasises practical skills such as laboratory techniques, environmental sampling, geographic information systems (GIS), statistical analysis and risk assessment.

The programme combines required core modules with electives to allow specialisation. Typical topics and modules include:

• Foundations of Public Health: introductory public health, ethics and health systems.
• Basic Sciences: general and organic chemistry, molecular/cellular biology, and introductory physics or ecology as appropriate.
• Environmental Health Sciences: toxicology, environmental microbiology, exposure science, occupational health and industrial hygiene concepts.
• Quantitative Methods: biostatistics, environmental data analysis, GIS and modelling of contaminant transport.
• Policy and Management: environmental law, risk communication, policy analysis and programme management.
• Practical Experience: laboratory classes, field sampling, practicum or internship and a capstone project or research thesis.

Students are encouraged to take interdisciplinary electives across the university—such as civil or environmental engineering, public policy, ecology, or urban planning—to tailor their degree to interests in remediation, regulatory science or community health.

Entry requirements

Admission is to the University of Michigan undergraduate programmes and competitive. Applicants are expected to present a strong secondary school record with emphasis on science and mathematics. Recommended preparation includes high school biology, chemistry and mathematics (including pre-calculus or calculus), and laboratory experience where available.

Typical considerations in the admissions process include academic performance, coursework rigor, personal statement and extracurricular activities demonstrating interest in science, health or environmental issues. International applicants will also need to meet the university's English language proficiency requirements. Specific departmental prerequisites or recommended first-year courses are provided by the School of Public Health for students applying to or declaring the major.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Bachelor's in Environmental Health from the University of Michigan move into a wide range of roles across public, private and non-profit sectors. Common career paths include environmental health specialist, public health inspector, industrial hygienist (with further certification), environmental consultant, hazardous waste manager, and risk assessor. Alumni also work in state and federal agencies, local health departments, environmental NGOs, and private consulting firms.

The degree is also a strong foundation for graduate study—many students progress to master's programmes (MPH, MS) in environmental health, public health, environmental engineering, occupational health, or law and public policy—where specialised training and professional credentials can expand career opportunities.

Why study at University of Michigan

The University of Michigan offers an interdisciplinary learning environment with access to well-equipped environmental health laboratories, fieldwork opportunities in the Great Lakes region and collaborative centres focused on environmental and occupational health research. The School of Public Health provides connections to local and federal agencies, community partners in Detroit and Michigan, and research projects that allow undergraduates to gain hands-on experience.

Students benefit from a broad campus network—collaborations with engineering, public policy and natural sciences programmes—plus career services and an active alumni community to support internships and job placement. The programme's emphasis on combining scientific rigour with policy and communication skills prepares graduates to address real-world environmental health challenges.