University of Michigan

What you'll study

The programme combines core public‑health training with specialised coursework in environmental health science. Typical topics include exposure assessment, environmental toxicology, environmental epidemiology, risk assessment and management, environmental chemistry, air and water quality, industrial hygiene principles, and environmental policy and regulation.

Students normally take biostatistics and epidemiology alongside concentration courses and choose electives that reflect their career focus (for example, geographic information systems (GIS) for spatial exposure analysis, advanced analytical laboratory methods, occupational health, or environmental policy and law).

Degree structure varies by pathway: a practice‑oriented master's (such as an MPH) emphasises a supervised practicum and a capstone project applying methods in a real‑world setting, while a research master's (MS) typically includes a thesis or research project under faculty supervision. Students also engage with seminars, journal clubs and interdisciplinary collaborations across public health, environmental science and engineering.

Entry requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, usually with coursework in biology, chemistry, environmental science, mathematics/statistics or a related field.
• Academic transcripts demonstrating competitive performance in prior study; many successful applicants have quantitative coursework such as calculus, statistics or chemistry.
• Statement of purpose outlining research or career goals and fit with the programme.
• Letters of recommendation, typically from academic instructors or professional supervisors who can speak to readiness for graduate study.
• Curriculum vitae or résumé documenting relevant academic, laboratory, field or professional experience.
• Proof of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English (institutional requirements apply).
• Some applicants with non‑traditional backgrounds strengthen their application with relevant work or volunteer experience; standardized test requirements (e.g. GRE) vary by admission cycle and programme pathway.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of roles across public, private and non‑profit sectors. Common career paths include environmental health specialist or inspector, exposure scientist, environmental epidemiologist, toxicologist (often requiring further training), environmental health and safety (EHS) manager, industrial hygienist (with certification pathways), regulatory scientist or policy analyst, and consultant in environmental risk assessment and remediation.

Alumni find employment with national and state public health and environmental agencies, municipal health departments, regulatory bodies, environmental consultancies, research institutions, industry EHS teams, non‑governmental organisations and international health organisations. The degree also provides a strong foundation for doctoral study or professional roles that require quantitative and applied skills in environmental health.

Why study at University of Michigan

The University of Michigan offers a multidisciplinary environment with strong public health training and close links to environmental science and engineering. Students benefit from faculty with expertise in exposure science, toxicology, environmental epidemiology and risk assessment, as well as access to research centres and laboratories that support field and laboratory projects.

Ann Arbor provides opportunities for practicum placements with state and local public‑health agencies, research collaborations with federal laboratories and regional partners, and connections across campus—including social policy, engineering and natural resources—which enhance applied learning and career networking. The programme emphasises both rigorous quantitative skills and real‑world experience, preparing graduates to address complex environmental health challenges.