Clarkson University

What you'll study

This programme provides a strong foundation in the physical and life sciences alongside specialised coursework in environmental health topics. Early years focus on core sciences—general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, physics and calculus—together with laboratory skills and scientific communication.

• Environmental toxicology and exposure science: principles of toxicants, dose–response relationships and human exposure pathways.
• Environmental microbiology and public health: water- and food-borne pathogens, disease transmission and sanitation.
• Air and water quality: monitoring, sampling techniques, analytical methods and standards.
• Industrial hygiene and occupational health: hazard recognition, control strategies, respirator use and workplace evaluation.
• Environmental regulations and policy: federal and state regulatory frameworks, permitting and compliance strategies.
• Risk assessment and environmental health decision-making: quantitative and qualitative approaches to evaluating hazards.
• Geographic information systems (GIS) and environmental data analysis: spatial analysis, mapping and statistics for environmental datasets.
• Waste management and remediation: solid/hazardous waste handling, site assessment and cleanup technologies.
• Capstone project and practicum: applied project or internship with industry, government or non-profit partners to develop professional skills.

The programme emphasises hands-on laboratory work, field sampling exercises and experiential learning through internships or cooperative placements, culminating in a senior-level capstone where students apply multidisciplinary approaches to real-world environmental health problems.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a secondary-school qualification and demonstrate solid preparation in mathematics and science. Typical preparation includes high-school chemistry and biology; strong performance in mathematics (algebra and pre-calculus) is recommended. Admissions consider academic record, recommendations and any relevant extracurricular or work experience.

International applicants must meet the university's English language proficiency requirements. Applicants whose preparation differs from the typical profile may be admitted with recommended preparatory coursework or first-year enrolment in foundational science modules.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Bachelor’s in Environmental Health enter roles across government, industry and the non-profit sector. Common entry-level positions include:

• Environmental health specialist or technician for local, state or federal agencies
• Industrial hygienist or safety technician (often progressing to certification with experience)
• Environmental consultant focusing on site assessments, monitoring or regulatory compliance
• Water and wastewater quality analyst or compliance officer
• Public-health programme staff, community health organisations or NGOs addressing environmental justice and exposure mitigation
• Laboratory technician roles in environmental testing or research

Many graduates also pursue graduate study (for example, Master of Public Health, environmental engineering, or related disciplines) or professional certification to expand career options and advancement potential.

Why study at Clarkson University

Clarkson’s programme is built around applied learning: students benefit from substantial laboratory and field components, structured internship opportunities and project-based coursework that prepare them for professional practice. The university’s smaller class sizes support close faculty mentoring and collaboration on research and applied projects.

Clarkson maintains industry and agency partnerships that help connect students with internships, cooperative placements and employment. Its location offers access to diverse field sites for environmental sampling and study, while campus facilities support hands-on training in analytical methods, GIS and environmental monitoring. Together, these elements aim to prepare graduates with the technical skills and professional experience employers seek in environmental health roles.