University of Chicago

What you'll study

The programme emphasises a blend of biological and physical science, quantitative methods, and policy-oriented perspectives. Core topics typically include environmental toxicology, exposure assessment, environmental epidemiology, environmental chemistry, and risk assessment. Students also take foundational courses in biology, chemistry and statistics to support advanced work in health-related environmental sciences.

Coursework is commonly supplemented by practical components such as laboratory classes, fieldwork, GIS and spatial analysis, and community-based project work. Seminars on environmental policy, ethics and communication prepare students to translate evidence into policy and practice. Undergraduates are encouraged to undertake independent research projects or senior theses, often in collaboration with faculty or on-going research centres.

• Fundamental natural science courses: general chemistry, organic chemistry principles, cell and molecular biology
• Core environmental health subjects: toxicology, exposure science, environmental epidemiology, environmental microbiology
• Quantitative and analytical training: biostatistics, environmental data analysis, GIS and remote sensing
• Policy, law and ethics: environmental policy, risk communication, environmental justice
• Applied learning: laboratory methods, field sampling, internships, capstone research or thesis

Structure

The degree is structured to combine the College's general education requirements with a sequence of major-specific courses. Early years focus on foundational science and quantitative skills; middle years emphasize core environmental health theory and methods; senior-year options include specialised electives and a research capstone. Students may also take advantage of cross-disciplinary electives in public policy, economics, or urban studies.

Entry requirements

Admission to the University of Chicago College is selective and based on a holistic review of academic preparation, recommendations, personal statements and extracurricular engagement. Applicants to this pathway benefit from strong preparation in mathematics and the natural sciences—particularly chemistry and biology—and coursework that demonstrates quantitative reasoning.

Typical evidence of readiness includes high academic achievement in rigorous secondary-school courses (for example, honours or advanced classes in mathematics, biology and chemistry), strong letters of recommendation, and examples of sustained interest in environmental or health issues through projects, internships or community involvement. Applicants with research experience, fieldwork or relevant employment are competitive. International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English.

Career prospects

Graduates with undergraduate training in environmental health have a wide range of career options across public, private and non-profit sectors. Common entry-level roles include environmental health specialist, research assistant in public health or environmental laboratories, environmental consultant, data analyst in environmental monitoring, and community outreach or programme coordinator roles in NGOs.

Many graduates pursue further study, such as master’s degrees in public health (MPH), environmental science, environmental engineering, epidemiology, or professional degrees in medicine or law. Others move into regulatory agencies, local and national public-health departments, industrial hygiene and occupational health roles, environmental compliance and consulting firms, or into research positions in academia and government labs.

Why study at University of Chicago

The University of Chicago offers a rigorous, research-led environment that emphasises critical thinking and quantitative competence—skills essential for environmental health practice. Students benefit from close faculty mentorship, opportunities to pursue independent research projects, and access to interdisciplinary centres and institutes that bridge natural science, policy and engineering.

The university’s urban setting and connections with regional research facilities provide opportunities for applied fieldwork, internships and collaborations with public agencies and NGOs. Strong analytics training and interdisciplinary coursework equip graduates to address complex environmental health challenges and to progress to advanced study or professional careers.