CUNY(The City University of New York)

What you'll study

This programme provides a science-led curriculum focused on the sources, transport and health effects of chemical, biological and physical hazards in the environment. You will study core topics in environmental health alongside supporting courses in chemistry, biology and statistics, and gain practical skills through laboratory work, field methods and an applied capstone or internship.

• Core modules: environmental toxicology, exposure assessment, environmental microbiology, epidemiology for environmental health, occupational and industrial hygiene, risk assessment and environmental law and policy.
• Science foundations: general and organic chemistry, cell and molecular biology, biostatistics, environmental chemistry and analytical methods.
• Technical and quantitative skills: environmental sampling and monitoring, geographic information systems (GIS), environmental modelling, laboratory techniques and data analysis.
• Applied learning: field courses in air and water quality, waste management and remediation, a supervised internship with a government agency or private company, and a final-year capstone project or research dissertation.
• General education: broad liberal‑arts requirements to develop communication, ethics and policy awareness—consistent with CUNY’s undergraduate curriculum frameworks.

Entry requirements

Admission typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent with a foundation in science and mathematics. Successful applicants usually present coursework in biology, chemistry and algebra or calculus, and a demonstrated ability in written communication. Transfer students are considered with previous college-level science coursework and a satisfactory college GPA.

• Strong preparation in high-school or college-level biology and chemistry is recommended.
• Experience such as volunteer work, internships, laboratory exposure or relevant employment is advantageous but not mandatory.
• Applicants whose first language is not English may be required to demonstrate English proficiency according to CUNY policy.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of entry-level positions in public and private sectors where environmental and occupational health knowledge is required. Typical roles include environmental health technician, industrial hygiene assistant, environmental compliance specialist, laboratory technician, water and wastewater analyst, and roles in community health and environmental advocacy.

• Employment opportunities with municipal and state public health departments, environmental protection agencies and water authorities, particularly in urban settings like New York City.
• Positions in environmental consulting firms focusing on site assessments, remediation, permitting and compliance.
• Laboratory and analytical roles in clinical, environmental and commercial testing facilities.
• Pathways to further study: many graduates progress to graduate degrees such as an MPH, MS in environmental science or engineering, or professional certification in industrial hygiene and safety.

Why study at CUNY (The City University of New York)

CUNY offers distinct advantages for environmental health students through its urban location, extensive ties to New York City agencies and a diverse, applied learning environment. Students benefit from internship and research opportunities with public health departments, environmental agencies and hospitals across the city, and from faculty whose work addresses real-world urban environmental challenges.

• Applied urban focus: practical exposure to issues such as air pollution, housing-related hazards and environmental justice in a major metropolitan setting.
• Hands-on experience: laboratory and field training combined with internship placements that connect students directly to employers and public agencies.
• Accessible pathways: multiple CUNY campuses and support services for transfer students, with options to combine undergraduate study with graduate-level public health training.
• Diverse community: study alongside students from a wide range of backgrounds, reflecting the populations most affected by environmental health issues.