Southern Methodist University

What you'll study

This programme combines core public‑health science with environmental engineering and policy to give students the tools to evaluate how chemical, biological and physical hazards affect populations. Typical modules and topics include:

• Environmental toxicology and human health effects — dose–response relationships, toxicokinetics and mechanisms of toxicity.
• Exposure assessment and environmental monitoring — sampling strategies for air, water and soil, personal monitoring and laboratory methods.
• Occupational and industrial hygiene — identification and control of workplace hazards, respirator and ventilation principles.
• Environmental epidemiology and biostatistics — study design, data analysis and interpretation for environmental health research.
• Risk assessment and management — quantitative and qualitative approaches to characterising and communicating risk.
• Environmental regulations and policy — US and international regulatory frameworks, permitting and compliance strategies.
• Geospatial analysis and modelling — use of GIS for exposure mapping and spatial analysis of health outcomes.
• Capstone, practicum or thesis — applied project with an external partner, internship with a local agency or laboratory research leading to a thesis (programme may offer practicum or thesis tracks).

Courses typically mix lectures, laboratory sessions and fieldwork, with opportunities to complete applied projects alongside Dallas–Fort Worth public health agencies, environmental consultancies or industry partners.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline such as environmental science, biology, chemistry, engineering or public health. Typical admissions considerations include:

• A strong academic record in prior undergraduate study.
• Evidence of quantitative and laboratory skills; prior coursework in chemistry, biology and statistics is advantageous.
• A personal statement outlining career goals and fit with the programme, and one or more letters of recommendation.
• Professional experience in environmental, health or laboratory settings can strengthen an application, particularly for applicants without a directly related degree.

Standardised test requirements, such as the GRE, and specific prerequisite course requirements may vary by cohort; applicants should consult the programme admissions page or contact the department for details on documentation, English language requirements and advice on eligibility.

Career prospects

Graduates with a master’s in environmental health move into roles that focus on protecting public health through prevention, assessment and management of environmental hazards. Common career paths include:

• Environmental health officer or specialist within local, state or federal public‑health and environmental agencies.
• Environmental health and safety (EHS) professional in manufacturing, energy, pharmaceuticals or construction sectors.
• Consultant with environmental engineering and consulting firms, conducting site assessments, exposure characterisation and remediation planning.
• Industrial hygienist or occupational health specialist responsible for workplace monitoring and control programmes.
• Research associate or analyst in academic, non‑profit or think‑tank settings; further study at doctorate level is also a route for those pursuing research careers.

Because of SMU’s location in a large metropolitan region with diverse industry and healthcare organisations, students often find local internship and employment opportunities across regulatory agencies, consultancies and corporate EHS departments.

Why study at Southern Methodist University

Southern Methodist University offers an interdisciplinary approach that draws on engineering, natural sciences and policy expertise. Strengths of studying this programme at SMU include:

• Access to faculty with applied experience in environmental engineering, toxicology and public‑health practice.
• Proximity to the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, which provides a wide range of practicum, internship and employment partners across industry, government and non‑profits.
• Laboratory and field training opportunities supported by the university’s engineering and science facilities, enabling hands‑on experience with sampling and analytical methods.
• A smaller, professionally focused cohort that supports close mentorship and networking with alumni working in environmental health and safety roles.

Prospective students should contact the programme office to discuss how the curriculum can be tailored to their career goals and to learn about opportunities for applied projects and local partnerships.