Georgia Institute of Technology

What you'll study

The curriculum combines core natural sciences with applied technical and policy subjects so you learn to identify, quantify and manage environmental risks to human health. Typical topics include environmental chemistry, exposure assessment, environmental microbiology, air and water quality, toxicology, environmental epidemiology, risk analysis, and environmental policy and regulation. Students take foundational courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology before progressing to modules that emphasise measurement, modelling and mitigation of hazards.

• Foundations: calculus, statistics, general chemistry, biology and physics to build quantitative and laboratory skills.
• Core environmental health: environmental chemistry, environmental microbiology, toxicology, exposure science, environmental epidemiology and methods for assessing human exposure.
• Engineering and technical methods: air and water quality engineering, environmental sampling and analysis, GIS and environmental data analytics, laboratory methods and instrumentation.
• Policy and management: environmental law and regulation, risk communication, environmental management systems, sustainability and public health policy.
• Capstone and research opportunities: team design projects, fieldwork, internships and supervised undergraduate research with faculty across engineering, public policy and environmental science.

Entry requirements

Admission to Georgia Institute of Technology is competitive and considers academic preparation, standardised test policies in force at the time of application, extracurricular profile and personal statements. Successful applicants for an environmental health pathway typically have a strong high‑school record in mathematics and science (calculus, chemistry and biology preferred), demonstrated analytical ability and laboratory experience where possible.

• Academic preparation: rigorous secondary school curriculum with calculus, chemistry and biology recommended; completion of advanced or honours STEM courses and AP/IB subjects is favourable.
• Standardised tests and English language: comply with the institute's prevailing policies on standardised testing and provide proof of English proficiency if required for international applicants.
• Supporting materials: personal statement or essays that articulate interest in environmental health, letters of recommendation, and evidence of relevant extracurricular activities, community service or work experience strengthen an application.
• Transfer and advanced standing: students transferring from other colleges should present college transcripts showing equivalent coursework in calculus, chemistry and introductory biology; transfer admissions are evaluated on course equivalence and academic performance.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge science, engineering and public health. Many enter the workforce directly, while others pursue graduate study in public health, environmental engineering, occupational health, environmental science or law.

• Environmental health officer or inspector in local, state or federal agencies
• Industrial hygienist or occupational health specialist in manufacturing, consulting or corporate settings
• Environmental consultant focusing on air, water and soil contamination, remediation and exposure assessment
• Public health analyst, epidemiology support or programme officer in NGOs, international organisations and public‑sector bodies
• Laboratory analyst, environmental monitoring technician or field scientist
• Further study and research careers: MPH, MS/PhD in environmental health or engineering, or professional degrees in medicine, public health or law

Why study at Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Tech combines strong engineering and science departments with an emphasis on hands‑on learning and interdisciplinary research. Students benefit from close proximity to major public health and research organisations in Atlanta, including opportunities to collaborate with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Emory University and local government agencies. The institute offers well‑equipped laboratories, field facilities, industry partnerships and a culture of applied problem solving that helps students gain practical experience through internships, co‑op placements, industry projects and faculty‑led research.

Additionally, Georgia Tech's ties to engineering, policy and data science disciplines enable environmental health students to access complementary expertise in areas such as environmental modelling, geospatial analysis and systems design—skills that employers and graduate programmes value highly.