The goal of the Environmental Health Minor is to develop in a broad range of students an understanding and appreciation of the field of Environmental and Occupational Health. This program provides students with the broad range of courses necessary to pursue an advanced degree in the field of environmental and occupational health and safety or to seek employment in a related field. The Environmental Health Minor is preparatory for careers in environmental science, industrial hygiene, toxicology, risk assessment, and related health sciences. The minor provides an applied science specialization to complement basic sciences, life sciences, or health sciences major.

Upon completion of the Environmental and Occupational Health Minor coursework, a student will be able to: 

• Articulate the role of environmental and occupational health in injury and disease prevention, safety and risk assessment at the local, state, national, and global level. 
• Describe environmental and occupational health functions and concepts.
• Discuss and analyze current environmental and occupational health issues.
• Describe career paths in environmental and occupational health.
• Develop an understanding of environmental and occupational health that can serve as a foundation for the pursuit of graduate public health degrees.
• Develop an understanding of toxicology and its role in environmental and occupational injury and disease prevention, safety and risk assessment at the local, state, national, and global level.

Research & Career Opportunities

Undergraduate public health students are encouraged to participate in research ranging from laboratory studies to participatory community-based research with a focus on the culturally competent aspects of healthy community development including the social, economic, and educational components. This research provides entry-level student employment opportunities on a variety of specific public health projects while learning basic research skills including data collection, data entry, and technical report writing. Students are encouraged to ask their instructor about research openings. 

The carefully constructed curriculum facilitates greater job opportunities for those interested in Environmental and Occupational Health. Courses will help prepare students to work for a wide range of organizations.

Students will be prepared for employment with:

• Governmental agencies
• International multilateral organizations
• Health care Agencies and Hospitals
• For-profit organizations
• Not-for-profit organizations
• Humanitarian and international relief organizations 

Positions to consider include:

• Environmental Field Technician
• Field Ecologist
• Environmental Scientist
• Biological Scientist
• Environmental, Health and Safety Specialist
• Aquatic Specialist
• Quality Control Technician

Internships, with companies like Lonza and Catalent, can also extend your learning.

Now, more than ever, public health is important to our nation and our globe. As we continue to battle pandemics, such as COVID-19, chronic conditions, such as heart disease and Type 2 Diabetes, mental health challenges, such as substance abuse and suicide, and environmental degradation, public health professionals are prepared to protect human health and develop strategies to support a prepared and educated population. 

The goal of the Public Health Minor is to introduce students to the field of public health. Public health professionals seek to prevent disease and promote health and well-being among communities. This is important for human and environmental health. This minor provides students with a range of courses designed to understand important public health concepts such as epidemiology, health disparities, social determinants of health, and health policy. Students can tailor the minor by selecting a course that most interests them and prepares them for their future career aspirations. 

Career Opportunities

The carefully constructed curriculum facilitates greater job opportunities for those interested in Public Health. Courses will help prepare students to work for a wide range of employment opportunities with:

• Governmental agencies
• Health care Agencies and Hospitals
• For-profit organizations 
• Not-for-profit organizations 

Positions to consider include:

• Health Educator
• Contact Tracer
• Environmental Specialist
• Biostatistician

Global issues such as emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and healthcare-associated infections have emphasized the increasing importance of the field of infection control and prevention. The 2019/2020 SARS-CoV-2 (COVID) pandemic has underscored the need for infection control professionals to enter the field with a solid knowledge base and develop practical skills for immediate real-world applications.

The curriculum within the Infection Control minor is modeled after the national certification for the Associate – Infection Prevention and Control (a-IPC) exam administered by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC). This certification allows entry-level Infection Preventionists (IPs) to obtain national certification without prior work experience and is intended as a transition point to the full Certification in Infection Control (CIC).

In addition to preparing students for the a-IPC, the Infection Control minor is designed to expose students to a variety of infection control and prevention scenarios, challenges, and guidelines. During the program, students have the opportunity to develop a solid framework of knowledge regarding basic principles, theories, and approaches used in the practice of Infection Control and Prevention. The minor is intended for students who aim to become working IPs, but also aligns with various health science programs or students with related academic goals.

Students are encouraged to test for the a-IPC after fully completing all coursework required for the minor. Courses are offered throughout the academic year, with a variety of offerings of on-line, hybrid, and live, traditional classroom offerings. It is possible to complete the minor through all on-line offerings.

Career Opportunities

Individuals with the following academic/career goals will benefit from completion of the Infection Control minor:

• Healthcare facility or alternate care setting
• Local, state, or public health department
• Consultative, educational, and industry positions
• Governmental agency or academic/research institution;
• Graduate work, such as MPH in Infection Control or related field.