About the Department
Furthering the Field of Environmental Health Sciences
Environmental health sciences examines how interactions between people and their environments affect both human and ecological health. Our field focuses on the adverse effects of environmental conditions or contamination on human health and the impacts of human activities on the environment. Our goal is to better understand these relationships and develop solutions that reduce harmful exposures, prevent disease and strengthen communities.
Because environmental health challenges are complex, students draw from a range of
scientific and professional disciplines, including biology, chemistry, geography,
physics, engineering, public health and medicine. Graduate students may pursue one
of two broad areas of emphasis: environmental health or human health.
Training the Next Generation
A graduate degree in environmental health sciences prepares you for careers protecting human health and the environment. Our graduates work in federal, state and local regulatory agencies, national research laboratories, universities, private industry and environmental consulting firms as scientists, toxicologists, microbiologists, specialists & officers, as well as university professors.
USC has been a place where I not only developed as a researcher but also as a professional ready to contribute to the field of public health. I believe that integrating scientific research with real-world applications is essential for addressing today’s complex environmental and public health challenges and for creating meaningful, sustainable impact.
Explore our Degree Programs
- MPH in Environmental Health Sciences
- M.S. in Environmental Health Sciences
- Ph.D. in Environmental Health Sciences
- Disasters and Climate-Ready Public Health
