Andi Jilling leads USDA-funded projects to protect America's soil health
The environmental health sciences assistant professor is focused on identifying threats to healthy soil and protecting it on behalf of farms and consumers across the country.
Career opportunities for ENHS exist in federal, state and local environmental regulatory agencies, national research laboratories, industries, environmental consulting companies and universities. Jobs in the field include research scientist, industrial hygienist, water quality specialist, health and safety officer, ecotoxicologist, molecular toxicologist, environmental microbiologist, community engagement and environmental justice scientist, nanomaterial scientist, air pollutions scientist, health physicist and professor.
ENHS examines the causes and effects of interactions between humans and their environment.
Our goal is to understand and minimize impacts on human health and the environment.
To explore these complex interactions, numerous elements of pure and applied sciences,
including biology, chemistry, geography, physics, engineering, public health and medicine,
are required. Two broad areas of emphasis are available to students entering the department’s
graduate programs: environmental health and human health.
ENHS holds at least 20 nationally competitive grants from a variety of our field's esteemed professional organizations. Our graduate students receive financial support from these grants via Graduate Research Assistantships. In addition, ENHS graduate students are routinely recipients of nationally competitive research fellowships.
Degrees Offered
We offer four advanced degrees in environmental health sciences. Find the degree option that works best for you then explore the application deadlines and requirements for each degree.
- Master of Public Health in Environmental Health Sciences (MPH)
- Master of Science in Environmental Health Sciences (MS)
- Ph.D. in Environmental Health Sciences
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Certificate of Graduate Study in Disasters and Climate-Ready Public Health (DCRPH)
- Certificate of Graduate Study in Environmental Nanoscience and Risk
Environmental Health Sciences News
Arnold School launches new leadership program, announces inaugural faculty cohort
When long-time health promotion, education, and behavior professor Daniela Friedman officially took on the Arnold School's Associate Dean for Research position in 2025, the role came with an extended title and a pioneering charge rarely seen in academic units.
2025-2026 SPARC Graduate Research Grants awarded to 10 Arnold School graduate students
Ten of the 41 2025-2026 Support to Promote Advancement of Research and Creativity (SPARC) Graduate Research Grants from the USC Office of the Vice President for Research have been awarded to Arnold School graduate students.
Sunscreen produces persistent free radicals when exposed to light, a recent study finds
New research from the Department of Environmental Health Sciences explores how common sunscreen ingredients behave under light exposure. Led by associate professor Eric Vejerano, the team tested seven commercially available sunscreens.
Measles outbreak surveillance confirms utility of wastewater-based epidemiology for monitoring infectious disease surges
New research led by environmental health sciences assistant professor Laura Langan has provided further support for the effectiveness of wastewater-based epidemiology.
50 Careers for 50 Years: Myra Reece
Myra Reece says that she uses her graduate degree every day – applying course concepts and critical thinking to solve the every day challenges faced by communities in South Carolina.