The degree in Environmental Health provides career preparation for positions in the environmental and occupational health fields, which is the evaluation and management of factors that impact the environmental health of the community and the safety and health of people in the workplace. The students will be indoctrinated into all of the various programs and topics that comprise industrial hygiene, occupational safety, and environmental health. Each program area provides course work in the regulations, work and community exposures, health hazards, and controls. Course materials cover all current general industry practices including measurement, evaluations, inspections, and how to determine risks and health impacts.
Program Highlights
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Curriculum accredited by the National Environmental Science & Protection Accreditation Council
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Students are prepared to take on entry-level positions such as environmental health specialists, industrial hygienists, and occupational safety specialists. See brochure
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Students gain practical experience while interning with community. Learn more about Environmental health student internships and experiences.
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This program is taught by environmental health professionals, Certified Safety Professionals, and Certified Industrial Hygienists with extensive, practical field experience. Students are provided scenario-based exams and exercises to foster critical thinking and problem solving. The program also involves an internship to provide hands-on experience at health departments, industrial plants, shipyards, wastewater sites, and various other settings.
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
Review, evaluate, and analyze work environments and design programs and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury caused by chemical, physical, and biological agents or ergonomic factors. May conduct inspections and enforce adherence to laws and regulations governing the health and safety of individuals. May be employed in the public or private sector. Includes environmental protection officers.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or the health of the population. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.
Industrial Safety and Health Engineers
Plan, implement, and coordinate safety programs, requiring application of engineering principles and technology, to prevent or correct unsafe environmental working conditions.
Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists
Design objects, facilities, and environments to optimize human well-being and overall system performance, applying theory, principles, and data regarding the relationship between humans and respective technology. Investigate and analyze characteristics of human behavior and performance as it relates to the use of technology.
Alumni Careers
Requirements
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Students must complete the following courses prior to entering the Environmental Health Program: ENGL 110C, ENGL 231C, BIOL 121N/122N, BIOL 123N/124N, BIOL 103, BIOL 250 or 240, CHEM 121N/122N, CHEM 123N/124N, CHEM 211, CHEM 212, PHYS 111N, COMM 101R, MATH 162M and STAT 130M. NOTE: Option D satisfies the Upper Division General Education requirement by completing six (6) credits at the 300-400 level outside of the college of your major. Foreign language may be satisfied with 3 years of 1 or 2 years of 2 languages in high school; graduation from HS prior to 12/31/85, or with AA or AS Degree from VCCS.
Transfer
At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...
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Cost
Estimated rates for the 2024-25 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Ways to Save
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial Aid.
Scholarships
The BSEH program has two ODU scholarships available to students and numerous other scholarship opportunities with professional organizations. The ODU Marton Technologies and the AuClair Scholarships each award at least $1000 annually.
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