Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health (BSEH)
Environmental and occupational health 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.
- Curriculum accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council
- Students are prepared to take on entry-level positions such as environmental health specialists, industrial hygienists, and occupational safety specialists. See brochure
- Gain practical experience while interning with community. Learn more about Environmental health student internships and experiences.
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.
This program is taught by environmental health 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 setting, shipyards, wastewater sites, and various other settings.
This program will prepare students for entry level position in environmental health, occupational safety and health, and industrial hygiene. Students leave ODU with practical knowledge from internships, and a basic educational backgrounds in all related topics. They are prepared to use their relevant coursework as a foundation to gain experience and competence in their new jobs. Those already in the field walk away with additional, current professional information to better prepare them for certification exams and job success.
- Environmental Health Specialist
- Industrial Hygienist
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
Program Requirements
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.
Graduation Requirements
Requirements for graduation include a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 overall and in the major, a minimum of 121 credit hours, which must include both a minimum of 30 credit hours overall and 12 credit hours in upper-level courses in the major program for Old Dominion University, completion of ENGL 110C and ENGL 211C, 221C or 231C, and the writing intensive (W) course in the major with a grade of C or better, and completion of Senior Assessment.