Environmental Health: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Environmental Health is a multidisciplinary field dedicated to identifying, evaluating, and mitigating environmental factors that influence human health and ecological well-being. This program equips students with the scientific, analytical, and policy-based skills necessary to address complex public health challenges rooted in environmental exposure and systemic risk.
- Epidemiology – The study of disease patterns and health outcomes within populations to trace links between environmental exposures and public health impacts.
- Biostatistics – The application of statistical methods to analyze health data, enabling evidence-based conclusions in environmental health research and surveillance.
- Toxicology – The scientific investigation of how chemical, physical, and biological agents affect living organisms, with a focus on identifying health risks at various exposure levels.
- Public Policy Analysis – The evaluation of environmental health regulations and initiatives to assess their effectiveness, equity, and feasibility in real-world contexts.
- Public Management – The strategic coordination of resources, personnel, and operations within public health agencies to ensure efficient and responsive environmental health services.
- Risk Assessment – A systematic process for estimating the likelihood and severity of harm from environmental hazards, used to guide regulatory and preventive actions.
- Environmental Law – The body of legal principles governing environmental protection, compliance, enforcement, and liability related to health and safety standards.
- Occupational Health and Safety – The practice of safeguarding workers from hazards in the workplace, including chemical, physical, and biological exposures.
- Emergency Response – The development and execution of protocols to manage sudden environmental health threats, such as chemical spills or biological contamination events.
- Air Quality Management – The monitoring, regulation, and improvement of atmospheric conditions to reduce respiratory and systemic health risks.
- Food Protection – The implementation of safety standards and inspection practices to prevent contamination and ensure the integrity of the food supply chain.
- Radiation Protection – The application of principles and technologies to limit human exposure to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation in medical, industrial, and environmental settings.
- Waste Management – The responsible handling, treatment, and disposal of solid and hazardous waste to prevent environmental degradation and public health threats.
- Water Quality – The assessment and maintenance of safe, clean water supplies through monitoring, treatment, and regulatory compliance.
- Soil Quality – The evaluation of soil health to prevent contamination and ensure safe land use, particularly in agriculture and residential development.
- Noise Abatement – The reduction of excessive sound levels in urban and industrial environments to protect hearing and reduce stress-related health issues.
- Housing Quality – The evaluation of residential environments for hazards such as mold, lead, radon, and poor ventilation that impact occupant health.
- Environmental Control of Recreational Areas – The management of parks, beaches, and outdoor facilities to ensure they are safe, clean, and free from biological or chemical contamination.
Environmental Health Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Environmental Health Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Environmental Health degrees, including Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary, Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists and Epidemiologists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 642,290 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1071 | $105,620 | $51,760 - $239,200 | 229,720 | N/A |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists 19-1042 | $100,590 | $61,860 - $168,210 | 156,300 | $48.36 |
| Epidemiologists 19-1041 | $83,980 | $56,950 - $134,860 | 11,460 | $40.38 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists 19-5011 | $83,910 | $50,610 - $130,460 | 128,430 | $40.34 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health 19-2041 | $80,060 | $50,130 - $134,830 | 84,930 | $38.49 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Technicians 19-5012 | $58,440 | $40,550 - $94,670 | 31,450 | $28.10 |
Environmental Health Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $68,470 in Louisiana to $111,697 in District of Columbia—a 63% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Massachusetts, and Washington. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 642,290 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Environmental Health by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 78 institutions offering Environmental Health programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Environmental Health is found at Johns Hopkins University (JHU) (121 graduates), Washington University in St Louis (WashU) (93 graduates), Emory University (61 graduates), University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (59 graduates), and Columbia University in the City of New York (57 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,269 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johns Hopkins University (JHU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
121 | Baltimore, Maryland | Private | jhu.edu |
| Washington University in St Louis (WashU) |
Master's
|
93 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | wustl.edu |
| Emory University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
61 | Atlanta, Georgia | Private | emory.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
59 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| Columbia University in the City of New York |
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
57 | New York, New York | Private | columbia.edu |
| Cornell University |
Master's
|
55 | Ithaca, New York | Private | cornell.edu |
| California State University (CSUN) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
42 | Northridge, California | Public | csun.edu |
| University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) |
Master's
|
39 | Adelphi, Maryland | Public | umgc.edu |
| Ohio State University |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Other Award
|
36 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | osu.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMN) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
34 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Public | twin-cities.umn.edu |
| New York University (NYU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
27 | New York, New York | Private | nyu.edu |
| Tulane University of Louisiana |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
26 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Private | tulane.edu |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Bachelor's
|
26 | Chapel Hill, North Carolina | Public | unc.edu |
| George Washington University (GW) |
Master's
|
23 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | gwu.edu |
| University of Georgia (UGA) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (Research)
|
23 | Athens, Georgia | Public | uga.edu |
| Western Kentucky University (WKU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Other Award
|
21 | Bowling Green, Kentucky | Public | wku.edu |
| Oakland University (OU) |
Bachelor's
|
21 | Rochester Hills, Michigan | Public | oakland.edu |
| Boston University (BU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
20 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | bu.edu |
| University of California (UCLA) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
19 | Los Angeles, California | Public | ucla.edu |
| Harvard University |
Master's
|
19 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
| University of Michigan (U‑M) |
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
19 | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | umich.edu |
| Yale University |
Master's
|
18 | New Haven, Connecticut | Private | yale.edu |
| University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) |
Master's
|
17 | Springfield, Illinois | Public | uis.edu |
| Colorado State University (CSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
16 | Fort Collins, Colorado | Public | colostate.edu |
| East Carolina University (ECU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
16 | Greenville, North Carolina | Public | ecu.edu |
| University of Cincinnati (UC) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
16 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | uc.edu |
| The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
16 | Houston, Texas | Public | uth.edu |
| Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) |
Bachelor's
|
15 | Richmond, Kentucky | Public | eku.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Master's
|
15 | College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| University of Iowa |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
14 | Iowa City, Iowa | Public | uiowa.edu |
| Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
14 | Joplin, Missouri | Public | mssu.edu |
| New York Medical College (NYMC) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
14 | Valhalla, New York | Private | nymc.edu |
| Roane State Community College |
Associate's
|
14 | Harriman, Tennessee | Public | roanestate.edu |
| University of South Carolina (USC) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
13 | Columbia, South Carolina | Public | sc.edu |
| Connecticut State Community College (CT State) |
Other Award
|
12 | Hartford, Connecticut | Public | ctstate.edu |
| Western Carolina University (WCU) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Cullowhee, North Carolina | Public | wcu.edu |
| Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) |
Master's
|
11 | Portland, Oregon | Public | ohsu.edu |
| Portland State University (PSU) |
Master's
|
11 | Portland, Oregon | Public | pdx.edu |
| University of Pittsburgh |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
11 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | pitt.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU–I) |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Rexburg, Idaho | Private | byui.edu |
| West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCU) |
Bachelor's
|
10 | West Chester, Pennsylvania | Public | wcupa.edu |
| University of Puerto Rico (UPR‑MSC) |
Master's
|
10 | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Public | rcm.upr.edu |
| University of Florida (UF) |
Master's
|
9 | Gainesville, Florida | Public | ufl.edu |
| East Tennessee State University (ETSU) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Johnson City, Tennessee | Public | etsu.edu |
| University of California (UCI) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
7 | Irvine, California | Public | uci.edu |
| CUNY Graduate School and University Center |
Master's
|
7 | New York, New York | Public | gc.cuny.edu |
| University of Rochester |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Rochester, New York | Private | rochester.edu |
| Columbus State Community College (CSCC) |
Residency
|
7 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | cscc.edu |
| Virginia Union University (VUU) |
Master's
|
7 | Richmond, Virginia | Private | vuu.edu |
| California State University (CSUSB) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | San Bernardino, California | Public | csusb.edu |
| Drexel University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | drexel.edu |
| Fort Valley State University (FVSU) |
Master's
|
5 | Fort Valley, Georgia | Public | fvsu.edu |
| The University of Montana (UM) |
Postbac Cert.
|
5 | Missoula, Montana | Public | umt.edu |
| Ohio University (OHIO) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Athens, Ohio | Public | ohio.edu |
| Illinois State University (ISU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Normal, Illinois | Public | illinoisstate.edu |
| Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) |
Associate's
|
4 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | ivytech.edu |
| Indiana University (IUB) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Bloomington, Indiana | Public | indiana.edu |
| CUNY York College |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Jamaica, New York | Public | york.cuny.edu |
| East Central University (ECU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Ada, Oklahoma | Public | ecok.edu |
| Benedict College |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Columbia, South Carolina | Private | benedict.edu |
| Baylor University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
4 | Waco, Texas | Private | baylor.edu |
| Texas Southern University (TSU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Houston, Texas | Public | tsu.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Provo, Utah | Private | byu.edu |
| Marshall University |
Master's
|
4 | Huntington, West Virginia | Public | marshall.edu |
| University of Wisconsin (UWO) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Oshkosh, Wisconsin | Public | uwosh.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMCP) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | College Park, Maryland | Public | umd.edu |
| Alaska Pacific University |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Anchorage, Alaska | Private | alaskapacific.edu |
| University of California (UCSD) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | La Jolla, California | Public | ucsd.edu |
| Loyola University Chicago (LUC) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | luc.edu |
| Central Michigan University (CMU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Mount Pleasant, Michigan | Public | cmich.edu |
| Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) |
Master's
|
2 | Itta Bena, Mississippi | Public | mvsu.edu |
| Purdue University (PU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
2 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Amherst, Massachusetts | Public | umass.edu |
| Westminster College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Fulton, Missouri | Private | wcmo.edu |
| University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Omaha, Nebraska | Public | unmc.edu |
| University of Oklahoma (OUHSC) |
Master's
|
1 | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | Public | ouhsc.edu |
| Temple University |
Master's
|
1 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Public | temple.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Environmental Health programs
How much can I earn with a Environmental Health degree?
Salaries for Environmental Health graduates vary by role and location. Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $105,620 annually, while Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists earn around $100,590. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $111,697 compared to $68,470 in Louisiana. Approximately 642,290 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Environmental Health programs?
Currently 78 accredited institutions offer Environmental Health degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Johns Hopkins University (JHU) (121 graduates), Washington University in St Louis (WashU) (93 graduates), and Emory University (61 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Environmental Health growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 714 in 2010 to 1,269 in 2023-24. This represents a 78% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Environmental Health degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary, Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists, and Epidemiologists. Related occupations employ approximately 642,290 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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