Graduate programs in environmental health science emphasize the chemical, microbiological, physical, risk assessment, and policy aspects of environmental and occupational exposures and effects. Faculty members measure and model human and wildlife exposures to environmental and workplace contaminants; develop techniques and methods for collecting, analyzing, and assessing the effects of chemical, microbiological, and physical factors; and conduct risk evaluations of hazardous agents in water, soil, air, and food. Collaborative research is conducted with investigators throughout the United States and abroad.
The Ph.D. degree in environmental health is offered with the opportunity to specialize in multiple areas of environmental health science. Environmental health is a critical component of good public health implementation and policy and there is a critical need for workforce development in environmental health service and research, as identified by the WHO, CDC, and National Academies of Science. In addition to the national need for training in environmental health, in Georgia, we face a high proportion of environmental exposure issues related to chemicals, occupational hazards and food and waterborne pathogens in addition to a growing population vulnerable to such exposures (i.e., rural, elderly and those of low socioeconomic status).
Doctoral level scientists specifically trained in understanding and solving these issues are critical to improving public health and solving emerging problems. Faculty within the Department of Environmental Health Science have expertise in several fundamental and applied disciplines affording a diverse selection of courses and research programs. Courses in environmental air and water quality, risk assessment, industrial hygiene, toxicology, waste management, environmental epidemiology, and statistics provide in-depth training for employment in commercial concerns, government agencies and academic institutions. Research resources include facilities equipped to handle a wide range of chemical, molecular and genomic studies, toxicological bioassays, air or water quality assessments, microbiological and environmental issues.
Erin Lipp, Director of Graduate Studies elipp@uga.edu Graduate Program Administrator ehsgrad@uga.edu https://publichealth.uga.edu/degree/ms-phd-in-environmental-health/