Environmental and Occupational Health

  "Building a better world, one graduate at a time."

Our profession is devoted to understanding the relationship between human health and the environment. Whether it is air pollution, water pollution, hazardous waste, unsafe food, or many other special environments (such as industrial settings), we look for practical actions that protect human health.

Five full-time faculty members, along with numerous affiliated and part-time faculty, presently teach in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH). The program emphasizes the study of the chemical, physical and biological factors that affect human health and environmental quality. The curriculum provides the basic knowledge and training required for professional careers in the field of community environmental health and industrial hygiene. The curriculum is also excellent preparation for a career in medicine, dentistry, or optometry.

With well over 200 majors, we are the largest accredited EOH program in the nation. These numbers are essential for addressing the unfolding workforce crisis in environmental and occupational health. In terms of total numbers, we are also the most diverse accredited EOH program in the nation. In a profession that values our ability to communicate with the public, diversity matters.

Of course, quantity is not quality. Our mission is to develop the very best EOH practitioners in the field. We pursue various lines of research, teaching, and service towards that end. Our graduates have earned doctoral and professional degrees all over the nation and, more importantly, attained leadership levels in virtually every area of our profession. We are fortunate to be located in a major academic center for EOH, and we value our many connections with other universities and related agencies.

The undergraduate program leads to a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental and Occupational Health preparing students for a variety of occupations including Environmental Health Specialist, consultant to governmental and industry, Industrial Hygienist, Safety Engineer, and Loss Control Representative.

The graduate program leads to a Master of Science Degree in Environmental and Occupational Health and provides additional expertise in protecting workers and communities from accidents and a variety of physical, chemical and biological agents. Advanced research skills and preparation for supervisory and administrative responsibilities are an integral part of the graduate program.

A Minor in Environmental and Occupational Health is available to CSUN undergraduates in other campus Departments. The minor may open many employment opportunities to students outside of our major.

Approvals and Accreditations

The Department of Environmental and Occupational Health:

• is in the highest approval category for registered environmental health specialists by the California Department of Public Health;
• is fully accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (both BS and MS degrees)

 https://www.nehspac.org/