Graduate Catalog 2023-2024

Environmental and Occupational Health Science, Master of Science (0473)

Department website: https://www.wku.edu/publichealth


Program Coordinator

Edrisa Sanyang, edrisa.sanyang@wku.edu, (270) 745-3500

The graduate program in Environmental and Occupational Health Science is designed to provide graduate education for careers focused on the protection of human health and prevention of health hazards in occupational and natural environments.  A key component of the program is to understand how exposure to environmental and occupational hazards occurs, and discovering ways to reduce and control the risk of exposure.  This interdisciplinary field focuses on environmental hazards to human health, assessment of exposures, mechanisms of environmental response, control of risks associated with environmental hazards, and improving occupational health.  Program requirements will provide students a foundation of advanced studies that will increase their skills and knowledge for protecting human health and the environment.  This program is designed for working professionals and students desiring opportunities with industry, consulting firms, government agencies, and other environmental and occupational health science professions.

The Master of Science in Environmental and Occupational Health Science is accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC). The program is also designated as Qualified Academic Program by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). This provides graduates the opportunity to apply with BCSP for Graduate Safety Professional (GSP) designation. 

Joint Undergraduate Master's Program (JUMP)

This degree offers a Joint Undergraduate Master's Program (JUMP) which provides academically outstanding students the opportunity to complete both an undergraduate and graduate degree in an accelerated timeframe. Contact the graduate program coordinator for additional information.

Program Admission

In addition to Graduate School admission requirements, admission requires the equivalent of an undergraduate major in environmental health science and occupational health and safety including supporting courses in science and mathematics. Exceptions may be made for students with undergraduate degrees in other disciplines; however, additional courses may be required.

Admission may be granted to applicants who fulfill one of the following conditions: 1) Completion of the Occupational Safety and Health graduate certificate with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; OR 2) Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 or greater on a baccalaureate degree or equivalent international degree; OR 3) Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a degree higher than baccalaureate or equivalent international degree. 

Graduate School Admission

Please refer to the admission section of this catalog for Graduate School admission requirements.

Program Requirements (36 hours)

Required Courses
EOHS 502Health Promotion in the Workplace3
EOHS 550Principles of Occupational Safety and Health3
EOHS 560Environmental Management and Risk Assessment3
EOHS 570Industrial Hygiene3
EOHS 572Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology3
EOHS 577Environmental Toxicology3
PH 520Biostatistics for Public Health3
PH 584Principles of Environmental Health3
Electives
Select 6 hours (thesis option students) or 9 hours (applied practice experience option students) from the following: 16-9
EOHS Electives
Watershed Management and Science
Air Quality Management
Solid and Hazardous Wastes
Public Health Management of Disasters
Research Methods
Selected Topics/Independent Study
Applied Methods in Public Health Practice/Field Epidemiology
Epidemiology
Advanced Biostatistics
Advanced Epidemiology
Workplace Health Promotion Electives
Health Assessment in Workplace
Program Planning in Public Health Practice
Public Health Education and Communication Techniques
Health Behavior Theory
Culminating Experience
PH 599Thesis Research/Writing (6 hrs) 23-6
or EOHS 546 Environmental & Occupational Health Science Internship
or PH 530 Selected Topics/Independent Study
Total Hours36
1

Courses may be selected from the list above or from other disciplines, given that the course is pertinent to the program of study.  The graduate advisor must approve all elective courses.