At a Glance
Environmental health science is the study of how the natural and built environment affects human health. Careers in the field require at least a bachelor’s degree in a science discipline, with most research and specialist positions expecting a master’s degree or higher. Environmental scientists and specialists earned a median annual wage of $80,060 in May 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
When the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency declared a public health emergency at Love Canal in Niagara Falls, New York, in 1978, it followed years of work by researchers and residents documenting the connection between industrial chemical waste contamination and elevated rates of illness in the surrounding community. That kind of work, tracing environmental exposures back to their source and building the evidence base for public health action, represents what the field does at its core. Environmental health science sits at the intersection of toxicology, epidemiology, and public health, with a focus on understanding how environmental exposures affect health and how those effects can be prevented or reduced.
Today, the field is tackling air quality in urban heat islands, the health consequences of PFAS contamination in drinking water, climate-driven shifts in infectious disease patterns, and the long-term effects of wildfire smoke exposure. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, environmental scientists and specialists held about 90,300 jobs in 2024, with employment projected to grow 4 percent through 2034.
What Is Environmental Health Science?
Environmental health science examines how physical, chemical, and biological factors in the environment affect the health of individuals and communities. Researchers and practitioners in this field don’t just study pollution in the abstract. They investigate specific exposures, measure biological responses, and work with public health agencies to reduce harm.
The field draws from a wide range of scientific disciplines. A team investigating a contaminated aquifer might include a toxicologist studying how chemical compounds behave in the body, a biostatistician modeling exposure patterns across a population, an epidemiologist tracking health outcomes, and a policy analyst connecting findings to regulatory action. That breadth is both what makes the field complex and what makes it effective.
Current areas of active research documented by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and affiliated institutions include:
- The health effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water systems
- Air quality impacts on cardiovascular and respiratory health in urban populations
- Climate change-driven shifts in vector-borne disease distribution
- Wildfire smoke exposure and long-term lung function outcomes
- Environmental contributors to neurodevelopmental disorders in children
- Occupational chemical exposures in agricultural and industrial settings
Degree Programs in Environmental Health Science
Choosing the right degree depends on where you want to work and what kind of work you want to do. Environmental health science programs span four credential levels, each designed for different career outcomes.
| Degree |
Focus and Career Outcomes |
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Environmental Health or Environmental Science |
Field and lab work, regulatory compliance
Environmental health technician, health inspector, public health associate |
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Environmental Health Concentration |
Population health, policy, program management
Environmental health specialist, program coordinator, state agency director |
Master of Science (MS / MSPH)
Environmental Health Sciences |
Research methods, laboratory science, toxicology
Research scientist, biostatistician, epidemiologist, consulting scientist |
Doctoral (PhD or DrPH)
Environmental Health |
Original research, advanced specialization
Academic researcher, NIEHS scientist, federal agency lead, senior public health official |
Accreditation: What to Look For
For undergraduate programs in environmental health, look for accreditation from the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC). Many state and federal agency positions specifically require a degree from an EHAC-accredited program, so this credential matters at the hiring stage, not just at enrollment.
For graduate programs, accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) signals that the program meets national standards for public health education. CEPH-accredited MPH and MSPH programs are widely recognized by employers across the federal, state, and nonprofit sectors. If you’re pursuing a research-focused MS, it’s worth checking whether the program is housed in a CEPH-accredited school of public health, as that institutional affiliation can carry weight in some hiring contexts even if the specific degree isn’t CEPH-accredited directly.
Building a Career in Environmental Health Science
Career paths in environmental health science vary by setting and specialization. The steps below describe a common progression for research and specialist roles. Positions in field inspection and compliance can sometimes be entered with a bachelor’s degree alone, though requirements differ by employer and state.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in a Science Field
A bachelor’s degree in a natural science is the baseline requirement for entry into the field. Strong options include biology, chemistry, biochemistry, toxicology, environmental science, and statistics. A few programs offer a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health directly. These are typically EHAC-accredited and provide the most direct entry into field and regulatory positions. While completing your undergraduate degree, look for internship placements with local health departments, hospital systems, or state environmental agencies. Positions like program analyst roles at agencies such as the Los Angeles County Public Health Department typically require a bachelor’s plus two years of relevant experience at a minimum.
Step 2: Earn a Graduate Degree in Your Area of Focus
For many research and specialist positions, a graduate degree is expected. The degree type you pursue depends on your goals. An MPH with an environmental health concentration prepares you for program management, policy work, and population-level practice. Roles like Public Health Informatics Specialist with the Chicago Department of Public Health or Environmental Specialist with the Florida Department of Health are common outcomes. A Master of Science (MS) or Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) focuses on research methodology, lab science, and analytical techniques, and opens doors at federal research institutions, academic labs, and consulting firms. For an Epidemiologist Biostatistician position with the Houston Health Department, for example, a relevant master’s degree is a required qualification.
Step 3: Consider a Doctoral Degree for Research or Leadership Roles
Senior research positions and tenure-track academic appointments at institutions like the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) typically require a doctorate. A PhD or Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) allows you to specialize deeply in areas like environmental genomics, pediatric environmental health, or toxicokinetics. These are areas where specialized doctoral-level training positions you to contribute to emerging bodies of research. If research isn’t your primary goal, a DrPH may be more appropriate than a PhD, as it emphasizes applied leadership rather than bench science. You don’t need to decide this at the start of your master’s program. Your research interests and professional experience during graduate school will usually clarify which direction fits.
Professional Certifications
Certifications aren’t required to work in environmental health science, but they signal demonstrated competency and can differentiate candidates for competitive positions. Three credentials are widely recognized across the field:
- Registered Environmental Health Specialist / Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS): Administered through the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), this credential is relevant to environmental health practitioners working in inspection, compliance, and public health departments. Requirements vary by state but generally include a degree from an EHAC-accredited program and a written examination.
- Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH): Offered by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene, the CIH is the standard credential for occupational health and safety roles where chemical, physical, or biological workplace hazards are evaluated. It requires a qualifying degree, professional experience, and a written examination.
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP): Administered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, the CSP applies to environmental health and safety management roles in industrial, government, and consulting settings.
Career Paths and Work Settings
Environmental health science professionals work across a wide range of settings, from federal research institutes to municipal health departments to private consulting firms. The nature of the work shifts significantly depending on the setting.
At the federal level, the NIEHS funds and conducts research on how environmental exposures contribute to disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) runs environmental public health tracking programs that monitor exposure data across states. The EPA employs environmental scientists in regulatory, enforcement, and risk assessment roles. State and county health departments are the primary employers of environmental health practitioners in inspection and field roles. Food safety, water quality, hazardous materials response, and housing inspection all fall under this umbrella.
In academic and research settings, environmental health scientists design studies, publish findings, and train the next generation of public health professionals. Private consulting firms serve corporate clients, government agencies, and legal teams requiring environmental risk assessments, site remediation support, and regulatory compliance work.
Work environments include:
- Federal agencies: NIEHS, CDC, EPA, FDA
- State and local public health departments
- Academic research positions at universities and schools of public health
- Hospitals and health systems with environmental health programs
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
- Environmental consulting firms
- Nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups
- International organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), for qualified candidates pursuing global public health roles
Salary and Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, environmental scientists and specialists earned a median annual wage of $80,060 in May 2024. The top 10 percent in the occupation earned more than $134,000. Employment is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, with about 8,500 job openings per year on average. The BLS notes that many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, as well as from sustained public and regulatory interest in environmental issues.
| Occupation |
Median Annual Wage (May 2024) |
Projected Growth (2024–2034) |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists |
$80,060 |
4% |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians |
$49,490 |
4% |
Earnings vary substantially by sector, degree level, and geography. Federal government positions often offer competitive pay relative to state and local government roles at comparable experience levels, particularly through the federal General Schedule (GS) pay scale. Research and consulting positions at the senior level can exceed the median significantly, particularly in high-cost metro areas.
Professional Organizations and Resources
The following organizations support environmental health science professionals through standards development, credentialing, continuing education, and networking:
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree do you need for a career in environmental health science?
Most research and specialist positions require at a minimum a master’s degree, typically an MPH with an environmental health concentration or an MS in environmental health sciences. Field and inspection roles at state and local health departments can sometimes be entered with a bachelor’s degree plus relevant experience. Doctoral degrees are required for senior federal research positions and academic appointments.
Is EHAC accreditation important for environmental health degree programs?
Yes, particularly at the undergraduate level. Many state and federal government positions explicitly require a degree from a program accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC). For graduate programs, look for CEPH accreditation, which is the standard for public health education at the MPH and doctoral levels.
What’s the difference between an MPH and an MS in environmental health?
An MPH with an environmental health concentration prepares you for practice-oriented work: program management, policy, and population-level public health roles. An MS in environmental health sciences is research-focused, with deeper training in laboratory methods, toxicology, and analytical techniques. If you want to work in a public health agency or manage programs, an MPH is often a strong fit. If you’re aiming for research institutions or a doctoral path, an MS or MSPH is more aligned. The right choice depends on your career goals and the specific programs available to you.
What certifications are available in environmental health?
The most widely recognized credentials are the Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) through NEHA, the Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) through the American Board of Industrial Hygiene, and the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) through the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. Requirements and relevance vary by career focus. The REHS/RS is most applicable to public health inspection roles, while the CIH and CSP apply to occupational health and safety settings.
What is the job outlook for environmental health science careers?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 4 percent employment growth for environmental scientists and specialists from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 8,500 job openings per year on average. According to the BLS, demand is expected to be supported by public interest in environmental hazards and the continued need for professionals who can analyze environmental problems and develop solutions for communities’ health.
Key Takeaways
- Environmental health science connects environmental exposures to human health outcomes, drawing on toxicology, epidemiology, biostatistics, and public policy.
- A master’s degree, either an MPH with an environmental health concentration or an MS in environmental health sciences, is the standard qualification for most specialist and research positions.
- EHAC accreditation matters for undergraduate programs. CEPH accreditation is the benchmark for graduate programs at the MPH and doctoral levels.
- Environmental scientists and specialists earned a median annual wage of $80,060 in May 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with 4 percent employment growth projected through 2034.
- Federal agencies (NIEHS, CDC, EPA), state health departments, academic institutions, and private consulting firms are the primary employers in the field.
- Professional certifications, including the REHS/RS, CIH, and CSP, can strengthen your candidacy for competitive positions in inspection, occupational health, and safety management roles.
Ready to find degree programs in environmental health science? Browse accredited options by state and compare program formats that fit your goals. You can also explore the full range of public health careers to see how environmental health science fits into the broader field.
Find Environmental Health Programs Near You
Laura Bennett, MPH is a public health professional with over 12 years of experience in community health education and program coordination. She specializes in helping aspiring professionals explore flexible education pathways, including online and hybrid public health degree programs. Laura is passionate about making public health careers more accessible through practical, accredited training
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market figures for Environmental Scientists and Specialists and Environmental Science and Protection Technicians represent state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed May 2026.
