Environmental and Occupational Health Science Western Kentucky University

Overview

The Environmental and Occupational Health Science programme at Western Kentucky University provides a comprehensive education focused on identifying and controlling risks within the natural and occupational environment. This interdisciplinary course equips students with the advanced skills necessary to assess exposure mechanisms and implement effective safety strategies to protect public health.

The curriculum is specifically tailored for those seeking leadership roles in government agencies, environmental consulting firms, and industrial organisations. Students explore the complex relationship between human health and environmental factors, gaining a deep understanding of how to mitigate hazards through scientific research and practical application.

Why Environmental and Occupational Health Science at Western Kentucky University?

This programme holds prestigious accreditation from the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC), ensuring high academic standards. Furthermore, it is recognised as a Qualified Academic Program by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP), allowing graduates to apply for the Graduate Safety Professional (GSP) designation.

Academically outstanding students may benefit from the Joint Undergraduate Master's Program (JUMP). This accelerated pathway allows individuals to begin their M.Sc. studies while completing their bachelor's degree, enabling them to earn both qualifications in a significantly reduced timeframe while double-counting specific credit hours.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 17907 per year
• National fee: USD 16506 per year
• Local fee: USD 10926 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of core requirements and elective choices to suit professional goals. Modules may include:

• Health Promotion in the Workplace
• Occupational Safety and Health
• Environmental Management
• Industrial Hygiene
• Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology
• Environmental Toxicology
• Biostatistics for Public Health
• Environmental Health

Students can further specialise by selecting from various elective topics:

• 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
• Health Assessment in Workplace
• Program Planning in Public Health Practice
• Public Health Education and Communication Techniques
• Health Behavior Theory

Careers with Environmental and Occupational Health Science

Graduates are prepared for diverse professional roles dedicated to safety and environmental protection. Many find employment within industrial sectors, ensuring workplace compliance and worker safety, or join environmental consulting firms to manage ecological risks and sustainability projects.

The degree also opens doors to careers within government regulatory agencies and public health departments. With the GSP designation available to graduates, many pursue specialised safety roles, managing health hazards and developing protective policies for both private and public sector organisations globally.