MPH in Global Environmental Health

Students in Rollins’ Global Environmental Health (GEH) master of public health (MPH) program study environmental issues and disparities that impact health across the world, particularly in low-income settings. The goal of this program is to learn approaches to simultaneously alleviate poverty and enhance environmental protection while promoting sustainable development. Students have opportunities to collaborate with global community partners, engage in dynamic research both in the field and in the lab, and work alongside world-renowned faculty whose expertise in climate change, infectious disease, and WASH has been positively influencing the field of global environmental health for decades. Many students choose to pursue a Graduate Certificate in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (or other certificate programs) along with their MPH. The GEH MPH program is jointly offered by the Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health and the Hubert Department of Global Health and is administered by the Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health.

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Critical Skills Gained

  • Demography
  • Epidemiology
  • Biostatistics
  • Ecology
  • Toxicology
  • Geographic Information Systems
  • Research design and proposal development
  • Planning, design, monitoring, and evaluation

Job Opportunities

  • Global Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
  • US Peace Corps
  • Industry
  • Federal Environmental Health Agencies
  • Consulting Firms
  • Non-Profits
  • Universities

Learn from global experts in such areas as:

  • Water, sanitation, and hygiene including Dr. Christine Moe, Dr. Matt Freeman, Dr. Juan Leon, and Dr. Tom Clasen at The Center for Global Safe Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene 
  • Energy, transportation, and health including Dr. Jeremy Sarnat, Dr. Yang Liu, and Dr. Eri Saikawa
  • The health effects of global climate change including Dr. Stefanie Ebelt and Dr. Noah Scovronick
  • Environmental drivers of infectious disease including Dr. Uriel Kitron, Dr. Tom Gillespie, and Dr. Gonzalo Vazquez-Prokopec
  • Pesticides, industrial contaminants, and health including Dr. Dana Barr, Dr. Barry Ryan, and Dr. Kyle Steenland

Admissions

The full-time program is designed to take two years to complete; part-time can take up to five years, depending on the number of credits taken each semester. The Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health requires that all students complete both a college-level biology and chemisty course prior to matriculation. For more information on prerequisites, GRE requirements, funding resources and more, please visit our FAQ page. 

Visit RSPH Admissions for application guidance.

Admission Requirements

  • SOPHAS Application
  • College Transcripts
  • Two Letters of Recommendation
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume

Helpful Links

Department Requirements

DegreeCoursework Requirements GRE Scores
MPH At least one semester of college-level biology and chemistry required. See FAQs for details about these requirements.

Statistics, calculus, and organic chemistry also preferred

 The submission of GRE scores are optional for all candidates applying to MPH programs for fall 2024 admission. GRE scores are waived for applicants with a PhD from a U.S. institution.

MPH Degree Requirements

  • 42 Credit hours, including:
    • 12 Credits of core coursework
    • 18 Credits of required program courses (including 4 credits of Integrated Learning Experience (ILE))
    • 6 Credits of GH methods "selectives" (see list on curriculum)
    • 6 Credits of electives (more are optional)
  • 200 hours working in an Applied Practice Experience (APE)

Applied Practice Experience (APE)

An Applied Practice Experience (APE) is a unique opportunity for graduate students to integrate and apply practical skills and training learned through course work and prior experiences in a professional public health environment. All RSPH graduate students are required to complete an APE of at least 200 work hours in a public health agency, institution, or community under the supervision of site supervisor and the guidance of the Department. Although there are no credits associated with the APE requirement, the completion of the requirement is noted on the student’s transcript.

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Integrative Learning Experience

In addition to the Applied Practice Experience, students are required to complete an integrative learning experience (ILE) project that demonstrates knowledge and skills gained in the MPH program. An integrative learning experience calls for students to integrate and apply the competencies they developed during the course of their study, practicum, and/or related field experiences. Some examples of what ILEs can be include conducting original research, analyzing data, interpreting study results, program evaluation, needs assessments, proposal writing and outreach work with community partners.

To help guide the ILE process, students enroll in EH 591 and EH 592 the fall and spring of year two, respectively. All students are required to formally present their projects prior to graduation. For examples of past ILEs organized by general topic, please visit our Interest Area pages.

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Catalog & Schedules

RSPH Catalog

Academic Calendar

Enrollment Services & Course Schedules

 

Other Useful Info

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