Environmental health and safety program details
An environmental health and safety (EH&S) specialist is a professional who protects human health and the environment by overseeing compliance with local, state, and federal environmental health and safety regulations. This interdisciplinary program prepares you for a variety of careers in areas related to Environmental Public Health, Environmental Protection, and Occupational Health and Safety. Responsibilities of an EH&S specialist include:
- Developing written programs and training to comply with regulations.
- Conducting inspections to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Collecting and analyzing air, water, or soil samples for environmental hazards.
- Investigating EH&S concerns.
The EH&S major is accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC). Only students enrolled in accredited programs are eligible for National Environmental Health Association and federal EH&S scholarships and internships. Graduating from an accredited program ensures the specific standards needed to become a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) and is essential for employment in federal agencies including the U.S. Public Health Service. If you are interested om the EH&S major, you should meet with the Environmental Health and Safety Program Director, Dr. Rebecca Uzarski, as early as possible to assist with your course scheduling and discuss career opportunities.