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Environmental Health (B.S.E.H.)

The degree in Environmental Health provides career preparation for positions in the environmental and occupational health fields, which is the evaluation and management of factors that impact the environmental health of the community and the safety and health of people in the workplace. The students will be indoctrinated into all of the various programs and topics that comprise industrial hygiene, occupational safety, and environmental health. Each program area provides course work in the regulations, work and community exposures, health hazards, and controls. Course materials cover all current general industry practices including measurement, evaluations, inspections, and how to determine risks and health impacts.

Environmental Health (B.S.E.H.)


Description


What is Environmental Health at ODU like?

The degree in Environmental Health provides career preparation for positions in the environmental and occupational health fields, which is the evaluation and management of factors that impact the environmental health of the community and the safety and health of people in the workplace. The students will be indoctrinated into all of the various programs and topics that comprise industrial hygiene, occupational safety, and environmental health. Each program area provides course work in the regulations, work and community exposures, health hazards, and controls. Course materials cover all current general industry practices including measurement, evaluations, inspections, and how to determine risks and health impacts.

Program Highlights


What makes Environmental Health at ODU unique?

  • Curriculum accredited by the National Environmental Science & Protection Accreditation Council

  • Students are prepared to take on entry-level positions such as environmental health specialists, industrial hygienists, and occupational safety specialists. See brochure

  • Students gain practical experience while interning with community. Learn more about Environmental health student internships and experiences.

  • This program is taught by environmental health professionals, Certified Safety Professionals, and Certified Industrial Hygienists with extensive, practical field experience. Students are provided scenario-based exams and exercises to foster critical thinking and problem solving. The program also involves an internship to provide hands-on experience at health departments, industrial plants, shipyards, wastewater sites, and various other settings.

Careers


What are some careers in this field?

Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

$73,600

MEDIAN SALARY


Review, evaluate, and analyze work environments and design programs and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury caused by chemical, physical, and biological agents or ergonomic factors. May conduct inspections and enforce adherence to laws and regulations governing the health and safety of individuals. May be employed in the public or private sector. Includes environmental protection officers.

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

$76,220

MEDIAN SALARY


Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or the health of the population. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.

Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists

$90,340

MEDIAN SALARY


Design objects, facilities, and environments to optimize human well-being and overall system performance, applying theory, principles, and data regarding the relationship between humans and respective technology. Investigate and analyze characteristics of human behavior and performance as it relates to the use of technology.

Industrial Safety and Health Engineers

$92,190

MEDIAN SALARY


Plan, implement, and coordinate safety programs, requiring application of engineering principles and technology, to prevent or correct unsafe environmental working conditions.

Employers


Graduates from this major have gone to work at

Federal Agencies, Health Departments, Industrial Plants & Factories, and Construction Sites

Courses


What are some courses offered in Environmental Health at ODU?

ENVH 301:
Principles of Environmental Health Science


An introduction to the chemical, physical and biological factors affecting human health and well-being. The emphasis is on application of controls to prevent disease and maximize environmental quality. Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in ENGL 110C.

ENVH 406:
Principles of Occupational Safety and Health


A broad overview of the field of safety. A study of the factors influencing the occurrence of accidents and incidents is set in the context of safety legislation, current issues in the practice of safety and the ethical and professional responsibilities of the safety practitioner. The course also includes discussions of product safety, fire prevention and protection systems safety and human elements in loss prevention. Prerequisites: junior standing.

ENVH 441:
Industrial Hygiene


An in-depth study of the chemical and physical agents responsible for occupational illness and the methods used for their measurement, evaluation and control. Prerequisite: CHEM 121N, CHEM 123N, CHEM 211, BIOL 240 or BIOL 250, or permission of instructor.

Requirements


What are the requirements to apply for Environmental Health at ODU?

Students entering the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health program in Environmental Health should meet the minimum university admission requirements (Undergraduate Admission)

  • Students must complete the following courses prior to entering the Environmental Health Program: ENGL 110C, ENGL 231C, BIOL 121N/122N, BIOL 123N/124N, BIOL 103, BIOL 250 or 240, CHEM 121N/122N, CHEM 123N/124N, CHEM 211, CHEM 212, PHYS 111N, COMM 101R, MATH 162M and STAT 130M.

    NOTE: Option D satisfies the Upper Division General Education requirement by completing six (6) credits at the 300-400 level outside of the college of your major. Foreign language may be satisfied with 3 years of 1 or 2 years of 2 languages in high school; graduation from HS prior to 12/31/85, or with AA or AS Degree from VCCS.

Cost

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates for the 2022-23 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Virginia Resident


Per Credit:

$ 374

Non-Resident


Per Credit:

$ 1,039

Active Duty Military Rate


Per Credit:

$ 250

Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States


Per Credit:

$ 407

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid

Scholarships


The BSEH program has two ODU scholarships available to students and numerous other scholarship opportunities with professional organizations.  The ODU Marton Technologies and the AuClair Scholarships each award at least $1000 annually. 

Next Steps


I like this program. What are the next steps?

Contact


Need help applying?

Meet Your Enrollment Team

Our enrollment coordinators are ready to help you through the admissions process.

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PROFESSOR


Name:

Dr. Anna Jeng ScD


Location:

3122 HEALTH SCIENCES BLDG, NORFOLK, VA, 23529



Office:

757-683-4594


Undergraduate Admissions


Location:

1004 Rollins Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529


Phone Office:

757-683-3685


Fax:

757-683-3255


Email:

admissions@odu.edu


International Admissions


Location:

2101 Dragas Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529


Phone Office:

757-683-3701


Fax:

757-683-3651


Email:

intladm@odu.edu

Transfer


I like this program and want to transfer. What are my next steps?

At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful transition, engagement, and academic achievement of transfer students. The services and programs offered to you as a Monarch are endless so take advantage of every opportunity. Even before you set foot on campus, we encourage you to Explore, Experience, and Engage! Visit our Transfer Students page for more information.

Additional Programs


Are there other programs at ODU I may be interested in?

With over 120 undergraduate programs, 130 graduate programs at the master'seducation specialist and doctoral levels plus a wealth of certificate and professional development programs, Old Dominion University has the program for you. Visit our academic program listing page to see other programs ODU has to offer.

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