Students with a strong backgorund in the biological sciences who are interested in laboratory research or environmental regulation and policy are encouraged to enter this field. The curriculum emphasizes the basic biological sciences, including physiology, biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, toxicology and environmental health.

Degree Options

This program offers M.P.H. (Master of Public Health), M.S. (Master of Science), and Ph.D. degrees. Students selecting the M.P.H. degree are admitted to the School of Public Health's environmental health major. Students who select the M.S. degree are admitted to the Graduate School's environmental health program. The M.P.H. and M.S. options have similar curricula and requirements. Students selecting the M.P.H. option often take additional course work in management and behavioral sciences, and students selecting the M.S. option emphasize laboratory research.

M.S. Curriculum

MPH Curriculum

The primary objective of the Ph.D. program is to bring students to a high level of academic achievement through a combination of advanced course work and research. Students develop their dissertation topics from a funded research project. The thesis must make an original contribution to the body of knowledge in environmental or occupational health. Prospective doctoral students must have fulfilled the requirements of the master's program in environmental health, or the equivalent, before admission to the program, or take additional courses to meet that level of knowledge once admitted. A doctoral training program, Molecular Basis of Risk Assessment, is available for eligible students.

Ph.D. Curriculum

Career Opportunities

Students completing a master's degree often pursue careers in local and state health departments; other state agencies (including the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency); poison control centers; environmental consulting firms; or in corporations. Students graduating from the doctoral program are prepared for research careers in academia, government, or industry.

Financial Assistance

Students are eligible to apply for graduate assistantships through funded research projects. An assistantship provides tuition reimbursement and salary support. Students may also apply for several competitive scholarships available within the division. Doctoral students are supported as research assistants by the doctoral research project. More information about financial assistance.

Admission

Applications are reviewed for admission throughout the year. To insure admission priority and consideration for financial assistance, students should submit applications before April 15. Minimum requirements include a baccalaureate degree in the biological sciences, chemistry, or a related field; one year or equivalent each of general college chemistry, organic chemistry, college physics, college biology, and math through calculus. Previous course work in biochemistry is highly recommended. Final admission is based on the review of the applicant's total file and the availability of space within the program. Admission to the Ph.D. program requires the availability of a research project to support the student's research. Doctoral applicants are expected to substantially exceed the minimum requirements. More information about admission

Lisa A. Peterson, Ph.D, Associate Professor (xenobiotic metabolism characterization of unstable metabolic intermediates, epigenetic and genotoxic mechanisms of carcinogenesis through the utilization of bio-organic and analytical chemical techniques, DNA repair)

William A. Toscano, Jr., Ph.D., Professor (molecular basis by which chemicals modulate signal-transduction pathways in human cells)

Elizabeth V. Wattenberg, Ph.D., Associate Professor (toxicology and molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis, xenobiotic metabolism, genetic toxicology, tumor and cell biology, risk assessment)

Affiliated Faculty

Kuman Girdharidas Belani, MBBS, MS, FACA, FAAP, Adjunct Professor, Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Minnesota*

Hillary M. Carpenter III, Ph.D., Adjunct Assistant Professor; Environmental Toxicologist, Division of Environmental Health, Minnesota Department of Health (role of metabolism in activation of drugs and environmental contaminants to reactive or toxic compounds, biochemical adaptation to xenobiotics, biochemical metabolism and toxicology, wetlands in the control of non-point source pollution)

Susan Aldritt Fleming, Ph.D., Adjunct Assistant Professor, Project Leader, Human Biology, Science Museum of Minnesota*

Jordan L. Holtzman, M.D., Ph.D., Professor, Department of Medicine; Chief, Clinical Pharmacology, Veterans Administration Medical Center

Louise W. Liao, Ph.D., Adjunct Assistant Professor; Environmental Laboratory Manager, Public Health Laboratory Division, Minnesota Department of Health

Rita Messing, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology; Supervisor, Site Assessment and Consultation Unit, Minnesota Department of Health (neurotoxicology, biomarkers of exposure and effect, risk assessment)

Chisato Mori, MD, DMedSc, PhD, Adjunct Professor; Professor, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine; and Professor, Department of Bioenvironmental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Japan (cmori@faculty.chiba-u.jp)

Robert R. Roy, Ph.D., DABT, Adjunct Assistant Professor; Toxicology Specialist,3M Toxicology Services/3M Medical Department (risk assessment and safety evaluation of consumer and industrial chemicals and products, regulatory toxicology, alternative toxicological methods, toxicology of pesticides and occupational chemicals, xenobiotic metabolism, reproductive and developmental toxicology)

Sheldon Sparber, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Pharmacology (neurotoxicology, developmental psychopharmacology, behavioral toxicology and teratology)