Environmental Health Sciences Major, B.S.P.H.
The undergraduate major in environmental health sciences is designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the environmental factors that impact human health; the physical, chemical, and biological processes that underlie the impact of human activity on the environment and human health; methods used to assess the impact of human activity on the environment and human health; and science-based solutions for environmental problems. Students may choose to emphasize environmental chemistry, environmental health biology, or environmental physics by selecting those concentrations. Admission into the program requires satisfactory completion of coursework in basic sciences and mathematics. Recent graduates have entered graduate programs in environmental science, microbiology, marine science, applied mathematics, and environmental engineering. Students who pursued employment after completing the B.S.P.H. degree are working in environmental advocacy organizations, environmental consulting firms, industry, and investment banking firms.
Upon completion of the B.S.P.H. in environmental science and engineering, students should be able to:
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Define current major issues in environmental health, sciences, and engineering
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Provide quantitative answers to complex environmental questions and describe the potential underlying uncertainties
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Describe linkages between sources of environmental contaminants, ambient concentrations, human exposures, and possible solutions
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Describe the mechanistic basis for environmentally induced disease and methods for prevention
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Demonstrate written and oral communication skills in environmental health, sciences, and engineering within a public health context
- Communicate public health information, in both oral and written forms, through a variety of media and to diverse audiences
- Locate, use, evaluate, and synthesize public health information
- Describe health inequities, identify their root causes at multiple levels of the social ecological framework, and discuss approaches to advancing health equity
Prerequisite Courses Required for Admission
Applicants should have earned a grade of C or better in residence at UNC–Chapel Hill in at least one course per group in three of the following groups:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | ||
| BIOL 201 | Ecology and Evolution H | 4 |
| BIOL 202 | 
Molecular Biology and Genetics H, F | 4 |
| Group 2 | ||
| CHEM 102 & 102L |
General Descriptive Chemistry II and Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory II H, F | 4 |
| CHEM 261 | Introduction to Organic Chemistry I H | 3 |
| Group 3 | ||
| COMP 116 | Introduction to Scientific Programming | 3 |
or approved alternatives: | ||
| BIOL/MATH 553 | Mathematical and Computational Models in Biology | 3 |
| GEOG 597 | Ecological Modeling | 3 |
| Group 4 | ||
| MATH 231 |
Calculus of Functions of One Variable I H, F | 4 |
| MATH 232 |
Calculus of Functions of One Variable II H, F | 4 |
| MATH 233 |
Calculus of Functions of Several Variables H, F | 4 |
| Group 5 | ||
| PHYS 114 |
General Physics I: For Students of the Life Sciences F | 4 |
| PHYS 115 |
General Physics II: For Students of the Life Sciences F | 4 |
| PHYS 118 |
Introductory Calculus-based Mechanics and Relativity F | 4 |
| PHYS 119 |
Introductory Calculus-based Electromagnetism and Quanta F | 4 |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
| F | FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute. |
Admission
The undergraduate degree offered is the bachelor of science in public health (B.S.P.H.). Four majors are available to undergraduate students: biostatistics, environmental health sciences, health policy and management, and nutrition. Each of these combines features of a broad-based education with concentrated study in a specific public health discipline. The programs prepare individuals for preprofessional positions in health-related fields and provide a firm base for graduate study. Students are permitted to pursue two majors in the school if there are no course time conflicts and they are able to complete all requirements within their remaining time for degree completion. Students are subject to the requirements in place when they are admitted to the Gillings School of Global Public Health; consequently, requirements described in this catalog particularly apply to students admitted to the school during the 2022–2023 academic year.
Students who wish to obtain the B.S.P.H. degree typically spend two years in the General College of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (or in an equivalent core program of academic study elsewhere) and two subsequent years under the administration of the Gillings School of Global Public Health. Enrollment in the B.S.P.H. degree programs is limited. Typically a student is selected in the latter half of the sophomore year and admitted on a competitive basis for junior year entry to the major. The minimum recommended grade point average for admission to programs in biostatistics, environmental health sciences, health policy and management, and nutrition is 3.0.
For current UNC–Chapel Hill students, the initial step of B.S.P.H. application is available in ConnectCarolina under the "Apply for Majors Change" tab. For additional information on application deadlines and how to apply, please visit the Public Health Undergraduate Majors web page.
Transfer students interested in any of the public health undergraduate majors must apply through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions using the Transfer Common application.
For high school seniors, our four majors participate in the University Assured Enrollment Programs under EXCEL@Carolina. Assured enrollment programs guarantee students a spot in an undergraduate major within one of Carolina’s professional schools or a spot in an accelerated undergraduate/graduate program. Programs include unique opportunities such as early access to classes, individualized mentorship, and career connections. For additional information, please visit EXCEL@Carolina.
Requirements
In addition to the program requirements listed below, students must
- attain a final cumulative GPA of at least 2.0
- complete a minimum of 45 academic credit hours earned from UNC–Chapel Hill courses
- earn a C (not C-) or better in all prerequisite, core, and additional courses required for the major
- take at least half of their major course requirements (courses and credit hours) at UNC–Chapel Hill.
For more information, please consult the degree requirements section of the catalog.
The major in environmental health sciences includes several concentrations:
Requirements for All Concentrations
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| Public Health Core Courses: | ||
| BIOS 600 | Principles of Statistical Inference | 3 |
| EPID 600 | Principles of Epidemiology for Public Health | 3 |
| SPHG 351 | Foundations of Public Health | 3 |
| SPHG 352 | Public Health Systems and Solutions | 4 |
| Other Core Courses: | ||
| ENVR 205 | Engineering Tools for Environmental Problem Solving (spring) | 3 |
| ENVR 230 | Environmental Health Issues (fall) | 3 |
| ENVR 403 | Environmental Chemistry Processes (spring) | 3 |
| ENVR 430 | Health Effects of Environmental Agents (fall) | 3 |
| One of the following: | 3 | |
| Senior Capstone Course (to be taken in the senior year) | ||
| Undergraduate Practicum in Environmental Health Sciences (with approval) | ||
| Undergraduate Research | ||
| Honors Thesis (with approval) | ||
| Prerequisite and Additional Requirements † | ||
| BIOL 101 & 101L | Principles of Biology and Introductory Biology Laboratory H, F | 4 |
| BIOL 201 | Ecology and Evolution H | 4 |
| BIOL 202 | Molecular Biology and Genetics H, F | 4 |
| CHEM 101 & 101L | General Descriptive Chemistry I and Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory I F | 4 |
| CHEM 102 & 102L | General Descriptive Chemistry II and Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory II H, F | 4 |
| CHEM 261 | Introduction to Organic Chemistry I H | 3 |
| One of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Introduction to Scientific Programming | ||
| Mathematical and Computational Models in Biology | ||
| Ecological Modeling | ||
| MATH 231 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable I H, F | 4 |
| MATH 232 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable II H, F | 4 |
| PHYS 118 | Introductory Calculus-based Mechanics and Relativity 1,2, F | 4 |
| or PHYS 114 | General Physics I: For Students of the Life Sciences | |
| PHYS 119 | Introductory Calculus-based Electromagnetism and Quanta 1,2, F | 4 |
| or PHYS 115 | General Physics II: For Students of the Life Sciences | |
| Total Hours | 70-71 | |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
| F | FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute. |
- 1
Preferred.
- 2
PHYS 118 and PHYS 119 are required for the environmental chemistry concentration.
- †
Applicants should have earned a grade of C or better from UNC-Chapel Hill in at least one course per group in three of the five prerequisite course groups. See Admissions tab for details.
General Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Health Electives | ||
| All students should complete two advanced undergraduate or graduate level courses (400-level or above) that provide in-depth study of environmental health. Courses should be listed or cross-listed as ENVR courses. ENVR 400, ENVR 403, ENVR 430, ENVR 593, ENVR 600, ENVR 601, ENVR 695, ENVR 691H and ENVR 692H are excluded. | 6-8 | |
| Total Hours | 6-8 | |
Environmental Chemistry Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Health Electives | ||
| All students must complete two advanced (400-level or above) courses selected from: | 5-7 | |
| Aerosol Physics and Chemistry | ||
| Chemical Equilibria in Natural Waters | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Modeling | ||
| Global Climate Change: Science, Impacts, Solutions | ||
| Principles of Chemical Carcinogenesis | ||
| Air Pollution, Chemistry, and Physics | ||
| Additional Requirements | ||
| CHEM 481 | Physical Chemistry I | 3 |
| MATH 233 | Calculus of Functions of Several Variables H, F | 4 |
| MATH 383 | First Course in Differential Equations H | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15-17 | |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
| F | FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute. |
Environmental Health Biology Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Health Electives | ||
| All students must complete two advanced (400-level or above) courses selected from: | 6 | |
| Laboratory Techniques and Field Measurements | ||
| Ecological Microbiology | ||
| Environmental Health Microbiology | ||
| Industrial Toxicology | ||
| Introduction to Health Physics: Radiation and Radiation Protection | ||
| Occupational Safety and Ergonomics | ||
| Health Hazards of Industrial Operation | ||
| Biochemical Toxicology | ||
| Temporal GIS and Space/Time Geostatistics for the Environment and Public Health | ||
| Environmental Risk Assessment | ||
| Global Environmental Health Inequities | ||
| Systems Biology in Environmental Health | ||
| Environmental Exposure Assessment | ||
| Total Hours | 6 | |
Environmental Physics Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Health Electives | ||
| All students must complete two advanced (400-level or above) courses selected from the following list: | 6-7 | |
| Aerosol Physics and Chemistry | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Modeling | ||
| Groundwater Hydrology | ||
| Numerical Methods | ||
| Environmental Physics I | ||
| Quantitative Risk Assessment in Environmental Health Microbiology | ||
| Air Pollution, Chemistry, and Physics | ||
| Additional Requirements | ||
| MATH 233 | Calculus of Functions of Several Variables H, F | 4 |
| MATH 383 | First Course in Differential Equations H | 3 |
| Total Hours | 13-14 | |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
| F | FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute. |
Sample Plan of Study
Sample plans can be used as a guide to identify the courses required to complete the major and other requirements needed for degree completion within the expected eight semesters. The actual degree plan may differ depending on the course of study selected (second major, minor, etc.). Students should meet with their academic advisor to create a degree plan that is specific and unique to their interests. The sample plans represented in this catalog are intended for first-year students entering UNC–Chapel Hill in the fall term. Some courses may not be offered every term.
| First Year | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| First-Year Foundation Courses | ||
| IDST 101 | College Thriving | 1 |
| ENGL 105 or ENGL 105I | English Composition and Rhetoric or English Composition and Rhetoric (Interdisciplinary) | 3 |
| First-Year Seminar or First-Year Launch F | 3 | |
| Triple-I and Data Literacy | 4 | |
| Global Language through level 3 | varies | |
| Hours | 11 | |
| Fall Semester | ||
| MATH 231 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable I H, F | 4 |
| BIOL 101 & 101L | Principles of Biology and Introductory Biology Laboratory H, F | 4 |
| Hours | 8 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| CHEM 101 & 101L | General Descriptive Chemistry I and Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory I F | 4 |
| COMP 116 | Introduction to Scientific Programming | 3 |
| MATH 232 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable II H, F | 4 |
| Hours | 11 | |
| Sophomore Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| CHEM 102 & 102L | General Descriptive Chemistry II and Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory II H, F | 4 |
| BIOL 201 | Ecology and Evolution H | 4 |
| Hours | 8 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| BIOL 202 | Molecular Biology and Genetics H, F | 4 |
| CHEM 261 | Introduction to Organic Chemistry I H | 3 |
| Hours | 7 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| ENVR 230 | Environmental Health Issues | 3 |
| PHYS 118 | Introductory Calculus-based Mechanics and Relativity F | 4 |
| SPHG 351 | Foundations of Public Health | 3 |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| ENVR 403 | Environmental Chemistry Processes | 3 |
| SPHG 352 | Public Health Systems and Solutions (Public Health Systems & Solutions) | 4 |
| ENVR 205 | Engineering Tools for Environmental Problem Solving | 3 |
| PHYS 119 | Introductory Calculus-based Electromagnetism and Quanta F | 4 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| ENVR 430 | Health Effects of Environmental Agents | 3 |
| ENVR 468 | Temporal GIS and Space/Time Geostatistics for the Environment and Public Health | 3 |
| BIOS 600 | Principles of Statistical Inference | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| ENVR 575 | Global Climate Change: Science, Impacts, Solutions | 3 |
| ENVR 698 | Senior Capstone Course | 3 |
| EPID 600 | Principles of Epidemiology for Public Health | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 87 | |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
| F | FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute. |
Special Opportunities in Environmental Health Sciences
Accelerated Bachelor's-Master's Degree Program
The Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering offers an accelerated master's degree for students who have completed a B.S.P.H or any B.S. in a STEM field from UNC–Chapel Hill. An accelerated master's degree has the same overall credit requirements as a regular master's degree, but potentially allows a student to finish in a single year. The M.S. and M.S.P.H. degrees are research-focused; the M.P.H. is focused on coursework and public health practice. These degrees prepare students to work as researchers, program officers, or consultants in industry, government organizations, and the non-profit sector; many graduates have gone on to complete doctoral degrees at UNC–Chapel Hill or elsewhere.
Students interested in the accelerated degree program must have completed their B.S. or B.S.P.H. in the previous academic year. Students progressing to an M.S., M.P.H., and M.S.P.H can transfer up to twelve hours of graduate-level (400 or above) coursework. For the M.S. and M.S.P.H., it is strongly recommended that students have identified an advisor and made progress toward their master's research as early as possible, preferably by their senior year.
Honors in Environmental Health Sciences
Students who have a grade point average of 3.3 or higher are eligible to participate in honors research and to write an honors thesis.
Study Abroad
There are several opportunities for pursuing environmental study abroad, both through the department and through the UNC Study Abroad Office.
Undergraduate Research
Many undergraduate students participate in the research programs of the department. Students are encouraged to consult individual faculty members for opportunities to participate in such research. In addition, the department has information concerning fellowships and internships, some of which are combined with research opportunities in laboratories or field settings.
Department Programs
Major
Minor
Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering
160 Rosenau Hall, CB# 7431
(919) 966-3844
Chair
Barbara J. Turpin
