50 Careers for 50 Years: Shea McCarthy
Research experience as a public health undergrad convinced Shea McCarthy to pursue an M.S. in Environmental Health Sciences. Now she's the Nonpoint Source Coordinator for the state.
Career opportunities for ENHS exist in federal, state and local environmental regulatory agencies, national research laboratories, industries, environmental consulting companies and universities. Jobs in the field include research scientist, industrial hygienist, water quality specialist, health and safety officer, ecotoxicologist, molecular toxicologist, environmental microbiologist, community engagement and environmental justice scientist, nanomaterial scientist, air pollutions scientist, health physicist and professor.
ENHS examines the causes and effects of interactions between humans and their environment.
Our goal is to understand and minimize impacts on human health and the environment.
To explore these complex interactions, numerous elements of pure and applied sciences,
including biology, chemistry, geography, physics, engineering, public health and medicine,
are required. Two broad areas of emphasis are available to students entering the department’s
graduate programs: environmental health and human health.
ENHS holds at least 20 nationally competitive grants from a variety of our field's esteemed professional organizations. Our graduate students receive financial support from these grants via Graduate Research Assistantships. In addition, ENHS graduate students are routinely recipients of nationally competitive research fellowships.
Degrees Offered
We offer four advanced degrees in environmental health sciences. Find the degree option that works best for you then explore the application deadlines and requirements for each degree.
- Master of Public Health in Environmental Health Sciences (MPH)
- Master of Science in Environmental Health Sciences (MS)
- Ph.D. in Environmental Health Sciences
- Ph.D. in Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences (combination degree)
- Certificate of Graduate Study in Environmental Nanoscience and Risk
Environmental Health Sciences News
Prisma Health Research Seed Grants provide pathways to improve health in the state
Five projects supported by Prisma Health Research Seed Grants will be led by Arnold School researchers in 2025. Marta Bornstein (HPEB), Devin Bowes (ENHS)), Brian Chen (HSPM), Melissa Nolan (Epidemiology), and Elizabeth Regan (EXSC) each received up to $20,000.
Arnold School alum leads policy implementation to grow U.S. bioeconomy
Ph.D. in Environmental Health Sciences ('06) alumna Sarah Glaven currently serves as the Principal Assistant Director for Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing with the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
After Burn
USC features the work of environmental health sciences professor and nanoscience expert Mohammed Baalousha, whose research into the aftermath of fires is timely given the wildfires that plague the U.S.
Staff Spotlight: Tiffony Burnes
Last fall, Tiffony Burnes joined the Department of Environmental Health Sciences. As an administrative assistant, she oversees travel processing, helps with student hiring, and provides scheduling and other support.
Katya Altman selected as Sea Grant John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellow
In February, the Ph.D. in Environmental Health Sciences alumna began a one-year John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Sea Grant College Program.