Graduate Bulletin

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES

Applicants to either the M.S. or Ph.D. program are expected to hold a baccalaureate with a combined total of at least 42 credits in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics. A minimum of 18 credits in one of these areas is required, with at least 6 credits in each of the other areas. Applicants are required to submit official scores of the Graduate Record Examination aptitude test and an advanced test in chemistry, biology, or physics.

Programs Leading to the Master of Science (M.S.) Degree

A minimum of 36 graduate credits is required for the M.S. degree. Specializations are available in environmental chemistry, toxicology, and environmental and occupational health.

Program of Study and Research for the MS

Environmental Chemistry Specialization- 36 Credits
1. Core Courses* (14 credits)
Eht 520 Principles of Env. Chemistry (3)
Eht 525 Analytical Chemistry (3)
Eht 540 Radiation Science (3)
Sta 552 Statistics (3)
Eht 790 Seminar (1)
Eht 675 Responsible Conduct of Science (1)
2. Support Courses as approved by advisor (6 credits minimum)
3. Eht 699 Thesis (16 credits minimum)
4. Satisfactory completion of the master's major field examination

Toxicology Specialization - 36 credits
1. Core Courses* (14 credits)
Eht 530 Principles of Toxicology (3)
Bms 504a & 504b Biochemistry (6)
Sta 552 Statistics (3)
Eht 790 Seminar (1)
Eht 675 Responsible Conduct of Science (1)
2. Support Courses as approved by advisor (6 credits minimum)
3. Eht 699 Thesis (16 credits minimum)
4. Satisfactory completion of the master's major field examination

Environmental and Occupational Health Specialization - 36 Credits
1. Core Courses* (14 credits)
Eht 590 Introduction to Environmental Health (3)
Eht 530 Principles of Toxicology (3)
Epi 501 Principles of Epidemiology (3)
Sta 552 Statistics (3)
Eht 790 Seminar (1)
Eht 675 Responsible Conduct of Science (1)
2. Support Courses as approved by advisor (6 credits minimum)
3. Eht 699 Thesis (16 credits minimum)
4. Satisfactory completion of the master's major field examination
*Core courses may be waived on the basis of prior course experience or demonstrated competence in the subject.

Program Leading to the Doctor of Philosophy Degree (Ph.D.)

Doctoral programs in Environmental Health Sciences are designed to prepare students for technical, professional, and supervisory positions and careers in academic institutions, public agencies, and industry. The curricula emphasizes the application of classical biological, physical and medical sciences to help solve environmental and public health problems.

The program of study and research requires at least three academic years of full-time study and research or the equivalent over a longer period beyond the baccalaureate and, typically, may involve four or more years of full-time study.

Program of Study and Research (66 credits, minimum)

The course of study of each student is planned with a faculty advisor who takes into account the student's previous preparation, area of specialization, and professional objectives.

  1. Core courses* (15 credits minimum): each of the three areas of specialization requires a specific set of core courses. Consult with the Area Coordinator of faculty advisor for specific core requirements of each area of specialization.
  2. Supporting courses as approved by advisor and dissertation committee, 12 credits minimum.
  3. Doctoral research: Eht 898 & 899, 35 credits minimum.
  4. Students are required to enroll in Eht 790 Wadsworth Center Seminars (1) for at least four semesters.

* Core courses may be waived on the basis of prior course experience or demonstrated competence in the subject.

Departmental Examinations

  1. Preliminary Examination: Before the end of the second semester of study an oral examination will be conducted and graded by a three-member committee comprised of a member of the academic committee (selected by the chairperson) and two faculty members from the candidate's track. The examination will encompass broad general questions in relevant areas of the selected track.
  2. Qualifying Exam, Part I: Each student who has passed the preliminary examination will be examined by the student's Dissertation Committee, at the latest, after all course requirements are completed. The student will prepare written responses to questions from the examiners and subsequently will be examined orally on the questions and responses.
  3. Qualifying Exam, Part II: This examination consists of an oral defense of a written research proposal prepared by the student. The proposal and the oral defense will be evaluated by the Dissertation Committee (Pass/Fail). The research proposal should be a detailed document outlining the background and conduct of the proposed dissertation research, which should be designed to answer a significant question in environmental health and toxicology.

Research Tool Requirement

A student must demonstrate proficiency in an approved computer language by writing a satisfactory computer program or by completing an approved computer course with a grade of B or better.

Dissertation

The student must submit an acceptable dissertation which represents a significant and original contribution in his/her area of specialization.

Admission to Candidacy

A student is admitted to candidacy for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy upon the following:

  1. Satisfactory record in course and seminar study, 31 credits minimum;
  2. Completion of University residence requirements;
  3. Satisfactory completion of the research tool requirement;
  4. Satisfactory completion of the preliminary and qualifying examinations;
  5. Approval of the proposed dissertation topic.