Environmental and Occupational Health

Admissions

How to Apply

Applications for admission to the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health are processed through Pitt Public Health’s Office of Student Affairs. You must apply for the MS, MPH, PHP, and PhD programs through SOPHAS, the centralized application service for graduate schools of public health. Please note, SOPHAS submits applications to Pitt Public Health only after all required materials are received. Applicants who have submitted applications may track their status online.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is optional for all degree programs. 

Please review the Pitt Public Health school-wide requirements for admission before applying.

View Admissions Deadlines

Department Requirements and Recommendations

Applicants to the MS program are recommended* to have:
  • a bachelor’s degree in the physical, chemical, or biological sciences with at least a 3.0 grade-point average overall and in the basic sciences
  • a minimum of two courses each in organic chemistry, biology, physics, calculus and statistics (highly recommended)
Applicants to the MPH program are recommended* to have:
  • a bachelor’s degree in the physical, chemical, or biological sciences with at least a 3.0 grade-point average overall and in the basic sciences
  • At minimum, 3 credits in each of the following introductory courses is highly recommended: natural sciences, math (algebra or higher), freshman chemistry, and physics. 

Those who have earned undergraduate degrees outside of the physical, chemical or biological sciences should consult with the EOH MPH program before applying to confirm appropriate coursework has been completed. 

Applicants to the PhD program are recommended* to have:
  • a bachelor of science or master’s degree in the physical, chemical, or biological sciences with at least a 3.0 grade-point average overall and in the basic sciences
  • Courses in organic and inorganic chemistry, biology, physics, calculus and statistics (highly recommended)
Applicants to the PhD concentration in Public Health Practice (PHP) must have:
  • Previously demonstrated ability for leadership in their fields, as well as advancement of scientific knowledge
  • Completed the requirements for the Pitt Public Health Environmental and Occupational Health MPH degree. If an MPH has been earned at another institution, an applicant must take our EOH MPH core requirements before starting the PHP program.
  • Support by an external sponsor or research support available to the supervisor.

*Note: The information provided above for the MPH, MS and PhD programs are suggested recommendations and not minimum requirements. Applicants from all backgrounds are welcome to apply. Applicants to the PHP concentration must meet the requirements listed above.

By virtue of our accreditation by the National Environmental Health Association, MPH students can take advantage of a variety of internship programs sponsored through the National Environmental Public Health Internship Program (NEPHIP).

NEPHIP sponsors and arranges hands-on practicum experiences (approx. 400 hours) for about 50 students at multiple times throughout the year including summers through various state, tribal, and territorial environmental health agencies. Interns receive a stipend of $8,000 and time spent can be applied as practicum hours required for the student’s degree.