COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with an Environmental Health option at SEMO is a 94–98 hour program designed to prepare students to address environmental challenges that directly affect human health, including pollution, climate change, disease prevention, and hazardous environmental exposures. The program combines natural sciences, health sciences, environmental policy, and economics to give students a comprehensive understanding of how environmental conditions influence public health and community well-being.Students begin with a strong scientific foundation through coursework in cell and organismal biology, environmental biology, chemistry, geology, physics, and statistics. They also study environmental law and ethics, helping them understand the legal and moral frameworks that guide environmental protection and public health decisions. Seminar courses in environmental science introduce current issues and research methods, while laboratory and field experiences provide hands-on training in data collection, environmental monitoring, and scientific analysis.The Environmental Health option builds specialized knowledge in areas such as toxicology, epidemiology, environmental economics, hazardous materials management, and community health. Students learn how pollutants and environmental hazards affect human populations and how to assess and manage environmental risks. Courses in environmental site assessment, environmental health systems, and epidemiology prepare students to analyze disease patterns and environmental exposures in real-world contexts. Health-focused coursework strengthens their understanding of community health systems and public health strategies.Practical experience is a key component of the program. Students complete internships or research projects that allow them to work with professionals in environmental agencies, public health organizations, or related industries. These experiences help develop applied skills in environmental assessment, data analysis, and problem-solving.Overall, the degree prepares graduates for careers in environmental health, public health agencies, environmental consulting, regulatory compliance, hazardous materials management, and sustainability planning. It also provides a strong foundation for graduate study in environmental science, public health, epidemiology, or related professional fields focused on protecting both the environment and human health.