Environmental and Occupational Health

Understanding how natural and human-made environments impact human health

New in EOH: Quantifying Air Pollution’s Worldwide Toll on Asthma Sufferers

We now know that 9-33 million visits to the emergency room for asthma worldwide may be triggered by breathing in air pollution, thanks to attention getting research published by Professor Susan Anenberg and an EOH DrPH student. The innovative project used satellite data to assess air pollution levels in parts of the world where ambient measurements have not been available.

What is Environmental and Occupational Health?

Environmental and occupational health looks at how environmental and occupational exposures impact human health. It explores the underlying science and policy for issues such as sustainable cities and food systems, climate change mitigation, workplace safety and risk management. Students learn from and work with our faculty on conducting cutting-edge research that is helping to dictate environmental and occupational health policy. Our faculty have been called upon by Congress to offer their expertise in areas like antibiotic resistance, climate change, occupational safety and environmental exposures, influencing critical regulations and legislation like the Toxic Substances Control Act.

Program Offerings

Graduate Programs

Offering students the option of two MPH programs and a doctorate option as well.

Whether you are interested in Global Environmental Health or our Environmental Health Science and Policy program, your MPH experience will be enhanced by the proximity to agencies and organization leading the charge here in Washington, DC. And if you're interested in earning a doctorate, the DrPH in Environmental and Occupational Health is perfect for you.

MPH Programs

Doctoral Programs

Meet Our Faculty

George Gray, PhD

Interim Chair

“As the only school of public health in the nation’s capital, our department attracts students who are interested in the intersection of public health and policy,” George Gray, interim director of the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at the Milken Institute School of Public Health, said.“Our top-notch faculty with deep expertise in research, policy and public health ensures that students get the highest quality education.”

George Gray Bio

Our Department's Faculty

EXPLORE EOH

Research

Opportunities in environmental sustainability, occupational health, risk science, infectious disease and community dimensions.

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Practice Experience

Our extensive partner network enables students to work with top Washington, D.C. health organizations as practice settings.

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Careers and Alumni

Earning one of our degrees can lead to a wide range of professional opportunities. Click for a sampling and alumni profiles.

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Student Resources

EOH Department Resources

As a GW student, you have many resources at your disposal through your department, the school, and the university. Click below for resources relevant to Environmental and Occupational Health Department students.

Department Resources

GWSPH Source

The Source is home to all resources for students, faculty and staff. Simply type what you're looking for into the search bar and click the icon. You can also use the category filters under "Resources" to help you locate the resource you are looking for.

The Source

Student Life

As a student in Washington, DC, you have an opportunity to not only capitalize on all the city has to offer as a student and professional, but also on a personal level. Take advantage of all the nation's capital has to offer on your own, or join one of our student groups to experience GWSPH with your peers.

Student Life

Department News

Experts in Occupational Safety and Health Call for Stronger Standard to Protect Healthcare Workers from COVID-19
04/26/2022

WASHINGTON (April 26, 2022) — More than one hundred public health experts submitted a letter to OSHA supporting the establishment of a strong and permanent standard to...

Research Shows ‘Raised without Antibiotics’ Label Claim in Beef Cattle Lacks Integrity
04/07/2022

WASHINGTON (April 7, 2022) — Many consumers choose higher-priced steaks, burgers and other beef products from cattle that have been raised without antibiotics. The USDA...

GW Researchers Study the Role of the Male Microbiome in HIV Transmission
03/01/2022

WASHINGTON (February 29, 2022) — The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health has just been awarded more than $3.5 million to study factors...