Environmental and Occupational Health

Understanding how natural and human-made environments impact human health

New in EOH: Bringing an Important Environmental Epidemiology Conference to DC

Thanks to the Milken Institute School of Public Health’s strong environmental epidemiology research and the efforts of the school’s Departments of Environmental and Occupational Health and Global Health, the annual conference of the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology (ISEE) will be held at GW and hosted by our school in August 2020.

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

DrPH Program

EXPLORE EOH

Research

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

Learn More

Practice Experience

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

Learn More

Careers and Alumni

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

Learn More

Meet our Faculty

Amanda Northcross, PhD

Assistant Professor

Get to know Amanda Northcross as she discusses her path to public health by way of engineering, her crafty side making environmentally friendly body products and how her research impacts international populations as well as those here in the District of Columbia.

Watch Faculty Spotlight

Our Department's Faculty

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

DrPH Student Combines Interest in Environmental, Occupational Health and Policy as Research Scholar
10/12/2018

As a RWJF Health Policy Research Scholar, Ans Irfan, MD is exploring the operationalization of ‘work’ as a social determinant of health.

Dismantling EPA’s Office of Children’s Health Protection a Disastrous Move
10/03/2018

Dean Goldman wrote: "“But there is no question that if Dr. Etzel is pushed aside, the chemical industry will benefit and America’s children will be harmed."

Professor Helps Brazilian Community Monitor and Communicate Concerns about Impacts on Subsistence Fishing
09/19/2018

In addition to collecting pollution data, Amanda Northcross is helping spread awareness about how industrial development is decimating subsistence fishing.