Environmental Health professionals are individuals whose vocational efforts are directed toward controlling environmental health hazards and preserving and improving environmental factors for the achievement of optimum health, safety, comfort and well-being. At the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, various courses provide Environmental and Public Health students with the educational background that is necessary for employment in regulatory agencies or industries concerned with environmental quality. The Department of Environmental and Public Health offers a comprehensive major in Environmental and Public Health.
What will I learn from studying Environmental and Public Health?
Knowledge:
An Environmental and Public Health (ENPH) major’s knowledge draws on many areas: from courses in biology and chemistry to courses in food sanitation. Because of the diversity of class topics, ENPH majors receive knowledge in many different areas, giving them in-depth knowledge in many subject areas.
Skills:
- Proficiency for accurate details
- Mathematical skills
- Ability to accurately analyze, compare, and interpret facts and figures
- Oral and written communication skills
- Knowledge of environmentally equipment; comfortable in laboratory setting
- Interest for care of environment and people
- Desire to improve community
- Variety of work settings
- Working with governmental agencies
- Breadth of career options
What are related student and professional organizations?
Student:
Professional:
- National Environmental Health Association
- American Public Health Association
- Council on Education for Public Health
- National Safety Council’s Environmental Health Center
What career fields are related to an Environmental and Public Health Degree?
Potential Employers:
Environmental and Public Health majors can use their major in a variety of fields. Many times, employers of ENPH graduates are governmental agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration, local health agencies and companies, hospitals, schools/universities, local/state/federal governments, non-profit organizations, and private organizations.
Potential Job Titles:
- Soil Tester
- Industrial Hygienist
- Health and Safety Manager
- Sanitarian Community
- Health Educator
- Toxicologist
- Vector ecologist
- Environmental Consultant
- Survey Technician
- Health Assessor
- Drinking Water Specialist
- Safety Coordinator
What are some entry-level jobs held by UW – Eau Claire Environmental and Public Health graduates?
- Consumer Safety Office Investigator, USDA, Madison, WI
- Continued Education, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
- Environmental Consultant, U.S. Compliance Corp, Minnetonka, MN
- Environmental Technician, Institute for Environmental Assessment, Brooklyn Park, MN
- Environmental Scientist, U.S. Compliance Corp, Chicago, IL
How can I learn more about Environmental and Public Health?
Department
- Contact someone in UW – Eau Claire’s Dept. of Environmental and Public Health
- Human Sciences & Services 205, 836-2628
• Meet with a career counselor
• Take interest inventories and self assessment tests
• Ask An Alum & Friends, a database of UW – Eau Claire Alumni & Friends available for informational interviewing
Career Discovery Center:
- Careers for Environmental Types & Others Who Respect the Earth, Jany Kinney, Michael Fasulo
- 100 Jobs in the Environment, Debra Quintana
- Great Jobs for Environmental Studies Majors, Julie DeGalan, Bryon Middlekauff
- Careers for Nature Lovers & Other Outdoor Types, Louis Miller
- Opportunities in Public Health Careers, George E. Pickett, M.D., Terry W Pickett
- Opportunities in Environmental Careers, Odom Fanning
- The Complete Guide to Environmental Careers in the 21st Century, The Environmental Careers Organization
Internet:
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- National Institutes of Health
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
What are some opportunities for experiential learning in Environmental and Public Health?
Internship
Internships are a way to gain hands-on experience in a position that interests you as a potential career. To find an internship in Environmental and Public Health that suites your interests, visit Career Services (Schofield 230) and speak with a Career Associate about the many available internships.
Directed Studies or Independent Study Class
By participating in an Independent or Directed Studies course, students will be able to research an area that they find particularly interesting. Contact your advisor about enrolling in ENPH 399, 495 or 499.