BS/MPH in Environmental Sciences and Environmental Health

The Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health at Rollins and the Department of Environmental Science at Emory College jointly offer a five-year bachelor of science (BS) in environmental sciences (ENVS) and master of public health (MPH) in environmental health (EH) degree program. With similar objectives and program goals as the Environmental Health MPH program, students will earn a BS and MPH over the course of five years that will prepare them to tackle the most challenging environmental threats of the future. This accelerated track to earning an MPH adopts a uniquely interdisciplinary approach and allows students to tailor their degree to their specific interest area, such as climate change, air pollution or policy. This program is available to Emory ENVS students who apply during the sophomore OR junior year. 

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Critical Skills Gained

  • Exposure Science
  • Mechanisms of Toxicity
  • Epidemiology
  • Biostatistics
  • Disease Ecology
  • Global Climate Change
  • Environmental Health Policy

Job Opportunities

  • Federal Environmental Health Agencies
  • State Health Departments
  • Industry
  • Consulting Firms
  • Non-Profits
  • Universities 

Admission Requirements

Students majoring in Environmental Sciences at Emory College with a 3.25 minimum GPA may apply to the BS/MPH program. Students can apply for the program in the spring of their sophomore or junior year, allowing flexibility while students hone their interest areas.  Students matriculate into Rollins in their fifth year where they engage in one year of coursework and other requirements.

Application Requirements

Fall 2025 Application Deadline: Feburary 7, 2025

  • Resume
  • College Transcripts
  • Completed BS/MPH Application Form
  • Two Letters of Recommendation - one must be from a current ENVS or Oxford College professor
  • 1-page personal statement outlining your academic interestes, goals, and rationale for entering the program

Helpful Links

Department Requirements

DegreeCoursework Requirements GPAGRE Scores
MPH

At least one semester of college-level biology and chemistry required; BS/MPH students can take these after they are admitted

Statistics, calculus, and organic chemistry also preferred

 3.25 or higher GRE scores are waived unless you would like to be considered for RSPH scholarships in year five, then test scores must be reported by January of the senior year. PLEASE NOTE: The submission of GRE scores are optional for all candidates applying to MPH programs for fall 2024 admission.

Maintaining Good Standing

To maintain good standing students must:

  • maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher for the duration of the program; if GPA drops below 3.25 for more than one semester, the student will not be allowed to complete work toward the MPH;
  • earn their degree in environmental sciences (ENVS) at Emory College;
  • follow all policies and requirements for Emory College and RSPH.

Advisement

Students will be advised jointly between Emory College and Rollins. Students will primarily be advised by their undergraduate advisor while enrolled at Emory College. Following matriculation in Rollins during the fifth year, the primary advisor will be in Rollins' Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health.

Current students interested in planning to pursue a bachelor of arts in Environmental Sciences should contact their undergraduate advisor for more information.

Degree Requirements

Bachelor’s degree

  • 4+1 BS/MPH students must complete the degree requirements established by Emory College and the Department of Environmental Sciences (ENVS) to earn the Bachelor of Science degree in ENVS
  • Students must enroll in ENVS 359: Ecology and Evolution of Disease as part of their BS program
  • Students may count six credits of EH coursework toward the electives in the ENVS degree

MPH

  • Complete all degree requirements for the EH MPH, including 42 hours of coursework, Applied Practice Experience (APE), and ILE/capstone

Applied Practice Experience 

All Rollins MPH students are required to complete a minimum of 200 hours applied practice experience (APE). An APE is a unique opportunity that enables students to apply practical skills and knowledge learned through coursework to a professional public health setting that complements the student’s interests and career goals. In most cases, students can use a part-time work position, graduate assistantship, or internship in a public health agency, institution, or community under the supervision of a field supervisor and the guidance of the student's department and/or the Office of Career Development to meet the APE requirement.

Learn more »

Integrative Learning Experience

In addition to the Applied Practice Experience, students are required to complete an integrative learning experience (ILE) project that demonstrates knowledge and skills gained in the MPH program. An integrative learning experience calls for students to integrate and apply the competencies they developed during the course of their study, practicum, and/or related field experiences. Some examples of what ILEs can be include conducting original research, analyzing data, interpreting study results, program evaluation, needs assessments, proposal writing and outreach work with community partners.

To help guide the ILE process, students enroll in EH 591 and EH 592 the fall and spring of year two, respectively. All students are required to formally present their projects prior to graduation. For examples of past ILEs organized by general topic, please visit our Interest Area pages.

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Catalog & Schedules

RSPH Catalog

Academic Calendar

Enrollment Services & Course Schedules

 

Other Useful Info

Tuition Costs »

International Applicant Info »

Enrollment & Registration »

Student Resources »

Tuition and Financial Aid

When in the 5th year, students in the BS/MPH program matriculate at RSPH.  Students are charged the RSPH dual-degree tuition rate. To assist with costs, application fees are waived and students are considered for merit-based scholarships if the year 5 application is received by the priority application deadline.  Students are encouraged to apply for graduate program loans through the Office of Financial Aid, which will also make them eligible for Rollins Earn and Learn (REAL) funding.

Learn more about financing your degree.

Questions? Contact:

Leah Thomas
 Graduate Program Coordinator
Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory College
 (404) 727-4985, leah.thomas@emory.edu


Ariadne Swichtenberg
 Sr. Associate Director of Academic Programs (ADAP)
Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health 
 (404) 727-7905, ariadne.swichtenberg@emory.edu