Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH)

As one of the most scientifically diverse departments, our nationally and internationally recognized faculty trains the next generation of leaders to safeguard community health.

Make a profound and lasting impact on public health. Start your journey toward becoming a leader in environmental and occupational health today at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health.

Study anywhere and protect health everywhere with online or on campus learning options.

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Dr. Jesse E. Bell speaking during the FAO Rome Water Dialogue

MPH EOH Concentration

The Master of Public Health in Environmental and Occupational Health is a forward-thinking program designed to prepare professionals to protect and promote health in the face of today’s most pressing environmental and workplace challenges. Led by experts in environmental health and occupational safety, this rigorous program equips students with the skills to analyze risks, develop evidence-based solutions, and lead health initiatives across diverse settings. With flexible online and in-person learning options, students gain real-world experience and the competencies needed to make meaningful impact in communities and workplaces.

Program Snapshot

Student Body represents 43 U.S. States and 38 different countries.
Affordable Tuition below the National Average
5:1 Student to Faculty Ratio

Chart your course in health care at the University of Nebraska Medical Center

The MPH in Environmental and Occupational Health prepares students to:

Analyze sources of exposure in the workplace and the environment that can cause health risks to humans or degradation of ecosystems.
Examine exposures and pathways for environmental and occupational agents associated with human injuries and diseases.
Compare and contrast specific symptoms and health outcomes associated with occupational and environmental exposures.
Apply genetic and physiological factors that affect susceptibility to adverse health outcomes following exposure to environmental and occupational hazards.
Apply the dose-response principle in assessing risk from occupational and environmental exposures.
Develop and implement methodologies for measurement and estimation of workplace and environmental exposures.
Employ measures to control workplace injury and illness including engineering, education, regulations, incentives and best practices.
Examine information sources and public health indicators in occupational and environmental health.

COPH Student Ambassadors

Desmonda Amponsah

PhD Environmental Health, Occupational Health & Toxicology

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Jayna Green

MBA/MPH Public Health Administration and Policy

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Crista Manning

MPH Epidemiology

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Our ambassadors are current students who are available to answer your questions about being a UNMC College of Public Health student. They can share their experiences with coursework and balancing student/personal/work life.

Contact our student ambassadors today!

Faculty Leadership

Matthew W. Nonnenmann, PhD, CIH

Professor, UNMC Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health

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Phone: 402-559-8924

Kristina Kintziger, PhD, MPH

Claire M. Hubbard Professor of Health and Environment
Associate Professor, UNMC Department of Environmental, Agricultural & Occupational Health
Fellow, Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute, University of Nebraska

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Phone: 402-559-8924

Aaron Yoder, PhD

Associate Professor, UNMC Department of Environmental, Agricultural & Occupational Health
Research Director, Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health at UNMC
Associate Professor, UNL Department of Biological Systems Engineering

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Phone: 402-552-7240

Jocelyn J. Herstein, PhD, MPH

Associate Professor, UNMC Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health
Director, International Partnerships and Programs, National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center
Scholar, Global Center for Health Security

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Phone: 402-559-1929

Rachel Lookadoo, JD

Assistant Professor, UNMC Department of Environmental, Agricultural & Occupational Health
Director, Public Health Policy, Water, Climate and Health Program
Deputy Director, Center for Preparedness and Emergency Response Solutions (CPERS)

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Phone: 402-559-4248

Shaun Cross, PhD

Assistant Professor, UNMC Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health

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Phone: 402-559-4913

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does UNMC COPH offer application fee waivers?

We do not provide application fee waivers as the cost is charged by the application service, not UNMC. Check your eligibility for a SOPHAS fee waiver.

Does UNMC COPH have a supplemental application for admission?

No. Each COPH program has one application in either SOPHAS, SOPHAS Express, or HAMPCAS. To find a more direct application link to your program of interest, visit our Admissions page for your respective program and use the "application" hyperlink under the section.

Do all my prior transcripts have to be sent to SOPHAS/HAMPCAS?

Yes. We need official transcripts for all previously attended institutions. This includes schools where a student may have transferred all completed credits into a different program at another institution (i.e., If you attended a community or junior college and then went on to a 4-year institution. We will need both transcripts).

Please note: Transcripts are only considered official if they are sent directly by the institution to SOPHAS/HAMPCAS or UNMC COPH. We cannot accept transcripts sent from prospective students.

What if I don’t meet the prerequisites for my program of interest?

Schedule a meeting with admissions team to discuss your options!

I’ve been out of school for several years. Who should I ask for letters of recommendation?

For working professionals, consider asking current and/or previous supervisors. While having this conversation, talk to them about your career goals and how you’d like to utilize the knowledge and training to further your career.

I attended school in the U.S., but I studied abroad with my last school. Do I need to provide a WES evaluation?

Typically, it depends on how your institution lists the study abroad credits. In some study abroad cases, we do not need a WES evaluation, but please reach out to our admissions team for clarification on your specific situation.

My GPA is below 3.0 (US-scale). What can I do?

Make an appointment to speak with one of our admissions professionals. We can review your materials and advise you on the best next steps.

I am an international applicant and the mode of instruction in my previous degree is English. Do I still have to submit English Proficiency exam results?

Yes, you will still need to provide proof of English proficiency through Duolingo, IELTS, or TOEFL. We are unable to waive this requirement based on the mode of instruction.

I am a recent or upcoming graduate with little to no professional work experience. What should I include in my resume?

In addition to any employment positions you may have held, consider including any relevant volunteer experience, research, awards/honors, extracurriculars, etc. Don’t forget to highlight any student or community service leadership positions.

I am an out-of-state resident applying for an online COPH program. Which tuition rate should I budget for?

Online students pay a single rate of tuition regardless of residency. To view an estimated cost of attendance for your program, visit UNMC’s Financial Aid Cost of Attendance webpage and scroll down until you see the list of Cost of Attendance sheets for the College of Public Health.

What does financial aid look like at the Graduate level?

Financial aid options may include scholarships, student loans, assistantship/student worker positions, employer tuition assistance, and more. Visit UNMC's Financial Aid Office webpage for more information. If you qualify, complete the FAFSA and use UNMC’s school code 006895 to ensure your information is sent to our financial aid office. Contact our admissions team to discuss your possible funding options.

Does UNMC COPH offer scholarships?

After receiving an admissions offer, students will receive more information on how to complete our scholarship application. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis. Part-time and online students are also eligible for awards, but please note that changing your enrollment status could alter your scholarship award. Contact our team with any questions regarding scholarship awards.

Does UNMC COPH offer graduate assistantships?

Assistantships at the master-level are limited and competitive. Admitted students will have access to current listings to apply for assistantship and student worker positions. Job duties for these positions may include assisting with research, data entry, etc.

Am I ever required to travel to UNMC for my online program?

No. There is no expectation or requirement to travel to Omaha to complete your degree program. You are invited to attend your graduation ceremonies in person but not required to.

Both the Applied Practice Experience (APEx) for the MPH and the internship requirement for the MHA can be completed with a new or existing partnership in your area.

I work full-time, Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm. When will I have time to attend class?

COPH online courses are asynchronous and can be completed on your own time. For more detailed information about our online program delivery, view the online courses catalog.

I like the flexibility of online, but I’m worried about feeling disconnected from my classmates.

This is a common concern—rest assured that our online courses are intentionally designed to create collaborative opportunities among students. If you’d like to discuss the online student experience in more detail, reach out to our student ambassadors.