Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.S. in Environmental Health Sciences
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The M.S. in Environmental Health Sciences at UB is a two-year, research-based degree program. It emphasizes multidisciplinary coursework and rigorous research training, culminating in a research thesis. Students gain expertise in various disciplines, including environmental epidemiology, toxicology, exposure science, environmental engineering, environmental chemistry, and geography. The program prepares graduates for diverse careers in environmental health or for continued doctoral studies in related scientific fields, enabling them to play an active role in addressing complex environmental health challenges.
STEM Designated: Yes, the M.S. in Environmental Health Sciences program at the University at Buffalo is STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage for international students, as it allows for an Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension of 24 months beyond the initial 12 months, totaling up to 36 months of work authorization in the U.S. after graduation. This designation underscores the program's strong scientific, technical, and analytical foundations, which are critical for tackling environmental health problems.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.S. in Environmental Health Sciences is designed to provide a solid base in environmental health principles and methods. Core coursework typically covers principles of environmental health, toxicology, exposure science, epidemiology, and professional development. Students also take at least one additional elective course in subject areas such as environmental epidemiology, environmental toxicology, environmental engineering, environmental chemistry, and geography. The program emphasizes advanced skills in collecting and analyzing environmental public health data and culminates in a required research thesis, where students gain hands-on experience in designing and conducting studies and analyzing research data.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Environmental Health Sciences at UB has a strong research focus, leveraging UB's status as an "R1" research institution. Students work side-by-side with faculty who conduct cutting-edge research on topics such as the health risks of environmental exposures, environmental epidemiology, and environmental epigenetics. Research areas include, but are not limited to, environmental contamination and assessment of health risks due to chemical and microbial exposure, climate change and health (including climate adaptation and resilience), toxicology studies of developmental, reproductive, and physiological impacts, and environmental justice/health disparity approaches. The program aims to provide meaningful hands-on experience in designing and conducting studies and analyzing research data, preparing students for research-intensive careers.
Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Environmental Health Sciences program at UB is highly focused on preparing graduates for diverse roles in public health, government, industry, and academia. Graduates are well-prepared for careers as environmental health research scientists, professionals, or specialists in various settings. Employers often include local, state, and federal government agencies (e.g., CDC, EPA, NYS Department of Health), non-profit organizations, environmental consulting firms, and pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. The program's emphasis on hands-on research and data analysis provides students with practical skills highly valued by these employers.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Environmental Health Sciences at UB inherently fosters a global perspective by addressing environmental health challenges that are often transnational in nature. Issues like climate change, air and water pollution, and the global movement of contaminants require international collaboration and understanding of diverse environmental contexts. The program prepares graduates to contribute to public health initiatives that may have global implications. As a major public research university, UB attracts a diverse international student body and faculty, enriching the learning environment with varied cultural viewpoints and different approaches to solving complex environmental health problems from around the world. This exposure prepares graduates to work effectively in a globalized world and contribute to international efforts for environmental protection and public health.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
Graduates with an M.S. in Environmental Health Sciences from UB are well-prepared for a variety of roles focused on identifying, assessing, and mitigating environmental hazards that impact human health.
Environmental Health Specialist/Officer: Work for local, state, or federal health departments to prevent disease by protecting communities from environmental hazards, conducting inspections, and enforcing regulations.
Environmental Scientist: Conduct scientific research and investigations to identify, assess, and manage environmental problems, often for government agencies, consulting firms, or research institutions.
Toxicologist: Study the harmful effects of chemical, biological, and physical agents on living organisms, assessing risks and developing safety guidelines for public health.
Environmental Epidemiologist: Investigate the relationship between environmental exposures and human health outcomes, often studying disease patterns linked to pollution or hazardous substances.
Exposure Scientist: Characterize human exposure to environmental contaminants, measuring concentrations in air, water, soil, food, and biological samples.
Industrial Hygienist: Assess and control workplace hazards that can affect the health and safety of employees, including chemical, physical, and biological agents.
Risk Assessor: Evaluate the potential health risks posed by environmental contaminants or specific exposures, providing data for regulatory decisions and public health interventions.
Air Quality Specialist: Monitor air pollution, analyze data, and develop strategies and policies to improve air quality and protect public health.
Water Quality Scientist: Test and analyze water sources for contaminants, ensuring compliance with drinking water standards and managing water resources for public health.
Environmental Compliance Officer: Ensure that organizations adhere to environmental laws, regulations, and permits related to waste management, pollution control, and public health protection.
