Environmental and Occupational Health Online PhD in Public Health

Promote safer communities and workplaces with our PhD in Public Health Environmental and Occupational Health specialization.

Ready to Get Started?

Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

  • Current 01 Step 1: About You
  • 02 Step 2: Contact Information
Two public health professionals conducting research.

Environmental and Occupational Health Online PhD in Public Health

Ready to Get Started?

Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

  • Current 01 Step 1: About You
  • 02 Step 2: Contact Information

Why Choose Walden?

BE SUPPORTED AT EACH STEP

The Walden Doctoral Degree Coach™ helps you find the right support when you need it and stay on track throughout your journey.

EARN YOUR PHD WHILE WORKING

Our PhD program is among the few that are online. Continue to work as a public health professional while pursuing your doctorate.

FOCUS YOUR STUDIES

Choose to customize your program coursework toward policy or epidemiology and tailor your degree to your career and research passion.

ENHANCE YOUR SKILL SET

Learn geographic information system (GIS) mapping—an essential tool in researching and solving environmental health issues.

Admission Requirements

Program Admission Considerations: Master of Public Health (MPH) or MS in Public Health for Track 1 or bachelor’s degree or higher for Track 2

General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.

Program Details

Choose the Path That Is Right for You

TRACK I: Choose this track if you have a Master of Public Health (MPH) or an MS in Public Health.

TRACK II: Choose this track if you hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in an academic discipline other than the public health field.

Curriculum

Minimum Degree Requirements

  • 83 quarter credits
    • Foundation courses (5 cr.)
    • Core courses (43 cr.)
    • Specialization courses (15 cr.)
    • Doctoral seminars (5 cr.)
    • Dissertation (minimum 15 cr., taken continuously until completion)
  • Four PhD residencies

View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN.

Walden students have up to 8 years to complete their doctoral program unless they petition for an extension.

In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation/doctoral study course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation/doctoral study course shell.

For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-694-2946.

Curriculum

Minimum Degree Requirements

  • 109 quarter credits
    • Foundation course (5 cr.)
    • Core courses (69 cr.)
    • Specialization courses (15 cr.)
    • Doctoral seminars (5 cr.)
    • Dissertation (minimum 15 cr., taken continuously until completion)
  • Four PhD residencies

View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN.

Walden students have up to 8 years to complete their doctoral program unless they petition for an extension.

In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation/doctoral study course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation/doctoral study course shell.

For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-694-2946.

Tuition and Fees

CurriculumRequirementsCostTotal *
Tuition-Coursework68 quarter credits $620 per quarter hour for coursework credits$42,160^
Tuition-Dissertation 15–125 quarter credits$620 per quarter hour for dissertation credits$9,300$77,500*
Program Fee $175 per quarter$1,750$5,600*
Residency Fee4 Residencies$1,420 each (virtual)
$1,520 each (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional)  
$5,680–$6,080
Estimated Range:  2.75-Year8-Year
   $58,890$131,340*+

These are ranges of what a student can expect in terms of time and tuition cost to complete a degree. It does not include other fees, nor is it adjusted for tuition increases over time. Walden faculty has concluded that generally students who do not complete their program in eight years are unlikely to complete and only allow students to exceed that time frame when a student petitions for an extension and provides good reason for the delay and assurances that obstacles to completion can be overcome. Time is calculated using the time allowed for each semester or unit that the student completes. Students are encouraged to work continuously during the program so as not to extend the time needed to complete the degree as work can become stale and students lose focus. Students who earn two grades of “Unsatisfactory,” who repeatedly drop a course before a semester or unit has been completed, or are unable to complete in the eight year time frame, should expect that they may be dismissed from the program. Walden believes that it is in the best interest of a student who is unable to complete the degree in the stated ranges to strongly consider withdrawal or obtaining a lesser degree.

Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic such as tuition and fee increases and/or the student’s transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; writing, research and editing skills; use of external data for their doctoral study/dissertation; and/or individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations; care giving responsibilities or health issues; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; leaves of absence; and/or other personal circumstances.

Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary.

^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.

Based on a 2.75-year minimum completion requirement and an 8-year maximum timeframe as outlined in Walden academic policy.

*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the 8-year maximum timeframe or choose to take more expensive elective courses.

+Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition discounts. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-642-0198.

CurriculumRequirementsCostTotal *
Tuition-Coursework94 quarter credits $620 per quarter hour for coursework credits$58,280^
Tuition-Dissertation 15–110 quarter credits$620 per quarter hour for dissertation credits$9,300$68,200*
Program Fee $175 per quarter$2,275$5,600*
Residency Fee4 Residencies$1,420 each (virtual)
$1,520 each (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional)
$5,680–$6,080
Estimated Range:  3.25-Year8-Year
   $75,535$138,160*+

These are ranges of what a student can expect in terms of time and tuition cost to complete a degree. It does not include other fees, nor is it adjusted for tuition increases over time. Walden faculty has concluded that generally students who do not complete their program in eight years are unlikely to complete and only allow students to exceed that time frame when a student petitions for an extension and provides good reason for the delay and assurances that obstacles to completion can be overcome. Time is calculated using the time allowed for each semester or unit that the student completes. Students are encouraged to work continuously during the program so as not to extend the time needed to complete the degree as work can become stale and students lose focus. Students who earn two grades of “Unsatisfactory,” who repeatedly drop a course before a semester or unit has been completed, or are unable to complete in the eight year time frame, should expect that they may be dismissed from the program. Walden believes that it is in the best interest of a student who is unable to complete the degree in the stated ranges to strongly consider withdrawal or obtaining a lesser degree.

Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic such as tuition and fee increases and/or the student’s transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; writing, research and editing skills; use of external data for their doctoral study/dissertation; and/or individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations; care giving responsibilities or health issues; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; leaves of absence; and/or other personal circumstances.

Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary.

^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.

Based on a 3.25-year minimum completion requirement and an 8-year maximum timeframe as outlined in Walden academic policy.

*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the 8-year maximum timeframe or choose to take more expensive elective courses.

+Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition discounts. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-642-0198.

Paying for Your Education

Our Enrollment Specialists can help you outline a plan and find resources for funding your education.

PROGRAM SAVINGS

Speak with an Enrollment Specialist to learn about our current tuition savings.

Program Outcomes

Make a Positive Difference in the Communities You Serve

In our Environmental and Occupational Health specialization, you’ll learn how to conduct scientifically rigorous research that informs innovative solutions to environmental and workplace health challenges. Develop your leadership skills through coursework that also covers grant writing, biostatistics, industrial hygiene principles, environmental and occupational toxicology, and other key topics. You’ll also learn to use powerful analytical and quantitative tools to identify, assess, and address environmental hazards that threaten the health and well-being of communities and workers.

A Personalized Guide to Completing Your Doctorate

Earning your PhD in Public Health requires commitment, perseverance, and hard work. You can do it, and Walden is here to help—with our Doctoral Degree Coach™.

  • Map and Track Milestones: Break your research down into manageable, sequential steps. See where you are, what’s ahead, and what you’ve already accomplished, all in one place.
  • Meet Weekly Targets: No more guesswork. Set prompts based on your to-do list and receive reminders and updates directly to your inbox.
  • Connect With Faculty: Stay on the same page and keep your progress on track. With shared access to your dashboard, your chair can easily guide you through your checklists, goals, and timelines.
  • Access Helpful Resources: Quickly find support from the right person at the right time. Our comprehensive resource guide points you in the right direction—no more frustrating searches.

Career Outlook

From the drinking water crisis in Flint, Michigan, to the global Zika virus outbreak, environmental issues can wreak havoc in communities and across nations. With a PhD in Public Health with an Environmental and Occupational Health specialization, you can help ensure safer, healthier environments in which people can thrive.

Whether you want to influence the field through leadership, research, teaching, or policymaking, earning a PhD can help you achieve the highest level of your public health career. Reach your professional potential while making a meaningful, lasting impact for the populations you serve.

EMPLOYMENT OF EPIDEMIOLOGISTS IS PROJECTED TO GROW AT A FASTER-THAN-AVERAGE RATE OF

5%

THROUGH 2029.1

A PhD in Public Health with a specialization in Environmental and Occupational Health can prepare you to work in settings such as:

  • State and local public health departments
  • Academia
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Hospital and medical facilities

Resources

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1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Epidemiologists, SOC code 19-1041. Retrieved March 2021. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.