Program Description
The mission of the Environmental Health Science (EHS) Program at Western Kentucky University is to educate students in preparation for an exciting career in the environmental health science field, at the baccalaureate level. The EHS Program is committed to providing south central Kentucky, the state, and the nation with entry-level environmental professionals. The program is built upon a sound foundation of providing students with a background in assessing environmental resources, including water, air, and land resources, in relation to environmental and human health. In particular, the program focuses on teaching students to apply basic scientific principles to the solution of environmental health science and protection challenges. Students also learn to apply technological tools, such as computer technology.
Career Opportunities in Environmental Health Science
Environmental health science and protection is the art and science of protecting against environmental factors that adversely impact human health or the ecologic balances to long-term human and ecosystem health. Professionals in the environmental health science field study both natural and human-made environments. Exciting careers are available working with government agencies, municipalities, utilities, environmental consulting firms, industry, non-profit organizations, and local governments. With ever expanding opportunities, environmental health science graduates will be globally marketable.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health Science
The major in environmental health science (reference number 548) requires a minimum of 83 semester hours and leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. No minor or second major is required. Including general education and major requirements (83 semester hours), a total of 120 semester hours are required for graduation.
EHS Student Organizations and Opportunities:
- Student Environmental Health Science Association
- Student EHS Internship Program
- Environmental Health Science Resource Center
- EHS Scholarship Program
For more information contact:
Dr. Ritchie Taylor
Assistant Professor
AC 134
270-745-8975
ritchie.taylor@wku.edu
Course Plan for Environment Bachelors:
Freshman Year
Fall Semester Hours Spring Semester Hours
BIOL 207 3 BIOL 131 4
BIOL 208 1 ENG 200 3
ENG 100 3 Category F (PH 100) 3
Category A (COMM 145 ) 3 Category B (Elective) 3
Category A (Foreign Language) 3 Category C (HIST 119 or 120) 3
Category B (Elective) 3
Total Hours: 16 Total Hours: 16
Sophomore Year
Fall Semester Hours Spring Semester Hours
CHEM 105 3 CHEM 107 3
CHEM 106 1 CHEM 108 1
MATH 116 3 MATH 117 3
Category C (PSY 100) 3 ECON 202 3
ENV 280 3 ENG 300 3
General Education Course 3 ENV 120 3
Total Hours: 16 Total Hours: 16
Junior Year
Fall Semester Hours Spring Semester hours
PHYS 231 3 PH 383 3
PHYS 232 1 ENV 321 3
PH 385 3 ENV 323 1
ENV 375 3 ENV 380 3
ENG 307 3 ENV 410 3
ENV Elective 3 ENV 411 1
Total Hours: 16 Total Hours: 14
Senior Year
Fall Semester Hours Spring Semester Hours
PH 384 3 ENV 474 3
ENV 360 3 ENV 490 3
ENV 365 1 ENV Elective 3
ENV 460 3 ENV 491 3
ENV 480 3
ENV 486 1
Total Hours: 14 Total Hours: 12
