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Step into a dynamic world of research with the Doctor of Philosophy in Occupational and Environmental Health program at OU Hudson College of Public Health. This advanced program immerses you in the intricacies of occupational and environmental health, preparing you for a career in academia or research.

How Long to Complete the Program?

4 years

Median Salary

$105,000

Careers

Occupational Health Research Scientist, Environmental Health and Safety Director, Industrial Hygiene Consultant, Principal Investigator, Environmental Health Analyst, Health Department Supervisor, Corporate Sustainability Analyst

Curriculum

Imagine mastering Aerosol Science, studying the impact of airborne particles on health. In Risk Assessment, you’ll learn to evaluate potential health hazards, while Modeling Technology in OEH equips you with the tools to predict and mitigate health risks. Our Grant Writing Skills course will empower you to secure funding for your groundbreaking research. 

Course Requirements

Core Competencies (20 hours)

  • OEH 6103 Research Methods in Occupational and Environmental Health

  • OEH 6793 Aerosol Science

  • OEH 6473 Risk Assessment

  • OEH 6683 Modeling Technology in OEH

  • BSE 6192 Grant Writing Skills in Epidemiology

  • BSE 5013 Applications of Microcomputers to Data Analysis (SAS)

  • BSE 5173 Biostatistics Methods II 

 

Selective BSE Electives (9 hours)
Courses not from this list require Advisory Committee approval

Biostatistics

  • BSE 5643 Regression Analysis

  • BSE 5663 Analysis of Frequency Data

  • BSE 5653 Non-Parametric Methods
 

Epidemiology

  • BSE 5193 Intermediate Epidemiologic Methods

  • BSE 5283 GIS in Health

  • BSE 5363 Epidemiology & Prevention of Chronic Diseases
Other Requirements (not counted toward the minimum course hours above the bachelor’s degree)

Communication selective (if one of these or an equivalent course was not taken at the master’s level):

HAP 7913 Professional Communication
-or-
OEH 5973 Communication and Ethics in OEH

Responsible conduct of research selective:

BSE 5111 Scientific Integrity in Research
-or-
BMSC 5001 Integrity in Scientific Research.

NOTE: Further training in responsible conduct of research (RCR) is required after four years, so students in their 5th year are required to enroll in the Advanced RCR course: BMSC 6011: Integrity in Scientific Research II

Pedagogy/mentored teaching selective:
 

Preparing Future Faculty Program (BMSC 6202 PFF – Instructional Methods & BMSC 6300 PFF – Supervised Teaching Experience)
-or-
OEH 6200 Imparting Knowledge in OEH (2 hours; 1 credit hour may be waived for PhD students who submit documentation of prior college-level teaching experience as stipulated in the OEH Policy on the PhD Teaching Requirement).
Public health foundational knowledge:
Any PhD student who has not previously completed the core MPH courses or earned a MPH degree is required to complete BSE 5033 Foundations and Overview of Public Health at the first opportunity.

 

Elective Courses
Other electives (variable, as deemed necessary by the Doctoral Advisory Committee)

 

Dissertation
Minimum of 20 hours but no more than 25 to be applied to the degree

 

STEM Designation

The PhD in Occupational and Environmental Health program is considered a STEM-designated degree program.

A STEM-designated program is an academic program that falls under at least one of the approved categories from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These categories are recognized by the government for their focus on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics. DHS's updated STEM-designated degree list can be found here: https://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/stemList2022.pdf.

Admission Requirements

For the general application requirements see our How to Apply page. This specific program also requires:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) or relevant degree field (e.g., Occupational and Environmental Health, Chemistry, Biology, Physiology, Biochemistry, or other appropriate life science; Physics; Mathematics; Statistics; Nutrition; Exercise Science; Environmental Health; Computer Science; Geographic Information Systems; and Safety Science).
  • The applicant must be in good standing with the college or university where currently enrolled or last attended.
  • Grade point average requirement on a 4.00 scale can be met by any of the following:
    • 3.30 in bachelor’s degree cumulative GPA 
    • 3.30 in the last 60 credit hours of upper-division coursework applied to the bachelor’s degree
    • 3.30 in a master’s degree (or higher) cumulative GPA
    • 3.30 in the last 12 or more hours of graded graduate level coursework

The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences is excluded from participation in the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) Academic Forgiveness Provisions including repeat, reprieve, and renewal. Therefore, all grades earned will be included in grade point calculations when applying for acceptance to an OU Health Sciences program. OU Health Sciences student undergraduate coursework is included in this policy. Click here for additional information.

After reviewing the qualifications for the Doctor of Philosophy in Occupational and Environmental Health program, if you are unsure of whether you meet them, please email us at hcoph@ouhsc.edu or call (405) 271-2308. We are here to help and support you as you pursue a career in the health sciences.

Please also review the application requirements and application deadlines found on the How to Apply page.

How to Apply

Program Details

Location Offered

Oklahoma City

Degree Acquired

Doctor of Philosophy in Occupational and Environmental Health

Application Window

Applications open by August 1 for the following year. Applications are reviewed continuously, and decisions are made on a rolling basis.

Application Deadlines

Fall - June 15
Spring - October 15

Admissions

Have questions about the admissions requirements? We're here to help you navigate the process.

Tuition and Aid

Need help with tuition and financial aid? We're here to help you explore your options and support you through the process.

Department of Occupational & Environmental Health

The Department of Occupational and Environmental Health is dedicated to addressing global environmental challenges and promoting health through innovative research and practical applications for students. Our department offers specialized degrees and provides students with the opportunity to work on real-world issues through our strong partnerships with key public health leaders. With a focus on community engagement and environmental sustainability, we prepare our students to become leaders in occupational health, industrial hygiene, and environmental health application.

About the Department 

Occupational & Environmental Health Faculty

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