Ecotoxicology & Environmental Health

The EEH program focuses on understanding how pollutants affect the health of people and ecosystems. We take a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates toxicology, environmental chemistry, risk assessment, and ecology to assess the fate, effects, and risks of pollutants in natural ecosystems and human populations. EEH is one of seven available concentrations in the two-year residential Master of Environmental Management (MEM) program.

OUR VISION

Our program provides students with a strong scientific basis to understand the complex linkages among environmental processes, chemical stressors, and ecological and human health. Students enjoy a small class size and low student-faculty ratio as they gain the knowledge and skills to apply risk assessment frameworks and address pollution-related ecological and human health problems.

THE CURRICULUM

Your faculty advisor will help you select a curriculum track and area of specialization based on your interests, experience, and goals. You’ll gain knowledge of historical and current environmental health problems at regional and global scales, as well as practical skills applying the quantitative tools used in risk evaluation and management. You can choose from courses across Duke and at our partner institutions.

EEH students receive in-depth training in: 

• Ecological and human risk assessment
• Environmental exposure assessment
• Predicting pollutant fate and transport
• Understanding toxic modes of action
• Environmental epidemiology and health 
• Molecular and analytical tools for environmental health research 

Snapshot: Employment Profile for EEH Alumni

   • 100% of EEH graduates were hired within approximately 6 months of graduation.
   • 100% are in a job related to the environment.
   • Median salary range = $50,000-55,000

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> View: Full graphic for EEH employment profile
> View: Complete overview with employment profiles for all concentrations

YOUR FUTURE

The Nicholas School’s dedicated Career Center has helped our graduates find positions in environmental consulting and risk assessment, government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, public health departments, and non-profit organizations such as the Environmental Defense Fund. 

PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

Find out if our program is right for you. Feel free to contact us with questions:

•  Participating Faculty
•  Full Program Description
•  Prerequisites & Required Courses
•  How to Apply

ADMITTED AND CURRENT STUDENTS

Welcome to the family! Here are some resources to get you started:
•  Before You Arrive
•  Student Advising
•  Curriculum Planning Worksheet
•  Master’s Projects

Course Planning Worksheets

•  For incoming students Fall 2018 > 
•  For incoming students Fall 2017 >
•  For incoming students Fall 2016 >

For more information, contact Program Chair Jim Zhang.