Department of Environmental Health Sciences
2014-2015 MASTER’S
Student Handbook
www.jhsph.edu/dept/ehs
Department of Environmental Health Sciences
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Master’s
Student Handbook
2014-2015
The Department of Environmental Health Sciences reserves the right
to change without notice any programs, policies, requirements, and
regulations in this handbook. Updates and revisions to this handbook
will be posted on the departmental website, at www.jhsph.edu/dept/ehs.
Additional policy information is included in various School publications
including the 2014-2015 Catalog, Student Handbook, Policies and
Procedure Manual (PPM), and website, which may be accessed at
www.jhsph.edu.
THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
BLOOMBERG SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
2014-15 ACADEMIC YEAR CALENDAR
SUMMER INSTITUTES
REGULAR SUMMER TERM
Begin Week of June 2
W July 2 – F Aug 22 (37 class days)
1ST TERM
T Sept 2 - F Oct 24 (39 class days, M-F)
Registration Begins for Summer Institute Terms…………………………………………………………….……
Registration Begins for Regular Summer Term...................................................................................................
Internet-Based/Part-Time MPH New Student Orientation...................................................................................
Summer Institutes Begin.....................................................................................................................................
Regular Summer Term Registration Ends………………………………………………………………………….
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION/REGISTRATION .......................................................................................
Instruction Begins for Summer Term..................................................................................................................
INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY .................................................................................................................
Regular Summer Add/Drop Period .....................................................................................................................
Last Class Day of Summer Term ........................................................................................................................
1st Term Registration Begins for Continuing and Special Students………………………………………………
1st Term Registration Ends for Continuing and Special Students.........................................................................
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION/ REGISTRATION ......................................................................................
Instruction Begins for 1st Term............................................................................................................................
Add/Drop Period.................................................................................................................................................
LABOR DAY RECESS......................................................................................................................................
Last Class Day of 1st Term ..................................................................................................................................
2ND TERM
M June 2
F Aug 15
W Aug 27 – F Aug 29
T Sept 2
M Sept 1 - F Sept 12
M Sept 1
F Oct 24
M Oct 27 - F Dec 19 (38 class days, M-F)
2 Term Registration Begins ..............................................................................................................................
2nd Term Registration Ends .................................................................................................................................
Instruction Begins for 2nd Term...........................................................................................................................
Add/Drop Period.................................................................................................................................................
THANKSGIVING RECESS...............................................................................................................................
Last Class Day of 2nd Term .................................................................................................................................
nd
Internet-Based/Part-Time MPH New Student Orientation ...................................................
WINTER INTERSESSION ...................................................................................................
F Feb 14
T April 8
Sun June 1
Begin week of June 2
F June 20
M June 30 – T July 1
W July 2
F July 4
W July 2 – T July 15 (full term courses only)
F Aug 22
F July 25
F Oct 10
M Oct 27
M Oct 27 – F Nov 7
Th Nov 27 – Su Nov 30
F Dec 19
Sun Jan 4
M Jan 5 – F Jan 16
Winter Intersession Registration Begins………………………………………………………………………….. Th Oct 9
Winter Intersession Registration Ends…………………………………………………………………………..… F Dec 5
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HOLIDAY RECESS ........................................................................................ M Jan 19
3RD TERM
T Jan 20 - F Mar 13 (39 class days, M-F)
Registration Begins for 3rd Term .........................................................................................................................
3rd Term Registration Ends ................................................................................................................................
Instruction Begins for 3rd Term ..........................................................................................................................
Add/Drop Period.................................................................................................................................................
Last Class Day of 3rd Term .................................................................................................................................
SPRING RECESS ..............................................................................................................................................
4TH TERM
M Mar 23– F May 15 (40 class days, M-F)
Registration Begins for 4th Term .........................................................................................................................
4th Term Registration Ends..................................................................................................................................
Instruction Begins for 4th Term ...........................................................................................................................
Add/Drop Period.................................................................................................................................................
Last Class Day of 4th Term..................................................................................................................................
PUBLIC HEALTH CONVOCATION ................................................................................................................
UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT..................................................................................................................
RESIDENCY PROGRAM ENDS ......................................................................................................................
As of September 2013
W Nov 19
F Jan 9
T Jan 20
M Jan 19 - M Feb 2
F Mar 13
M Mar 16 - F Mar 20
M Feb 2
F Mar 13
M Mar 23
M Mar 23 – F Apr 3
F May 15
T May 19
Th May 21
T June 30
CONTENTS
JOHNS HOPKINS BLOOMBERG SCHOOL of PUBLIC HEALTH
ACADEMIC ETHICS CODE
Policy1
Procedure1
THE DEPARTMENT of ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES
Mission2
Departmental Overview2
ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION for MASTER’S STUDENTS
Accounts3
Course Waivers3
Financial Support3
Registration 4
Standards of Performance4
Teaching Assistants4
Weather Emergencies4
Student Assistance4
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES STUDENT ORGANIZATION
(EHSSO)5
DEPARTMENTAL CONTACT INFORMATION
Departmental Administration 6
Associate Chairs6
Academic Administration
6
Business Administration
7
Academic Program Directors8
MASTER’S PROGRAMS
Programs Overview10
Advisors11
Timeline11
Assessment of Progress11
MHS in Environmental Health12
ScM in Environmental Health16
MSPH in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
24
JOHNS HOPKINS BLOOMBERG SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ACADEMIC ETHICS CODE
Policy
The faculty and students of the Bloomberg School of Public Health have the joint responsibility for maintaining the
academic integrity and guaranteeing the high standard of conduct of this institution.
An ethical code is based upon the support of both faculty and students who must jointly accept the responsibility to
live honorably and to take action when necessary to safeguard the academic integrity of this University.
Students enrolled in the Bloomberg School of Public Health assume an obligation to conduct themselves in a manner
appropriate to The Johns Hopkins University’s mission as an institution of higher education. A student is obligated
to refrain from acts which he or she knows, or under the circumstances has reason to know, impair the academic
integrity of the University. Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to: cheating; plagiarism;
knowingly furnishing false information to any agent of the University for inclusion in the academic record; violation
of the rights and welfare of animal or human subjects in research; and misconduct as a member of either School or
University committees or recognized groups or organizations.
Procedure
All members of the Johns Hopkins community are responsible for immediately informing the Academic Ethics Board
of the Bloomberg School of Public Health of any suspected violations of its Constitution. The Ethics Board, composed
of six students and four faculty members, is responsible for implementing its Constitution according to the procedures
set forth therein. This includes formal hearings of suspected violations. Students and faculty should become familiar
with the Constitution, copies of which are provided in student and faculty publications and materials, posted on the
website of the School, and can be obtained at the office of one of the deans responsible for student affairs.
Allegations of fraud in research by students will be handled and resolved according to the policies and procedures
specified in Faculty PPM 7 - Fraud in Research. Penalties for students who are found responsible for engaging in fraud
in research under Faculty PPM 7 may be selected from among the penalties specified in the Student Academic Ethics
Code (Student PPM 1) as appropriate.
Allegations of violations of academic integrity by students in the School are covered under the policies and procedures
contained in PPM for Students - 1 (Academic Ethics) and the School’s Academic Ethics Code.
Allegations of sexual harassment are covered by the University’s Sexual Harassment Prevention and Resolution
Program for faculty, staff, and students. The University encourages individuals to report incidents of sexual harassment
and provides a variety of avenues, both formal and informal, by which individuals can report complaints of sexual
harassment. Allegations of sexual harassment by students are covered under the JHU program and under the Student
Conduct Code.
Allegations of unsatisfactory performance or unacceptable behavior by faculty are covered by PPM Faculty - 8
(Procedure for Handling Allegations of Unsatisfactory Performance or Unacceptable Behavior), and allegations of
fraud or misconduct during the conduct of research by faculty are covered by PPM Faculty - 7 (Fraud in Research).
Allegations of misconduct by staff are covered by policies and procedures established by the University Office of
Human Resources as stated in the Personnel Policy Manual. (This information is taken from the School’s POLICY AND
PROCEDURE MEMORANDUM STUDENTS – 1, SUBJECT: Academic Ethics.)
2014-15 EHS Master’s Student Handbook - 1
The Department of Environmental Health Sciences
1.0 MISSION
The Department of Environmental Health Sciences (EHS) integrates diverse scientific disciplines in its quest to
discover, translate, and disseminate new knowledge critical to understanding the impact of environmental factors
on individuals and human populations, a goal that is central to public health. Paramount to our mission is a
commitment to the education and training of public health professionals to solve environmental health challenges
ranging in scale from molecular to global.
2.0 DEPARTMENTAL OVERVIEW
The Department of Environmental Health Sciences (EHS) is a dynamic group of faculty and students exploring
the impact of chemical, biological, and physical agents on human health. We work to: discover the sources and
distribution of these agents; understand individual response at the molecular, cellular, organ, and whole-body
levels; assess environmental risk; and devise prevention and intervention strategies.
Current thinking on the environment and health has propelled us to consider how the built environment and the
social environment influence human health beyond the traditional focus on hazardous agents. We are also pursuing
the health effects of global environmental change, including global warming, persistent organic pollutants, and
ecosystems change.
Students in EHS come from diverse backgrounds, and grow to appreciate the effects of the natural, built, and social
environments on human health. Our broad, multidisciplinary approach creates a collaborative and supportive
learning atmosphere for every student, while assisting them in developing lifetime careers in public health.
The EHS Department engages in training, research and practice activities in two broad areas: Exposure Sciences
and Environmental Epidemiology and Environmental Diseases: Molecular Mechanisms and Pathophysiology.
Faculty and students evaluate the impact of chemical, biological, physical and psychosocial exposures on human
health spanning the breadth of environmental media including food, water, and air and encompassing integrating
concepts of the built environment and environmental sustainability. Our mission is to develop solutions to key
challenges in local, national, and global environmental health, from the molecular to population-wide impacts.
This is accomplished by investigating sources and distributions of exposures, mechanisms of action, biomarkers of
exposure and biological effects, individual and population-based responses, and susceptibility factors at both the
individual (molecular, cellular, organ, whole-body) and societal levels. In addition, environmental risks are assessed
and prevention/intervention strategies are devised and evaluated.
Our broad, multidisciplinary approach creates a collaborative and supportive learning atmosphere for students
with diverse backgrounds and interests, while assisting them in developing lifetime careers in environmental and
public health research and practice. Our graduates work in academic research institutions, health agencies, health
departments and private industry organizations that are leaders in environmental and occupational health in the
U.S. and in many countries around the world.
These areas offer students many opportunities for course selection, research, and training in a setting that
enables students to pursue a wide range of environmental health science interests. Our relationships with the
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, the Whiting School of Engineering – Department of Geography Environmental
Engineering (DOGEE) and the School of Nursing ensure that our research can be rapidly translated into prevention
strategies. In addition, our Department houses a number of Centers including the Center for Water and Health,
Education and Research Center for Occupational Safety, Center for a Livable Future, the Center for Alternatives to
Animal Testing, and the Center for Public Health Preparedness enhancing our unique academic environment.
2014-15 EHS Master’s Student Handbook - 2
3.0 ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION FOR MASTERS AND DOCTORAL STUDENTS
The following section covers major student administrative topics.
3.1 Accounts
Students should monitor their ISIS account on a monthly basis so that problems may be resolved in a timely
manner. The Department may deposit funds for tuition and certain fees into accounts, but the student is
responsible for late charges related to expenses that are not covered by the Department. These changes include
late registration fees, even when the Department pays for tuition costs. Information regarding student accounts
may be found at: www.jhsph.edu/studentaccts.
3.2 Course Waivers
Waivers will be considered when a student has taken a similar, graduate-level course(s), with a passing grade, in
another division of JHU or another university. “Similarity” shall be based on comparison of the course syllabi by the
relevant JHU course director.
The waiver approval process depends on whether or not the Program and/or the specific requirement are
Department or School-based versus Program-based. The waiver request form can be found at:
http://www.jhsph.edu/departments/environmental-health-sciences/student-resources/forms.html
For Department or School requirements, approval must be granted sequentially by the student’s advisor, the
Program director, and the Department Chair. For Program-specific requirements, a waiver approval must be
granted by the student’s advisor and the Program director.
All waiver requests should be submitted on the appropriate form to the Academic Program Adminstrator.
Once approved, documentation of the waiver will be maintained in the student’s file.
3.3 Financial Support
Partial tuition support is available on a limited basis for U.S. citizens in the full-time MSPH in Occupational and
Environmental Hygiene and ScM in Environmental Health Programs. All students in these Programs who are in good
academic standing receive tuition scholarships worth up to 75 percent of the School’s tuition during the second
year of the Program.
All qualified applicants are considered for scholarship opportunities. Please note that funding for non-U.S. citizens
is very limited. The allocation process is very competitive and funding sources vary each year. Additional means
of financial support may be identified on the School’s website at: www.jhsph.edu/SFR. In most cases, admitted
students will be notified at the time of acceptance if they are awarded any type of financial support with the
amount and type of support specified in the award notification. Students should contact the EHS Business Office at
E7523 or 410-955-3537 if they have any questions about their award or accounts.
2014-15 EHS Master’s Student Handbook - 3
3.4 Registration
It is the student’s responsibility to register for courses during the appropriate time periods specified by the
Office of Records and Registration (and available on the academic calendar). The student should discuss their
course plans with their advisor before registration and confirm registration details with their advisor every
term. Regardless of funding sources such as grants, stipends, etc., students are responsible for any applicable
fees if they do not register properly.
3.5 Standards of Performance
Students are expected to adhere to the policies stated in the EHS Student Handbook and the School’s policy
and procedure manual (PPM). These policies include those related to grade requirements, registration
policies, academic progress, deadlines, satisfactory completion of exams, and the School’s Academic Ethics
Code. Students who fail to follow or meet the established policies may be subject to dismissal.
3.6 Teaching Assistants
Teaching Assistant (TA) positions provide students with an opportunity to develop their teaching and
interpersonal skills, to work professionally with faculty and fellow students, and to contribute service to the
Department. Students must receive approval from their advisors before serving as a TA for a course.
In order to be considered for a TA position, a student must be currently enrolled in courses on a full-time
basis. All TAs are required to take the Online Module Teaching Assistantships 1: Essential Elements prior to
TAing for a course. http://courseplus.jhsph.edu/core/index.cfm/go/enr:enr.start/cID/296/
3.7 Weather Emergencies
A weather emergency is defined as an actual or imminent change in the atmosphere (e.g., snow, a hurricane,
or a tornado) that is serious enough to disrupt the routine academic research service and administrative
functions of the University.
The JHU Weather Emergency Line can be reached at 410-516-7781 or 800-548-9004. The JHU Weather
Emergency Line provides information on class cancellations and campus closing due to inclement weather.
The University may also use the same phone lines occasionally to distribute other urgent information.
Weather emergency information is also available at: http://webapps.jhu.edu/jhuniverse/administration/
emergency_weather_security_information/.
3.8 Student Assistance
On occasion, problems may arise between students and other members of the School of Public Health
community. The purpose of these guidelines is to set standards to help resolve disputes informally between
the Department of Environmental Health Sciences students and other members of the Hopkins community.
The student is encouraged to make a good faith effort to resolve the dispute informally prior to initiating
formal Grievance Procedures. For those disputes that cannot be resolved informally, a Student Grievance
Procedure has been created by the School to provide students and student groups with a formal process to
seek resolution of a grievance (see Student PPM 07). In certain circumstances, other governing bodies also
assist in these situations. A student who has a concern about a decision or act of a faculty or staff member of
the Department of Environmental Health Sciences should follow the steps outlined below.
Step 1: The student should first approach the person or parties (e.g. academic advisor, related office, etc.),
directly involved as soon as possible to discuss questions or concerns.
Step 2: If the issue or concern is not resolved informally, the student should contact the Program Director for
assistance. A written request for problem resolution is requested at this stage. This request should include
specific details about the problem, documentation if appropriate, and a suggestion for resolution.
Step 3: If no resolution can be found in prior steps, the matter will be referred to the Departmental Chair, who
will address the problem as he/she deems necessary.
Step 4: If the matter is not resolved within the Department or requires review and/or decision at the
School or University level, a student should refer to the School’s Student Grievance Procedure document if
appropriate.
2014-15 EHS Master’s Student Handbook - 4
4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES STUDENT ORGANIZATION (EHSSO)
EHSSO is the departmental student organization formed for the purpose of facilitating social, intellectual, and
service-oriented interaction between students, staff, and faculty of the Department of Environmental Health
Sciences. EHSSO unites students from the different disciplines of the Environmental Health Sciences Department
and provides a forum for students to voice their concerns and share ideas and research. Networking opportunities,
social events, student-sponsored conferences, and lectures are all benefits of EHSSO.
2014-15 EHSSO Board Members
President
Ben Davis
[email protected]
President Elect
Makena Clive
[email protected]
Secretary
Sara Rasmussen
[email protected]
Treasurer
Katelyn Bruno
[email protected]
Student/Faculty Representative
Cissy Li
[email protected]
SA Representative
TBD
DrPH Representative
TBD
Master’s Representatives
TBD
EHSSO Faculty Advisor
Marsha Wills-Karp, PhD
[email protected]
For further information please contact Ben Davis, EHSSO President, [email protected].
2014-15 EHS Master’s Student Handbook - 5
5.0 DEPARTMENTAL CONTACT INFORMATION
DEPARTMENTAL ADMINISTRATION
Marsha Wills-Karp, PhD
EHS Department Chair
[email protected]
Office: E7527A
443-287-4290 James D. Yager, PhD
Deputy Chair
[email protected]
Office: W1025
410-955-3348
Theresa Daniel, BA
Administrator
[email protected]
Office: E7523B
410-502-4451
Patty Poole Sr. Administrative Coordinator to
the Chair
[email protected]
Office: E7527
443-287-4290
Ruth Quinn
Sr. Program Coordinator
[email protected]
Office: E7527
410-614-3275
ASSOCIATE CHAIRS
Jacqueline Agnew, PhD Associate
Chair for Practice
[email protected]
Office: W7503D
410-955-4037
Identify strategic opportunities to engage
with the practice community and promote
the scholarship of EH practice.
Patrick Breysse, PhD
Associate Chair for Educational
Programs
[email protected]
Office: E6630
410-955-3608
Monitor existing and approval of new degree
programs and curricula, monitor courses for
non-Department students, assess teaching
quality, oversee doctoral admissions.
Shyam Biswal, PhD
Associate Chair for Research
[email protected] Office: E7624 410-955-4728
Identify Department-wide strategic research
areas, help faculty with grant submissions
(mock study section) research retreats and
seminars.
Brian Schwartz, MD, PhD Associate [email protected]
Chair for Faculty Development
Office: W7041 410-955-4158
Primary: Mentor faculty.
Secondary: Recommend appointments
and promotions to Chair and Executive
Committee.
ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATION
Courtney Mish
Academic Programs
Administrator
[email protected]
Office: E7039
410-955-2212
Courtney oversees all operations of the academic programs
in the Department and works as the liaison between
students, faculty, and administrative offices of both
the Department and the School. She is responsible for
overseeing all admissions, prospective student and academic
communication and/or visits, teaching assistant assignments,
course waivers, staffing departmental academic committees.
She is also responsible for student DGA, (i.e. tuition, medical
insurance, matriculation fee). Courtney monitors registration
activity, assisting with issues as necessary, tracking of
students’ academic progress – including meeting School and
departmental requirements, and exams.
2014-15 EHS Master’s Student Handbook - 6
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Theresa Daniel, BA
Administrator
[email protected]
Office: E7523B
410-502-4451
Responsible for directing the overall administrative,
financial and operational activities of the department
of EHS.
Tracy Russo Financial Manager
[email protected]
Office: E7523
410-502-2471
This position works closely with faculty and principal
investigators to monitor expenses, prepare grant
proposals and other related items for submission,
handle all pre-and post award issues and assist with
budgeting issues for sponsored & non-sponsored
accounts. The Sr. Analysts handle more complex and
multi-project funding.
Erinn Johnson
Sr. Research Service Analyst
[email protected]
Office: E7516
410-502-3694
This position works closely with faculty and principal
investigators to monitor expenses, prepare grant
proposals and other related items for submission,
handle all pre and post award issues and assist with
budgeting issues for sponsored & non-sponsored
accounts. The Sr. Analysts handle more complex and
multi-project funding.
Raisa Supan
Research Service Analyst
[email protected]
Office: E7031
410-955-3328
This position works closely with faculty and principal
investigators to monitor expenses, prepare grant
proposals and other related items for submission,
handle all pre and post award issues and assist with
budgeting issues for sponsored & non-sponsored
accounts. Felicia Moore
Sr. HR Coordinator
[email protected]
Office: E7518
410-502-9288
The HR Coordinator provides a wide range of
human resource services for the department. Coordinate personnel services and HR processes. Prepares payroll submissions, job postings, visas for
faculty and staff and answers payroll and benefits
question.
Rita Hartje
Budget Specialist
[email protected]
Office: E7523
410-502-9031
Responsible for the day to day financial transactions
such as shopping carts, travel advances, travel
reimbursements and on-line reimbursements. Work
with AP to ensure the proper documentation is
attached. Monthly account reconciliation of internal
accounts.
Chichona Powell Budget Specialist
[email protected]
Office: E7523
410-614-4762
Responsible for the day to day financial transactions
such as shopping carts, travel advances, travel
reimbursements and on-line reimbursements. Work
with AP to ensure the proper documentation is
attached. Monthly account reconciliation of internal
accounts.
Nicole Hughes, MA
Communications Coordinator
[email protected]
Office: E7040
443-287-2905
Nicole oversees the departmental website,
designs and writes departmental publications and
newsletters, manages the EHS Teamsite (SharePoint/
Portal).
2014-15 EHS Master’s Student Handbook - 7
6.0 ACADEMIC PROGRAM DIRECTORS
PhD Track in Environmental Diseases: Molecular Mechanisms & Pathophysiology
Shyam Biswal, PhD
Co-Director
[email protected]
Office: E7624
410-955-4728
Wayne Mitzner, PhD
[email protected]
Co-Director
Office: E7608
410-614-5446
PhD Track in Exposure Sciences and Environmental Epidemiology
Peter S.J. Lees, PhD, CIH
Co-Director
Ana Navas-Acien, MD, PhD
Co-Director
[email protected]
Office: E6624
410-955-3009
[email protected]
Office: W7513D
410-502-4267
Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
Paul A. Locke, MPH, JD, DrPH
[email protected]
Office: W7032
410-502-2525
Master of Health Science in Environmental Health (MHS) &
Master of Science in Environmental Health (ScM)
E. William Spannhake, PhD
[email protected]
Office: E7533
410-370-5226
Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH)
Patrick Breysse, PhD
[email protected]
Office: E6630
Phone: 410-955-3608
2014-15 EHS Master’s Student Handbook - 8
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES
2014-15 EHS Master’s Student Handbook - 9
MASTER’S PROGRAMS
MASTER’S
PROGRAMS
6.3 MASTER’S PROGRAMS
6.3.1 Programs Overview
The Department of Environmental Health Sciences offers three master’s degree programs: the Master of
Health Science (MHS) in Environmental Health, the Master of Science (ScM) in Environmental Health and the
Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene. These programs are
designed to address the educational and training needs of students within the broad range of disciplines in
the field of environmental health, as described below.
The MSPH in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene is a program with an internship requirement
that meets the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) definition of a professional training program.
The MSPH Program is also accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering Technology Applied Sciences
Accreditation Commission (ABET-ASAC). The MSPH Program can be completed in 1.5 years as a full-time
student or in three years as a part-time Internet-based student. The Program is intended for students
interested in developing or advancing professional careers in occupational and environmental exposure
assessment, risk assessment and management. This program is part of the Department’s NIOSH-sponsored
Education and Research Center in Occupational Safety and Health. Graduates of the program are employed in
consulting, private industry and/or government, and they are also prepared to pursue doctoral studies (PhD
or DrPH) in environmental health sciences.
The MHS in Environmental Health is an academic program that is based on coursework and does
not involve an internship. The MHS in EH is designed to be completed in one academic year. It is primarily
intended for bachelor’s degree graduates who have a special interest in environmental health and who wish
to develop a foundation upon which to base further education and the application of environmental health
principles in support of their long-term career goals. Specialty Tracks offer students the choice between three
course sequences that focus on knowledge and skills within environmental health that address key areas of
current activity in the field. Graduates may pursue higher degrees in various areas of public health, medicine,
and law. Others have taken positions with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, nonprofit enterprises and in the private sector. The program is also designed to meet the needs of experienced
government or private sector employees who wish to become more qualified in environmental factors
involved in health and disease.
The ScM in Environmental Health is a two-year, in-residence academic degree program consisting of one
year of coursework followed by a 12-month research period. The ScM thesis is based on original research
carried out by the student under the direction of a faculty member. The program is designed for individuals
preparing to enter a PhD program or to pursue upper-level research positions in environmental health. Course requirements for the ScM are the same as for the MHS in Environmental Health. The ScM program
in Environmental Health is intended for individuals with a special interest in pursuing research in one of the
various areas within Environmental Health. Typically, these students have previous hands-on experience
in laboratory, field or population-based investigations that they would like to build upon. Graduates may
transition directly into training and research through doctoral degree programs in their areas of their primary
interest. For graduates wishing to apply their knowledge and research skills prior to pursuing advanced
degrees, the ScM will position them to compete for research positions in the private sector, federal agencies
and non-governmental organizations.
2014-15 EHS Master’s Student Handbook - 10
Advisors
All new students enrolled in any of the three master’s programs will be assigned an advisor before their
arrival. The advisor serves as the primary contact for the Department and will assist the student with course
selection each term and interpretation of Departmental and School policies. In the MSPH and MHS programs,
advisors will also assist students with the preparation and presentation of their essays. In these programs,
the student is free to change advisors, but this change must be approved by the appropriate Program Director
and the Department’s Office of Educational Programs must be notified via email. For students in the ScM,
initially-assigned advisors may change when a student transitions from the MHS to the ScM program at the
end of term 2 in the first year of the program in the event that the research advisor is not the initially assigned
faculty member. Students are required to review the current term’s registration details with their advisor
before the end of the Add/Drop period each term (see: www.jhsph.edu/academics/calendar).
Timeline
Most students in the MHS in Environmental Health complete their degree on a full-time basis within four
academic terms (nine months). Additional terms of study are allowed as long as the student is making satisfactory academic progress.
The full-time MSPH in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene program typically requires six terms (a year
and a half) of study. The MSPH Program can also be taken through a part-time Internet-based delivery option.
Students in either program who choose to attend on a part-time basis may take up to four academic years to
complete their program.
Students in the 2-year ScM are expected to complete at least 64 credits of coursework in the first four terms
and to fulfill the written comprehensive examination requirement by the end of the first academic year. Research is expected to begin in the summer immediately following completion of the written comprehensive
and will be completed along with all thesis requirements in time for graduation in May of the second year.
Full-time Master’s students must maintain continuous registration in order to maintain good standing in the
program. If for some reason they are not able to maintain continuous registration, they must notify the appropriate Program Director and the Office of Educational Programs.
Assessment of Progress
Each term the student and their advisor will review grades from the previous term. Specific goals will be
determined following this review. Students must meet minimum academic standards to remain in the
Master’s Program. A student who is experiencing academic difficulty will be notified in writing if they are
expected to achieve a specific GPA during the upcoming term. Failure to meet any of the following criteria is
grounds for dismissal from the program.
• Students must maintain a minimum of 2.75 cumulative grade point average. Students falling below 2.75
will have one term or up to 21 additional units of coursework, to raise the GPA above 2.75.
• Students must attain a grade of “C” or better in all required courses that are offered for a letter grade in the
required curriculum.
• Students must retake a required course in which they received a grade of “D” or “F”.
• If a student receives a grade of “D” or “F” twice in the same required course, they may not repeat the
course a third time. If the course is a required core course with no other options, this is grounds for dismissal.
• Students must successfully complete any other program-specific requirements, for example the Thesis or
Essay, according to the requirements specified in the specific program descriptions, below.
• Students in the full-time Master’s program must maintain continuous registration in order to remain in
good standing with the program.
2014-15 EHS Master’s Student Handbook - 11
6.3.2 MHS in Environmental Health
Program Description
The academic Master of Health Science in Environmental Health program provides students with a firm
foundation in the perspectives and tenets of the field of Environmental Health through a curriculum of
sequenced courses that build on one another to develop a strong knowledge base and application viewpoint.
The program is primarily intended for individuals holding the bachelor’s degree whose interests and, perhaps,
experience in environmental health-related activities lead them see a place for environmental health in their
future academic and career goals. Graduates have immediately pursued doctoral degrees in public health
research, medicine and law, while others have moved first to positions in governmental agencies, NGOs, and
the private sector. The program may also accommodate the educational needs of current employees in these
sectors whose career directions warrant developing a better understanding the role of environmental factors
in human health and disease.
The Tracks of the MHS in EH program offer content specialization the areas of human toxicology and
pathophysiology, population environmental health, and sustainability and global environmental health.
All MHS graduates will have competence in the following areas: basic biological mechanisms; toxicology;
statistical evaluation of data; epidemiological studies in environmental health; risk sciences and public
policy, research ethics, and public health perspectives in research. In addition to successful completion of
coursework, MHS students are required to prepare an essay addressing an environmental health problem
and to make a formal presentation on the topic to an audience of faculty and students.
Although reserved for unique situations, with approval of the program director, a part-time option may be
offered. The part-time program has the same course and grade requirements as the full-time option and must
be completed in three years.
Programs of Study
Students work in consultation with faculty advisors to select a program of study that best encompasses their
area of primary interest and fits with their career goals. Required core courses address topics that include
environmental health, toxicology, physiology, epidemiology, risk sciences, and statistics. The Program offers
three Specialty Tracks of study. These tracks provide students the opportunity to complete a sequence of
courses that present an optimal learning experience in selected areas of environmental health that are of
special importance in the field. Depending upon the Track selection, MHS students also have the opportunity
to fulfill the requirements necessary to earn either the Certificate in Risk Sciences and Public Policy or the
Certificate in Humane Sciences and Toxicology Policy, in addition to the MHS degree. Following the end of the
program academic year, students who, as part of their training, have completed coursework in the five course
areas including Health Policy & Management and Social & Behavioral Sciences may apply to sit for the exam
to become Certified in Public Health (CPH) through the National Board of Public Health Examiners.
Each of the Specialty Tracks comprises a body of coursework that is unique to the focus of that track and,
along with the core courses, provide the additional course units necessary to achieve the 64-unit minimum
needed for graduation.
(Schedules of coursework showing the curricula for the pairing of core course requirements with each of the
three specialty tracks are provided below, following the ScM program section.)
2014-15 EHS Master’s Student Handbook - 12
Specialty Track in Human Toxicology and Pathophysiology
The Specialty Track in Human Toxicology and Pathophysiology is designed for students whose interests lie in
laboratory-oriented approaches to the study of chemical and biological agents in the environment that affect
health and the mechanisms through which they do so. Building upon the required introductory course in
toxicology, specialty courses include three additional courses each in advanced toxicology and environmentrelated disease and two courses in laboratory-based statistics. Through lectures, discussion and class
assignments, students in this track will develop a solid understanding of the ways in which environmental
exposures can translate into health risks and the ways in which these risks can be evaluated and mitigated.
Options include completing requirements for either the Risk Sciences and Public Policy or the Humane
Sciences and Toxicology Policy certificates. Ideal applicants to this track will be individuals with strong
backgrounds in the basic sciences, including biology and chemistry.
Specialty Track in Population Environmental Health
The Specialty Track in Population Environmental Health builds upon the broad population views of the
program-required courses in epidemiology and environmental health principles. It is designed for students
whose interests in the basic sciences extend toward the community and social aspects of the impact of
environmental factors on health. Specialty track courses include three courses in epidemiology methods
and application beyond the introductory course and a three-course series in statistics. This combination
provides students with basic mastery in use of principle statistical approaches and introduces the quantitative
skills used in epidemiologic research. A coursework option to participate in community outreach is offered.
The Risk Sciences and Public Policy certificate series is often completed by students in this track. Through
coursework and optional direct participation, students will develop an understanding of the nature of the
problems that affect subsets of the population and the challenges faced in their solution. Ideal applicants
to this track will be individuals with a good basic science and quantitative foundation and an interest in
addressing population-related environmental health issues.
Specialty Track in Sustainability and Global Environmental Health
The Specialty Track in Sustainability and Global Environmental Health is designed for students who wish to
develop an understanding of the factors that are driving current changes in the global environment and how
their consequences affect human health at the individual and population levels. Through coursework and
seminars, students will be exposed to a range of sustainability topics that fall within the classic domain of
public health, such as food production, security and urban food systems, energy source impacts on public
health and water supply and reuse, and others that are relatively new to it, such as the policy implications
and health impacts of climate change, urban sprawl, energy policy and technology and the green movement.
Climate change, loss of biodiversity, ecosystem degradation and the depletion of other global resources will
be considered in the context of their impact on health on a global scale, and what visions for a sustainable
future may look like. Track course content areas, combined with course-based development of analytical
public health skills, will assist students in critically analyzing the complex interactions that exist within global
environmental problems. The Food System, Environment and Public Health Certificate can also be pursued. Ideal applicants to this track will be individuals with an interest in the environmental and health implications
of a rapidly increasing global population at a time of diminishing food and fuel resources and a changing
climate.
2014-15 EHS Master’s Student Handbook - 13
Grade and Program Requirements
As described in the general section above for Master’s Programs under Assessment of Progress, students
must meet all course grade, overall GPA and registration requirements. The program must be completed
within three years as a full-time student.
The MHS Program will schedule group luncheon meetings of MHS students and their advisors to serve as an
information session to discuss program components and student opportunities and to provide updates of
administrative, course or other programmatic changes. Meeting dates and times will be announced at the
beginning of the academic year. Attendance is mandatory for MHS students.
MHS Essay
As a requirement of the MHS in Environmental Health degree program, the student must write an essay
and present a summary of it during a formal seminar/symposium to program students and faculty. No
written or oral comprehensive examination is required for this degree. The MHS essay is intended to serve
as an integrating experience for the students. The content is based on an environmental health problem
that is pertinent to the educational goals of the student and approved by the advisor. Insofar as the topic
allows, the essay must synthesize, to varying extents, information across the spectrum from basic toxicology
through exposure assessment and policy. The essay should represent a substantive application of analytic
and technical skills in reviewing, exploring, and proposing potential solutions to a problem pertinent to
environmental health. It is not a research paper or thesis, but rather an informative and in-depth literature
review of a topic of interest to the student that has current environmental health relevance.
The essay must be between 7,800 and 9,600 words of text (equivalent to about 30 pages), with at least 30
peer-reviewed journal article references in addition to other, e.g. Internet, references. The pages must be
1.5 or double-spaced using 12 point font with one inch margins. All Essays must contain: Title Page; Table
of contents; text with section headings and a reference list. The latter will be in alphabetical order by first
author or numbered consecutively and follow a format decided upon by the student and their advisor. Tables
and figures may be incorporated into the body of the text but must be annotated to indicate the source of
each. All students will register for three terms of 180.860, Special Studies MHS Essay, corresponding to the
last three terms leading to completion of their program requirements – typically 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Terms.
Students who do not successfully complete the requirements for all three terms of this Special Studies course
will face dismissal from the program.
The student will meet with the advisor throughout the essay-writing process in order to ensure fulfillment of
180.860 essay requirements, as well as assure that the essay is properly prepared for presentation and final
approval. Ultimately, the essay must be reviewed and approved by the advisor and one other faculty member
or expert chosen by the student and approved by the advisor.
2014-15 EHS Master’s Student Handbook - 14
2014-2015 Timeline for Essay Completion
It is essential that the MHS essay be prepared in a timely manner, so that faculty can provide comments that
can be incorporated into the final essay. During the year, certain milestones must be met in preparing the
essay. The dates below are deadlines for submissions. Some are linked to receiving a grade of “Pass” in the
Special Studies MHS Essay courses (180.860).
November 7th – Friday:
Essay topic decided upon with advisor and brought to MHS Student/Advisor Lunch Meeting
November 17th – Monday:
Draft outline handed in to advisor for input and suggested modifications
December 9th – Tuesday:
Outline approved (required for satisfactory completion of 2nd Term 180.860 Special Studies)
January 20th – Tuesday:
First draft of essay handed in to advisor for input and suggested modifications
February 16th – Monday:
Second draft of essay handed in to advisor for input and suggested modifications
March 9th – Monday:
“Final” version of essay handed in to advisor (required for satisfactory completion of 3rd Term 180.860 Special
Studies)
March 30th – Monday:
Essay approved by advisor and sent to one other faculty member or Advisor-approved expert Reader
April 16th –Thursday:
Corrections to essay, based on Reader’s comments, are handed in to the Advisor or Reader for review
May 1st – Friday:
Advisor and second Reader approve essay; Program Director notified by advisor. (required for satisfactory
completion of 4th Term 180.860 Special Studies and for graduation). Students who receive a grade of “Incomplete” in the last of the MHS Essay Special Studies courses and do not satisfactorily complete the requirement
within the School’s 120-day time limit will be subject to dismissal from the program.
May 14th – Thursday and May 15th – Friday:
Essay Presentations
Partial fulfillment of the MHS degree requirements for the program requires the student to make at least one
presentation to an audience of faculty and students of the Department. This presentation will be based on
the student’s essay topic, and will typically be made after completion of the written essay.
2014-15 EHS Master’s Student Handbook - 15
6.3.3 ScM in Environmental Health
Program Description
The ScM in Environmental Health is a two-year, in-residence degree program that consists of one year of
coursework followed by a 12-month research period. The program is intended for students whose goals
might best be served by a research-based master’s degree. These would include those preparing to enter
doctoral-level programs or to pursue upper-level research positions in environmental health. The primary
focus of the first year of the program is on coursework designed to provide a strong foundation in the basic
tenets of environmental health. The course content will also establish a knowledge base in the particular area
of research interest of the student as reflected in their choice of Specialty Track.
In the third term of the first year, the student will finalize the research advisor selection process and work
with their advisor to identify the research topic and conduct a background literature search as part of a thesis
research course. In fulfillment of a second thesis research course in the fourth term, a written plan for the
research project will be developed. Immediately after completing fourth term coursework and fulfilling the
requirements of the written comprehensive exam, the student will begin their research under the direction
of their advisor. The research is to represent an original work by the student and will form the basis for the
master’s thesis. After completion and review of the thesis, students will present their work at a departmental
seminar. Students will be expected to complete the program at the end of the fourth term of the second year
and graduate in May. Entry into the ScM Degree Program
All students enter the academic master’s degree programs through the MHS in EH. Those students interested
in pursuing the ScM in EH will state that in the personal statement of their application. Applicants are
requested to describe their research interests as they relate to specific areas of research being carried out by
departmental faculty who serve as advisors in the ScM program. Because identification of a faculty member
who will agree to serve as the research advisor for a student is essential for admission into the ScM program
at mid-year, applicants are encouraged to investigate ScM research possibilities with individual faculty as a
part of the application process.
Before the end of the second term, students accepted into the MHS will be asked to submit an intradepartmental application for transfer into the ScM program. Applications will be reviewed by the ScM review
committee and acceptance will be based on academic performance in the first two terms, a recommendation
from at least one departmental faculty member, and the identification by the student of a faculty research
advisor who has agreed to serve as a mentor. This identification process may occur during the first few
months of the MHS program, but may be investigated with potential ScM faculty prior to the start of the
academic year, as indicated above.
2014-15 EHS Master’s Student Handbook - 16
Programs of Study
The first year curriculum for students in the ScM is the same as that for MHS students and includes both core
required courses and courses specific to the Specialty Track that the student has elected to follow. These
tracks represent three general areas of research and educational activity of the departmental faculty:
Specialty Track in Human Toxicology and Pathophysiology
The Specialty Track in Human Toxicology and Pathophysiology is designed for students whose interests lie in
laboratory-oriented approaches to the study of chemical and biological agents in the environment that affect
health and the mechanisms through which they do so. Through lectures, discussion and class assignments
in the first year, students in this track will develop a solid understanding of the ways in which environmental
exposures can translate into health risks and the ways in which these risks can be evaluated and mitigated. Options include completing requirements for either the Risk Sciences and Public Policy or Humane Sciences
and Toxicology Policy certificates. Ideal applicants to this track will be individuals with strong backgrounds
in the basic sciences, including biology and chemistry. Research interests might extend from the toxicologic
mechanisms of environmental chemical agents and their pathologic consequences to the potential
implications of toxicology data to human risk assessment and the development of regulatory policy.
Specialty Track in Population Environmental Health
The Specialty Track in Population Environmental Health builds upon the broad population views of the
program-required courses in epidemiology and environmental health principles. It is designed for students
whose interests in the basic sciences extend toward the community and social aspects of the impact of
environmental factors on health. Specialty track courses include three courses in epidemiology methods and
application beyond the introductory course and a three-course series in statistics. This combination provides
students with basic mastery in use of principle statistical approaches and introduces the quantitative skills
used in epidemiologic research. A coursework option to participate in community outreach is offered. The
Risk Sciences and Public Policy Certificate requirements are often fulfilled by students in this track. Ideal
applicants to this track will be individuals with a good basic science and quantitative foundation and an
interest in addressing population-related environmental health issues. Research interests might include
application of epidemiologic principles and methods to investigate relationships between environmental
hazards and health outcomes in populations and their cohorts. Specialty Track in Sustainability and Global Environmental Health
The Specialty Track in Sustainability and Global Environmental Health is designed for students who wish to
develop an understanding of the factors that are driving current changes in the global environment and how
their consequences affect human health at the individual and population levels. Through coursework and
seminars, students will be exposed to a range of sustainability topics that fall within the classic domain of
public health, such as food production, security and urban food systems, energy source impacts on public
health and water supply and reuse. Climate change, loss of biodiversity, ecosystem degradation and the
depletion of other global resources will be considered in the context of their impact on health on a global
scale, and what visions for a sustainable future may look like. Students in this track are eligible to receive the
Food System, Environment and Public Health Certificate. Ideal applicants to this track will be individuals with
an interest in the environmental and health implications of a rapidly increasing global population at a time of
diminishing food and fuel resources and a changing climate. Research interests might include chemical and
biological threats to food safety and water quality and mechanisms of effective intervention/prevention.
(Schedules of coursework showing the curricula for the pairing of core course requirements with each of the
three specialty tracks are provided below, following the ScM program section.)
2014-15 EHS Master’s Student Handbook - 17
Grade and Program Requirements
As described in the general section above for Master’s Programs under Assessment of Progress, students must
meet all curriculum, course grade, Grade Point Average and registration requirements. Students must have
successfully completed 64 credits of coursework to be considered for the Master’s Tuition Scholarship in the
second year. During the research year, full-time enrollment must be maintained by taking a minimum of 16
credits of (180.820) Thesis Research Environmental Health Sciences in each of the four terms. In addition,
students are required to participate in all journal clubs, seminars and meetings deemed necessary by the
faculty research advisor. The ScM is designed for full-time students and is expected to be completed within
the two year program plan. Research and Thesis Requirements
The ScM degree requires successful completion of a research project and the writing of a master’s thesis
based on that work. The research will be completed under the direction the faculty mentor who is a member
of the Department of Environmental Health Sciences faculty. The work must represent an original hypothesisdriven investigation on a topic of interest to the student and agreed upon by the advisor. The thesis will adhere to School and departmental guidelines, the specific format of which will be determined
by recommendations of the departmental Educational Program Committee with input from the program’s
director and student advisors. The document must be of a quality appropriate for publication in a peerreviewed scientific journal in the area of the research. The deadline for notifying the Office of the Registrar of
Thesis completion and departmental approval for the 2014-2015 academic year is Friday, May 1, 2015.
2014 – 2015 ScM Program Faculty Research Advisors
Steven An
Keeve Nachman
Joseph Bressler Ana Navas-Acien
Delisa Fairweather
Kellogg Schwab
Christopher Heaney
Brian Schwartz
Wayne Mitzner Paul Strickland
2014-15 EHS Master’s Student Handbook - 18
Department of Environmental Health Sciences
Masters of Health Science (MHS) – Academic Year 2014-15
Core Curriculum Schedule - By Track
Human Toxicology and Pathophysiology Track
First Term
Course Number
180.609
187.610
317.600
550.860
206.611
Course Name
Principles of Environmental Health I
Public Health Toxicology
Introduction to the Risk Sciences & Public Policy
Academic & Research Ethics at JHSPH
Principles of Immunology I
MW
WF
MW
Day/Time
1:30 – 3:20
3:30 – 4:50
5:00 – 6:50
Internet
TTh
8:30 - 10:20
Units
4
4
4
0
4
Second Term
Course Number
Course Name
Day/Time
180.610
Principles of Environmental Health II
TTh 1:30 – 3:20
180.860
Special Studies MHS Essay
TBA
183.631
550.865.81
187.632
187.621
Third Term
Course Number
180.860 -OR180.820
140.615
187.661
180.640
182.640
Fundamentals of Human Physiology
Public Health Perspectives on Research
Molecular Basis of Environmental Health
Public Health Toxicology: Advanced Topics
MW
Internet
MWF 10:30 – 11:50
T 4:00 - 5:20
Course Name
Special Studies MHS Essay
Thesis Research Environmental Health (ScM)
Statistics for Laboratory Scientists I
Statistics Laboratory
Env. Health in Neurological & Mental Disorders
Molec. Epidemiology & Biomarkers in Public Health
Food and Waterborne Diseases
1:30 – 3:20
Day/Time
TBA
Units
4
4
1
2
4
1
Units
1
MWF 10:30 – 11:20
Lab W 1:30 – 2:20 -OR2:30 – 3:20
4
TTh 10:30 – 11:50
3
TTh
3
TTh
3:00 – 4:20
1:30 – 2:50
4
Fourth Term
Course Number
Course Name
Day/Time
180.860 -OR-
Special Studies MHS Essay
140.616
Statistics for Laboratory Scientists II
Statistics Laboratory
MWF 10:30 – 11:20
340.688
Practical Epidemiology for Basic Scientists
MWF 1:30 – 2:20
18.820
187.630
187.620
187.641
Thesis Research Environmental Health (ScM)
Xenobiotic Metabolism & Biomarker Development
Environmental Toxicological Pathology
Immunology of Environmental Disease
TBA
1
W 2:30 – 3:20
TTh 10:30 – 11:50
WF
TTh
Units
3:00 – 4:50
1:30 – 2:50
4
3
4
4
3
EHS/SPH Required
Track Required
2014-15 EHS Master’s Student Handbook - 19
Population Environmental Health - Track A (Recommended)
First Term
Course Number
180.609
140.621
340.751
317.600
550.860
185.xxx
Second Term
Course Number
180.610
187.610.81
180.860
550.865.81
140.622
340.752
185.xxx
Third Term
Course Number
180.860 -OR180.820
140.623
185.xxx
340.753
-OR-
340.769
Course Name
Principles of Environmental Health I
Statistical Methods in Public Health I
Statistics Laboratory
Epidemiologic Methods 1
Epidemiology Lab
Introduction to the Risk Sciences & Public Policy
Day/Time
MW
1:30 – 3:20
TTH
10:30 – 11:50
MWF
8:30 – 9:50
MW
5:00 – 6:50
Select one
M W/F 10:00 – 11:20
Academic & Research Ethics at JHSPH
Internet
Course Name
Principles of Environmental Health II
Day/Time
TTH 1:30 – 3:20
Special Studies MHS Essay
TBA
ESEE Journal Club & Seminar
Public Health Toxicology
Public Health Perspectives on Research
Statistical Methods in Public Health II
Statistics Laboratory
Epidemiologic Methods 2
Epidemiology Lab
ESEE Journal Club & Seminar
Course Name
Special Studies MHS Essay
Thesis Research Environmental Health (ScM)
Statistical Methods in Public Health III
Statistics Laboratory
ESEE Journal Club & Seminar
Epidemiologic Methods 3
Epidemiology Lab
Professional Epidemiologic Methods
Plus 2 of the following 7:
Epidemiology Lab
M 12:00 - 1:00 (alt)
Internet
TTH
10:30 – 11:50
MWF
8:30 – 9:50
Select one
M W/F 10:00 – 11:20
M 12:00 - 1:00 (alt)
Day/Time
TBA
MWF
8:30 – 9:50
MW
9:00 – 10:20
M W/F 10:00 – 11:50
F
8:30 – 10:20
TTh
1:30 – 2:50
TTh
3:30 – 4:50
140.662
Spatial Analysis & Global Information Systems I
182.626
Issues for Water & Sanitation in Tropical Env. Health
T
180.640
Molec. Epidemiology & Biomarkers in Public Health
180.629
340.607
188.686
Fourth Term
Course Number
183.631.81
Environmental & Occupational Health Law & Policy
Intro. to Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology
Clinical Environmental & Occupational Toxicology
Course Name
Fundamentals of Human Physiology
180.860 -OR-
Special Studies MHS Essay
340.680
Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology
180.820
185.xxx
Thesis Research Environmental Health (ScM)
ESEE Journal Club & Seminar
10:30 – 11:50
M 12:00 - 1:00 (alt)
Food and Waterborne Diseases
TTh
5
4
0
1
Units
4
4
2
4
5
1
Units
1
Select one
182.640
4
1
Internet
TTH
Units
4
1:30 – 2:50 -OR-
4
1
5
4
3
3
8:30 – 10:20
2
TTh
3:00 – 4:20
4
MW
1:30 – 2:50
MW
3:30 – 5:20
MWF 1:30 – 2:50
Day/Time
Internet
TBA
MW
4
4
3
Units
4
1
1:30 – 3:20
M 12:00 - 1:00 (alt)
4
1
2014-15 EHS Master’s Student Handbook - 20
Population Environmental Health - Track B
First Term
Course Number
180.609
140.621
340.601
317.600
550.860
185.xxx
Course Name
Principles of Environmental Health I
Statistical Methods in Public Health I
Statistics Laboratory
Principles of Epidemiology
Epidemiology Lab
Introduction to the Risk Sciences & Public Policy
Academic & Research Ethics at JHSPH
ESEE Journal Club & Seminar
Day/Time
MW
1:30 – 3:20
TTH
10:30 – 11:50
Select one
MWF
10:30 – 11:20
Units
4
4
5
M W/F 8:30 – 9:50
MW
5:00 – 6:50
4
Day/Time
Units
Internet
M 12:00 - 1:00 (alt)
0
1
Second Term
Course Number
Course Name
180.610
Principles of Environmental Health II
TTh 1:30 – 3:20
180.860
Special Studies MHS Essay
TBA
187.610.81
550.865.81
140.622
340.608
185.xxx
Public Health Toxicology
Public Health Perspectives on Research
Statistical Methods in Public Health II
Statistics Laboratory
Observational Epidemiology
ESEE Journal Club & Seminar
Internet
4
4
1
Internet
TTH
10:30 – 11:50
MWF
9:00 – 10:20
Select one
M 12:00 - 1:00 (alt)
2
4
4
1
Third Term
Course Number
180.860 -OR180.820
140.623
185.xxx
340.753 -OR340.769
Course Name
Special Studies MHS Essay
Thesis Research Environmental Health (ScM)
Day/Time
TBA
1
Statistical Methods in Public Health III
TTH
ESEE Journal Club & Seminar
M 12:00 - 1:00 (alt)
Statistics Laboratory
Epidemiologic Methods 3
Epidemiology Lab
Professional Epidemiologic Methods
Plus 2 of the following 7:
Epidemiology Lab
Units
10:30 – 11:50
Select one
MWF 8:30 – 9:50
M W/F 10:00 – 11:50
MW 9:00 – 10:20
F 8:30 – 10:20
Spatial Analysis & Global Information Systems I
182.626
Issues for Water & Sanitation in Tropical Env. Health
T
8:30 – 10:20
2
180.640
Molec. Epidemiology & Biomarkers in Public Health
TTh
3:00 – 4:20
4
MW
1:30 – 2:50
188.686
Intro. to Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology
Clinical Environmental & Occupational Toxicology
3:30 – 4:50
4
140.662
340.607
TTh
5
Food and Waterborne Diseases
Environmental & Occupational Health Law & Policy
1:30 – 2:50
1
182.640
180.629
TTh
4
TTh
MW
1:30 – 2:50 -OR-
3:30 – 5:20
MWF 1:30 – 2:50
3
3
4
4
3
Fourth Term
Course Number
183.631.81
Course Name
Fundamentals of Human Physiology
180.860 -OR-
Special Studies MHS Essay
340.680
Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology
180.820
185.xxx
Thesis Research Environmental Health (ScM)
ESEE Journal Club & Seminar
Day/Time
Internet
TBA
MW
Units
4
1
1:30 – 3:20
M 12:00 - 1:00 (alt)
4
1
2014-15 EHS Master’s Student Handbook - 21
Sustainability & Global Environmental Health - Track A (MHS Recommended)
First Term
Course Number
180.609
140.611
340.601
317.600
550.860
180.611
Second Term
Course Number
180.610
Course Name
Principles of Environmental Health I
MW
Principles of Epidemiology
MWF
Statistical Reasoning in Public Health I
Epidemiology Laboratory
TTH
MW
Global Environmental Health
TTh
Course Name
Principles of Environmental Health II
10:30 – 11:50
10:30 – 11:20
MWF
Introduction to the Risk Sciences & Public Policy
Academic & Research Ethics at JHSPH
Day/Time
1:30 – 3:20
8:30 – 9:50
Internet
5:00 – 6:50
8:30 – 10:20
Day/Time
TTh 1:30 – 3:20
Units
4
3
5
4
0
4
Units
4
187.610.81
Public Health Toxicology
Internet
4
550.865.81
Public Health Perspectives on Research
Internet
2
180.860
140.612
188.688
180.620.81
Special Studies MHS Essay
Statistical Reasoning in Public Health II
Global Sustainability and Health Seminar
Food Production, Public Health & the Environment
TBA
TTh
Th
1
10:30 – 11:50
12:00 – 1:20
Internet
3
1
4
Third Term
Course Number
180.860 -OR-
Course Name
Special Studies MHS Essay
180.651
Energy, Environment and Public Health
M
180.629
Environmental & Occupational Health Law & Policy
MW
140.662
Spatial Analysis & Global Information Systems I
182.640
Food and Waterborne Diseases
180.820
Thesis Research Environmental Health (ScM)
Special Studies in Environmental Health Outreach
180.880
Select 2 of the following 3:
180.655
Fourth Term
Course Number
Baltimore Food Systems: Case Study in Urban Food
Environments (Select this course or 180.605 in term 4)
Course Name
183.631
Fundamentals of Human Physiology
180.820
Thesis Research Environmental Health (ScM)
180.860 -OR182.638
188.688
180.xxx
305.684
180.605
Special Studies MHS Essay
Day/Time
TBA
T
3:30 – 5:20
2
4
1:30 – 2:50
3
WF
10:00 – 11:50
4
3:30 – 4:50
Day/Time
Internet
TBA
TBA
(Select this course or 180.655 in term 3)
4:00 – 5:50
2
TTh
Case Studies in Food Production in Public Health
Food Systems Sustainability Practicum
1:30 – 3:20
1:30 – 2:50 -OR-
TTh
WF
Health Impact Assessment
1
TTh
Environ. Health Concerns in Water Use & Reuse
Global Sustainability and Health Seminar
Units
Units
4
1
8:30 – 10:20
W
12:00 – 1:20
T
1:30 – 3:20
F
3
1:30 – 3:20
4
1
4
2
3
2014-15 EHS Master’s Student Handbook - 22
Sustainability & Global Environmental Health - Track B (ScM Recommended)
First Term
Course Number
180.609
140.621
340.601
550.860
180.611
Second Term
Course Number
Course Name
Day/Time
Principles of Environmental Health I
MW
Principles of Epidemiology
MWF
Statistical Methods in Public Health I
Epidemiology Laboratory
Academic & Research Ethics at JHSPH
Global Environmental Health
Course Name
1:30 – 3:20
TTH
10:30 – 11:50
10:30 – 11:20
MWF
Internet
TTh
8:30 – 9:50
8:30 – 10:20
Day/Time
180.610
Principles of Environmental Health II
TTh 1:30 – 3:20
180.860
Special Studies MHS Essay
TBA
140.622
Statistical Methods in Public Health II
TTh
187.610.81
550.865.81
188.688
180.620.81
Public Health Toxicology
Public Health Perspectives on Research
Global Sustainability and Health Seminar
Food Production, Public Health & the Environment
Internet
4
4
5
0
4
Units
4
4
1
Internet
Th
Units
10:30 – 11:50
12:00 – 1:20
Internet
2
4
1
4
Third Term
Course Number
180.860 -OR-
Course Name
Special Studies MHS Essay
180.820
Thesis Research Environmental Health (ScM)
140.623
Statistical Methods in Public Health III
317.600
180.651
140.662
182.640
180.655
TBA
Units
1
Introduction to the Risk Sciences & Public Policy
Internet
4
Energy, Environment and Public Health
M
2
Special Studies in Environmental Health Outreach
180.880
Select 2 of the following 4:
180.629
Day/Time
Environmental & Occupational Health Law & Policy
Spatial Analysis & Global Information Systems I
Food and Waterborne Diseases
Baltimore Food Systems: Case Study in Urban Food
Environments
TTh
10:30 – 11:50
1:30 – 3:20
4
T
4:00 – 5:50
2
MW
3:30 – 5:20
4
TTh
3:30 – 4:50
TTh
1:30 – 2:50 -OR-
3
TTh
1:30 – 2:50
3
WF
10:00 – 11:50
4
(If selected, 180.605 will not be required in term 4)
Fourth Term
Course Number
183.631
180.860 -OR180.820
182.638
188.688
180.xxx
305.684
180.605
Course Name
Fundamentals of Human Physiology
Special Studies MHS Essay
Thesis Research Environmental Health (ScM)
Day/Time
Internet
TBA
Environ. Health Concerns in Water Use & Reuse
WF
Case Studies in Food Production in Public Health
TBA
Global Sustainability and Health Seminar
Health Impact Assessment
Food Systems Sustainability Practicum
1
8:30 – 10:20
W
12:00 – 1:20
T
1:30 – 3:20
F
Units
4
1:30 – 3:20
4
1
4
2
3
2014-15 EHS Master’s Student Handbook - 23
6.3.5 MSPH in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
Program Description
The MSPH in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene (OEH) Program is a professional degree designed for
students interested in developing or advancing professional careers in occupational and environmental risk
assessment and management. This program is part of the Department’s NIOSH-sponsored Education and
Research Center in Occupational Safety and Health. Graduates of the program are employed in consulting,
private industry and/or government, and they are also prepared to pursue doctoral studies in environmental
health sciences. The Program may be undertaken on a full-time (FT) or part-time/Internet-based (PTIB) basis.
The OEH Program has four broad educational objectives for both PTIB and FT students:
1. Recognize, evaluate, and control factors in the workplace and the environment that may cause illness,
injury, or impairment;
2. Develop functional skills in the five core areas designated by the Council on Education in Public Health
for professional programs (biostatistics, epidemiology, administration, education/behavioral sciences, and
environmental health) specific to the practice of occupational and environmental hygiene.
3. Prepare for an immediate career through comprehensive education and training; and
4. Provide a breadth of professional knowledge needed to pursue further education in Environmental Health
Sciences.
For students particularly interested in careers in occupational hygiene the program is accredited by the
Applied Science Accreditation Commission (ASAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
(ABET), 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012; 410-347-7770 and is designed to prepare
students for the Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) examination administered by the American Board of
Industrial Hygiene. Graduates with the required work experience, are also eligible to sit for the exam to be
Certified in Public Health. Training in the program covers principles of risk assessment and management in
the workplace and in the general environment. Coursework includes toxicology, epidemiology, biostatistics,
occupational health, occupational and environmental hygiene, air pollution, environmental sampling,
exposure assessment, and program management, as well as risk assessment, risk management and risk
communication.
Part-time Internet-based Option (PTIB)
The MSPH in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene program offers a Part-time/Internet-based (PTIB)
option with courses taken both online and during the School’s Summer Institute and Winter Intersession. The
PTIB program has the same requirements as the full-time program. Upon enrollment, students will work with
their advisor to develop a course plan for completion of the degree. The PTIB-OEH program is designed for
working professionals and is restricted to students actively employed in occupational and/or environmental
hygiene/safety.
2014-15 EHS Master’s Student Handbook - 24
MSPH Internship or Independent Professional Project and Essay Requirement
As a requirement of the MSPH in OEH program, each student must complete an independent professional
project (IPP) and write a culminating essay that is presented in a formal seminar. The IPP can be completed as
part of the internship experience for full-time students or in the context of a student’s employment for PTIB
students. The MSPH Essay is intended to serve as an integrating experience for the students. The content
is based on an occupational or environmental health problem that is pertinent to the educational goals of
the student and approved by the advisor. The essay is typically the product of an internship or employment
experience. The essay represents a substantive application of professional technical skills through the process
of collecting and summarizing data and reviewing appropriate literature. Where possible, students are
encouraged to pursue projects that can lead to a publishable manuscript.
The full-time program includes a three-month internship. The internship is designed to provide professional
experience tailored to the needs and interests of each student. During the internship, the student is expected
to assume independent responsibility for a project, which is described in a culminating paper that serves as a
review of the entire educational experience. The internship placements for full-time students are evaluated
by asking field mentors to evaluate the student performance and each student to evaluate their internship
opportunity.
Students in the PTIB option complete an IPP as a part of their employment. In most cases a local mentor will
be identified at the students place of employment. If a suitable mentor does not exist, a program faculty
member will serve as the project mentor. Students enrolled in the PTIB program will register for three special
studies credits; one credit applies to the submission of an IPP written proposal; one credit applies to the term
in which the IPP is completed; and the third credit is given after the essay is approved by the program faculty
and seminar is given.
2014-15 EHS Master’s Student Handbook - 25
Department of Environmental Health Sciences
MSPH in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene - Academic Year 2014-15
Core Curriculum Schedule - Year 1
First Term
Course Number
Course Name
Day/Time
Units
140.621
Statistical Methods in Public Health I
TTh 10:30 - 11:50 *
4
182.840
Special Studies/Research EHE
TBA
1
187.610
Public Health Toxicology **
WF 3:30 - 4:50
4
188.680
Fundamentals of Occupational Health **
TTh 3:30 - 4:50
3
340.601
Principles of Epidemiology
MWF 10:30 - 11:20 *
5
Second Term
Course Number
Course Name
Day/Time
Units
140.622
Statistical Methods in Public Health II
TTh 10:30 - 11:50 *
4
182.621
Introduction to Ergonomics
F 8:30 - 11:50
4
182.625
Principles of Occupational & Environmental Hygiene **
TTh 1:30 - 3:20
182.840
Special Studies/Research EHE
TBA
4
Fundamentals of Human Physiology **
MW 1:30 - 3:20
183.631
1
4
Third Term
Course Number
Course Name
Day/Time
Units
140.623
Statistical Methods in Public Health III
TTh 10:30 - 11:50 *
4
182.614
Industrial Hygiene Laboratory
WF 1:30 - 4:50
5
182.623
Occupational Safety & Health Management
M 1:30 - 3:50
182.840
Special Studies/Research EHE
TBA
3
1
Electives
Fourth Term
Course Number
Course Name
Day/Time
Units
Introduction to Environmental and Occupational
Health Law
Online
4
Airborne Particles
F 9:30 - 11:50
3
182.622
Ventilation Controls
F 1:00 - 5:20
4
182.840
Special Studies/Research EHE
TBA
1
188.681
Occupational Health
180.628
182.615
M 8:30 - 11:50
W 8:30 - 4:50
AND
5
Summer Internship (No registration required.)
(continued on next page)
2014-15 EHS Master’s Student Handbook - 26
Department of Environmental Health Sciences
MSPH in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene - Academic Year 2014-15
Core Curriculum Schedule - Year 2
First Term (Fifth term of program)
Course Number
Course Name
182.631
Principles of Occupational Safety
182.840
Special Studies/Research EHE or Electives
182.840
317.600
Day/Time
Special Studies/Research EHE
F 1:30 - 3:20
2
TBA
10
TBA
MW 5:00 - 6:50
Introduction to the Risk Sciences and Public Policy **
Units
1
4
Second Term (Sixth term of program)
Course Number
Course Name
Day/Time
Units
182.637
Noise and Other Physical Agents in the Environment **
WF 1:30 - 3:20
4
182.840
Special Studies/Research EHE or Electives
TBA
10
182.840
Special Studies/Research EHE
TBA
Risk Policy, Management and Communication **
MW 5:00 - 6:30
1
317.610
3
Suggested Electives for Occupational & Environmental Hygiene MSPH Program
Course Number
183.641
Course Name
Health Effects of Indoor and Outdoor Air Pollution
(Note: Every other year)
Day/Time/Term
Units
TTh 1:30 - 2:50 / Term 4
3
305.610
Issues in Injury and Violence Prevention
MW 3:30 - 4:50 / Term 1
2
340.680
Environmental & Occupational Epidemiology
MW 1:30 - 2:50 / Term 4
Psychosocial Factors in Health and Illness
MW 1:30 - 2:50 / Term 3
4
410.613
3
* Check current schedule for all course and/or lab times: http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/
** Also offered Online
In addition, all students are required to complete the Academic & Research Ethics online course 550.860.82
This module must be completed during the first term of matriculation.
Note: It is permissible to take the online versions of Toxicology (187.610) and Physiology (183.631) in second and fourth
terms, respectively, in place of the face-to-face versions offered in first and second terms. To do so, an eLearning account
must be established and the online course, " Introduction to Online Learning " must be completed prior to the start of the
term in which the first online course is taken. For available dates, see the course catalog at: http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/
2014-15 EHS Master’s Student Handbook - 27
Department of Environmental Health Sciences
Part-time/Internet-based Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH PTIB)
Occupational and Environmental Hygiene – Academic Year 2014-15
Core Curriculum Schedule
First Term Courses Offered (online)
Course Number
188.680
140.611
182.622
550.694
Course Name
Fundamentals of Occupational Health
Statistical Reasoning I
Ventilation Controls
Fundamentals of Epidemiology I
Attend online Seminar in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene (one
meeting per month)
Day/Time
Online
Units
3
3
4
3
Second Term Courses Offered (online)
Course Number
187.610
140.612
182.623
550.695
Course Name
Day/Time
Public Health Toxicology
Statistical Reasoning II
Occupational Safety and Health Management
Fundamentals of Epidemiology II
Attend online Seminar in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene (one
meeting per month)
Units
4
3
Online
3
3
Day/Time
Units
2
2
Winter Institute Courses Offered (East Baltimore Campus)
Course Number
182.631
140.613
140.614
182.615
182.621
Course Name
Principles of Occupational Safety
Data Analysis Workshop I
Data Analysis Workshop II
Airborne Particles
Introduction to Ergonomics
TBA
2
3
4
Third Term Courses Offered (online)
Course Number
317.600
182.637
Course Name
Introduction to the Risk Sciences and Public Policy
Noise and Other Physical Agents in the Environment
Attend online Seminar in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene (one
meeting per month)
Day/Time
Online
Units
4
4
Fourth Term Courses Offered (online)
Course Number
182.625
317.610
183.631
180.628
182.860
Course Name
Principles of Occupational and Environ. Hygiene
Risk Policy, Management and Communication
Fundamentals of Human Physiology
Introduction to Environ. and Occupational Health Law
Special Studies Seminar in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene (one
meeting per month)
Day/Time
Online
Units
4
3
4
4
2*
*2 credit hours for Special Studies/Seminar (1 credit per year, registration takes place in Term 4)
(continued on next page)
2014-15 EHS Master’s Student Handbook - 28
Department of Environmental Health Sciences
Part-time/Internet-based Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH PTIB)
Occupational and Environmental Hygiene – Academic Year 2014-15
Core Curriculum Schedule
Summer Institute Courses Offered (East Baltimore Campus)
Course Number
Course Name
Day/Time
182.614
Industrial Hygiene Laboratory (offered every other year alternating with
Occupational Health – will be offered in June 2015, 2017, 2019)
188.681
Occupational Health (offered every other year alternating with Industrial
Hygiene Laboratory - will be offered in June 2016, 2018, 2020)
Units
5
TBA
5
Other
Course Number
182.810
182.850
Course Name
Field Placement Environmental Health Engineering
Special Studies EHE MSPH Essay
Day/Time
TBA
TBA
Units
2
2
For this course: Successful completion of 3 credit hours and a formal presentation are required for
completion of the program. The course requirements will be undertaken over several terms and will culminate
in a seminar. The registration timeline for this course is decided between the student and their advisor.
In addition, all students are required to complete Academic & Research Ethics at JHSPH (online course),
which is located at: https://apps4.jhsph.edu/academicethics/Login.aspx. This module must be completed the
first term of matriculation.
Total Program Credits
78 Units
Check current schedule for all course and/or lab times: http://www.jhsph.edu/courses/
In addition, all students are required to complete the Academic & Research Ethics online course 550.860.82
This module must be completed during the first term of matriculation.
2014-15 EHS Master’s Student Handbook - 29