Why Study Environmental Health and Safety (EHS)?

First and foremost, EHS professionals maintain and improve the quality of life of those around them. Not only do they keep workers safe on the job by reducing the likelihood of injury, illness or death, but they work to ensure the financial success of their employers or clients while making decisions to protect the environment and society as a whole. In doing so, no day is ever the same. EHS professionals blend technical and management expertise with the communication skills needed to interact and cooperate with people from a wide variety of backgrounds. Surveys show that EHS professionals enjoy their jobs, reporting high job satisfaction rates and better than average salaries. Recent grads from the MEHS program have accepted salaries starting in the mid-$40ks, with a few non-traditional students making over $80k.

Why get a masters degree in EHS from UMD?

The Master of Environmental Health and Safety (M.E.H.S.) program prepares graduates for professional careers in environmental health and safety – encompassing occupational safety, industrial hygiene, ergonomics, risk management and environmental health. However, we strive not only to provide academic-based knowledge, but also the technical and practical skills necessary to be a successful EHS professional. While our coursework covers a broad range of EHS topics, students may also choose areas in which they would like to explore more in-depth. We invite people from all undergraduate backgrounds to apply and offer an evening option for those considering a career change.