The minor in Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is designed for students interested in addressing problems that impact the safety and health of workers, users, customers, and the general public. EHS is the practice of identifying applicable hazards to the health and safety of people, assessing their risk, and then applying system design techniques to mitigate the severity and/or likelihood of those hazards. EHS is a fundamental function of any enterprise that serves the public, produces or uses technology, or employs people.
A minimum of 18 credits is required for the minor. A student enrolled in this minor must receive a grade C or better in all courses in the minor. Advising is available through the professor in charge.
What is Environmental Health and Safety?
Environmental Health and Safety is an interdisciplinary field focused on protecting people and communities from hazards associated with industrial processes and technological systems. It combines principles from engineering, physical sciences, public health, public policy, and risk management to identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks in workplaces and the broader environment. EHS professionals work to ensure safe design, regulatory compliance, and sustainable practices across industries, helping to prevent injuries, illnesses, and hazardous environments while supporting innovation and productivity.
You Might Like This Program If...
You are curious about how science, engineering, and policy can be applied to protect people. If you enjoy solving real-world problems, are interested in safety, sustainability, or public health, and want to make a tangible impact in industries like manufacturing, energy, transportation, research, or environmental protection, this minor is a great fit.