PhD Environmental Health Sciences at University of South Carolina

Programme overview

Prepare to become an environmental health scientist or professor by enrolling in our doctoral program that emphasizes scientific competence, research skills and professional development. Explore new and exciting public health challenges addressing environmental issues such as climate change, forever chemicals, nanomaterials and environmental justice. Defend a dissertation that represents significant research in an area of advanced study.

Faculty: Arnold School of Public Health | Department: Environmental Health Sciences | Duration: 27 credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Location: Columbia, SC, United States

What you will study

Participate in research that engages people and communities faced with major environmental problems. Faculty members understand how to engage the public in a collaborative manner to improve the quality of the environment and, in turn, enhance public health and well-being. Enjoy flexible course offerings and a family-like atmosphere.

Career pathways

Potential careers include Environmental Health Scientist, Research Scientist, Faculty.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admissions (University of South Carolina Academic Bulletin): Completion of a baccalaureate degree with 120 hours of science-based courses or equivalent to include: A minimum of 60 hours in physical or life sciences, mathematics, engineering, and/or technology At least 15 hours of the 60 hours in upper level junior, senior, or graduate level courses 21 or more semester hours in communication, humanities, and social sciences Grade point average of 3.00/4.00 or higher For international applicants, a satisfactory score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - minimum score of 80 internet-based, 230 computer-based, or 570 paper-based - or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Course Type 2 exam - minimum overall band score of 6.5.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications are accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer terms; Fall applications open the prior September, Spring applications open in January and Summer applications open in May.

The graduate application fee is $50 per primary application, reinstated effective August 1, 2026. Deadlines are programme-specific and listed per programme on the Degree Programs and Application Requirements pages.

Apply through the official page: https://www.sc.edu/admissions-at-sc/applications/index.php

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