In the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, we strive to prevent injury and illness resulting from occupational and environmental hazards.

Icon representing Occupational and Environmental Health

The United States and the world face innumerable challenges in the areas of environmental health. These include ensuring clean air and water, healthy food that is free of toxicants, building sustainable communities, and mitigation of greenhouse gases while adapting to climate change. Equally important is ensuring the health and safety of the general public and our workers through injury prevention, health promotion, and striving for total worker health, as well as partnering with communities to create built environments that reduce injury and violence risks. In OEH, we use an interdisciplinary approach to educate the next generation of public health leaders and conduct research that enables effective outreach and interventions for the world.

Our MPH students develop skills to identify, prevent, and control environmental factors that can harm human health and increase injury risk. Our MS students develop skills to anticipate, diagnose, assess, and prevent disease and injury in industrial, environmental, and occupational sectors. Our PhD students develop skills to become leaders in environmental and occupational health research and practice.

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Prospective OEH Students

You’ve got questions, and we’ve got answers. Everything you need to know is here, but if you have more questions, fill out the request form below and we’ll reach out to you right away.

Our people

At the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, we pride ourselves on being a welcoming, diverse community of faculty, staff, and students, all here to help you succeed.

OEH Faculty OEH Staff OEH Students

Photos of past and present students and faculty members in the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health.

Our research centers

Environmental Health Sciences Research Center

Research and engagement on the adverse health effects of current and emerging environmental contaminants.

Visit the EHSRC

Former Worker Medical Screening Program

Provides medical screening for former Department of Energy workers who may have been exposed to radiation.

Visit FWP

Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health

Develops programs to prevent occupational injury and illness among agricultural workers and their families.

Visit GPCAH

Healthier Workforce Center

Promotes Total Worker Health to prevent occupational injury and illness on the job, leading to a happier and more productive workforce.

Visit HWC

Heartland Center for Occupational Health and Safety

Provides graduate training, continuing education, and outreach in occupational health and safety.

Visit the center

Injury Prevention Research Center

Supports multidisciplinary academic and community efforts to prevent and control traumatic injuries and violence, especially among rural populations.

Visit the IPRC

Iowa’s Center for Agricultural Safety and Health

Leading partnerships across the state of Iowa that promote agricultural safety and health for all Iowans.

Visit I-CASH