Building Healthier Communities

Environmental Public Health is dedicated to protecting community health by addressing risks in our natural and built environments. Through this program, students gain the knowledge and skills to tackle Alaska’s unique public health challenges, with a focus on rural and Alaska Native communities. Through hands on learning, field practicums, and real world experiences, students develop practical expertise and professional connections that often lead directly to career opportunities after graduation. Grounded in service, community engagement, and meaningful impact, the program prepares graduates to improve health outcomes and create healthier futures across Alaska and beyond.

Environmental Public Health

Undergraduate Certificate

Blends scientific rigor with a strong community focus to address real world public health challenges
Prepares students to work at the intersection of human health, environmental science, and community protection. Covers key areas including water and air quality, waste management, epidemiology, toxicology, infectious disease prevention, and disaster preparedness
Emphasizes rural, village based, and Alaska-specific solutions
Prepares students to work in underserved communities using culturally safe and community informed approaches

The Certificate in Environmental Public Health prepares students to fill entry-level public health professional positions as environmental health technicians. The Programs offer a logical and consistent transition for students who would like to pursue the Associate of Applied Science in Environmental Public Health (A.A.S.) or the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Environmental Public Health along a path that gives the student the opportunity and the choice to advance to the next level.

Students who graduate from the program will engage with underserved communities in a culturally safe manner to perform inspections, propose remediation, and implement actions to ensure the fundamental public health required to protect human health and the environment. Students attain the critical knowledge to address environmental public health challenges in the areas of drinking water quality and sanitation, air quality, solid and hazardous waste management, occupational health and safety, food safety and security, and applied health sciences.

Upon successful completion of the Environmental Public Health program, graduates will be ready to fulfill the demand for entry-level technician environmental public health positions in State, Tribal, and local organizations.

Environmental Health Technician / Inspector
Occupational Safety Assistant
Environmental Policy Analyst

Besides APU’s Foundational Studies coursework, Environmental Public Health students can expect to enroll in the following Major Studies courses:

Environmental Health I
Environmental Health II
Select from other courses within the Environmental Public Health catalogue

The courses above are not a complete listing of the coursework required to complete the EPH degree.

Application
Application Fee*
Official High School Transcript**
Official College Transcript(s)

*Fee waiver available for those who qualify.
**If less than 24 college credits earned.

Minimum GPA: 2.5 or higher – If you have a GPA lower than 2.5, there is an additional step in the admissions process, and we are happy to work with you to complete your application.

Environmental Public Health

Associate of Applied Science

Builds core knowledge in drinking water quality and sanitation, air quality, solid and hazardous waste management, occupational health and safety, food safety and security, and applied health sciences
Prepare students for the unique and urgent public health challenges across the state, particularly in rural and Alaska Native communities
Strong emphasis on hands-on, experiential, practicum hours
Trains students to work with underserved communities in culturally safe and respectful ways
Develops skills to conduct inspections, identify environmental risks, and recommend and implement remediation actions

The Associate of Applied Science in Environmental Public Health (A.A.S.) prepares students for entry level positions in public health as environmental health technicians. The program also provides a clear and supportive pathway for students who wish to continue into the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Environmental Public Health, offering opportunities to advance their education and professional preparation.

Students learn to work with underserved communities in culturally safe and respectful ways while developing the skills needed to conduct inspections, identify environmental health risks, and recommend and implement effective remediation strategies. The curriculum emphasizes protecting human health and the environment through applied public health practice, with core knowledge areas that include drinking water quality and sanitation, air quality, solid and hazardous waste management, occupational health and safety, food safety and security, and applied health sciences.

Upon successful completion of the Environmental Public Health program, graduates will be ready fulfill the demand for technician-level environmental public health positions in State, Tribal, and local organizations.

Environmental Health & Safety Technician
Community Health Outreach Worker
Disease Investigation Specialist
Environmental Field/Sampling Technician
Public Health Administrative Support

Besides APU’s Foundational Studies coursework, Environmental Public Health students can expect to enroll in the following Major Studies courses:

Environmental Health I & II
Occupational Health & Safety
Water Quality & Treatment

The courses above are not a complete listing of the coursework required to complete the EPH degree.

Application
Application Fee*
Official High School Transcript**
Official College Transcript(s)

*Fee waiver available for those who qualify.
**If less than 24 college credits earned.

Minimum GPA: 2.5 or higher – If you have a GPA lower than 2.5, there is an additional step in the admissions process, and we are happy to work with you to complete your application.

Environmental Public Health

Bachelor of Science

Builds core knowledge in drinking water quality and sanitation, air quality, solid and hazardous waste management, occupational health and safety, food safety and security, and applied health sciences
Uniquely structured program that blends distance, campus-based, and independent learning opportunities
Prepare students for the unique and urgent public health challenges across the state, particularly in rural and Alaska Native communities
Strong emphasis on hands-on, experiential, practicum hours
After completing the initial EPH coursework, students participate in two to three semesters of off-campus practicum experiences
Trains students to work with underserved communities in culturally safe and respectful ways
Develops skills to conduct inspections, identify environmental risks, and recommend and implement remediation actions

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Public Health is a uniquely structured program that blends distance, campus-based, and independent learning opportunities. Coursework begins on campus in Anchorage, with options for both daytime and evening classes to support a range of student needs. After completing the initial EPH coursework, students participate in two to three semesters of off-campus practicum experiences, serving the needs of rural and urban Alaskan communities. The program offers both fall and spring entry options and can typically be completed in eight semesters over four academic years with full-time enrollment.

The B.S. in Environmental Public Health prepares students to become environmental health professionals who investigate, report, and address environmental hazards in both built and natural environments. With a strong emphasis on applied environmental health science, the program integrates fieldwork throughout Alaska’s urban and rural communities. This focus on applied science, health and wellness, and Alaska’s diverse environments reflects APU’s mission of active, place-based learning, using Alaska itself as the classroom.

Upon successful completion of the Environmental Public Health program, graduates pursue careers in Federal, State, Tribal, and private organizations. These organizations and careers support the promotion of public health and the environment through topic areas that include:

Air & Water Quality Control
Food Safety
Solid and Hazardous Waste Management
Climate Change
Industrial Hygiene
Occupational Health and Safety
Environmental Health Planning
Zoonotic and Vector Borne Diseases
Environmental Health Specialist
Environmental Scientist
Health Educator

Besides APU’s Foundational Studies coursework, Environmental Public Health students can expect to enroll in the following Major Studies courses:

Environmental Health I & II
Epidemiology
Environmental Toxicology
Occupational Health & Safety
Water Quality & Treatment
Environmental Physics
Human Anatomy & Physiology

The courses above are not a complete listing of the coursework required to complete the EPH degree.

Foundational Studies

Written Communication
Presentation & Media Literacy
Critical Thinking
Computation
Intellectual Traditions
Creative Endeavors
Intercultural & Spiritual Understandings
Biological/Physical Scientific Inquiry
Social/Behavioral Scientific Inquiry
Social Responsibility
Personal Responsibility

Major Studies

Principles of Biology II
Principles of Chemistry I & II
Applied Statistics for Environmental Science
Environmental Physics
Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology
Organic Chemistry I
Environmental Health I & II
Environmental Toxicology
Epidemiology
Practicum I & II

Self-Determined Studies

Students must complete an additional 4 elective credits and can choose from options such as Air Quality Control, Food Safety & Security, Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Law, Climate Change, and Water Quality & Treatment.

Application
Application Fee*
Official Final High School Transcript**
Official College Transcript(s)

*Fee waiver available for those who qualify
**If less than 24 college credits earned

Minimum GPA: 2.5 or higher – If you have a GPA lower than 2.5, there is an additional step in the admissions process, and we are happy to work with you to complete your application.

APU’s Environmental Public Health minor provides students with essential skills to assess and address environmental hazards in Alaska’s built and natural environments. Through place-based instruction, fieldwork, and applied science, students examine climate related challenges affecting Arctic communities while building knowledge and competencies applicable to a wide range of careers in public health and environmental fields.

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Health Sciences

There is a prominent workforce demand for Health Science professionals across Alaska. Career options for individuals interested in pursuing this field are as varied as the landscape of Alaska itself.

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Marine & Environmental Sciences

Interested in marine biology, fisheries, ecology, climate change, applied mathematics, aquarium and animal
husbandry science, or environmental policy? This degree is for you.

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Environmental Studies

This Alaska-based program encourages exploration of Alaska’s cultural and ecological diversity and experience the strong connections between the landscape and its communities.

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Student Testimonials

Emma LeFlor

APU has been an incredible experience. The professors are passionate, the community is small and supportive, and there are so many resources available to help students succeed. What stands out most is the hands-on learning. The field courses have had a huge impact on my education, and they’re a big reason why I love being here.

Emma LeFlor

Environmental Public Health BA, Minor in Environmental & Marine Science
Spring 2025