Environmental Public Health, Comprehensive Major

(Code 640-001)

University Requirements

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR BACCALAUREATE DEGREE
Credit Requirements
Minimum total for graduation 1120
Upper division credits (courses numbered 300 and higher)39
Liberal Education Core36
Academic Concentrations
Grade Point Requirements 2
Total2.00 average
Resident2.00 average
Major2.00 average
Minor2.00 average
Certificate2.00 average
University Residency Requirements
Minimum total30
Senior year23
Major, Standard, upper division in residence12
Major, Comprehensive, upper division in residence21
Certificate25 percent of credits
Procedures Required for Graduation
Obtain admission to the degree program and/or the College offering it.
Apply for graduation on CampS.
1

Certain programs exceed this minimum.

2

See special requirements in each College.

Applicability of Credits Toward Graduation

Junior College or Two-Year College Credits. A maximum of 72 semester credits earned in a junior college or two-year college will be accepted as degree credits at UW-Eau Claire.

Extension Credits. Credits earned in credit outreach courses offered by UW-Eau Claire are treated as resident credits. Credits earned in extension courses offered by other units of the University of Wisconsin System are treated as transfer credits. All other (non-UW) extension and correspondence credits are normally limited to one-fourth of the total required for graduation from any curriculum.

WTCS Credits. A maximum of 72 semester credits earned in college parallel programs at Madison Area Technical College, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Nicolet Area Technical College, or Chippewa Valley Technical College may be accepted as degree credits at UW-Eau Claire. A set number of general education courses will be accepted from other technical schools. Occupational and technical courses may also be considered for transfer if the quality and content of the course work from the technical college is judged to be comparable to course work at UW-Eau Claire. Refer to the Transfer Credit Wizard or contact the UW-Eau Claire Admissions Office for information about the current transfer policy.

USAFI Credit. UW-Eau Claire will accept up to 32 semester credits for work done through the United States Armed Forces Institute, under the provision for non-UW correspondence credit (see Extension Credits above).

Activity Credit (band, chorus, drama, KINS 100-184 courses) Students may count toward graduation no more than one credit of KINS 110-184 courses. Students may count toward graduation no more than four credits earned in any single activity course and no more than 12 credits resulting from any combination of activity courses (excluding KINS 110-184 courses). 

Other Restricted Credits. For other University restrictions, see the following: Cooperative Education; Credit by Examination; Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Registration; Transfer of Credits. College or departmental restrictions may also be placed on Independent Study (399-499 courses), Directed Study (395-495), and other types of credits.

APPLICABILITY OF CREDITS TOWARD GRADUATIONCredit Restrictions
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Total degree creditmaximum 12
Major, Standardmaximum 1 course
Major, Comprehensivemaximum 2 courses
Minormaximum 1 course
Credit by Examination
Total degree creditmaximum ¼ of total
Major or minormaximum ½ of total
Two-Year College Credits
Total degree creditmaximum 72 credits
Activity credit (band, chorus, drama, KINS 100-184)
Total KINS 100-184maximum 1 credit
Total Band, chorus, dramamaximum 12 credits
Single course band, chorus, dramamaximum 4 credits
Extension credits
UW-Systemno maximum
Other extension/correspondencemaximum ¼ of total
USAFI
USAFImaximum 32 credits

Liberal Education Core

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire measures learning outcomes to ensure that its graduates have achieved a liberal education and prepared themselves to contribute to a complex society. Upon graduation, each undergraduate will have met the five learning goals of our liberal education core and the 12 learning outcomes they comprise. 

LIBERAL EDUCATION CORE REQUIREMENTSa minimum of 36 credits
Knowledge Goal
Knowledge Outcome 1 (K1): Natural SciencesTwo (2) learning experiences
One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either K1 or K2.
Knowledge Outcome 2 (K2): Social SciencesTwo (2) learning experiences
One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either K1 or K2.
Knowledge Outcome 3 (K3): HumanitiesTwo (2) learning experiences
Knowledge Outcome 4 (K4): Fine ArtsOne (1) learning experience
Skills Goal
Skills Outcome 1 (S1): Written and Oral CommunicationTwo (2) learning experiences
Skills Outcome 2 (S2): MathematicsOne (1) learning experience
Skills Outcome 3 (S3): CreativityOne (1) learning experience
Responsibility Goal
Responsibility Outcome 1 (R1): Equity, Diversity, and InclusivityTwo (2) learning experiences
Responsibility Outcome 2 (R2): Global PerspectivesOne (1) learning experience
Responsibility Outcome 3 (R3): Civic and Environmental IssuesOne (1) learning experience
Integration Goal
Integration Outcome 1 (I1): IntegrationTwo (2) learning experiences
Service-Learning Goal
Service-Learning30 hours

College Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Public Health

University Graduation Requirements. All candidates for degrees must fulfill the requirements for credits, curriculum, GPA, and University residency as specified in the section of this catalog titled University Graduation Requirements.

College Graduation Requirements: Grade Point Averages. All candidates for degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences must earn minimum resident and total GPAs of 2.00 in the major, the minor, and the certificate. The resident and total GPAs for the major are computed using all attempted credits applicable to the major including those offered by departments other than the major department. The resident and total GPAs for the minor and certificate are computed similarly.

Major-Minor and Major-Certificate Requirements. A standard major (a minimum of 36 credits) must be supplemented by a minor (a minimum of 24 credits) or by a certificate (12 to 18 credits) to meet graduation requirements for completing a first and second degree program. No minor or certificate is required with a Comprehensive Major (60 or more credits) or with two majors of 36 or more credits each.

Certain degree programs, which include Comprehensive Majors, may require more than the minimum of 120 credits for graduation.

Acceptable academic program combinations are determined at the college level. A major and a minor or a major and certificate or two majors (if available) may not be elected in the same department or program, except in the approved combinations listed here.

College Credits. Earn at least 90 credits in courses offered by the College of Arts and Sciences.

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Public Health Degree in the College of Arts and Sciences (B.S.E.P.H.)

Fulfillment of all University Graduation Requirements (which includes the Liberal Education Core); all College-level degree requirements (major and minor/certificate emphases, GPAs, earning at least 90 credits in Arts and Sciences course work).

Major Requirements

(Code 640-001)

Advisors: J. Boulter, C. Pierce, L. Suppes.

Practitioners in the field of environmental public health control environmental health hazards and preserve and improve environmental factors for the achievement of optimum health, safety, comfort, and well-being. Students gain the educational background necessary to appreciate cultural values and protect air, water, soil and food resources. Graduates are employed in regulatory agencies and industries concerned with environmental quality and the public’s health. This comprehensive major includes both foundation classes in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, and specialized courses in environmental and public health, such as food and water sanitation, air pollution, industrial hygiene, vector-borne disease control, and environmental toxicology.

Mission

The Environmental Public Health (ENPH) major provides undergraduate students with a comprehensive understanding of science and its application to protect human environmental health. The degree prepares students for careers as Environmental Health Professionals and safety specialists, integrating a scientific background, technical skills, and professional ethics.

Goals

The ENPH major strives to prepare graduates with the knowledge, awareness, and skills to:

  1. Understand the natural world through applied chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics;
  2. Identify short- and long-term hazards to human and environmental health through critical thinking;
  3. Serve the public by addressing human health risks through research, communication and intervention;
  4. Identify and address cross-cultural, economic, and technological barriers to serving public health interests; and
  5. Demonstrate professional ethics, values, and responsibility in all areas of practice.

Scholarships

Ten scholarships are available to students in the ENPH major. Additional information may be obtained from the faculty or by visiting the Financial Aid Website. Students are invited to participate in the Student National Environmental Health Association, the goal of which is to improve the health and well-being of people by focusing on environmental public health issues and introducing students to professional organizations.

Practicum/Internship

The ENPH major provides students with an innovative, full-time, paid summer internship experience typically with an off-campus health-related agency or industry. The internship is typically completed during the summer months between the junior and senior year.

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Public Health (B.S.E.P.H.)

The B.S.E.P.H. degree is accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council. Graduates are prepared to take the National Environmental Health Association exam for the Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian credential.

ENPH Major Requirements
Minimum sixty-six semester credits, including:
Core Science Courses (included in the ENPH Major Designation)
BIOL 151Biology of Humans4
BIOL 221Foundations of Biology I4
CHEM 325Organic Chemistry I with Laboratory4
And select one of the following two courses:3-5
Microbiology
Biology of Microorganisms
Core ENPH Courses (field trips required in some courses)
ENPH 110Introduction to Environmental Health3
ENPH 364Occupational Safety Management3
ENPH 422Radiation, Air Pollution and Health3
ENPH 432Preparation for Practicum2
ENPH 435Practicum in Environmental Public Health3
ENPH 441Water and Wastewater3
ENPH 443Microbial Safety of Food4
ENPH 445Hazardous and Solid Waste Management3
ENPH 460Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene3
ENPH 476Vector-Borne Disease Control3
ENPH 490Environmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment3
ENV/GEOG 377U.S. Environmental and Sustainability Policy3
PH 450Epidemiology3
Elective Options
Choose two courses from the Communications/Policy category
Introduction to Rhetoric and Society
Social Media and Communication
Small Group Communication
Professional Communication
Health Communication
Environmental Economics
Science Writing
Technical Writing
Grant Proposal Writing
Ethics of Health Care
Environmental Ethics
Public Policy in the United States
Choose two courses from one or both of the following categories
Human Health and Sustainability
Water Problems, Water Solutions
Sustainable Cities
Waste & Society: Energy, Food, and Efficiency
International Environmental Problems and Policy
Planet Earth: Conservation of the Environment
Environmental Biology and Conservation
Global Health
Introduction to Public Health
Technology and Science
Quantitative Analysis
Planet Earth: Our Digital Globe
Geographic Information Systems I
General Physics
Other requirements outside the major
Earth Algebra
or
Algebra for Calculus
or
Competency to enter MATH 111 A Short Course in Calculus
MATH 246Elementary Statistics 4
General Chemistry I Lecture
and General Chemistry I Laboratory
and General Chemistry II with Lab
General Physics

Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Policy

The only credits that may be earned under the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory option are for Independent Study. S/U credits may not total more than three.

Internship

An internship or practical experience is a requirement for the B.S.E.P.H. degree. Typically between the junior and senior year, each student is required to enroll in three credits of summer practicum (ENPH 435) and pay fees to the University. Students anticipating enrollment in the practicum should notify the Environmental Public Health faculty no later than February 1, and enroll in ENPH 432 the spring semester prior to their summer practicum.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be expected to meet the following learning outcomes:

  • Explain the scientific principles associated with environmental health hazards, risk assessment, and inequitable burden across communities.
  • Apply methods to analyze environmental health hazards and risks.
  • Communicate environmental health risks to the public.
  • Apply and evaluate interventions to protect the public’s health and foster sustainability.
  • Demonstrate professional ethics, values, responsibility, and collaboration.

Sample Degree Plan

Environmental Public Health, Comprehensive Major, B.S.E.P.H.

The following is a sample degree plan, based on the 2023-2024 catalog. It is based on the 120-credit graduation requirement and assumes no transferred credits, no requirements waived by placement tests, no courses taken in the summer or winter, no repeated courses, and no remedial courses that may be required. This sample degree plan is intended for first-year students entering UW-Eau Claire in the fall semester. Your own degree plan may differ depending on the course of study selected (second major, minor, etc.). UW-Eau Claire cannot guarantee all courses will be offered as shown, but will provide a range of courses that may enable prepared students to fulfill their requirements in a timely period. This sample degree plan is just a guide. Please consult your advisor, your degree audit, and the catalog to create your own degree plan. Note: In order to earn the required minimum of 120 credits for the degree in four years, you should plan to take 15 credits each semester or 30 credits each year.

To earn a degree, students must fulfill all University Graduation Requirements, including the Liberal Education (LE) Core.  LE Core course work in the following sample degree plan uses abbreviations such as LE-K1, LE-S2, LE-R3, and LE-I1 to represent the learning outcomes students will meet via completion of their liberal education course work.  Please click here for a description of the Liberal Education Core outcomes and requirements.  Note that the LE Core may be completed through both course and non-course experiences.

FIRST YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
CHEM 105General Chemistry I Lecture3
CHEM 106General Chemistry I Laboratory (LE K1/LE-K1L)2
OR
Chemical Principles (LE-K1, LE-K1L, 6 credits, Fall only) a
SECOND SEMESTER
CHEM 109General Chemistry II with Lab4
SOME TIME IN THE FIRST YEAR
ENPH 110Introduction to Environmental Health (LE-K1, LE-R3)3
MATH 109Algebra for Calculus (LE-S2)4
LE Option3
ENPH Elective b3
WRIT 114Intensive Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1)5
OR
Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1, 5 credits)
OR
Accelerated Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1, 2 Credits)
OR
Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing for Transfer Students (LE-S1, 2 Credits)
LE Option3
TOTAL FIRST YEAR30
SECOND YEAR
SECOND SEMESTER
ENPH 445Hazardous and Solid Waste Management (Spring Only)3
BIOL 151Biology of Humans (LE-K1, Spring Only)4
SOME TIME IN THE SECOND YEAR
MATH 246Elementary Statistics (LE-S2)4
BIOL 221Foundations of Biology I (LE-K1L)4
ENPH Elective b3
LE Option3
PHYS 211General Physics (LE-K1L)5
LE Option3
TOTAL SECOND YEAR30
SOME TIME IN THE FIRST OR SECOND YEAR
ENPH Elective b3
THIRD YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
ENPH 441Water and Wastewater (Fall Only)3
PH 450Epidemiology3
BIOL 250Microbiology (Fall/Winterim only)3
OR
Biology of Microorganisms
SECOND SEMESTER
ENPH 460Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene (Spring Only)3
ENPH 432Preparation for Practicum (Spring Only)2
ENPH 443Microbial Safety of Food (Spring Only)4
SOME TIME IN THE THIRD YEAR
ENPH 435Practicum in Environmental Public Health (Summer only)3
CHEM 325Organic Chemistry I with Laboratory4
ENPH Elective b3
LE Option3
LE Option3
TOTAL THIRD YEAR30
FOURTH YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
ENPH 364Occupational Safety Management3
ENPH 490Environmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment (Fall Only)3
ENPH 476Vector-Borne Disease Control (Fall Only)3
LE Option3
SECOND SEMESTER
ENV/GEOG 377U.S. Environmental and Sustainability Policy3
LE Option3
SOME TIME IN THE FOURTH YEAR
Electives to reach 120 credits for graduation (these will ideally be taken throughout all semesters)
TOTAL FOURTH YEAR30

 Minimum total for the baccalaureate degree = 120 credits

a

As an alternative to CHEM 105, CHEM 106, and CHEM 109.

b

See catalog for ENPH elective categories and options. 

Note:  All students must complete the 30-hour Service-Learning Requirement via a non-credit or credit option (see University Graduation Requirements).

Course Suggestions:  GIS certificate. 

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HIGH IMPACT PRACTICES (HIPs) 
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire encourages all students to participate in High Impact Practices.  The following information identifies any specific recommendations that faculty in this major have concerning which HIPs might be most beneficial to students, and any recommendations about when those HIPs best fit into the degree plan. Students should also consult their faculty advisor for information on HIPs. There are many additional high impact opportunities available. Talk to your academic advisor for more information about incorporating HIPs like Study AbroadIntercultural ImmersionInternship, and/or  Student/Faculty Collaborative Research into your time at UW-Eau Claire.

Required: Students in the Environmental Public Health Major will complete a summer practicum experience that involves working with an agency or company in the field of environmental public health. Students will also have opportunities to engage in faculty-student research in several areas of environmental public health.

Liberal Education (LE) Core Guidance

Liberal Education Core (LE Core) 

The LE Core comprises 17 learning experiences across 11 learning outcomes. Students must complete a minimum of 36 credits in courses approved for the LE Core. 

  • K1 – Natural Sciences; two experiences (one lab science experience is required in K1 or K2). 

  • K2 – Social Sciences; two experiences (one lab science experience is required in K1 or K2). 

  • K3 – Humanities; two experiences. 

  • K4 – Fine Arts; one experience. 

  • S1 – Written and Oral Communication; two experiences (one experience must satisfy the University writing requirement). 

  • S2 – Mathematics; one experience (must satisfy the University math competency requirement). 

  • S3 – Creativity; one experience (can be fulfilled in a student’s major). 

  • R1 – Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity; two experiences (one experience must meet the UW System Design for Diversity (DD) requirement). 

  • R2 – Global Perspectives; one experience. 

  • R3 – Civic and Environmental Issues; one experience. 

  • I1 – Integration; two experiences (one experience can be fulfilled in a student’s major). 

  • SL—Service Learning; 30 hours 

Additional LE Core Information 

  • Most LE Core learning experiences are course based, and many courses meet more than one learning outcome (e.g., K3 and R2 or K1 and R3). 

  • Some learning experiences can also be met outside of a traditional course (e.g., undergraduate research (S3), study abroad (I1)). 

  • S1 – An English placement score that fulfills the University writing requirement fulfills one S1 experience. 

  • S1 – A foreign Language placement score that qualifies the student to enter the 102 level satisfies one S1 experience. 

  • S1, R2 – A foreign language placement score that qualifies the student to enter the 202 level satisfies one experience in S1 and the R2 experience. 

  • S2 – A math placement score that qualifies the student to enter Math 111, 112, 113 or 114 fulfills the S2 experience. 

  • S3 – Completion of two credits from any approved music ensemble fulfills the S3 experience. 

  • I1 – Any semester long study abroad program can fulfill one I1 experience.