Does it feel like air quality alerts, food recalls and boil-water advisories are popping up more than usual?
These time-sensitive notices and public health alerts keep the public informed of significant risks and environmental hazards that could affect their health and daily routines. They also demonstrate how closely human health and well-being are tied to environmental factors such as air, food safety and water quality.
Whether it’s ensuring safe food handling practices or alerting the public to environmental hazards after severe weather, the end goal remains the same—to protect community health. This line of work requires a combination of scientific knowledge, regulatory compliance expertise and public safety training.
An environmental health specialist is responsible for monitoring and alerting the public about these events. If this career path interests you, you may well be wondering how to become a environmental health specialist.
Environmental health specialists collect and analyze environmental data to identify potential hazards and develop strategies to address or prevent public health risks. These professionals also provide guidance to federal government agencies, organizations and the public while preparing reports and conducting research to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Interesting, right? Here’s how they get there.
Step one: Enroll in a degree program
Becoming an environmental health specialist starts with earning a degree. There’s a lot to know in this field, and you need that deep knowledge base to make your recommendations or create lasting change.
Most environmental health professionals begin with a bachelor’s degree in environmental health, public health or environmental science. Typical coursework covers areas such as biology, chemistry, and environmental health and safety fundamentals as well as legal policy, education and more.
Rasmussen University does not offer any undergraduate or graduate degree programs in Environmental Health or Environmental Science.
While a bachelor’s degree may help prospective environmental health specialists qualify for entry-level roles, many specialists pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree.
Graduate education expands knowledge in population health, environmental risk analysis and disaster and emergency preparedness. It also prepares students for leadership roles and professional certification.
Coursework varies, but in Rasmussen’s MPH program, you’d take courses like:
- Environmental Health and Emergency Preparedness (PHC 5374), which focuses on exposure assessment, occupational hazards and environmental laws and regulations.
- Healthcare Policy, Ethics, and Laws (HSA 5200), to examine ethics and laws related to health policy development, problems in healthcare settings and solutions.
Step two: Gain practical real-world experience
On-the-job training and work experience play a huge role in preparing future environmental health specialists. Students and professionals can gain experience through internships, volunteering, community outreach and supervised practicums.
Many MPH programs, like at Rasmussen, include practicum experiences that allow students to apply classroom learning to real-life cases and challenges. These projects can help students network and meet potential employers.
Examples of practicum projects may include developing emergency preparedness or disaster response manuals, conducting community needs assessments or evaluating public health program outcomes. These projects may also involve creating public health education materials or supporting community program proposals.
Additionally, for on-site practicum and work experience, consider spaces such as healthcare provider offices, public safety agencies, and economic and environmental organizations.
Step three: Develop necessary skills for an environmental health specialist
Environmental health specialists often wear many different hats, and each job requires a unique skill set. Most positions rely on a combination of scientific understanding, analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.
Necessary analytical skills may include environmental sampling, exposure assessment and data analysis for hazard identification.
You will interpret regulatory requirements, conduct inspections, and prepare compliance reports for water and air quality, food safety and waste management.
Regulatory competency and problem-solving skills are also critical focuses for this career path. Environmental health specialists work with environmental protection regulations, occupational health and safety standards and local sanitation codes to determine compliant and corrective actions.
Technology also plays a huge role in inspections and reporting. Many specialists use digital tracking systems, mapping tools and compliance databases to track findings and document outcomes. Additionally, critical thinking and scientific reasoning help specialists identify risks and make decisions when applying environmental regulations.
Written and oral communication skills are also critical to the role. Environmental health specialists educate the public about important safety concerns, health and safety measures and available resources. They also collaborate with business owners, consulting firms, and federal and state government agencies to share research findings and guide the next steps.
Field readiness is also essential. Specialists conduct inspections in indoor and outdoor environments, apply safety measures, follow protocols around hazardous materials and assist with emergency responses.
Step four: Discover where environmental health specialists get hired
These roles span a wide range of employment settings across both public and private sectors.1 This gives specialists a way to protect community health through activities such as inspection, education and research.
Many of the largest employers are in the public sector, including local and state public health departments, federal regulatory agencies and environmental protection programs.3 In these roles, specialists often interact with community members, government officials and regulated businesses to support compliance efforts and public safety practices.
Private sector employment opportunities include working for environmental consultants, energy companies, industrial safety firms and water treatment or waste management companies.1
Research the options in your area, attend job fairs and explore online job boards dedicated to environmental careers.
Environmental consultants may work directly with client organizations to assess risk, implement compliance solutions and provide technical support for environmental and occupational health requirements.
Additional job settings include healthcare facilities, schools, and nonprofit organizations focused on disaster response or environmental justice. These positions allow specialists to support public health education initiatives, contribute to applied research projects and collaborate with community partners from many different agencies and industries.2
Step toward a career in environmental health
Ready to make a real impact protecting community health and the environment?
Explore Rasmussen University’s Master of Public Health Program to learn how you can launch a career focused on environmental health and public safety.
1Top Companies Hiring for Environmental Specialist Jobs (accessed 1/8/2026). Glassdoor https://www.glassdoor.com/Explore/top-environmental-specialist-companies_IO.4,28.htm
2Indeed Editorial Team, “How to Become an Environmental Health Specialist,” Indeed Career Guide, Guide To Becoming an Environmental Health Specialist | Indeed.com https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-environmental-health-specialist
