About the Program
DELIVERY METHOD: FULLY ONLINE
ENROLLMENT TYPE: PART-TIME
START TERM: FALL & SPRING
CLOSE MENU
Advanced Certificate in Environmental Risk Assessment
The Advanced Certificate in Environmental Risk Assessment will provide students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in assessing exposure hazards and evaluating disease risks associated with environmental and occupational chemical agents. Grounded in the risk assessment framework developed by the National Academic of Sciences and widely used by state and federal agencies, this program provides a strong foundation for careers in environmental health, regulatory science, and public health protection.
Most students should be able to complete the certificate program in one year.
Students who complete the advanced certificate program will have the opportunity to apply some or all earned credits to a master’s program at CUNY SPH, including the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree and the Master of Science (MS) degree. The number of credits transferable to a program will depend on the specific MPH or MS concentration.
Please note that financial aid and student loans are not available for this certificate program. You may be eligible for payment plans with CUNY. For more information on payment plans, please review the payment options page.
Is this certificate right for you?
This 12 credit program is for working professionals and students looking to build expertise in toxicology and risk assessment. The curriculum provides specialized training in evaluating human health risks from environmental and occupational chemical exposures, with emphasis on regulatory frameworks used by state and federal agencies. Students will gain both conceptual knowledge and practical skills applicable across government, industry, and nonprofit sectors.
What will you learn?
This certificate consists of three core courses, plus electives. Students will develop skills in toxicological risk assessment, exposure analysis, and regulatory science. Coursework covers the biological mechanisms of chemical toxicity, dose-response relationships, and methods for communicating risk to diverse audiences.
Where to after completion?
This program prepares graduates for roles such as environmental risk assessor, regulatory scientist, environmental health specialist, and consultant in government agencies, industry, and nonprofit organizations. Students may use this certificate to gain entry into CUNY SPH’s MPH or MS programs through a streamlined application process.
Connect with our Admissions Team!
- Text: (646) 664-1366
- Phone: (646) 664-8355
- Email: admissions@sph.cuny.edu
- Chat with us 1-on-1: Book a meeting
- Upcoming admissions events: Join us!
Admissions Information
Admissions Requirements
- SOPHAS Express online application
- Application fee: $60
- Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (GPA of 3.0 preferred)
- Please upload any official or unofficial copies of your transcripts directly to the SOPHAS express application
- Resume or CV
- Personal statement/statement of purpose (500 words maximum)
- TOEFL scores are required if language of instruction for prior degrees was not English
- Transcript evaluation from WES or ECE for international transcripts
Application Deadline
- Fall 2026 deadline is June 1, 2026
Curriculum
| Required Coursework (9 credits) | EOHS 633 Introduction to Environmental and Occupational Health |
| EOHS 634 Exposure and Risk Assessment | |
| EOHS 622 Environmental and Occupational Toxicology | |
| Selective Coursework (3 credits) | Students can choose from:
EOHS 630 Principles of GIS for Public Health EOHS 640 Biohazards and Emergency Response EOHS 624 Environmental Audits and Remediation EOHS 642 Hazardous Waste Management |
| Total Credits Required | 12 |
Recommended Course Sequence
For students beginning their program during the fall semester:
| Semester | Course | Credits |
| Year 1 Fall | EOHS 633 Introduction to Environmental and Occupational Health | 3 |
| EOHS 634 Exposure and Risk Assessment | 3 | |
| Year 1 Spring | EOHS 622 Environmental and Occupational Toxicology | 3 |
| Selective | 3 |
For students beginning their program during the spring semester:
| Semester | Course | Credits |
| Year 1 Spring | EOHS 622 Environmental and Occupational Toxicology | 3 |
| Selective | 3 | |
| Year 1 Fall | EOHS 633 Introduction to Environmental and Occupational Health | 3 |
| EOHS 634 Exposure and Risk Assessment | 3 |
Competencies
This program supports the professional development and career readiness of students, ensuring they are prepared for success in diverse public health settings. Key competencies include:
- Measure and interpret human exposures to environmental hazards
- Apply toxicological principles and dose-response relationships in risk evaluations
- Conduct and communicate human health risk assessments following established regulatory frameworks