Global, Environmental, and Occupational Health (online) (GEOH)

Graduate Degree Program
College: Public Health
 

Abstract

The fully online Master of Public Health (MPH) degree with a concentration in Global, Environmental, and Occupational Health (GEOH) within the Department of Global, Environmental, and Occupational Health (GEOH) at the School of Public Health is designed to develop practitioners and researchers equipped to assess and engage in the science, theory, and practice related to interconnected global, environmental, and occupational health needs, challenges and opportunities. This 45-credit professional degree program blends rigorous science, practical application, and interdisciplinary perspectives. All MPH-GEOH students complete six core public health courses; six specialized interdisciplinary courses focused on global, environmental and occupational health; two electives tailored to their interests; a professional hands-on internship; and a culminating capstone project. Through this integrated curriculum, students gain the expertise to design, implement, and evaluate ethical, socially just, and impactful interventions addressing the health consequences of social and environmental change ranging from local communities to the global stage. Graduates of the program are prepared to thrive in diverse and rapidly evolving public health arenas as practitioners, researchers, administrators, and consultants both in the United States and around the world.

Leena Malayil, PhD, MS
Associate Research Professor
Department of Global, Environmental, and Occupational Health
2234 School of Public Health Building
4200 Valley Drive
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
Email: geoh-grad@umd.edu 

 
Maurice Rocque
Director of Administrative Services
2234T School of Public Health Building
4200 Valley Drive
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
Telephone: 301.405.5509
Fax: 301.314.1012
Email: mrocque@umd.edu

Website: sph.umd.edu/geoh
Courses: GBHL SPHL
Relationships: Behavioral and Community Health (BCHL),  Behavioral and Community Health (MBCH), Biostatistics (BIOS),  Epidemiology (EPDM),  Epidemiology (EPID),  Health Administration (HLSA), Maternal and Child Health (MCHS)

The MPH in Global, Environmental, and Occupational Health program has a two-part application process: applicants must submit the SOPHAS application (sophas.cas.myliaison.com), the centralized application service for schools and programs of public health, and the UMD Supplemental application. Both applications must be submitted, complete with all required documents and verified by the scheduled deadline. Applications will be reviewed once both the SOPHAS and UMD Supplemental applications are complete. 

• A Bachelor's degree 
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Transcripts from all previous coursework
• At least one undergraduate math course
• English proficiency test score (TOEFL, IELTS or PTE) (international applicants)
• Statement of purpose and objectives
• ​Response to Personal Experiences Question(s)

PROGRAM SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• SOPHAS application & UMD Supplemental application
• The statement of purpose should include career and educational goals, professional experience and areas of interest
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Three letters of recommendation
• Alignment between the applicant's professional goals and expectations and the program's degree competencies and faculty expertise
• A writing sample is optional and may include a published manuscript, an undergraduate or graduate thesis, or a research paper. If you submit a published manuscript and you are not the first author, describe the contributions you made to the publication
• Submission of GRE test scores is optional. If submitting, official scores should be reported to SOPHAS (ETS code: 0485)

Applicants with foreign credentials:

• The SOPHAS application requires that applicants submit a WES credential evaluation

• The UMD supplemental application requires uploading unofficial transcripts issued in the original language with a literal English translation. Visit the Graduate School website for additional information

• Evidence of English Language proficiency is required if the applicant does not hold a degree from a U.S. institution or from one of the English-speaking countries listed on the Graduate School website

  • Language scores must be submitted both to SOPHAS and the UMD supplemental application

  • ​GEOH only admits students whose English Language Proficiency test scores fall within the Full Enrollment range. For TOEFL tests taken before January 20, 2026, a minimum overall score of 100 is required, with section minimums of 24 in Speaking, 25 in Listening, 26 in Reading, and 25 in Writing. For tests taken on or after January 20, 2026, the new scoring scale applies

For detailed instructions on how to submit your application, please visit the School of Public Health Website: sph.umd.edu/graduate-application-process
*Visa Eligibility: This program is not eligible for I-20 or DS-2019 issuance by the University of Maryland. International students who currently reside in the U.S. on existing visas may apply.

RESOURCES AND LINKS

Program Website: sph.umd.edu/mph-environmental-health-sciences
Application Process: sph.umd.edu/graduate-application-process
Admissions FAQ: sph.umd.edu/graduate-application-faqs

The proximity of the University of Maryland, College Park to the nation’s capital offers prospective students unparalleled opportunities for internships and research experiences in public health, including placements at the National Institutes of Health, the CDC Washington Office, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children’s National Medical Center, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and many other national, state, and local health agencies. The diversity of cultural and socioeconomic groups, communities, industries, and health organizations provides a rich environment for learning, research, public policy analysis, and service.