Global, Environmental, and Occupational Health
School of Public Health
2234 School of Public Health Building
gbhl@umd.edu
https://sph.umd.edu/GEOH/
The mission of the Department of Global, Environmental, and Occupational Health (GEOH) is to promote and protect human health in the diverse communities across Maryland, the nation and the world through discovery, education, and innovative application of knowledge in the fields of global, environmental, and occupational health.
Our programs equip students to address current and future global health, environmental health, and occupational health issues through a multidisciplinary lens. In and out of the classroom, our faculty, students, and staff delve into today’s grand challenges, from airborne infectious disease transmission and food and waterborne disease to environmental justice, cumulative risk assessment, and the impacts of climate change on human health and vulnerable communities.
Chair: A.R. Sapkota
Professors: D. Milton, R. Puett, S. Wilson
Associate Professors: D. Payne-Sturges, P. Turner
Assistant Professors: H. Amato, K. Coleman, R. Goldstein
Clinical Professor: M. Haider
Associate Research Professor: K. McPhaul
Assistant Research Professors: L. Malayil, R. Murray, S. Tai
Professor Emeritus: S. Joseph
Staff: K. DeGennaro, C. Donohoe, G. Parolski, M. Rocque
Academic advisors are available to assist students with degree planning.
Students pursuing a BS in Global Health are required to meet with an advisor during their first semester in the major, and again once they have 75 cumulative credits. Students are encouraged to see an advisor each semester to ensure understanding of major requirements and to review their progress.
Academic advisors in Global, Environmental, and Occupational Health are available for drop-in advising or appointments. Schedules and links are posted on the Global Health major website, http://sph.umd.edu/gbhl-ug/.
Global Learning
Students have multiple ways to expand the borders of their education in global, environmental, and occupational health.
Global classroom courses connect students and faculty with peers in other countries to address international health issues through collaborative projects. Study abroad with a global health focus is possible during a semester or for shorter periods in summer and winter. Students enrolled in the Global Health Major are eligible to apply for the Peace Corps Prep program. Students can also take advantage of opportunities shared by the UMD SPH Global Health Initiative to engage in projects in Maryland and around the world, including with the Public Health Beyond Borders student organization.
Internships and Career Development
The University of Maryland’s location in the Washington, DC, metro area is ideal for students considering careers in global, environmental, or occupational health. Students can engage with and learn from researchers and policy makers through SPH student opportunities. The UMD Career Center at SPH collaborates with the department to offer networking events and prepare students to apply for internships with government agencies, international organizations, nonprofits and private sector employers. GEOH students interested in policy are encouraged to consider applying for the Global Fellows in Washington, DC, program.
Undergraduate Research Experiences
Students may assist as research assistants in projects led by GEOH faculty, including the Public Health Aerobiology (PHAB) Lab; the CONSERVE Center of Excellence; the Community Engagement, Environmental Justice, and Health(CEEJH) program; the Water Quality, Outreach and Wellness (WOW) Lab; and the newly launched Global FEWture Alliance, funded by a Grand Challenges Institutional Grant.
The UMD Office of Undergraduate Research supports students’ engagement in research across campus. SPH students are encouraged to share their research at the annual Public Health Research and Practice Day.
Combined Bachelor's/Master's Program
Global Health majors may be eligible to apply to the School of Public Health’s Accelerated BS/MPH Program.
Scholarships and Financial Assistance
The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) administers all types of federal, state and institutional financial assistance programs and, in cooperation with other university offices, participates in the awarding of scholarships to deserving students. For information, visit: http://financialaid.umd.edu.
The School of Public Health also provides some scholarships for undergraduate students in need, including the Jerry P. Wrenn Endowed Scholarship, the School of Public Health Student Emergency Scholarship, the SPH Scholarship Fund, and TerpStart Scholarships. To learn more about School of Public Health scholarships, go to: http://sph.umd.edu/admissions/tuition-and-aid/undergraduate-tuition-and-aid/.
Students planning global learning experiences are encouraged to seek additional funding. See examples shared by UMD Global.