Major

Careers

Environmental Health and Sustainability

Related Skills

These skills will help you have a successful career in the environmental health and sustainability field.

Our program at Illinois State will give you the education and experience to develop these skills.

Research and Analysis

Environmental health and sustainability professionals study the hazards that threaten our environment. As a professional, you'll need the ability to gather information, analyze data, and effectively communicate your findings. 

Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

The challenges professionals face are complex. Being able to think critically will help you develop creative solutions to tackle the big problems of human health and the environment.

Passion and Altruism

Successful environmental health and sustainability professionals have a passion to make a positive impact. They care about the environment and society as a whole.

Contact

Career Industry Liaison

Nick Radcliffe
(309) 438-2200
223 Bone Student Center

Internship Coordinator

Amy Timmerman
(309) 438-8808
FHS 306B

Related Fields

General job titles people with an environmental health and sustainability degree might have include:

  • Environmental Specialist
  • Environmental Scientist
  • Environmental Health Officer
  • Health Inspector
  • Environmental Toxicologist
  • Hazardous Waste Regulator
  • Industrial Hygienist

Environmental Health and Sustainability majors at Illinois State have found success in the field. 

Xavier, ’22, Dalzell IL

What are you up to since graduation?
"I am an environmental health practitioner, or health inspector, with a county health department. My role includes food, well, septic and geothermal inspections, ensuring compliance for safe food, water, and waste disposal. I am serving as the planning section chief in the event the health department must respond to a disaster."

High points from your time in Health Sciences?
"Serving as the president of the Student Environmental Health Association, and as the secretary of sustainability for the Student Government Association. Completing an amazing professional practice experience in Sitka, Alaska with the Southeast Alaskan Regional Health Consortium. Receiving the Heinz Russelmann EH Award as well as two Leadership awards within the Health Sciences Department."

Any advice for new students in Health Sciences?
"Get to know your professors and classmates. Always ask questions. In Health Sciences, you never stop learning. It’s a great community to thrive in!"

Alex, ’19, Carol Stream IL

What are you up to since graduation?
"I am an Assistant Project Manager in the industrial hygiene department of a large environmental consulting company in Denver, Colorado. About half of my time is spent conducting inspections for asbestos, radon, and lead and about half managing inspection projects. I spent time in Thailand right after graduation traveling with one of my classmates."

High points from your time in Health Sciences?
"Serving as the Vice President of the Student Environmental Health Association, being recognized with a departmental scholarship, and building a strong network of friends and colleagues within the small, tight-knit program."

Any advice for new students in Health Sciences?
"Become involved with your major’s student club. It’s a great way to connect with your classmates. Build relationships with your professors. They will be your greatest resource, especially near graduation."