One Health is an approach that recognizes that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment. One Health is not new, but it has become more important in recent years. This is because many factors have changed interactions between people, animals, plants, and our environment. – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID): One Health
Program overview
The University of Florida Master of Health Science in Environmental and Global Health with a concentration in One Health is the first program of its kind in the United States. Our innovative degree prepares students to find solutions to current and emerging health issues through transdisciplinary coursework, professional training, and mentorship. We are focused on cultivating a unique systems-thinking approach that incorporates public, environmental, and veterinary disciplines so that our students stand out when they begin their professional careers.
Program formats
The Master of Health Science, One Health program is offered on-campus, online and part-time. These non-traditional options were carefully designed with working professionals and non-local students in mind.
Curriculum
The Master of Health Science in Environmental and Global Health with a concentration in One Health program is a 39-credit degree program that combines courses from various disciplines, offering students a variety of knowledge and training. Students develop their programs based on their academic and career goals, choosing to focus on agricultural impacts, biosecurity, entomology, vector borne diseases, zoonoses, animal health, food production, pathogen detection and identification, environmental controls and pollution science, and more. The curriculum includes 12 credits of core public health courses, 15 credits of one health courses, 9 credits of electives, and 6 credits for our students’ capstone experience. Visit here to view more information about the M.H.S. curriculum.
Career placement
Our graduates want one major thing from their careers — to make a positive difference in the world by improving the health of the earth and its inhabitants — and career opportunities in environmental and global health deliver on this goal. Graduates of our programs are prepared for diverse career paths in academia, government, industry, and non-profits both domestically and around the world. These careers represent training in emerging infectious disease, toxicology, global disease surveillance, child health and nutrition, microbiology, environmental epidemiology, policy, and sustainability practices.
Meet our students and alumni
Meet: Trystan Bordeau
After graduating with my B.S. from the University of Tennessee, I worked as a biological scientist studying the effects of contaminants on water filtration systems. As of June 2023, I am an Associate Ecotoxicology Technician working at Oak Ridge National Laboratory studying the effects of contaminants on aquatic ecosystems.
Meet an MHS Alumni
Adriana Cheraso
Adriana Cheraso joined the M.H.S. program in Fall 2018. While taking classes, she’s actively working with our faculty on air quality research for a new green space at UF Health Shands Hospital.
Meet an mhs online alumnUS
Michael Leach
Michael Leach completed the M.H.S. online program while working full-time as a physician assistant. Through our program, he learned the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to public health issues.
MEET AN MHS ALUMNA
Haley Johnson
Meet Haley Johnson, an M.H.S. One Health alumna from the Department of Environmental and Global Health.
Tuition and program costs
Enrolled campus M.H.S. students will pay regular tuition rates set by the state. Online M.H.S. students will pay approximately $650 per credit hour plus applicable fees. If you are planning to utilize a tuition waiver for this program, please contact Victoria Houghton.
Financial aid
Applications and eligibility requirements for financial aid can be found at the Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) site. The University of Florida code for the FAFSA is 001535.
For information regarding federal or private loan eligibility, or financial aid processing questions or concerns, please contact Student Financial Aid.
Frequently asked questions
How does the University of Florida compare to other universities?
With an enrollment of over 50,000 students, the University of Florida is the largest university in the South, and it is one of the five largest universities in the United States. The university ranks among the nation’s 51 leading research universities as categorized by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education, and it holds membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities, thus being ranked among the top 60 US research institutions.
Three institutions — the University of Minnesota, Ohio State University, and the University of Florida — offer more academic programs on a single campus than any of the other approximately 3,000 colleges and universities. The University of Florida has 19 colleges and schools and over 60 interdisciplinary research and education centers, bureaus, and institutes. The Graduate School coordinates programs in approximately 90 academic departments leading to over 100 master’s degrees and 60 doctoral degrees.
How long does it typically take to complete each program?
Most master’s students are able to complete their programs of study in two years, however, there is a part-time option available for students needing more flexibility. The estimated average length of time to complete the Ph.D. program is varied by each student’s area of research, but is expected to take three to four years.
How are Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Research Assistants (RAs) chosen?
Department of Environmental and Global Health students are appointed as a TA or RA as a mechanism for financial support. The department usually takes a preliminary look at course enrollment numbers before deciding how many TAs to appoint and for which courses. Students are not usually given these opportunities until after the first semester of classes. This first semester allows each student to get the fundamental teaching they’ll need to help in these roles. Some students are able to secure Research Assistant positions through one of our research centers or laboratories. New students should express interest in RA or TA assignments to both their advisor and the Program Coordinator. The department will accommodate as many requests as possible. The availability of positions is determined by the grant funds received each year.
May I complete an online MHS or PhD?
The Department of Environmental and Global Health does offer an online Master of Health Science program. For our Ph.D. program, we do not operate a distance education program. There are a few courses that are web-based, but most courses require on-campus attendance. It is strongly encouraged that students take on-campus classes rather than online courses whenever possible.
Are certain undergraduate degrees required to obtain an MPH or PhD in Environmental Health?
Entering students have a variety of academic backgrounds. No specific undergraduate degrees are required. Undergraduate preparation, however, must include two semesters of biological sciences and mathematics.
Do I have to take the GRE exam for the MPH, MHS, or PhD programs?
No, we do not require GRE results to apply to our programs.
Are there english proficiency requirements?
or all programs, international applicants must submit one of the following:
- Minimum TOEFL scores of 550 paper‐based, 213 computer‐based, or 80 Internet‐based
- Minimum IELTS score of 6.5
- Minimum MELAB score of 77
International students whose native language is English or who have attended a college or university in the United States for at least one year are not required to submit TOEFL scores. For a list of countries whose citizens are exempt from the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) requirement that most non‐US applicants must meet, go to the Graduate School English Language Testing Exemptions. Please consult with the Academic Programs Coordinator if you are uncertain whether you need to take an English proficiency examination.
Program news
Meet the Students of PHHP: Jyl Bean, Ph.D. in One Health
College of Public Health and Health Professions students are dedicated to improving health and well-being in communities around the world.
Recent graduate Katharine McNamara honored for One Health dissertation research
The award recognizes outstanding scholarship that exemplifies theoretical innovation, methodological rigor and a commitment to bridging research and practice.
Helena Chapman named PHHP Alumna of the Year
The triple Gator was honored during a ceremony in October for her significant contributions to the field and promotion of public health.
PHHP Outstanding Alumni 2025
Seven graduates are recognized for contributions to clinical care, public health practice, education, research and policy.
Contact us!
If you have additional questions about the Master of Health Science, One Health program, please reach out to the Department of Environmental and Global Health.