Milestone Strengthens Student and Workforce Preparation
AAMU Earns Full National Accreditation for Environmental Health Program
Alabama A&M University’s Environmental Health program has reached a major milestone, earning full national accreditation following a comprehensive review of its curriculum, faculty expertise, student learning outcomes, resources and preparation of future environmental health professionals.
The National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC) voted Aug. 1 to grant initial accreditation to AAMU’s Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, Environmental Health concentration. The six-year accreditation is effective through August 2032.
The designation marks the first time AAMU’s Environmental Health concentration has earned EHAC accreditation and places the University among a select group of institutions nationally.
“This accreditation places Alabama A&M University among a select group of institutions nationally,” said Dr. Elica M. Moss, program coordinator for Environmental Science and the Environmental Health concentration. “AAMU is the only University in Alabama with an EHAC-accredited undergraduate Environmental Health program and one of only three HBCUs nationally with an EHAC-accredited undergraduate Environmental Health program.”
Alabama A&M University students prepare a site for tree planting during a community service project.
When undergraduate and graduate programs are considered together, AAMU is one of only five HBCUs nationwide with an EHAC-accredited Environmental Health program. Earning accreditation required AAMU to complete an extensive self-study examining its curriculum, faculty qualifications, student learning outcomes, resources, experiential learning opportunities and overall program effectiveness.
The process also included an on-campus site visit during which EHAC representatives met with faculty, students and administrators and evaluated the program and University resources.
For students, the accreditation provides national recognition that their education meets established standards for environmental health education and professional preparation.
“For our students, accreditation provides external validation that they are receiving an environmental health education that meets nationally recognized standards,” Moss said. “It also strengthens their professional preparation and helps connect what they learn in the classroom with the competencies needed in the environmental health workforce.”
From left, Sandra Long, EHAC vice chair for program recruitment; Dr. Elica M. Moss, Environmental Health Science program director; and Dr. Tania Busch Isaksen, EHAC general co-chair, in Kansas City, Missouri, after AAMU was awarded full EHAC accreditation in August.
Approximately 60 students currently major in Environmental Science at AAMU, including about 25 in the Environmental Health concentration. Freshmen and sophomores who have not yet formally declared their concentrations could contribute to continued growth.
Moss said the program has seen increased interest as students become more aware of the connections among the environment, public health, sustainability and community well-being.
“I have seen tremendous growth during my time at AAMU, both in enrollment and in the expansion of academic programs that respond to emerging workforce needs,” Moss said.
The Environmental Health concentration prepares students to understand how environmental factors can affect human health, with training in environmental health, epidemiology, toxicology, microbiology, hazardous waste management and related environmental sciences.
Graduates can pursue careers as environmental health specialists, environmental scientists, occupational health and safety specialists, environmental compliance professionals, food safety specialists, water quality professionals, hazardous materials specialists, environmental consultants and public health professionals.
Alabama A&M University students work together to plant a tree during a community service project.
Career opportunities span local and state health departments, environmental and federal agencies, consulting firms, health care organizations, industry and nonprofit organizations. The degree also provides a foundation for graduate or professional study in environmental health, public health, epidemiology, occupational health and related fields.
Moss, who has served as program coordinator for the Environmental Health concentration for approximately 15 years, said the accreditation increases the program’s visibility and strengthens AAMU’s standing in environmental health education.
“Receiving full accreditation is an exciting milestone for our Environmental Health Science program and a testament to the dedication of our students, faculty, and supporters,” Moss said. “This achievement affirms the quality of our program and strengthens our commitment to preparing the next generation of environmental health professionals.”
From left, AAMU students Keyshawn Johnson and Jalen Whisenhunt collect water samples in the Indian Creek Watershed for Environmental Microbiology Laboratory research on E. coli and PFAS. Both have since graduated. Johnson works at Land O’Lakes, while Whisenhunt is pursuing a master’s degree in plant and soil science at AAMU.