By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS | Adapted from Alabama A&M University
Alabama A&M University’s Environmental Health concentration has earned its first national accreditation, a six-year designation recognizing how well the program prepares future environmental health professionals.
The National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council voted Aug. 1 to accredit AAMU’s Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, Environmental Health concentration. The accreditation runs through August 2032.
“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,” said Dr. Elica M. Moss, the program coordinator.
The review included a self-study of curriculum, faculty, student outcomes and resources, followed by an on-campus visit with faculty, students and administrators.
About 25 of AAMU’s approximately 60 Environmental Science majors are in the Environmental Health concentration. Students study subjects including epidemiology, toxicology, microbiology and hazardous waste management, preparing for work in public health, food safety, water quality and environmental compliance.
Moss said the accreditation validates the education students receive, strengthens their preparation for the environmental health workforce and expands the program’s national visibility.