Morgan State University and Maryland Department of Health Launch New Environmental Health Specialist Apprenticeship Program

The College of Interdisciplinary and Continuing Studies (CICS) at Morgan State University is proud to announce an exciting new initiative in partnership with the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and the Maryland Professional Employees Council (MPEC), the union which represents this group of employees. As of this week, the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council has officially recognized and approved the Environmental Health Specialist (EHS) Apprenticeship Program, an opportunity for aspiring public health professionals across the state.

Approved by Maryland Department of Labor, this program represents an innovative model for career training in environmental public health. It combines academic study with paid, on-the-job experience, allowing apprentices to earn while they learn as employees of MDH while completing coursework at Morgan State University and preparing them to sit for the state licensure exam.

“This marks a major step forward in how we train and empower the next generation of environmental health specialists,” said Clifford S. Mitchell, MD, MS, MPH, Director of the Environmental Health Bureau at MDH. “This dual-pathway approach ensures Marylanders are equipped with both the academic foundation and the practical tools to protect public health in communities across the state.”

About the Program

The EHS Apprenticeship Program, with initial funding provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Public Health Infrastructure Grant, is designed for adult learners and those seeking meaningful careers in environmental health. Apprentices will engage in coursework aligned with environmental science and public health, while simultaneously gaining field experience through practicum rotations at local health departments across Maryland. Participants will be prepared to successfully pass the Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) certification, administered by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA).

Key features of the program include:

• Tuition assistance for all program-related coursework
• Hands-on training in areas such as water safety, disease vector control, soil and waste management
• Flexible learning supported by Morgan State’s expert faculty
• A clear career path toward licensure and long-term employment in the environmental health field

Who Should Apply?

The program welcomes applicants who are:

• At least 18 years old
• Have completed 60+ college credits in a relevant field (public health, environmental science, biology, etc.)
• Interested in a career that combines public service, science, and community impact
• Able to commit to both classroom learning and fieldwork as a paid MDH employee

In addition to tuition coverage, the program offers mentorship, field training, and access to an impactful professional network in public health. It’s ideal for adult learners, career changers, and recent transfer students who are looking to re-enter the workforce or elevate their professional standing in a high-impact sector.

CICS: Empowering Adult Learners

This apprenticeship program reflects the mission of CICS at Morgan State University: to create flexible, high-quality academic pathways that meet learners where they are, especially adult learners balancing education with work and family responsibilities.

“This partnership demonstrates how public institutions can collaborate to address workforce gaps while creating accessible pathways to education and meaningful careers,” said Dr. Nicole Westrick, Vice President and Dean of the College of Interdisciplinary and Continuing Studies.