There is a general understanding that many medical conditions are caused by factors present in the natural or artificial environment. Environmental health programs intend to prepare students to investigate these correlations and provide insights based on these systematic investigations.

A Doctorate of Philosophy, or PhD, may require eight years or more to complete, as well as a dissertation. In most fields, the possession of a PhD qualifies the holder to become a professor of a chosen subject. There are many different programs available.

Part time learning allows one to obtain part-time degrees even if one cannot attend school on a full-time basis. One can learn at his or own pace, gradually accumulating credits which count towards final qualification.