The council is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The council has established specific criteria for undergraduate and graduate program accreditation, which include standards for curriculum, faculty, program funding, enrollment, and management aspects of the programs. These criteria provide a foundational core for a quality educational program and are continually reviewed and updated to meet the demanding and changing needs of the marketplace. The council recognizes, expects, and encourages diversity and innovation among programs. The council will consider accreditation of a program upon request by the program administration provided that the institution is accredited by a regional accrediting association for institutions of higher learning and has graduated one or more classes.
Full accreditation is granted to programs for a period up to six years.
Conditional accreditation may be granted for a period of not more than two years when there are deficiencies in the program. The status of all programs is reviewed by the council annually. The council has accredited over 20 undergraduate and graduate programs in both public and private institutions across the United States. Since 1989, accredited programs have placed over 1,500 well-qualified graduates into the environmental health workforce. Graduates of accredited programs hold positions with federal, state, and local health agencies, the military, the U.S. Public Health Service, various universities, and numerous companies, including many Fortune 500 companies.