Public Health Practice Concentration, Public Health Science, BS

Major
On Campus, Day
Environmental, Geographic and Public Health Sciences
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In Short

The Public Health Practice concentration focuses on socioeconomic determinants of health, promotes human health, and fosters healthy and safe communities.

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The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an increase of 17 percent for healthcare workers and  educators from 2020-2030, two key areas of public health. Career opportunities in public health are expanding due to the prevalence of preventable diseases and the challenges presented by an aging population, environmental contaminants, and natural disasters.*

Program Overview

The Public Health Practice concentration focuses on socioeconomic determinants of health, promotes human health, and fosters healthy and safe communities. You will learn fundamental concepts of public health, epidemiology, and research methods for public health, along with methods to map, analyze, and predict public health concerns. You will develop the knowledge and skills needed to shape public health policy and interventions from a socioeconomic perspective. You will be trained for community health work and be able to contribute to your local communities.

Register for classes

This major has no special requirements. Any day student in good academic standing may enroll.

*View the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, (visited December 1, 2021).

Experiential Opportunities

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Internships

You'll be required to complete a capstone project for this major, such as an internship. Some example include working in public health departments, not-for-profit organizations focused on food access, water treatment facilities, and parks and services.
Read more about: Internships
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Study Abroad

Faculty-led study abroad course opportunities increase student life-transforming experiences, as do student/faculty cooperative research projects.
Read more about: Study Abroad

Curriculum and Other Information

Students will:

  • discuss the history and philosophy of public health.
  • use appropriate methods and tools to analyze public health data and will discuss the importance of evidence based approaches.
  • explain the science of human health and disease, and discuss opportunities for promoting health.
  • describe the socioeconomic, behavioral, biological, and environmental factors that affect human health.
  • describe the characteristics of health systems in the US as well as other countries
  • explain the basic concepts of, and responsibilities of government in, the legal, ethical, economic, and regulatory dimensions of public health policy
  • describe fundamental scientific principles related to environmental health
  • explain how the built environment influences human health and contributes to health disparities
  • Community Health
  • Community Outreach Worker
  • Emergency Management
  • Environmental Health Technicians
  • Environmental Scientists
  • Health Program Coordinators
  • Health Promotion and Communication
  • Public Health Administrators
  • Public Health Researchers
  • Public Health Information Officers
  • Public Education Outreach Specialists
  • Public Policy Administration

Undergraduate Day Tuition and Fees