Public Health

Explore a career in Public Health.

The field of public health promotes and protects the health of populations. Concerned with crises of the collective, rather than of the individual, public health practitioners use statistical analyses, education, bench research, and intervention to advance their goals. Alumni who work in this field are responsible for the advocacy of sensible, data driven legislation, the identification of health disparities, and supplying quantitative solutions to local, state, and national problems.

Public health can be broadly divided into:

• Promotions, Education, and Advocacy

  Overview

  This area of Public Health focuses on educating communities on good health practices, promotion of preventative methods and advocates for healthy living. To learn more about concepts that relate to this area of Public Health see our undergraduate Public Health Program in Health, Behavior and Society.

   

  Successful Candidates Have:

  • Strong analytical skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Communication skills – both verbal and written
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Teamwork skills

   

  Potential Careers and Resources:

  • Health Educator 
  • Behavioral Scientist 
  • Community Health Worker: Also known as health coach, community health advisor, family advocate, health educator, liaison, promoter, outreach worker, peer counselor, patient navigator, health interpreter and public health aide.

   

  Hiring Application Cycle:

  Internships – fall, winter, and early spring
  Graduate programs – fall, winter, early spring
  Jobs – spring, on-demand

   

  Do I Need An Advanced Degree?

  Entry level opportunities include community health workers, health educators, outreach coordinators and researchers. However, many of the professions listed above may require an advanced degree, certificate or training program.

  To become a Health Educator you may need to become a Certified Health Education Specialist. Training and educational requirements to become a Community Health Worker lack a unified set of standards and will vary across states, cities, employers and employment sectors. The Council on Education for Public Health can assist you in searching for promotions, education and advocacy degree programs.

  SOPHAS is the centralized online application service for students applying to a school or program of public health accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health.

• Environmental Health

  Overview

  This area works to maintain and improve the health of people by promoting a healthy environment and by preventing harm caused by environmental factors. To learn more about concepts that relate to this area of Public Health see our undergraduate Public Health Program in Environmental Health.

   

  Successful Candidates Have:

  • Strong analytical skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Highly observant
  • Excellent writing and communication skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Teamwork skills

   

  Potential Careers and Resources:

  • Occupational Health and Safety Expert
  • Emergency Management Directors
  • Environmental Protection Specialist (Also referred to as an Environmental Health Advocate)

   

  Hiring Application Cycle:

  Internships – fall, winter, and early spring
  Graduate programs – fall, winter, early spring
  Jobs – spring, on-demand

   

  Do I Need An Advanced Degree?

  Some states offer certification for environmental health advocates who have a specified amount of work experience and pass an examination. Many individuals also have a master’s degree in environmental health science.

  To research advanced programs in Environmental health visit the Association of Environmental Health Academic Programs.

  SOPHAS is the centralized online application service for students applying to a school or program of public health accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health.

• Global Health

  Overview

  This field analyzes and develops programs that protect the health of individuals, families and communities in the United States and abroad by using education, development of healthy lifestyles, research and program implementation. To learn more about concepts that relate to this area of Public Health see our undergraduate Public Health Program in Global Health which will include Epidemiology, Health, Behavior & Society, and Health Policy.

   

  Successful Candidates Have:

  • Strong analytical skills
  • Reliability
  • Attention to detail
  • Communication skills – verbal and written
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Teamwork skills

   

  Potential Careers and Resources:

  • Global health Careers
  • Disaster Preparedness Researcher
  • Infectious Disease Public Health Advisor

   

  Hiring Application Cycle:

  Internships – fall, winter, and early spring
  Graduate programs – fall, winter, early spring
  Jobs – spring, on-demand

   

  Do I Need An Advance Degree?

  Accredited schools of public health may offer a degree, concentration or certificate in Global Health. PBS has put together a great program discussing global health careers and initiatives.

• Health Policy and Management

  Overview

  This section functions as the business side of healthcare to include developing policy, coordinating and directing planning, maintaining an efficient and effective organizational structure, managing the organization’s assets, and analyzing the organization’s profitability and efficiency. To learn more about concepts that relate to this area of Public Health see our undergraduate Public Health Program in Health Policy.

   

  Successful Candidates Have:

  • Leadership skills
  • Problem-solving skills including crisis management
  • Attention to detail including organizational skills
  • Communication skills – both verbal and written
  • Interpersonal skills including strong negotiation skills
  • Teamwork skills

   

  Potential Careers and Resources:

  • Health Unit Coordinator
  • Health Services Administration
  • Hospital Administrator
  • NGO Manager

   

  Hiring Application Cycle:

  Internships – fall, winter, and early spring
  Graduate Programs – fall, winter, early spring
  Jobs – spring, on-demand

   

  Do I Need An Advanced Degree?

  Some jobs will require a certificate or advanced degree. You can learn more about advanced programs including master’s degrees through the Health Policy and Management website. SOPHAS is the centralized online application service for students applying to a school or program of public health accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health.

• Biostatistics and Epidemiology

  Overview

  Biostatistics is the science that applies statistical theory and mathematical principals to research in medicine, biology, environmental science, public health and related fields. Epidemiologists do fieldwork to determine what causes disease or injury, what the risks are, who is at risk and how to prevent further incidences. . To learn more about concepts that relate to this area of Public Health see our undergraduate Public Health Program in Epidemiology.

   

  Successful Candidates Have:

  • Leadership skills
  • Problem-solving & analytical skills
  • Lab techniques
  • Communication skills – verbal and written
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Teamwork skills
  • Attention to detail

   

  Potential Careers and Resources:

  • Biostatistics
  • Epidemiologist
  • Epidemiology Investigator
  • Biostatistical Data Technician
  • Epidemiology Investigator

   

  Hiring Application Cycle:

  Internships – fall, winter, and early spring
  Graduate programs – fall, winter, early spring
  Jobs – spring, on-demand

   

  Do I Need An Advance Degree?

  For more information on specific program requirements, you can search for schools in this field and identify sample courses via the Association of Schools & Programs of Public Health’s website.

  SOPHAS is the centralized online application service for students applying to a school or program of public health accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. A complete list of accredited schools and programs can be found on their website.