Public health is the subfield of healthcare that focuses on monitoring, evaluating and promoting the health of an entire community. That community may be a city, state, region or country. Public health specialists work on tackling problems that affect the health of large numbers of people, such as motor vehicle accidents, illicit drug use, poor nutrition or maternal death.
A bachelor’s in public health degree can prepare you to pursue a position within a community health organization. The most appropriate degree for an aspiring health educator is a public health degree. You can also look for a degree program that acknowledges and incorporates the Eight Areas of Responsibility for Health Education Specialists, established by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). These areas of responsibility include needs and resources assessment, health education promotion and health advocacy.1
The specific curriculum for a public health degree will vary from one school to the next. In general, however, you can expect to study topics such as the following:
- The fundamental concepts of life sciences and the scientific method, with a focus on human biology and physiological processes
- The methods of promoting health within communities, with a look at social determinants of health and the theoretical contexts of health behaviors
- Environmental factors that influence human health, including occupational wellness and emergency preparedness
- The biopsychosocial model of health psychology, with a look at theories relating to pain management, stress management and health behaviors
- Frameworks for community assessment, community program planning and the engagement of community participants in public health programming
You are also likely to study topics in public health advocacy, such as:
- The structures, functions and delivery of healthcare services at all levels of government and applicable regulations
- Ethical issues in public health and how to navigate them
Your bachelor’s degree program may include a capstone project in your senior year. A capstone project is typically a research-and writing-intensive project. However, a public health student might instead choose an experiential learning opportunity that involves working directly in the field as a volunteer.
At least a year or two before graduation, consider talking to your university’s student services department about local internship opportunities in public health and health education. Practical, hands-on experience in the field is essential if you do not, or do not have the option to, choose an experiential learning opportunity for your capstone project.
