Overview of Public Health

Public Health is a discipline of medicine focused on improving the health of populations through prevention and wellness initiatives. It includes every component of the health system – from research into the causes of disease to the development of the tools needed to combat them. It ultimately strives to shape policies that improve the health of groups of people, communities, and entire countries. Public Health professionals work in a variety of settings, from hospitals to research centers to state and local governments.

Career Opportunities for Public Health Specialists

Public Health professionals are needed in many settings and in many different capacities. Those working in health care may specialize in the epidemiology and prevention of diseases, chronic conditions, and environmental health hazards. They may also provide clinical care in healthcare settings, such as hospitals and clinics. Public Health professionals may also serve in public advocacy roles, promoting activities such as vaccination campaigns and nutrition education in schools and other public venues. Other Public Health professionals are involved in policy and program development and research, analyzing data and recommending strategies for improving health outcomes.

Internship/Co-op Opportunities

There are many internship and co-op opportunities for those interested in Public Health. These internships provide an opportunity to gain experience and skills in the field, as well as allowing interns to directly engage with policy makers, government officials, and other stakeholders in public health. There are numerous internship programs offered at universities, government agencies, research centers, and non-profits that provide students with a wide range of experiences in public health.

Specialized Tracks in Public Health

Public Health students can pursue specialized tracks in a variety of subjects and disciplines. These can include public health nutrition, public health administration, public health epidemiology, public health policy, public health research, and public health management, among others. Each of these areas provides unique opportunities to gain insight into the complexities of public health from different angles.

Preparing for Graduate Studies or Further Education

Public Health students looking to further their education can gain valuable experience and knowledge by pursuing an advanced degree in the field. Graduate studies can range from a Master of Public Health (MPH) to a Doctorate of Public Health (DrPH). While curriculums vary, the skills developed in a Public Health program provide an excellent foundation for studying the science of Public Health and continuing to build one’s expertise in this area.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Public Health

Artificial intelligence is increasingly relevant to Public Health research and practice. AI techniques are being used to improve the accuracy of predictions for disease outbreaks and the effectiveness of personalized health solutions. AI can also speed up the development of health interventions and identify factors associated with better health outcomes. As AI technologies advance, we can expect Public Health to benefit from its insights and applications.

Career Outlook for Public Health

The need for public health professionals is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the number of public health professionals will climb by 11 percent by 2022. Such growth will generate strong job opportunities for skilled and trained professionals, including epidemiologists, public health advisors, health educators, and health care administrators. With the growing global population and evolving concepts of public health, there will be additional job openings for professionals of all kinds.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Public Health:

Utah State University, Salary: $67,218

Oakland University, Salary: $61,508

Illinois State University, Salary: $51,383

Colorado State University-Fort Collins, Salary: $47,766

Montana Technological University, Salary: $47,640

Walden University, Salary: $47,197

Simmons University, Salary: $45,844

Missouri Southern State University, Salary: $45,227

Santa Clara University, Salary: $45,119

University of Central Oklahoma, Salary: $45,015

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Public Health.