Public Health Career Profile

We are blessed by living in an age where people are living longer lives, and global travel and trade bring great benefits to mankind, but those same blessings also give rise to challenges such as chronic illness, age related disorders, health problems of the impoverished, environmental hazards, and pose greater risk of disease spread on an unprecidented scale. Today, perhaps more than any other time in human history, educated professionals are urgently needed to work in the field of public health, in health informatics (information and communication systems used to collect and disseminate accurate data), and serve at public health organizations at every conceivable level, locally, nationally, and internationally - in both private and public sectors to protect the health of the community. Former U.S Surgeon General C. Everett Koop once said “Healthcare is vital to all of us some of the time, but public health is vital to all of us all of the time.”

To Prevent, Promote and Protect... A Public Health Overview

The mission of public health is to prevent disease, disability, morbidity, and death through effective use of population-based public health programs. Public health engages private and public organizations as well as individuals in accomplishing this mission through conducting epidemiological surveillance and analysis of communicable, environmental, and occupational morbidity and mortality to establish and prioritize strategies for prevention and intervention. Public Health professionals also provide programs for both individuals and groups to clearly communicate risks and hazards in the workplace and environment and develop best practices to safeguard health. They tackle critical health issues such as preventing epidemics and the spread of disease, HIV/AIDS, protecting against environmental hazards, reducing infant mortality, preventing injuries, encouraging healthy behavior which promotes both physical and mental health, helping communities to recover from disasters, bio-terrorism preparedness, and ensuring the quality and accessibility of health services.

Key Responsibilities of Public Health Professionals Include:

• Assure an adequate public health infrastructure
• Promote healthy communities and healthy behaviors
• Inform, educate, and empower people about health issues.
• Prevent the spread of infectious disease
• Protect against environmental health hazards
• Prepare for and respond to disasters, assist communities in recovery
• Research for new insights and innovative solutions to health problems
• Assure the quality and accessibility of health services

Make A Real Difference With A Degree in Public Health

Public Health professionals are at the forefront of the global effort to combat poverty, inequities, disease and epidemics. Dynamic and capable Public Health leaders are needed to guide communities toward a healthy future through health care research in biostatistics, environmental health, ensuring access to clean water and air, epidemiology, health policy and planning, mental health, and population studies which identify needs and then administering programs to meet those needs.

Public Health includes professionals from many fields with the common purpose of protecting the health of a population- Emergency Responders, Restaurant Inspectors, Health Educators, Health Informaticists, Public Policymakers, Scientists and Researchers, Public Health Physicians, Public Health Nurses, Occupational Health and Safety Professionals, Social Workers, Epidemiologists, Nutritionists, and Community Planners.

If you`re looking for a challenging career that offers the opportunity to make an important difference in people`s lives, public health may be exactly what you`ve been searching for. An online Master of Public Health (M.P.H.), MSPH, Ph.D., DrPH, or EdD degree gives you the real-world skills and knowledge you need to promote community wellness, disease prevention and health. By understanding the unique factors influencing public health, such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy and administration, social and behavioral sciences, and environmental health, you`ll be able to use your increased knowledge and confidence to make a real difference in your community.

What Can You Do With A Public Health Degree?

Public health professionals find excellent employment opportunities with government agencies, centers for disease control, non-governmental agencies, world health organizations, the United Nations, non-profit organizations, relief organizations, in clinical practice, academic institutions, biotech firms, consulting, and in private industry. A small sampling of the diverse Public Health career options include:

Biostatistics - Conducts research in statistical methodology and applications, as well as in fundamental problems of modeling biomedical systems.

Environmental Health Sciences - Focuses on the biological consequences and control of environmental and occupational hazards

Epidemiology - Conducts study and research in the distribution and determinants of disease.

Health Education/Health Communication - Uses specific methods and strategies to help people adopt healthier lifestyles, to make efficient use of health services and engages in program design, implementation & evaluation activities.

Maternal and Child Health - Focuses on promoting and enhancing the health of children, their families and communities.

Nutrition - Assessment of the food and nourishment needs and available resources for individuals, groups and communities and developing programs to help meet those needs.

Occupational Safety - Identification of health and safety hazards related to work and the work environment, as well as their prevention and control

Public Health Practice & Program Management - Identifiable public health programs and activities: maternal & child health, aging, mental health, environmental health and professional disciplines.

If a degree in public health is something that fits your personal goals and desires, then take advantage of some of the convenient ways to obtain your degree online through an accredited college or university. Degrees at nearly all levels are available, including bachelors degrees, masters degrees and doctorates, and nearly all offer various specializations for you to choose from.

Financial assistance is almost always available, including student loans and grants, scholarships, and federal and state aid, and many employers offer tuition reimbursement. There are even employers that will help cover costs of courses completely with contractual work agreements.

Earn Your Public Health Degree Online

Get the education and credentials you need for a successful career in Public Health. Take the first step towards earning an accredited degree in public health online through your choice of top ranked schools by requesting additional program information today:
Explore Online Public Health Degree Programs

Featured Public Health Degree Programs Walden University Master of Public Health Master of Public Administration Master of Healthcare Administration MS in Nonprofit Management M.S. in Nursing (BSN)/Management and Leadership

Leading Schools Walden University Capella University A.T. Still University AIU Online South University

Walden University

Online

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

Programs:

• Ph.D. in Public Health
• Ph.D. in Human Services - Public Health
• Master of Public Administration - Health Policy

The University of Liverpool

Campus

Advance your career and increase your earning potential with a masters or a doctoral degree from the University of Liverpool. Study online in small groups of business professionals.

Programs:

• Master of Public Health (Epidemiology)
• Master of Public Health
• Master of Public Health (Management of Health Systems)

Campus Locations:

Online

Grand Canyon University

Campus

Don't Miss a Day of Your Future! Grand Canyon University is offering Bachelor and Master degrees through our College of Education, Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Nursing & Health Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, and College of Entrepreneurship. Classes start soon!

Programs:

• Master of Public Health

Campus Locations:

Phoenix

University of Phoenix

Campus

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

• Master of Public Admin
• BS in Business/Public Sector
• Master of Public Administration

Campus Locations:

Los Angeles
Elk Grove
Livermore
Pasadena
Visalia
San Bernardino
Culver City
Woodland Hills
Chula Vista
Ontario
San Jose
Sacramento
Roseville
Fresno
Gardena
San Diego
Diamond Bar
Costa Mesa
Bakersfield
El Centro
Salida
Fairfield
Lancaster
Lathrop
Rancho Cordova
Oakland
San Francisco
Beale AFB
Murrieta
Online

DeVry University

Campus

A graduate degree really can make a difference, especially when it's from DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management. Online, evening and weekend classes are available.

Programs:

• Master's-Public Administration

Campus Locations:

Long Beach
Fremont
San Diego
San Jose
Sherman Oaks
Oakland
Pomona
Anaheim
Alhambra
Colton
Elk Grove
Daly City
Irvine

Western International University

Online

Pursue your degree with Western International University. We offer programs at three campuses in Arizona and a live, interactive online classes taught by experienced industry professionals.

Programs:

• Master of Public Administration
• Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science

Golden Gate University

Campus

For more than 110 years, non-profit Golden Gate University (GGU) has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in Accounting, Law, Taxation, Business and related areas.

Programs:

• Public Administration - Executive Masters
• Public Administration - Masters

Campus Locations:

San Francisco
Santa Clara

Regis University

Campus

Regis University offers a rich tradition of Jesuit education to enrich your life and further your career.

Programs:

• BS in Public Administration

Campus Locations:

West Jordan

Northcentral University

Campus

Earn your degree online and boost your career at Northcentral University. We offer online doctoral, master's, and bachelor's degree programs in education, behavioral and health sciences, and business.

Programs:

• Public Administration - PhD in Bus. Admin.
• Public Administration - D.B.A.
• Health Care Administration - PhD in Bus. Admin.

Campus Locations:

Prescott Valley

Argosy University

Campus

Argosy University offers doctoral, master's, and bachelor's degree programs to students through its five colleges: Psychology andBehavioral Sciences, Education, Business, Health Sciences, and Undergraduate Studies, as well as certificate programs in many areas.

Programs:

• State and Local Government (MPA)
• Public Administration (MPA)
• Health Care Management (BS)

Campus Locations:

Alameda
Santa Monica
Orange
San Bernardino
San Diego

American InterContinental University Online

Campus

American InterContinental University Online's flexible curriculum allows you to study when and where it's most convenient. Earn your degree at an accelerated pace from an accredited school that is respected by employers.

Programs:

• Bachelor's of Business Administration in Healthcare Management

Campus Locations:

Schaumburg

California College San Diego

Campus

California College San Diego (CCSD)offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.

Programs:

• Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (Online)
• Master of Science in Healthcare Administration
• Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration

Campus Locations:

San Diego
San Marcos
National City

Carrington College California

Campus

Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Programs:

• AS in Health Care Administration
• Certificate in Health Care Administration

Campus Locations:

Sacramento
Stockton
Pleasant Hill
Citrus Heights

Jones International University

Campus

Earn a high quality degree in Business, IT, Education, or Communications. Jones International University® offers self-paced bachelor's and master's degrees tailored to your needs.

Programs:

• BBA Health Care Management

Campus Locations:

Englewood

Ashworth College

Campus

Get the hands-on training and skills it takes to succeed with Ashworth College, a respected, worldwide leader in distance education. Study at the times and places most convenient for you.

Programs:

• Associate of Science Degree in Health Care Administration

Campus Locations:

Norcross

Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies

Online

Founded in 1789, Georgetown University is the nation's oldest Catholic and Jesuit university. Today, Georgetown is a major international research university that embodies its founding principles in the diversity of our students, faculty, and staff, our commitment to justice and the common good, our intellectual openness, and our international character.

Programs:

• Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner