Public health is concerned with the protection and improvement of the health and well-being of groups of people, which can be as small as a neighborhood or as large as an entire country or region. People in the field of public health work to keep communities healthy through child wellness programs, disease prevention efforts, education, disaster relief, clean water, access to healthcare and so much more.
This area of work is led by a variety of experts, including epidemiologists (disease detectives who study patterns in health and illness), biostatisticians (who use statistical methods to help understand complex problems) and environmental health specialists (who ensure that our living and working environments are safe). Those who choose careers in public health must have a strong desire to help the lives of others, as well as excellent analytical and communication skills to gather data, inform policy and act upon it.
A Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health can prepare you for entry-level positions in the field. For those interested in pursuing leadership roles, a Master of Public Health degree offers the opportunity to build an extensive knowledge base while developing specialized expertise in one or more areas of public health. This advanced degree can also prepare you to work at the local, regional, national and even international level. This is an exciting and rewarding career choice for those with a passion to improve the lives of others.