Students who seek a degree in public health have the opportunity to make the world a better place by engaging in organized efforts to promote better health, prevent the spread of disease and prolong the lifespan of the entire population. There are a wide selection of opportunities available that will allow you to help your fellow man, and it’s important that you choose a concentration that involves the issues that interest you the most. These are just a few of the many concentrations that you might want to consider.
1. Environmental Health
Because the quality of our environment can be detrimental to human health, students who choose this concentration will work towards improving environmental conditions to promote the health and well-being of every person. You’ll be provided with the necessary knowledge and skills to work on a wide variety of public health challenges, and you’ll come away from your program with a solid foundation in both environmental health science and public health practice. Your degree will qualify you for several careers that include director of public or environmental health, consultant for private risk-assessment companies and researcher for health-research organizations.
2. Maternal and Child Health
This is the perfect concentration for students who have a strong desire to make advancements in ensuring the health and well-being of women, children and entire families. You can expect to obtain comprehensive knowledge about the physical needs of expectant mothers and their children, infant, child and adolescent health, sexual and reproductive health, the perinatal period and birth outcomes, inter-conception care, child development and all other aspects of child health that include mental health and special needs. You’ll be prepared for a career in government agencies, advocacy groups and health organizations.
3. Social and Behavioral Sciences
This concentration is devoted to the identification and research of behavioral and societal risk factors that lead to public-health issues. Students will learn productive ways to take this information and use it to promote healthy behaviors in their community. You’ll gain comprehensive knowledge about topics that include domestic violence, mental health, tobacco control, alcohol and drug abuse, the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and injury control. After earning your degree, you’ll be qualified for a career in academic institutions, hospitals, nonprofit agencies and public health departments.
4. Epidemiology
Students interested in the intense investigation of emerging infections, toxic environmental hazards and global health disparities with the ultimate goal of better public health will enjoy this particular concentration. You’ll be thoroughly trained in the methodology and principles of epidemiological research and practice, and you’ll learn the proper ways to professionally design, conduct, analyze and interpret important research studies in order to fully understand emerging risks to the public health and ensure the effectiveness of necessary interventions. A degree earned in this concentration will prepare you for careers in both research and management in positions with the government, academic institutions and in the private sector.
5. Global Health
With this concentration, students will take a step outside of their own community and country to address public-health concerns in all areas of the world. You’ll work to bring improvements to the health and development of society by dedicating yourself to challenges that include poverty, disease and inequity. Upon earning your degree, you’ll find rewarding work in the areas of relief, research, consulting, development and in government agencies both domestic and foreign.
The job market for public health is thriving, and you can work towards your degree with the confidence of knowing that you’ll have no trouble entering the workforce upon graduation. Get started today, and you’ll soon be helping to make the world a healthier place.
