Program Overview
Do you want to improve the health of families and communities? Then consider a career in public health. You’ll promote healthy lifestyles, perform research for disease and injury prevention, respond to health emergencies, and identify and monitor infectious diseases.
In this integrative program, you’ll start by examining patterns of population health and disease, as well as the organizations and social structures through which health services are delivered and received. From there, you’ll learn to assess and plan for community needs. Explore a holistic approach to health through courses in nutrition, exercise science, psychology, sociology, public health and economics, and discover its importance to patient-centered, humanistic healthcare delivery.
You’ll collaborate with other students as you would on a health and wellness team in the field to improve individual and community outcomes. You’ll also gain problem-solving and technological skills to adapt to the changing marketplace and learn how to communicate across diverse populations with empathy and respect.
Opt to pursue a specialization in health management to lead public health efforts, or choose from a mix of health science, leadership management and social/behavioral major electives to explore all dynamics of the public health field.
You’ll have the opportunity to perform health research, epidemiology, promotion and education through internship opportunities that range from local community health agencies to national and international organizations.
This flexible program satisfies requirements for a wide variety of pre-health professions. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for entry-level health-profession careers in such areas as health education, health promotion, research, monitoring and evaluation, and health and policy administration. Or choose to pursue graduate study in public health, public policy, law and health informatics.
This program is available in Providence, Denver and Charlotte. Please note that North Carolina state licensure is pending for this program in Charlotte.
Sample Courses
- Introduction to Health Professions
- Determinants of Health
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Epidemiology
- Comparative Healthcare Systems
- Data and Evidence in Health: Research Capstone
In addition to classes, free elective credit can be applied to a number of options such as Directed Experiential Education (DEE), internship, minor or study abroad. You are encouraged to contact an advisor before scheduling free elective credits.
For a full course listing, visit the JWU Catalog:
Career Possibilities
Some professions may require additional study, background checks, certifications, licenses, exams and/or experience as required qualifications for employment. Students are responsible for verifying that they can meet the employment requirements of potential employers.