In a world grappling with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the aging baby boomer population, more and more people are prioritizing overall health and well-being. In the wake of this, public health has emerged as a crucial cornerstone of our collective future.
Thus, it’s no surprise that overall employment in healthcare occupations is growing faster than the average of all occupations, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). We are also seeing an average of about 1.8 million job openings projected each year due to this growth.
But public health goes beyond simply treating illness. Public health is all about proactive measures, preventative strategies, and building an environment where health flourishes for all.
In this article, we’ll cover what public health is all about, including public health programs, careers, and the importance of public health overall.
What is public health?
Public health is the science of protecting and improving the health and lives of individuals, communities, and entire populations as it serves to promote health and longevity by providing a range of services, resources, and activities.
Public health professionals prevent diseases and disabilities, provide accessibility to healthcare services, and educate the public about key health topics that can improve their quality of life and longevity.
What is a public health program?
Public health is an interdisciplinary field that blends together several sciences and disciplines, including sociology, biology, environmental health, ethics, and epidemiology.
Public health professionals, through educational degree programs, equip themselves with the knowledge and skills needed to preserve and profess people’s health through evidence-based measures. Public health degree programs, therefore, include courses in Health Behavior and Promotion, Epidemiology, Environmental Health, Occupational Health, Injury Prevention, and Public Safety.
Public health programs delve into the intricacies of the healthcare system, understand the politics influencing it, and gain a holistic perspective on the macro factors shaping human health in today’s world.
Furthermore, many public health programs offer concentrations allowing students the ability to take additional courses that fit their personal interests and career goals. For example, as part of the Master’s in Public Health program, Goodwin University offers concentrations in:
- Global Health
- Community Health
- Health Policy and Management
In our bachelor’s in Public Health program, students also have the option to concentrate in Health Communication and Policy, in addition to completing core, fundamental studies in public health.
What are public health careers?
Armed with this comprehensive understanding, public health graduates seek out careers rooted in policy, advocacy, research, and promotion.
Whether pursuing a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Master’s in Public Health (MPH), candidates equip themselves to become strong advocates for populations in need of better healthcare or health education. Their knowledge of the U.S. and global healthcare systems enables them to drive change through policy advocacy, program development, and research initiatives.
Graduates of public health programs often pursue careers as:
- Biostatisticians, with their keen analytical minds, crunch data to uncover patterns and guide interventions. Biostatisticians earn a median annual salary of $112,110.
- Disaster and emergency specialists become first responders, coordinating relief efforts and safeguarding communities in times of crisis. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $79,180.
- Environmental policy analysts weave environmental protection into the fabric of public health by formulating policies that safeguard air, water, and the earth itself. Candidates can expect a median annual salary of $76,480.
- Epidemiologists, the meticulous detectives of disease outbreaks, trace the footprints of illnesses to prevent future waves of infection and earn a median annual salary of $78,520.
- Medical and health services managers, including public health directors, orchestrate the delivery of healthcare services, ensuring they provide support and resources to populations and communities. These individuals earn a median annual salary of $104,830.
- Social and community service managers, like public health social workers, address the social determinants of health and earn a median annual salary of $74,240.
All salaries are reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Are you interested in earning your degree in Public Health? Get started today by learning more about our program!
Why is public health important?
Failing to sustain and improve public health standards can lead to a cascade of adverse effects, from the rise of chronic diseases to an overall decline in life expectancy.
This is why investing in public health isn’t merely a career choice; it’s a profound commitment to the well-being of individuals and communities. It’s about preventing healthcare crises before they unfold, reducing inequalities in health outcomes, and ensuring access to essential health services for individuals and communities. Public health professionals work diligently to:
- Provide communities with clean air and water
- Promote family planning
- Set road safety laws
- Curb tobacco use
- Advocate for vaccinations
- Foster healthy communities
Public health touches and strengthens every person and every aspect of our lives as individuals and populations. Through public health efforts, our world has seen extended life expectancy and an improved overall health of populations worldwide.
Be a changemaker with a degree in Public Health at Goodwin University
If you desire to leave a lasting impact in the world of public health, Goodwin University is ready to help you do so.
With a range of dynamic Public Health degree options, we provide the knowledge, skills, and support you need to embark on this fulfilling career path. Our dedicated faculty, industry-relevant curriculum, and real-world learning opportunities make us the ideal partner in creating a healthier future for yourself and countless others.
Contact Goodwin University today and take the first step toward a career that truly changes lives. Together, we can build a world where health isn’t a privilege, but an essential part of everyone’s lives. We’re ready when you are!
Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.