Public health is the field of study and practice focused on keeping a group (such as a city, state, region or country) healthy through child wellness programs, disease prevention efforts, education, disaster relief, clean water, access to healthcare, and more. People in this field often work for government agencies, but also are found at hospitals, private organizations and nonprofit associations.
As the world grapples with a series of global crises, these issues are being amplified and require a coordinated effort at both local- and national-levels. As a result, there are many opportunities for public health professionals looking to make an impact in their communities and beyond.
Across the United States, there is much variation in how the public health system is governed and operated. Some public health functions are centralized and largely controlled by the federal Department of Health and Human Services and the state health departments, while others are mainly decentralized and run by local-government officials and boards.
Regardless of the governance structure, all public-health organizations must be equipped with an excellent workforce. Those interested in pursuing careers in this field are encouraged to consider the degree options available for public-health-related studies. In addition to the typical master of public health (MPH) program, undergraduate degrees in fields such as epidemiology, environmental health, management of personal healthcare, pharmacology, and more can provide valuable training for students interested in advancing into this field. Many schools of public health are affiliated with degree-granting universities, which help establish a more robust academic environment and connection with parent disciplines, such as sociology, economics, microbiology, and business management.
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