Public Health
A degree in public health will prepare you for an immediate career as a community health worker, educator or program coordinator.
Where this degree can take you
Our major will familiarize you with the main functions of public health, prevention, chronic and infectious disease, tailoring health needs to specific populations, functions of organizations, and future directions of public health. Our students also go on to clinical and graduate programs in nursing and other healthcare professions, as well as master’s degrees in public health, education, social work, health administration, public policy and others.
JOB OPPORTUNTIES
-
Community health worker
-
Health navigator/advocate
-
Sexual health educator
-
Migrant worker outreach
-
Human services coordinator
-
Prevention Specialist
-
Substance abuse educator
-
Nutrition educator
-
County/state public health worker
Possible employers
- State and County Health Departments
- Community-based Organizations
- Health Research Companies
- Hospitals and Health Clinics
SKILLS YOU’LL LEARN
Conduct local needs assessments
Design health education programs
Serve as a resource and advocate for the community
Create health promotion materials
Research/analyze health data
Engage communities in healthy activities
What WOU Public Health Alumni are doing today:
Coursework
Years 1 & 2
The core curriculum in public health will familiarize you with the major functions of public health, prevention of diseases and injuries, health needs of specific populations, functions of organizations, and future directions of public health.
Years 3
In upper division classes, you’ll learn to interpret health research, evaluate patterns of health and disease in populations, and design and implement health promotion programs.
Year 4
Your study culminates in a public health internship so you can bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Our Faculty
Dr. Emily Vala-Haynes
Professor and Program Coordinator, Public Health + Co-Chair, Health & Exercise Science
Dr. Laura Ellingson-Sayen
Associate Professor and Program Coordinator, Exercise Science + Co-Chair, Health and Exercise Science
anushka aqil
Adjunct Instructor, Public Health
aqila@wou.edu
Veronica Lepe Gonzalez
Adjunct Instructor, Public Health
lepegonzalezv@wou.edu
Ada N. Massa
Adjunct Instructor, Public Health
massagonzaleza@wou.edu
