Public Health
The public health degree prepares students to assess a community’s overall health and develop programs that lead to healthier environments and better health for communities and individuals.
Consider this degree if you…
Want to gain a deeper understanding of health
Enjoy working with and helping people
Value making a difference in your community
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.
Where this degree can take you
This degree will prepare you for entry-level community health and public health education and promotion positions in settings such as public health departments, non-profit agencies, corporations, and hospitals. The Public Health degree could also lay a foundation for advanced degrees in public health, social work, nursing, medicine, and other allied health fields.
Possible job titles
- Health Navigator
- Social Services Coordinator
- Wellness Program Coordinator
- Prevention Specialist
- Substance Abuse Educator
- Community Outreach Coordinator
- Epidemiologist*
- Family Nurse Practitioner*
* Require additional schooling
Possible employers
- State and County Health Departments
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Health Research Companies
- Hospitals and Health Clinics
Our faculty
DORIS CANCEL-TIRADO
Professor, Health & Exercise Science
503-838-8470 | canceltd@wou.edu | RWEC 241
LEANNE CUSACK
Assistant Professor, Health & Exercise Science
503-838-9041 | cusackl@wou.edu | RWEC 236
DAN DOWHOWER
Assistant Professor, Health & Exercise Science
503-838-9042 | dowhowerd@wou.edu | RWEC 242
AMY HAMMERMEISTER JORDAN
NTT Instructor, Health & Exercise Science
503-838-8509 | hammerma@wou.edu | RWEC 234
JANET ROBERTS
NTT Instructor, Health & Exercise Science
503-838-8446 | robertsjl@wou.edu | RWEC 231
SHAWN SELLERS
NTT Instructor, and Fabulous, Health & Exercise Science
503-838-8985 | sellerss@wou.edu | RWEC 237
EMILY VALA-HAYNES
Associate Professor, Health & Exercise Science
503-838-9256 | valahaynese@wou.edu | RWEC 235
LOREN WISNIEWSKI
NTT Instructor, Health & Exercise Science
503-838-9291 | wisniewl@wou.edu | RWEC 258
