Are you interested in:

• Epidemiology
• Environmental health
• Community health
• Health education
• Health policy

Public health is an interdisciplinary field of practice aimed at promoting the health of entire populations. The public health program at Meredith provides students with exposure to the basic sciences of public health (i.e., epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, social and behavioral sciences, and public policy) through an interdisciplinary curriculum, while fostering skills in applying evidence-based public health practices through hands-on experiences such as undergraduate research projects, internships, and study abroad opportunities. Through coursework and experiential learning opportunities, students will acquire practical skills (e.g. statistical programming, data analysis, and program evaluation) and develop an appreciation for systems-based thinking necessary to contribute to this rapidly growing field.

Types of jobs:

• Epidemiologist
• Health educator
• Health policy analyst
• Public health nurse
• Environmental specialist/scientist
• Health communications specialist
• Health information analyst
• Program manager
• Clinical research associate

Attend graduate school for:

• Epidemiology
• Biostatistics
• Environmental health
• Health behavior and education
• Maternal and child health
• Nutrition
• Health policy and management
• Global health

Options for the major:

• B.S. in public health
• Specialize in one of three potential tracks:
  • Biology
  • Social and behavioral sciences
  • Policy and ethics
• Include specific electives as needed for pre-health professions within the biology track
• Double major or minor in any additional related area of interest such as biology, nutrition, human environmental sciences, psychology, sociology, political science, communications, or mathematics
• Experiential opportunities
  • Global health study abroad programs
  • Student Achievement Day
  • Internships with research faculty
  • Undergraduate Research
  • Community service opportunities
  • Peer health educators program

Professional associations:

• American Public Health Association apha.org/
• North Carolina Public Health Association ncpha.memberclicks.net/about-us

Career outlook:

Epidemiologist
Health educator/community health worker
Environmental specialist
Health information technician

Additional information:

Visit whatispublichealth.org for more information about public health as a possible career pathway.