Public Health | AA
Associate of Arts Degree with Designation
Public health takes a population-based focus to health. Individuals in this field interpret community data to determine health needs and intervention priorities. Studying public health gives students the chance to encourage healthy lifestyles through raised awareness and education. Public health professionals contribute to a number of health initiatives and work with community leaders to plan, implement, and evaluate health education interventions. These include chronic and infectious disease awareness campaigns, vaccination programs, and family planning and prenatal care initiatives.
Although public health professionals often work for local, state or federal public health departments, federal agencies such as the NIH, CDC and branches of the armed forces also employ all types of public health workers. Private industrial companies, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions may also hire public health specialists to ensure health and safety standards. Voluntary health agencies, such as the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, and the Alzheimer's Association often employ public health professionals to run programs and assume administrative roles.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Public Health program, students should be able to:
- Summarize and apply foundational knowledge of the biological sciences
- Determine and apply appropriate cultural competency
- Interpret qualitative and quantitative data