05/06/2025
Healthcare traditionally focuses on treating individual patients after illness strikes—often missing opportunities for broader preventive measures. Public health addresses this gap by developing strategies that protect entire communities through prevention, health promotion, and large-scale interventions.
If you are passionate about improving community health, promoting wellness, and addressing health disparities, pursuing a public health degree may help prepare individuals for roles that contribute to community well-being. Learn what you can do with a public health degree, highlighting career options, skills gained, and the growing demand for public health professionals across sectors.
Public Health Degree Levels
An associate degree in public health may offer entry-level roles such as community health outreach worker or administrative support in public health agencies. These programs provide fundamental knowledge about public health strategies and services.
A bachelor’s degree in public health may help prepare students for entry-level roles such as health educator, environmental health specialist, or research assistant, though some positions may require additional training or certification. Students learn about health promotion, disease prevention, healthcare systems, and community health initiatives.
A Master of Public Health (MPH) degree offers advanced training and specialized study in areas such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, and global health. Many leadership, research, and program management roles in public health typically require an MPH or similar graduate education.
Doctoral degrees (PhD or DrPH) prepare professionals for academic research, high-level policy development, and leadership roles in public health organizations.
Professional certifications such as Certified in Public Health (CPH) or Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) may complement degrees and demonstrate specialized expertise.
Careers in Public Health
Careers in public health are varied and dynamic. Public health workers may analyze complex health data, develop community outreach programs, contribute to healthcare policy, or lead emergency response efforts. Many professionals find meaningful opportunities in nonprofit organizations, federal agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), or healthcare systems focused on improving community health outcomes.
Public health graduates may pursue diverse careers across various sectors:
- Community Health Workers: Serve as liaisons between healthcare providers and the community, helping individuals access resources and navigate healthcare systems.
- Health Educators: Develop and deliver programs to promote healthy behaviors, collect community health data, and design health promotion initiatives.
- Epidemiologists: Investigate disease patterns, identify risk factors, and inform prevention strategies.
- Environmental Health Specialists: Monitor air, water, and food quality to manage health risks and prevent environmental illnesses.
- Health Policy Analysts: Research and evaluate policies that impact healthcare access, public health equity, and patient safety.
- Biostatisticians: Analyze complex health data to guide decision-making and public health planning.
- Healthcare Administrators: Oversee healthcare facility operations, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and effective service delivery.
- Global Health Specialists: Address health issues across national borders, focusing on infectious diseases, healthcare access, and disaster response.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the important role of public health workers in managing crises, leading to a surge in interest in public health programs. Applications for public health degrees increased by 23% in 2020 compared to the previous year, reflecting a growing recognition of the field’s importance.
Community Health
Community health workers play a critical role in protecting vulnerable populations by linking individuals to health services, promoting healthy behaviors, and advocating for improved healthcare access. They often work closely with public health agencies, nonprofit organizations, and healthcare providers to design and implement community wellness programs.
Environmental Health
Environmental health specialists address the impact of environmental factors on human health. They monitor air and water quality, inspect food safety, and identify potential environmental risks that could affect communities. With increasing concerns around climate change and pollution, careers in environmental health are becoming even more crucial for public safety.
Health Educator
Health educators design and deliver programs that encourage healthy behaviors and lifestyles. They assess community needs, develop targeted education initiatives, and work to prevent disease by promoting practices like smoking cessation, nutrition awareness, and chronic disease management.
Health Degree And Health Education
Students earning a public health major, especially with a focus on public health education, develop skills in communication, data analysis, program planning, and community engagement. Public health education focuses on empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their well-being, ultimately aiming to prevent disease and improve health outcomes on a larger scale.
Global Health
Some public health professionals with global health training and experience may work to address health disparities in international contexts. They focus on improving healthcare access, preventing disease outbreaks, and supporting health systems in underserved areas. Their work is critical in managing global health risks, such as emerging infectious diseases and the impacts of natural disasters.
Health Equity
Health equity is a cornerstone of public health practice. Public health professionals aim to reduce health disparities by addressing social factors such as education, housing, and income that influence health outcomes. Working toward equitable access to healthcare resources helps ensure healthier communities for all populations.
Health Commissioner
Health commissioners typically oversee public health departments at various government levels. These roles generally require extensive public health experience and advanced education. They develop policies, manage public health initiatives, and coordinate emergency responses during health crises. Their leadership plays a vital role in protecting public health, particularly during disease outbreaks or natural disasters.
Building a Healthier Future With a Public Health Degree
Public health focuses on promoting wellness, preventing disease, and protecting the health of entire communities. Through a degree in public health, students can develop the skills needed to support large-scale health initiatives, address health disparities, and respond to public health challenges with evidence-based solutions.
Whether working in community outreach, environmental health, emergency preparedness, or health education, public health professionals make an important difference where people live, learn, work, and play. For students passionate about improving lives and strengthening communities, studying public health may provide foundational knowledge applicable to a variety of health-related roles in diverse settings.
As health challenges continue to evolve globally and locally, public health professionals will remain essential in helping to create healthier, more resilient communities for the future.
Curious how a public health degree compares to other healthcare paths? Explore the differences in our guide, "Public Health Bachelor Degree vs. Health Administration Bachelor’s Degree".
