Why Study Public Health?
From clean water to seat belts to fighting pandemics, public health professionals create communities where people are healthier and safer.
Students with a public health major at Pacific University are prepared for careers as public health professionals who collect data, scientifically analyze the common causes of illness and injury, and develop evidence-based policies to eliminate or minimize risk. Public health students learn to integrate health science, social science and humanistic approaches in order to address global health challenges.
As a public health major, you’ll complete a faculty-supervised practicum tailored to a particular career path in public health, such as community health, public policy or cross-cultural work. You’ll also build skills for communicating effectively with the public, research community and media, while cultivating the highest ethical standards.
Pacific’s public health program includes both a bachelor science (BS) and bachelor of arts (BA). Students interested in pursuing medical school or health professions after Pacific should consider the BS. Students interested in public health more broadly or in pursuing the social sciences after Pacific might consider the BA.
What Can You Do with a Public Health Degree?
Pacific graduates with a public health degree are often interested in pursuing careers in the public sector, working with health departments and policymakers. Others are interested in working with nonprofit organizations or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that promote better public health both domestically and abroad. Still other public health degree graduates will pursue private-sector employment within the insurance or healthcare industries. A public health degree from Pacific prepares students for many different kinds of careers in a variety of settings, from health departments and hospitals, to disaster relief organizations, international nongovernmental organizations and local, state and federal agencies, among other options.
Many Pacific graduates with a public health degree pursue advanced degrees, including those at Pacific University's College of Health Professions.
Public Health Program Practicum
The public health field education, or practicum experience, is an important component of the Pacific University public health program.
During the practicum, students gain hands-on experience in the field while working within an organization that addresses public health issues. The practicum allows students to apply public health knowledge and theories learned in didactic coursework to their assigned responsibilities within a professional setting. Field education represents a unique partnership between Pacific’s public health program and community organizations.
"The practicum was the first time I felt like I had the opportunity to explore the public health field. I established strong relationships with community members by helping people overcoming language, cultural and systematic barriers toward health service access. My practicum also helped me improve my professional skills which I find useful in my current job."
— Tuong Nguyen '14
Asian Health & Service Center
