Public health is a multidisciplinary field focused on promoting and protecting the health of people and communities. Public health professionals analyze social, economic, and environmental factors that impact health and develop strategies to address key issues. They work through advocacy, education, research, and policy development to improve health on a community level. The American Public Health Association's video "What is Public Health?" offers you a glimpse of the broad field of public health.
Unlike healthcare professionals, who typically work in hospitals and clinics, public health professionals operate in communities, workplaces, schools, and public health agencies. Both aim to improve health, though in different ways.
Public health efforts address disparities in healthcare access, food security, and risk factors for chronic disease. Professionals also focus on disease prevention through research, vaccination programs, and public communication. They play key roles in emergency and disaster response. The OneHealth concept, linking human, animal, and environmental health, offers new opportunities for impact.
The public and community health major offers flexibility, allowing you to explore interests and gain hands-on experience. Free electives let students pursue double majors or minors and prepare for graduate studies in fields like nursing, law, or public policy.
