Public health protects the health of entire populations. A multifaceted discipline, public health integrates research, education, policy, and healthcare to address the health challenges faced by communities at local, national, and global levels.
People enter this field from a variety of backgrounds, ranging anywhere from biology to mathematics, politics and everything in between. Below are some compelling reasons you might consider pursuing a career in this field:
Commitment to Health Equity: Public health practitioners are often at the forefront of efforts to reduce health disparities and promote equitable access to care.
Broad Range of Interests: Whether you are intrigued by data analysis, policy development, environmental science, or behavioral change, public health spans multiple domains, offering a wealth of specialized fields to explore.
Global and Local Impact: Public health initiatives can have far-reaching effects, whether you are addressing a global pandemic or implementing a local wellness program.
Interdisciplinary Approach: Public health combines knowledge from diverse areas such as medicine, economics, sociology, political science, and environmental science.
Study disease patterns and causes within populations. Conduct research to track the spread of infectious diseases, assess risk factors for chronic conditions, and guide public health interventions. This field is ideal for those drawn to scientific inquiry, data analysis, and the role of prevention in improving public health.
Focus on the development and implementation of policies that shape health systems, health insurance, and public health initiatives. Health policy experts work to influence legislation, improve health system efficiency, and advocate for changes that ensure equitable access to quality care. This field is excellent for those interested in the intersection of healthcare, law, economics, and ethics.
Examine how environmental factors such as pollution, climate change, and water quality affect human health. As the world confronts growing environmental challenges, this field has become increasingly critical. A career in environmental health allows you to contribute to solving some of the most urgent health concerns of our time.
Focus on health issues that transcend national borders, requiring coordinated international efforts to address health crises such as infectious diseases, malnutrition, and access to healthcare. Those who choose this path often work with global organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) or Doctors Without Borders, to improve health outcomes in under-resourced populations.
Focus on understanding the impact of societal influences, individual behaviors, and cultural factors on health outcomes. Develop strategies to promote healthier behaviors, prevent disease, and address health disparities within communities. For those interested in the intersection of psychology, sociology, and public health, this field offers an opportunity to drive change through education and behavioral intervention.
After Sewanee, students can pursue an MPH, DrPH, or PhD in public health:
Master in Public Health: a professional degree that prepares you for a career in a variety of fields, from biostatistics to policy. It can be combined with degrees in other fields, such as medicine or law.
Doctor of Public Health (DrPH): a terminal degree designed for professionals aiming to assume leadership roles in public health practice, policy, and research.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in public health: is a terminal degree aimed at individuals who are committed to advancing public health knowledge through scientific inquiry. It prepares students to become scholars and researchers who contribute to the academic literature and drive the development of new public health theories approaches.
For those with a passion for both public health and healthcare or other professional fields, joint degree programs offer the opportunity to expand expertise and broaden career prospects.
A dual degree offers you the ability to treat individual patients while also addressing broader health challenges through policy development, epidemiology, or healthcare management. Physicians with an MPH often lead efforts to improve public health systems, reduce health disparities, and respond to global health crises. Veterinary public health specialists might serve in government agencies, international organizations, or NGOs to develop policies and programs that improve both animal and human health, such as controlling outbreaks of zoonotic diseases like rabies or avian flu.
JD/MPH: Ideal for those interested in the legal aspects of health policy, advocating for health legislation, or working in health law.
PhD/MPH: Combine an MPH with a PhD in a specific scientific field and engage in advanced research while developing a nuanced understanding of public health practice.
MBA/MPH: Allows professionals to focus on the business side of public health, such as healthcare management.
Sewanee Coursework and Pre-requisites
Just as public health programs vary widely, so do prerequisites. Consider, at a minimum, taking at least one biology course, one chemistry course, and either statistics or calculus. Check your schools for additional requirements and recommendations, such as organic chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and nutrition.
You can find a selection of public health-oriented courses at the link below.
