Within the field of Healthcare Management and Administration are several areas of specialization, including Public Health Science.
What is Public Health Science?
Public Health Science is the art of preventing disease, increasing longevity of life and promoting health through efforts and choices made by society, public and private organizations, the community and by individuals. Public Health Science deals with dangers to the public health of a population, whether small or large (i.e. populations of a continent) to improve the quality of health and the quality of life in through detecting and preventing disease and other physical and mental health conditions, promoting health behaviors, tracking cases and health indicators. Public Health Science uses a multi-disciplinary method incorporating epidemiology, biostatistics and health services.
What Are The Degree Options for a Career in Public Health Science?
A Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science prepares students for variety of careers as well as for pursuing further education in graduate studies. Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in public health will allow a basic understanding of public health principles related to health and disease along with competency in today’s public health policies and issues. Study generally includes coursework in health informatics, disaster management, health communication, and psychology of public health. Many Bachelor’s Degree programs can be earned online or through campus based curriculum and average duration for completion in four years.
Featured Programs
Many Master’s Degree programs in Public Health allow students to tailor their studies to meet their individual career goals and may include concentrations such as biostatistics, epidemiology, occupational health or public nutrition. Many Master’s Degree Programs are available for completion through online courses taken at the student’s convenience as a full or part time basis. Specific programs may require a internship or field experience.
The most common degrees in Public health are:
- Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH)
- Bachelor of Science with Public Health Concentration (BS)
- Bachelor Public Health (PPH)
- Master of Health Administration (MHA)
- Master of Science (MS)
- Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH)
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Doctor of Public Health (D.Ph.)
What Does Someone Do With A Degree in Public Health Science?
Careers for those with degrees in Public Health Science can include:
Managing hospital supply organizations, HMO offices, healthcare agencies in the government sector, pharmaceutical companies, employment within their community as an infection control practitioner, city health planner, or as an epidemiologist. Graduates of Public Health Degree Programs may also pursue careers as educators to design and implement effective health education programs in the community. Other careers choices are in research of specific health issues that affect communities to create effective strategies to deal with them.
Choosing a career in Public Health Science will certainly allow individuals a pathway into a variety of careers with salaries ranging from average to well above average the national averages, depending on the career and the degree achieved. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook for 2012, there is a predicted rise in careers in Health science that shows growth over the next ten years and millions of new jobs will be created.
Within the vast field of Healthcare Management are many areas and subjects for students to specialize. One of the most interesting is the sub-field of Public Health Science. Students pursuing a degree in Public Health Science will have many opportunities for employment upon graduation.