Public Health, BS
The Public Health Program offers a full range of courses designed to introduce undergraduate students to the core competencies of the public health discipline: Environmental Health, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Health Policy and Management, and Social and Behavioral Sciences. The primary goals of the program are to prepare students for postgraduate study and/or careers in public health related subdisciplines.
Learn More About Our Public Health Program
Get to know our well-respected faculty and their specialties. Or explore scholarship opportunities and an array of research possibilities.
Curriculum
What can you do with a degree in Public Health?
A degree in Public Health provides students with skills in epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, and health policy to improve population well-being
(*Some careers may require additional certification or graduate study)
Epidemiology Assistant
Support surveillance and outbreak investigations by cleaning datasets, running basic analyses, and summarizing trends for action
Biostatistics Analyst (entry-level)
Apply statistical methods to public health data, generate dashboards and briefs, and inform program and policy decisions
Community Health Educator
Design, deliver, and evaluate culturally responsive workshops and campaigns that promote prevention and healthy behaviors
Program Coordinator (Health Promotion)
Plan interventions, manage partners and budgets, track KPIs, and report outcomes for grants and community initiatives
Environmental Health Specialist (trainee)
Conduct inspections and risk assessments, interpret regulations, and educate the public on water, food, air, and workplace hazards
Health Policy & Management Analyst
Research policies, map stakeholders, model costs and benefits, and draft recommendations for agencies or nonprofits
Global/Public Health Outreach Specialist
Coordinate field activities, collect and visualize data, and adapt evidence-based strategies to diverse populations
Health Communication Specialist
Translate complex findings into clear messages, toolkits, and media content to drive awareness and behavior change
Saint Mary's Testimonials
“My experience as a health science major has opened my eyes to the wide range of career opportunities in the health field. Most importantly, the courses were beneficial for my future goals because they provided me with the knowledge and inspiration to help others be the best and healthiest version of themselves.”
Alyssa Vessel, '22
