Public Health
Embrace your role as a world citizen through the study of Public Health, an interdisciplinary program that focuses on the health of populations at the local, national and global levels. You’ll tackle a broad range of pressing health topics, from food safety to infectious diseases to climate change, as you prepare for a career managing and evaluating programs that keep our communities safe from illness and injury.
Public Health is a vast interdisciplinary field of study that incorporates all the perspectives, roles, policies, and institutions required to keep our populations safe from illness and injury. Unlike the medical field, which focuses on the health of individuals, public health focuses on the health of communities and populations at local, national, and global levels. The study of public health covers a broad range of topics from the safety of food, water, and highways to examining how individual behaviors and the social environment contribute to the prevention of chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Knowledge of public health is an asset to all undergraduate students who, as world citizens, must cooperate in the effort to manage multiple, simultaneous threats to public health including: infectious diseases such as flu and SARS; chronic disease risk factors such as obesity and smoking; the unequal distribution of disease and risk factors in the population; and shifts in environmental risk factors resulting from climate change. All of these issues entail complex ethical questions about individual freedom, social responsibility, and human rights.
Unlike the medical field, which focuses on the health of individuals, public health focuses on the health of communities and populations at local, national, and global levels. The study of public health covers a broad range of topics from the safety of food, water, and highways to examining how individual behaviors and the social environment contribute to the prevention of chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Knowledge of public health is an asset to all undergraduate students who, as world citizens, must cooperate in the effort to manage multiple, simultaneous threats to public health including: infectious diseases such as flu, TB and HIV; chronic disease risk factors such as obesity and smoking; the unequal distribution of disease and risk factors in the population; and shifts in environmental risks resulting from climate change. All of these issues entail complex ethical questions about individual freedom, social responsibility, and human rights.
The Public Health program offers two degrees in public health: Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science. Each degree prepares graduates for exciting careers in the diverse domains of the field. All Public Health majors should have strong skills in science, mathematics, ethics, social analysis, and cultural awareness along with excellence in written and oral communication. Students pursuing a major in Public Health complete a semester-long field experience that integrates their skills in connection with a contemporary public health issue. The major pairs well with a second major in the arts and sciences and a variety of minors in interdisciplinary and professional fields.
Internships
Students focused in public health have participated in a range of internships including:
- American Lung Association
- Asian Liver Center at Stanford University
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention
- Federal Emergency Management Agency
- Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children
- National Association of County and City Health Officials
- U.S. Committee for Immigrants and Refugees
- Bristol Health Equity Zone
- Family Service of Rhode Island
- Farm Fresh RI
- James L. Maher Center
- National Alliance on Mental Illness, RI Affiliate
- Rehabilitation Hospital of Rhode Island
- Rhode Island Department of Health
- Rhode Island Free Clinic
Graduate Study
Many public health students go on to graduate school including placements at the following:
- Boston University School of Public Health
- Emory University School of Public Health
- Stony Brook University School of Nursing
- SUNY Albany School of Public Health
- Tufts University School of Public Health
- UMASS Amherst School of Public Health and Health Science
- University of New England, College of Health Professions
- Brown University School of Public Health
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
- MGH Institute of Health Professions
Degree Requirements
Making an Impact
Mary Dinnean, RWU Class of 2018Mary Dinnean, who graduated with bachelors degrees in psychology and public health, made an impact as a student addressing social justice and public health issues. In fact, she received a national award for her service. She's now a graduate student at Boston University School of Public Health.
Read full story
Learn About Health Professions Advising
Are you interested in a career in the health professions and want more information on developing your studies toward professional preparation? Visit Health Professions Advising for resources on how you can explore your options for health professions pathways.