Public Health

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Background –

The Public Health field encompasses many disciplines (biology, psychology, sociology, medicine, business, etc.). Public Health focuses on the prevention, education and promotion of health and wellness of people across the world. Some examples of job titles of those working in the Public Health field include Health Educators, Nutritionists, Public Health Nurses, Public Policymakers, and First Responders.

What classes at GVSU may help prepare me for this career? Discuss with your advisor which courses among those on this list, along with other courses not listed here, would best serve your career goals. 

• PSY 367 – Health Psychology
• PSY 532 - Psychopharmacology
• BMS 222 – Introduction to Public Health
• AHS 330 – Health Care: A Global Perspective
• More Information on GVSU’s Masters of Public Health –
  1. https://www.gvsu.edu/acad-view.htm?programId=BBAC46D1-D2A3-7603-633932C04C011B33

What additional education is required for this position?

1. A Masters of Public Health (MPH) is the most common degree earned by those working within this field and is often encouraged by the majority of employers. There are many specializations that can be chosen when earning this degree.
   1. GVSU’s MPH Program allows for specialization in Epidemiology or Health Promotion.
   2. The University Of Michigan School Of Public Health offers many specializations, dual degree programs and an online option. https://sph.umich.edu/
2. Those wanting to do research, teach undergraduate students or work at the university/college level may be interested in a Doctoral degree in Public Health. There are many options for specializations while on this degree path. Specializations include leadership, biostatistics, health promotion, disease prevention, etc.

American Public Health Association - https://www.apha.org/

What skills are applicable to this position? Active listening skills, reading comprehension, problem solving and decision making skills and communication skills are important for an I/O psychologists to strive for. In addition, critical thinking skills and time management skills are also important in this field.

Employer Possibilities – As described above, there are many job titles that may be included under the umbrella of Public Health. These include health officer, health policy advisor, nutritionist, biomedical and laboratory scientist, etc.

 

References: https://www.publichealthdegrees.org/degree/masters