Pre-public Health
Graduates from CSB/SJU who have earned graduate degrees in public health have majored in fields as diverse as peace studies, biochemistry, nutrition, biology, and political science .
Preparation and Resources
Public health is a diverse and growing field that offers many career options for people from a variety of educational backgrounds. Whether you are interested in the natural sciences, social sciences, education, or anything in between, chances are that you will find a position you enjoy in the field of public health. Public health professionals are essential to keeping our communities safe and healthy, and the work they do is extremely rewarding.
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Master of Health Administration (MHA)
- Master of Science (MS)
- Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
Graduate School - A typical application would include:
- Completed application and payment of fee (The majority of schools of public health participate in SOPHAS).
- A personal statement describing the student's interest in and potential for contributing to the field of public health.
- A resume reflecting work/volunteer history.
- Evidence of an earned baccalaureate or graduate degree or equivalent from an accredited institution of higher education.
- Official transcripts of all academic work.
- A strong undergraduate record overall, with a grade point average of 3.0 or better in the subject of the major.
- Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
- Most institutions require submission of one standardized test (e.g. GRE, MCAT, GMAT) scores within the last five years. Some institutions may allow for substitution of DAT or LSAT.
How can I get experience in public health before I apply to a school?
- Work part-time or full-time at a hospital or health clinic, for an immunization program, a reproductive health clinic, or a health promotion program.
- Volunteer for a non-profit direct services organization, such as Whitman-Walker clinic or a local chapter of the American Red Cross.
- Work at a non-profit organization that is directly involved in public health advocacy and policy.
- Work or volunteer for a local health department.
- Take an internship at a U.S. federal agency via the Student Educational Employment Program.
- Explore options provided by public service organizations such as Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Idealist, and Teach for America.
Sample Careers in Public Health:
Academic Policy Advisor | Health Educator | Public Health Professor | Laboratory Director |
Legislative Policy Advisor | Mental Health Researcher | Disease Ecologist | Public Health Lawyer |
Management Policy Advisor | Communications Specialist | State Environmentalist | Public Health Dentist |
State Epidemiologist | Journalist | Federal Environmentalist | Local Health Officer |
Research Epidemiologist | Corporate Medical Director | Reproductive Health Specialist | Nurse Educator |
Pharmacoepidemiologist | Public Health Veterinarian | International HIV Specialist | Nutritionist |
Behavior Scientist | Director of Family Health | Tropical Disease Specialist |
Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals
CSB/SJU Alum Profiles:
- Mike Bancks
- Megan (Peterson) Christofield
- Kristina Demuth
- Autumn Durfey
- Adam Leonard
- Jessica Nelson
- Kimberly (Switlick) Prose
Faculty contacts to discuss public health careers:
- Ellen Block, Sociology
- Jeff Anderson, Peace Studies
- Linda Shepherd, Nutrition
- Mary Stenson, Exercise Science
Additional Resources:
- http://www.publichealthonline.org/
- www.publichealthonline.org/pre-professional-experience/
- http://www.publichealthonline.org/degree-programs/masters/
- http://explorehealthcareers.org/en/Field/11/Public_Health
- http://www.apha.org/
- http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/public_health_works/
- http://www.aspph.org/
- http://www.sophas.org/