According to the American Public Health Association, public health promotes and protects the health of people and the communities where they live, learn, work and play. While a doctor treats people who are sick, public health professionals try to prevent people from getting sick in the first place.

An advanced degree in public health is for students interested in combating (or preventing) the next global pandemic. It’s for students who want to learn about societal factors that impact patient outcomes across communities.

At CSB and SJU, students interested in obtaining advanced education in public health frequently pursue our global health minor.

Ellen Block, Ph.D., is director of the global health minor, and can serve as an advisor to students on a pre-public health path.