Under the umbrella of public health exist a vast range of career possibilities to consider. Earning a bachelor’s degree in public health prepares you for impactful work in the field, which tends to focus on prevention, education, policy development, and population health at large.
So, what can you do with a bachelor’s in public health? Explore the value of this undergraduate degree program as we outline various career opportunities in the public health realm.
What Is Public Health?
Public health is a broad field that entails identifying and preventing hazards as well as ensuring that community members have the resources to live healthy, fulfilling, and productive lives. According to the American Public Health Association, public health emphasizes prevention, whereas the healthcare industry focuses primarily on treatment.
Some examples of public health initiatives include:
- Monitoring disease outbreak within a community.
- Providing health education resources to at-risk populations.
- Creating and implementing vaccination campaigns.
- Advocating for policies that improve population health.
- Developing programs that reduce the risk of environmental health hazards.
At its core, public health is an evidence-based discipline that relies on scientific reasoning to develop programs and promote policies that elevate the quality of life for all people. Public health professionals work in public, private, and nonprofit sectors, with many choosing to specialize in certain areas.
Careers You Can Pursue With a Bachelor’s in Public Health
The bachelor’s in public health degree program provides students with an introduction to the field, alongside the opportunity to develop their own approach to supporting public health initiatives. Helping establish a solid academic foundation to build upon throughout their careers, coursework covers topics such as community health, health policy, epidemiology, biostatistics, and more.
While some roles may require additional credentials or professional experience, graduates of this undergraduate program hone the practical, technical, and interpersonal skills needed in entry-level public health jobs, including the following:
Community Health Worker
In an effort to bridge the equity gap and improve health outcomes in a given area, community health workers develop programming that encourages individuals to take control of their health and adopt behaviors that enhance their quality of life. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these health workers participate in outreach efforts, develop and distribute health information resources, and oversee case management services within the community. They are ideally empathetic individuals with a keen sense of cultural awareness so they can foster trust among the people they serve.
Health Educator or Health Promotion Specialist
Health educators are public health professionals who work to create programming that teaches community members about steps they can take to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Health educators and promotion specialists collect and evaluate data to understand the needs of the community and develop targeted programming that aims to yield positive results. Health educators may specialize in specific areas of public health, such as disease awareness or nutrition.
Public Health Program Coordinator
Beyond simply creating individual programs and implementing them within a community, public health program coordinators are responsible for overseeing all public health programming in a department or government agency. Public health program coordinators and community service managers supervise a team of program specialists and health educators to develop these programs and monitor their outcomes.
Epidemiology or Public Health Research Assistant
Epidemiology and public health research assistants are entry-level roles that offer firsthand experience in research settings. In this capacity, research assistants support public health professionals by collecting, managing, and monitoring data related to ongoing projects. For instance, an epidemiology research assistant may work closely with an epidemiologist to track disease outbreaks and monitor progress within a community.
Health Policy or Public Health Advocacy Assistant
Health policy and public health advocacy assistants partner with those who create and promote health policy to support development efforts. Their job responsibilities may vary based on area of expertise or specialty but can encompass:
- Evaluating local health data
- Researching current legislation
- Monitoring ongoing regulatory changes within the realm of public health
Nontraditional and Emerging Public Health Career Paths
Public health graduates often find work in government agencies or in the nonprofit sector, but they are not limited to these settings. The fundamental knowledge and public health skills acquired throughout this degree program are actually valuable transferable skills.
Below are some nontraditional and emerging public health career paths that graduates with a bachelor’s in public health might also consider:
Healthcare Administration and Operations
In the evolving healthcare landscape, effective administration and operational oversight are indispensable. While a dedicated healthcare administration program provides the most direct path to these roles, individuals with a public health background may find entry-level opportunities in healthcare settings — particularly in roles that draw on their understanding of population health, policy, and community needs. Healthcare administrators and medical health services managers coordinate the business activities of healthcare providers, bridging the gap between the public and healthcare providers to promote accessibility, equity, and better patient outcomes.
Corporate Wellness and Workplace Health
Across industries, organizations increasingly recognize how employee morale and well-being are tied to talent acquisition and retention rates. In turn, there is increased demand for professionals who can develop and implement wellness initiatives within a corporate environment. Public health graduates emerge with in-depth knowledge of the social determinants of health that can influence well-being, which lends them a unique perspective and ability to create effective health initiatives for workplace environments.
Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response
Those who work in disaster services are responsible for helping individuals prepare for emergencies, preventing disasters, and creating strategies that enable swift response efforts in the event that an emergency occurs. According to the American Red Cross, essential roles in emergency preparedness and disaster response include disaster program specialists and regional disaster coordinators. With a background in public health, graduates who may pursue these niche positions possess a keen understanding of the environmental factors that can impact overall well-being.
Job Outlook and Salary Potential in Public Health
The scope of public health is particularly broad, meaning that job outlook and salary potential in this field vary significantly based on the individual role, location, and professional experience required. However, given the expanding focus on prevention and health equity, job growth in certain types of public health positions is projected to climb. For instance, the demand for community health workers is projected to rise by 11% between 2024 and 2034. While roles like medical and health services manager show strong projected growth of 23%, these positions typically require significant experience and are not representative of entry-level opportunities for public health bachelor’s graduates.
Is a Bachelor’s in Public Health Right for You?
The public health field appeals to those who aspire to embark on a purposeful, passion-driven career path. A bachelor’s in public health may be the right choice if you have an interest in:
- Community impact
- Health equity
- Prevention efforts
- Data-informed decision-making
- Systems-level thinking
Explore a Bachelor’s in Public Health at JWU Online
At Johnson & Wales University (JWU) Online, the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Public Health degree prepares graduates for the public health field, whether they are looking to pursue opportunities in health education or community health. Emphasizing career readiness and flexibility, this program equips you with the knowledge and competencies that prove applicable to meaningful public health work.
For more information about completing your degree online, complete the Request Info form, call 855-JWU-1881, or email [email protected].