Public Health Major

Improve conditions and behaviors that impact human health.

Public health is a growing and important field of study. You'll research public health issues and educate the community on your findings. You'll develop the practices and policies that will improve the health of people in communities. You can work with people regionally, nationally and globally.

Why study public health at the College of Charleston?

You'll gain a broad understanding of the factors impacting population health. Work with our diverse faculty of exceptional scholars, leaders and mentors in the classroom and in the laboratory. With strong ties to public local, national and international health organizations, you'll have the opportunity gain rewarding internship opportunities. Gain experience in fields that include advocacy, health program implementation and hands-on field work.

What will I learn?

You'll gain a broad understanding of the factors impacting population health. Work with our diverse faculty of exceptional scholars, leaders and mentors in the classroom and in the community. With strong ties to public local, national and international health organizations, you'll have the opportunity to gain rewarding internship opportunities in fields that include advocacy, health program implementation, research and health care service delivery.  

Public Health, B.A. 

This degree type is perfect for students who want to focus more on communication, policy or health promotion programs. Specialize your degree by choosing either the global health concentration or the maternal and child health concentration. 

View Curriculum: Public Health, B.A.

Public Health, B.S. 

This degree type is perfect for students who want a strong science background. Students interested in the medical fields should choose this option.

View Curriculum: Public Health, B.S.

Program Highlights

Our B.S. and B.A. degrees in public health provide you with a strong academic foundation. You'll have hands-on learning opportunities such as study abroad programs, internships and independent studies. You may participate in faculty-led research. You'll have an opportunity to join the Public Health Society. With our B.A. degree, students have the opportunity to choose one of two concentrations in Global Health or Maternal and Child Health.
  • Hands-On Learning

    You'll join an academic environment with a supportive faculty. You will have research and grant funding opportunities. You'll be able to take part in paid faculty-led and independent research in your area of study. You can also publish and present your findings at local, regional and national conferences.

     

  • Internship Opportunities

    We have strong ties to local, national and international public health organizations. You'll have internship opportunities with organizations such as:
    • Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).
    • The Green Heart Project.
    • Ronald McDonald House Charities.
    • The Centers for Disease Control.
    • The SC Department of Health and Environmental Control.
    • Planned Parenthood.

  • Study Abroad

    You will have the opportunity to take part in faculty-led study abroad programs. You'll be able to put your academic knowledge to practical use. In the past, students have been able to travel to locations like Barcelona, Lisbon, Amsterdam, France, and Switzerland. Study abroad programs have included classes like:
    • Epidemiology.
    • Biostatistics.
    • Health Communication.
    • Immigration and Public Health.
    • Global Health.

Careers & Outcomes

With a B.S. in public health, you can prepare for careers in the health industry while also building an excellent foundation to pursue clinical health professions through further graduate study:
  • Epidemiology.
  • Biostatistics.
  • Environmental health.
  • Occupational safety and health.
  • Nursing.
  • Clinical health professions.
 
With a B.A. in public health, you can pursue careers in a wide range of industires or prepare for further graduate/professional studies in fields like law and clinical health professions:
  • Health advocacy.
  • Health communications.
  • Global health and international studies.
  • Maternal and child health.
  • Health policy and law.
  • Medical humanities.

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Opening doors to success

When Kennedy Toole '20 arrived at the College, she quickly realized that one opportunity leads to many opportunities. Kennedy's dream to become a physician's assistant opened doors she never even knew existed.

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