Public Health Major

Make a difference in the health of entire communities.

Public health is about more than medicine. It's about prevention, education and policy that improve lives on a local and global scale. As a professional, you'll conduct research, educate the community and develop the practices and policies that will improve the health of people in communities.

Why study public health at the College of Charleston?

You’ll learn from experienced faculty who connect classroom theory with real-world application. With strong ties to public local, national and international health organizations, you'll gain hands-on experience in advocacy, health program implementation and field work. Participate in internships and research projects by connecting with local nonprofits and national and international health organizations.

What will I learn?

Public Health, B.A. 

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

Public Health, B.S. 

This degree type is perfect for students who want a strong science foundation. It’s ideal for students planning for medical or clinical careers.

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 Public Health.
    • The SC Department of Environmental Services.
    • 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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Pre-Med Student Making an Impact

Driven by kindness and determination, Jamie Silverman is turning personal challenge into purpose. From studying in Barcelona to instructing Zumba to making dog blankets for the Charleston Animal Society, Silverman paves her path to becoming a pediatrician and making an impact through public health.

Read more
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