Help others improve and maintain their health and wellness!

If your desire is to help people lead better, healthier lives, a degree in public health can set you up for success in a number of careers. In fact, there’s a growing need for these professionals! From nursing homes to fitness training, with a degree in public health education, you’ll be ready to pursue a number of occupations in local health departments, hospitals, health agencies, and more. If your passion is to improve the health and wellness of those around you, a degree in public health - whether you choose to pursue your public health bachelor's degree or associate degree in public health - is the perfect tool to help you help others.

Anchor: Stats

By the numbers

16:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

$48,860

Average Salary

4%

Industry Growth

96%

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Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your degree. Cumberlands requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.

To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog

General Education Requirements

Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission & Goals

The purpose of the public health degree program is to improve health (physical, mental, emotional, social, occupational, and spiritual) through education.

Build a strong academic foundation in health.
Learn a variety of skills that are essential to success in the public health field.
Become equipped to help others lead healthier lives.
Effectively educate others in health.
Prepare to jumpstart a career as a competent health specialist.
Anchor: Career Outcomes

Public Health Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Health Education Specialist: $48,860

Health Education Specialist: $48,860

Work in healthcare facilities, nonprofits, public health departments, and more to create wellness programs, work one on one with patients, create materials for learning, and more.

Community Health Worker: $48,860

Community Health Worker: $48,860

Identify health-related issues, collect data, and discuss health concerns within the community.

Epidemiologist: $78,830

Epidemiologist: $78,830

Conduct research and investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury.

Nursing Home Administrator: $101,340

Nursing Home Administrator: $101,340

Manage all aspects of a nursing home facility, including admissions, building maintenance, and care of its residents.

Medical Records Specialist: $46,660

Medical Records Specialist: $46,660

Compile, process, and maintain patient files.

Dietician/Nutritionist: $61,650

Dietician/Nutritionist: $61,650

Work with patients to plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs that will help them lead their healthiest lives.

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

A public health degree is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve the health and wellness of communities. The program covers various aspects of health, including physical, mental, emotional, social, occupational, and spiritual well-being. Graduates are prepared to educate and motivate others toward healthier lifestyles, making a positive impact in healthcare facilities, public health departments, and community organizations.

A public health degree typically takes two years to complete for an associate degree and four years for a bachelor’s degree if pursued full-time. This timeline includes general education requirements and specific courses in public health. Prior learning credits and transfer credits can potentially shorten the duration of the program.

Yes, you can earn a public health degree online. Many institutions, including the University of the Cumberlands, offer flexible online options that allow you to complete your studies remotely. This format is ideal for students who need to balance their education with work or other commitments.

A public health degree is worth it if you are passionate about improving the health and wellness of others. The degree prepares you for various roles in a growing field, with opportunities in health education, community health work, epidemiology, and more. It’s a valuable investment for those committed to making a positive impact on public health and community well-being.

With a public health degree, you can pursue careers such as health education specialist, community health worker, epidemiologist, or nursing home administrator. Other roles include medical records specialist, dietician, or nutritionist. The degree offers diverse career paths in healthcare, public health departments, nonprofit organizations, and other settings.

To get a public health degree, you need to enroll in an associate or bachelor’s program at an accredited university. The program will include a combination of general education courses and specialized public health courses that focus on various health aspects. Online options are available for those who prefer a flexible learning format.

Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts in Public Health

Learn more about the professors you'll interact with in the public health program!

Julia Chaney

Julia Chaney

Adjunct Professor
Health, Exercise and Sport Science

Julia Chaney

Contact Information

julia.chaney [at] ucumberlands.edu
Dr. Elizabeth Christopher

Dr. Elizabeth Christopher

Associate Professor
Health, Exercise and Sport Science

Dr. Elizabeth Christopher

Contact Information

liz.christopher [at] ucumberlands.edu
Luecker Building, RM 213
Heather Killian

Heather Killian

Adjunct Professor
Health, Exercise and Sport Science

Heather Killian

Contact Information

heather.killian [at] ucumberlands.edu
Luecker Building

Request Information

Find out all there is to know about our public health degree program. Or any program, for that matter!

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