Make a difference in your community—and the world.
As a public health major at Presbyterian College, you’ll explore how biology, behavior, policy, and social structures impact health outcomes. You’ll learn how to prevent disease, promote wellness, and respond to health crises through real-world experience and interdisciplinary coursework rooted in the liberal arts.
You’ll take classes in epidemiology, health communication, global health, environmental health, and more. You’ll also participate in internships and service opportunities that prepare you for graduate school or a career in health promotion, health policy, or community health.
At PC, you won’t just study public health. You’ll live it—through community-based learning, mentorship from faculty, and a commitment to service.
The Power of Your Degree
- Expand your perspective.
Understand how social, environmental, and biological factors impact community health and why evidence-based approaches matter. - Broaden your knowledge.
Explore the intersection of epidemiology, health policy, and behavioral science through population studies, preventive care, and global health initiatives. - Solidify your skill set.
Develop real-world projects in health education, research methodology, and program planning using tools like data analysis, needs assessment, and community engagement. - Become a critical thinker.
Analyze public health challenges, evaluate intervention strategies, and build solutions that are both equitable and sustainable.
38 Hours
Required for Public Health coursework
Senior Capstone
To demonstrate your skills in research, writing, and presentation
12:1 Student-To-Faculty Ratio
In discussion-based classroom settings
What You’ll study
The public health program at PC equips you to tackle complex health challenges that impact communities locally and around the globe. Through a mix of classroom learning and real-world application, you’ll explore topics like disease prevention, health promotion, and the policies that shape healthcare systems.
Courses draw from a range of disciplines—like biology, sociology, and political science—to help you understand how health outcomes are influenced by both science and society. As you build skills in research, data analysis, and communication, you’ll be prepared to take on leadership roles in health-focused organizations or pursue graduate study in the field.
If eligible, you may also complete an honors project, earning marks of distinction on your transcript and diploma.
Get Involved
At PC, your education goes beyond the classroom. As a public health major, you’ll find opportunities to apply what you’re learning in meaningful, real-world settings—all while gaining experience that prepares you for graduate school, service work, or a career in health.
Careers in Public Health
A concentration in Public Health opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities. Many graduates pursue advanced degrees in specialized fields such as epidemiology, health administration, or global health, which often require completing graduate-level education and practical fieldwork.
Public Health majors typically continue to graduate programs at schools of public health or medical schools. Others find rewarding careers at government agencies like the Centers for Disease Control, non-profit organizations such as the World Health Organization and Partners in Health, healthcare systems, and in diverse fields spanning from community health education to environmental health and disease prevention.
Career Professions
Health Policy Analyst
Public Health Program Planner
Substance Use Prevention Specialist
Occupational Health Specialist
Public Health Administrator
Epidemiologist
Health Data Analyst
Clinical Informatics Coordinator
Health Informatics Specialist
Community Health Worker
Health Educator
Public Health Surveillance Officer
Quality Improvement Coordinator
Public Health Emergency Manager
Biostatistician
Healthcare Operations Manager
Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
Public Health Nurse
Environmental Health Specialist
Infectious Disease Investigator
Acquired Skills
Risk assessment and management
Program evaluation
Health policy analysis
Health communication and promotion
Cross-cultural communication
Epidemiological methods
Evidence-based decision making
Needs assessment and program planning
Biostatistics and quantitative analysis
Critical thinking and problem-solving
Data collection and management
Public speaking and presentation
Community assessment and engagement
Social determinants of health analysis
Organizational leadership
Technical writing and reporting
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Research methods and design
Systems thinking
Strategic planning
Quick Stats
$59,660
Average Median Salary
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in public health typically earn a median annual salary of around $59,660. This figure is based on the weighted average of the most common careers associated with the major, such as health educators and community health workers. Salaries can vary based on role, experience, and location.
27% Growth
Projected Employment Rate
Employment growth rates for public health careers vary depending on the specific role. For instance, epidemiologists are projected to experience a 27% job growth from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. Similarly, health educators and community health workers are expected to see significant growth due to increasing demand for public health services.
High Versatility
Career Diversity Index
A public health degree offers a wide range of career opportunities across various sectors. Graduates can pursue roles in government agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare facilities, and private industry. The versatility of the degree allows professionals to work in diverse fields such as epidemiology, health education, environmental health, and healthcare management.
Source(s): Healthcare Degree Search
