Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Public Health

Students who earn a Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree at Marian University explore the environmental and community factors that impact human health and wellness.

Why study environmental and community health at Marian?

If you want an academically challenging curriculum that prepares you to enter the workforce or continue your studies in a graduate or professional school after graduation, this program may be right for you.

In addition, many public health experts predict a future shortage of workers in this field, which means as a graduate you will have good employment opportunities.

Sample four-year plan and checklist

Environmental Health

Environmental health is concerned with natural and man-made environments that can have a positive or negative impact on human health. Among the factors noted by the National Environmental Health Association:

• Air quality
• Water quality
• Food safety
• Healthy homes
• Preparedness
• Climate change
• Vectors and pests
• Health tracking

As a student you'll study the science and practice of preventing illness or injury by (1) locating and assessing environmental sources of hazardous materials and (2) reducing or eliminating human contact with these materials.

Community Health

Community health relates to the quality of human health in geographic locations where populations of humans live together, whether as individuals or as family members. It focuses on the study of assessing and improving health for all community residents.

Students explore:

• Tools and techniques that protect, maintain, and improve the health of groups of individuals.
• Interventions like immunizations, hand-washing, and activities that eliminate or prevent the spread of disease.
• Special topics in community health, like measures to eliminate hunger or the spread of mosquitoes carrying the Zika virus.

What career paths are available?

If your ultimate career goal is to work as an epidemiologist or in advanced environmental or community health leadership positions, this program will will prepare you for admission to a master's or doctoral degree program. You'll also be prepared for direct entry into the workforce.

The United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics reports employment for community health workers is expected to grow 13 percent faster than average through 2024. The employment projections for environmental health specialists are also expected to grow faster than average, with anticipated growth of 11 percent in jobs through 2024.

Students who choose this degree program often pursue public employment in municipal, state, and federal government, working in health and other departments focused on disease control and prevention, environmental protection or remediation, and the control of toxic substances.

Others are employed in the private sector, working for pharmaceutical, life science, manufacturing, and consulting companies focused on health, labor, and consumer safety. Many work for local, national, or international nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving human health, wellness, and disease prevention.

• Housing inspector
• Drinking water quality specialist
• Corporate wellness instructor
• Hazardous waste remediator
• Family advocate
• Health policy specialist
• Outreach coordinator
• Food protection and safety specialist
• Community relations specialist
• Communicable disease manager