Education and training
- Study biology, statistics, mathematics, and social sciences.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in public health or a related field.
- Some careers require a master's degree such as an MPH.
- Advanced positions may require doctoral education.
Responsibilities
- Monitor patterns of disease and health conditions.
- Analyze population health data.
- Develop health education programs.
- Help design public health policies.
- Respond to health emergencies.
- Work with communities to improve health outcomes.
Skills needed
Data analysisCommunicationResearchProblem-solvingCommunity engagementUnderstanding of health policy
Career growth
Public health professionals can specialize in epidemiology, environmental health, health policy, global health, biostatistics, health education, or community health.
A typical day
A public health professional might analyze health data, attend community meetings, develop educational materials, conduct research, work on health programs, or collaborate with government and healthcare organizations.
Where can you work?
- Government health departments
- Hospitals
- Nonprofit organizations
- Universities
- Research institutions
- International health organizations