A team of public health officers, public health engineers, and villagers carry one of a number of pipes to be used to reinstall a water piping system after a massive flood, which occurred in the Kuala Krai District of Kelantan, Malaysia. (photo by CDC/ Rosemawati Ariffin, Malaysia)
Public Health is a multidisciplinary field focused on the health and well-being of communities. It is "the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private, communities and individuals” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States). The practice of public health aims to assure the conditions in which people can be healthy (Institute of Medicine). The goals of public health are to prevent illnesses, injuries, and premature death, and promote healthy living through evidence-based programs, policies, and healthy environments.
Public Health encompasses a wide range of activities such as
- Studying disease patterns, identifying risk factors, and analyzing data to inform public health policies and programs.
- Designing health promotion and education programs on nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, mental health awareness, and preventive screenings.
- Preventing disease through screening programs for early detection and interventions to prevent the spread of infectious disease.
- Monitoring air and water quality, managing waste, and controlling exposure to hazardous substances.
- Developing efficient, effective and equitable healthcare systems
- Managing healthcare organizations and evaluating health programs and services
- Designing and analyzing data from health surveys, clinical trials, and research studies to guide public health decisions.
- Monitoring and addressing international health issues such as global pandemics,
- Improving health systems in low-resource settings
- Addressing health disparities locally and worldwide.
Master of Public Health (MPH)
The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree offers advanced knowledge and specialized skills in public health, with a focus on leadership, research, and advanced practice. It is designed to prepare professionals who want to practice public health by working in a local or state health department, national or federal governmental health agency such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), healthcare or health-related organization, a private foundation, or a community organization. An MPH degree provides an excellent preparation for management and leadership positions with public health agencies and is a great addition to medical, nursing, and other health and social service careers.
The Jax State MPH curriculum offers advanced courses in epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, management, and program evaluation. Students complete practical fieldwork through a public health internship and capstone project related to their public health interests. A Jax State MPH provide students with preparation in advanced analytical and research skills, leadership and management abilities, an in-depth knowledge of public health issues and policies and the ability to design, implement, and evaluate public health programs and interventions.
Career opportunities for people with an MPH from Jax State include mid- to senior-level positions such as public health administrators, program managers, policy analysts, and researchers and roles in public health agencies, research institutions, international organizations, and academic settings. Instructional methods are tailored to students’ interests and career plans.
Jax State Rural Health MPH students complete their public health internship and capstone project through a rural health practice site in Jacksonville, Alabama.
Learn More about the MPH - Generalist
Learn More about the MPH - Rural Health
