Public Health Minor
The minor in public health will provide an introduction to the field of public health including social and systematic influences on human health. Students will learn about the social determinants of health, access to healthcare, impact of environment on health and health inequities as well as the skills and data needed to improve health.
The Public Health interdisciplinary minor will:
- prepare students for roles in teams addressing public or population health
- enhance preparation of health professions students with a better understanding of public health
- provide an overview of social influences on human health
- assist students in developing a foundational understanding of basic statistics
- allow students to gain an awareness of socio-cultural factors associated with health and disease
- aid students in identifying institutional barriers to population health
Students in the public health minor will have multiple opportunities to reflect on the health issues impacting society today, and how cultural, social, ethical, and economic perspectives present barriers and opportunities for improved health and justice. Throughout this process, students will need to examine their own cultural, ethical, physical, and spiritual understanding and how they relate to the various perspectives in society and may contribute to health improvement or health inequities.
Upon completion of the public health minor, students will have gained an understanding of the social influences on human health, developed a foundational understanding of basic statistics, gained an awareness of socio-cultural factors associated with health and disease, and identified institutional barriers to population health, all of which is preparation for responsible participation in the world. Students will be prepared with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to begin improving health in systems, communities, regions or other populations.
A minor in public health prepares students to be competitive for application for a Master’s degree in public health. MPH programs do not typically require a Bachelor’s degree in public health. Additionally, a minor in public health will enhance the majors in the School of Health Professions with the public health perspective and skillset. Similarly, a minor will enhance majors in the schools of business and arts and sciences for students with an interest in healthcare or public health who do not necessarily plan to pursue a professional degree.
Courses
This course offers students learning, engagement, and exposure to the dynamic language of healthcare. Designed as an interdisciplinary course, students will gain a broad understanding of health professions terminology through reading, discussions, activities, and business application through cases as they apply the terms learned.
Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health and disease in different human populations and the application of methods to improve disease outcomes. This course is designed as an introduction to the fundamental principles and methods of epidemiology, including contributions to the field of pubic health.