Public Health Sciences Degree
Public health is the science of promoting health, preventing disease, extending life and improving quality of life for populations. The population can be as small as a community or as large as a country. Public health professionals address the impact of genetics, environment and individual behavior on the health of the population.
The mission of public health is accomplished through the development and delivery of educational programs, creation of policy, regulation and administration of resources and continuing research. The scope of public health practice is broad encompassing a wide range of disciplines which emerge from the five core areas; behavioral science, epidemiology, biostatistics, administration, and environmental health.
MC's degree program is designed to articulate with the BS in public health sciences at the University of Maryland School of Public Health. Students may choose to complete this program at either the Shady Grove campus or the main campus in College Park. Students not transferring into the BS in public health sciences are advised to check the requirements of the institution and program to which they intend to transfer.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:
- Identify and analyze credible sources of health information.
- Describe the biopsychosocial factors which impact human health.
- List and describe controllable and uncontrollable risk factors for disease.
- List and describe the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the US.
- Analyze the contribution of both controllable and uncontrollable risk factors to the health status of individuals and populations.
- Evaluate the impact of personal/individual choice in achieving and maintaining good health.
- Evaluate the impact of individual choice on the health of the population.
Program Advising
Meet with your academic advisor regularly to discuss your academic plans and make sure you are on track to graduate and/or transfer. The program advising guide outlines the degree requirements and is meant to supplement the advising process.
Transfer Opportunities
MC has a long history of successfully preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions. This degree is designed for students to transfer and earn a bachelor's degree, with transfer agreements in place with George Washington University and University of Maryland. See all transfer agreements.
Careers
For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.
Related careers include health policy analyst, health administration program specialist, and epidemiologist.
- MC Student Employment Services: Speak with the Student Employment Specialist for help with resume writing, interviewing, setting up a College Central Network (CCN)new window account and other job search topics.
- Career Coach: Explore Career Coach to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests! Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area.
Curriculum
A suggested course sequence for students follows.
Related Programs and Courses
General Studies Degree
Students who major in general studies explore personal, professional, and academic areas of interest within a flexible framework supporting transfer.
Workforce Development and Continuing Education
MC offers a wide variety of noncredit classes. These courses are designed to help you upgrade your skills, pursue career training, or learn something new.