What is Public Health?

Public health is the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities through education, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and research for disease and injury prevention. This discipline involves multiple areas, including epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, and environmental health. Graduates from public health programs learn to identify community health needs, design interventions, and evaluate their effectiveness.

The primary objectives of public health are to promote health and prevent disease, ensuring that individuals can lead healthy lives under robust governance. As a public health professional, you serve as an advocate for health equity, working to diminish health disparities and improve population health outcomes.

What Do You Study in Public Health?

Core Curriculum Components

• General Education Requirements (Approximately 30 credit hours): Courses that ensure a well-rounded education in diverse subjects, such as humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences.
• Core Public Health Courses (Around 39 Credits): Foundational courses covering essential topics such as epidemiology, health policy, behavioral sciences, and environmental health principles.
• Public Health Electives (Typically 18 Credits): Specialized courses that allow students to explore specific interests within the field, such as global health, health communication, or health informatics.
• Science Foundation Courses: Important for those pursuing tracks that lead to clinical or research-based careers, these courses usually include biology, chemistry, and statistics.

Specialized Tracks

• Pre-Medical Public Health: Students receive additional training in sciences, preparing them for medical school or advanced health education.
• Global Health: Focused on health issues that transcend national boundaries, this track emphasizes international collaboration and global health strategies.

Graduate Public Health Programs

• Foundational Courses: Covering advanced topics in core public health disciplines.
• Specialization Courses: Concentrations in areas such as epidemiology, community health, and health policy.
• Field Practicum: Hands-on experience in public health settings.
• Capstone Project: A comprehensive project that allows students to demonstrate their mastery of public health concepts.

Sample Courses

• Social Determinants of Health
• Health Economics
• Biostatistics
• Public Health Issues in Disasters
• Health Behavior Theories
• Environmental Health Science

Careers After Public Health

Graduates of public health programs can pursue a broad range of careers across multiple sectors. With their skills in health promotion, disease prevention, and community engagement, public health professionals are equipped to work in diverse roles, including:

• Epidemiologist
• Public Health Educator
• Health Policy Analyst
• Environmental Health Specialist
• Global Health Coordinator
• Health Services Manager

Salary Ranges

• Epidemiologist: $70,000 – $110,000 (USD: €60,000 – €95,000)
• Public Health Educator: $55,000 – $85,000 (USD: €47,000 – €72,000)
• Health Policy Analyst: $65,000 – $90,000 (USD: €55,000 – €77,000)
• Environmental Health Specialist: $60,000 – $80,000 (USD: €51,000 – €68,000)
• Health Services Manager: $80,000 – $120,000 (USD: €68,000 – €102,000)

Is Public Health Hard to Study?

Studying public health can be challenging, particularly due to the need for a solid foundation in both the sciences and social sciences. Here are some common challenges students may face:

• Interdisciplinary Knowledge: Students are required to integrate knowledge from diverse fields, including biology, statistics, sociology, and policy.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills are vital, as students must interpret data, evaluate programs, and make evidence-based recommendations.
• Fieldwork Demands: Practical components can be demanding, requiring students to engage with communities, conduct research, or work on health interventions.

Required Skills

• Strong critical thinking and analytical abilities
• Excellent communication skills for both written and oral presentations
• Teamwork and collaboration, particularly for group projects and community initiatives
• Detail-oriented and organized approaches to work

Preparation Tips

• Stay Informed: Keeping up with current public health issues and research will help contextualize your studies.
• Develop a Strong Foundation in Mathematics and Science: Proficiency in these areas will make tackling coursework more manageable.
• Engage in Volunteering or Internships: Hands-on experience within community health settings can provide real-world insights and enhance learning.

Top Certifications After Public Health Graduation

Upon completing a public health degree, students may consider obtaining various certifications that can increase their job prospects and enhance professional credibility. Important certifications in the field include:

• Certified in Public Health (CPH): Offered by the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE), this certification demonstrates foundational public health knowledge.
• Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES): Provided by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, this certification focuses on health education competencies.
• Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS/RS): Credentialing for professionals working in environmental health.
• Global Health Certificate: Offered by many institutions, this designation is beneficial for those pursuing careers in international health endeavors.

Where to Study Public Health

When considering where to pursue a degree in public health, several esteemed institutions offer accredited programs. Some of the top private universities in Turkiye include:

Take the Next Step with Study in Turkiye

As you consider your path in public health, remember that there are numerous avenues to explore in this essential field. For personalized assistance in finding the right academic program to suit your needs, please reach out to Study in Turkiye. Our dedicated team is here to help guide you on your educational journey in public health.