This degree has three different concentration areas:

  • Public Health Educator: Prepares students to provide health education, promote healthy lifestyles, prevent disease, and enhance quality of life in communities.
  • Laboratory Professional with ASCP Certification in Microbiology: Prepares students to work in a public health laboratory at the local, state, or national level. Upon successful completion of coursework, students are eligible for the National ASCP Board Exam in Microbiology.
  • Public Health Pre-Graduate: Graduates of this program will be prepared to either enter employment as a Health Education Specialist or other careers in public health, as well as entry into graduate school.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2015), the employment of health educators and community health workers is projected to grow by 37% from 2010 to 2020, which is much faster than the average growth rate for similar occupations. This growth will be driven by efforts to reduce healthcare costs by teaching healthy habits and behaviors.