Public Health

Welcome to the exciting world of Public Health!

As a student of public health you will be provided with the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills you need for a rewarding career that will have far-reaching effects on the health of all people where they live, work, learn, and play, especially those who are most in need. Whether you choose to work to develop and implement policies to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals, study and track the cause of disease and infections, expand knowledge of health literacy, assess and assist in the process of addressing environmental issues related to water, air, and land, and how these issues affect the health of our citizens, prepare for public health emergencies, or help the baby-boom generation age gracefully, begin your journey into public health with us! We have a variety of opportunities, one of which is sure to appeal to your talents, interests, and career goals.

What is Public Health?

Public health is a broad and diverse profession that impacts nearly every segment of society. Epidemiology and biostatistics create the foundation of public health studies. Epidemiologists study the frequency, distribution, and determinants of diseases, while biostatisticians provide the analytic tools to advance our research capabilities. If working in the community is of interest, the health education concentration prepares professionals who design, conduct and evaluate activities that help improve the health of all people in a variety of settings: schools, communities, health care facilities, businesses and colleges. Job titles include patient educators, health education teachers, trainers, worksite wellness directors, community organizers and health program managers. Environmental health is another exciting concentration. Here, you will learn how to assess a myriad of toxic substances in our surroundings and to protect the population from their ill effects. With an MPH, you will have the tools to rise to leadership roles in your chosen area.

What is Public Health – Take a look

Who are Public Health Practitioners?

For many, the appeal of pursuing a degree in public health is the fact that it is based on many sciences and its students and practitioners come from a variety of backgrounds. In our classes, you will study with physicians, nurses, dentists, social workers, and many others. Our students come to WKU not only from Kentucky, but also from across the United States and around the world. When you join us, an exciting mix of students will enrich every one of your public health courses.

Are there Jobs in Public Health?

The needs in public health are screaming from your newspapers and televisions everyday: Avian flu, toxic spills, the epidemic of obesity, and many more health problems. What you don’t hear quite as much about is the growing need for public health professionals. As the baby-boomers are aging, they are also retiring. Public health will lose about 45% of its workforce over the next several years. Jobs are available now and the opportunities will continue to grow.

What Programs does Western Kentucky University Offer?

Our public health programs in the College of Health and Human Services at Western Kentucky University have a long history in the state of Kentucky. At WKU you can study for a graduate Masters of Public Health (MPH) degree in one of two concentrations – health education or environmental health.

If you are already in the public health workforce, or you would like to move in that direction, but a master’s degree is more than you need, consider our Certificate programs in Public Health.

This 15-credit option includes the foundation course in each of the five public health sciences, thus providing a broad overview of the skills and knowledge-base of public health. The certificate is available on campus to graduate students and working professionals, and it is now available online with video captures of classroom lectures and a virtual internet-based classroom for discussions, assignments, and tests. Should you decide to enter the MPH program, these graduate credits can be transferred.

If you are an undergraduate student at WKU with a public health career in your future, you do not have to wait until graduation to begin your MPH program. The combined bachelor’s to master’s degree program will allow you to take the five foundation courses in your senior year and then complete your MPH in the following 18 months, a semester less than the standard graduate program.

Who Are The Faculty?

Our faculty members bring rich educational backgrounds and field experiences to their teaching and mentoring roles. All of them have been trained at excellent institutions, and each of them is actively involved in cutting-edge research on a variety of public health issues.

Join Us!

At the Western Kentucky University and well beyond our campus, Public Health is critical and challenging. There are many reasons to choose a career in public health, but when you scratch the surface of any professional in our field, they will tell you what they care about most is social justice, eliminating poverty, promoting healthy lifestyles, preventing premature disease and death, and making our world a better place to live. If you choose to pursue a career in public health, we know that you will never regret that choice, that your career options will continue to expand throughout your working life, and that you will experience the rewards of a lifetime committed to helping others in a meaningful way. We hope that you will begin your career with us!

Our website contains a great deal of information about our programs. But, if you don’t find the information you need here, please contact us. We can be reached by email at public.health@wku.edu or by phone at 1-270-745-4797.

We look forward to hearing from you,

Public Health Combined Degree Program
Bachelor’s degree/ Master of Public Health