Public Health

The study of public health explores the many factors that affect the overall health of a population and contribute to the spread, treatment, and prevention of disease. However, the current public health workforce is inadequate to meet the health needs of our nation's population. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has projected shortages through 2020, and the Association of Schools in Public Health reported the student graduation rate would need to triple over several years to fill the gap.

HCC responded as the first two-year college in the nation offering an arts and science associate of arts degree transfer program in public health. In addition to a rigorous curriculum, majors work directly with community-based organizations to develop practical and professional skills.

As a graduate, you should be able to:

1. Apply the history and philosophy of public health as well as its core values, ethics, concepts, and functions across the globe and in society.
2. Apply the basic concepts, methods, and tools of public health data collection, use, and analysis and understand why evidence-based approaches are an essential part of public health practice.
3. Apply the concepts of population health and the basic processes, approaches, and interventions that identify and address the major health-related needs and concerns of populations.
4. Apply the underlying science of human health and disease including opportunities for promoting and protecting health across the life course.
5. Compare and contrast the socio-economic, behavioral, biological, environmental, and other factors that impact human health and contribute to health disparities.
6. Apply the fundamental concepts and features of project implementation, including planning, assessment, and evaluation.

Visit the Health Promotion and Human Performance department page for more information on this program.