While nurses and doctors treat patients once they’re already sick, public health professionals
try to prevent those diseases and disorders in the first place. They work to ensure
that communities have access to health essentials like clean water and preventative
care. Students in the public health major learn how to identify and solve community
health problems both here and abroad, becoming advocates who save lives.
Work in the field Field experience opportunities allow students to become involved in the clinical nature
of the health professions, further strengthening the theoretical concepts of holistic
care covered in the classroom. Students develop a heart for service as they use their
skills in healthcare to take part in a wide range of service opportunities on campus,
and in the local and global communities.
Serve overseas Students can travel during the summer and serve in the health professions in various
overseas locations. Some locations include Tanzania, China and the Philippines. To
prepare for participation in Global Health Engagement, students will need to take
two courses, ALH 301 Global Health Engagement Seminar and ALH 401 Global Health Engagement
Practicum.
Principles of Environmental and Occupational Health
HSC 312
This course introduces students to physical, chemical and biological hazards found
in the environment.
Health Behavior Change
HSC 410
This course addresses the exploration and application of education, psychosocial,
and spiritual components of health behaviors.
Outbreak and Emergency Prep and Response
INH 300
This course is an intensive introduction to public health emergency preparedness and
response.
Demonstrate effective communication skills, orally and in writing.
Describe and discuss essential services that public health programs provide to protect
and improve the health of populations.
Use research tools and analytical methods to critically analyze, monitor and assess
the health status of populations.
Interpret the impact of policies and legislation on individual and population health.
Understand cultural differences among populations and interact sensitively, effectively,
and professionally with persons from diverse backgrounds.
Take the next step toward living your purpose
As you make decisions about college, keep in mind the full social, spiritual and educational
experience awaiting you at CBU. Here, you will be supported by professors, staff and
fellow students who will help you discover your strengths and challenge you to do
more than you ever thought you could. Let us equip you with the education, training
and opportunities you'll need to start making a unique difference doing what you love.
Apply today! When you complete and submit your application to CBU, a friendly and
knowledgeable admissions counselor will guide you through the admissions process and
all the necessary steps to become a Lancer.
Request More Information
Career Opportunities
Epidemiologist
Health Educator
Environmental Health Specialist
Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
Community Health Worker
Environmental Scientist
Public Health Administrator
*Some career opportunities may require further education
56–76
Units
16%
Expected Rate of Growth in the Field
11
Acres on New Health Science Campus
Student Testimonials
"I felt called to this particular major after starting school here, I love helping
people and it felt like a good fit! The professors are so kind and they care about
you understanding the difficult science classes. The field is also super interesting." Sarah Swope, 2021
"I've always wanted to go into the medical field for a variety of reasons. While in
this program, I've been able to build a network around me. In the future, I want to
work in the hospital and grow through medical missions." Stephanie Hackett, 2021
Meet Some of Our Faculty
Marshare Penny
Professor
As a public health practitioner, I believe strongly that I have a calling to serve
and in this service profession I am given the opportunity to not just attend to our
community’s needs, but demonstrate a Christ-like approach to public health. I have
been able to investigate cases of HIV in prisons, investigate food borne outbreaks,
work on disaster recovery efforts, and develop health equity trainings for health
department employees.
In college, I enrolled in kinesiology courses to try and figure out why certain groups
weren’t as active as others, and how I could change that. Fast forward to today, I
now have two degrees in kinesiology (B.S. and M.S.) and my doctorate in public health.
The thing that first interested me about this field many years ago is the same thing
that keeps me engaged today and drives me forward in my research and community work—health
behavior!
I got into the field of public health in 1994 working in HIV and AIDS prevention with
minority youth. I started teaching in 1998. Some cool things I’ve gotten to do: I’ve
studied how to best keep kids away from drugs and alcohol; I’ve worked with migrant
farm workers in California; and I’ve spoken at the US Department of Health and Human
Services.
My job is to not only convey knowledge to students but also break the wall between
the ivory tower and the real world. In doing so, students realize that there are a
lot needs out in the community. I currently run a wellness program for employees at
seven Riverside Medical Clinics, in which I train CBU students to be health coaches.
My research interests include health and wellness coaching for type II diabetes and chronic
diseases.
As a public health practitioner, I believe strongly that I have a calling to serve
and in this service profession I am given the opportunity to not just attend to our
community’s needs, but demonstrate a Christ-like approach to public health. I have
been able to investigate cases of HIV in prisons, investigate food borne outbreaks,
work on disaster recovery efforts, and develop health equity trainings for health
department employees.
In college, I enrolled in kinesiology courses to try and figure out why certain groups
weren’t as active as others, and how I could change that. Fast forward to today, I
now have two degrees in kinesiology (B.S. and M.S.) and my doctorate in public health.
The thing that first interested me about this field many years ago is the same thing
that keeps me engaged today and drives me forward in my research and community work—health
behavior!
I got into the field of public health in 1994 working in HIV and AIDS prevention with
minority youth. I started teaching in 1998. Some cool things I’ve gotten to do: I’ve
studied how to best keep kids away from drugs and alcohol; I’ve worked with migrant
farm workers in California; and I’ve spoken at the US Department of Health and Human
Services.
My job is to not only convey knowledge to students but also break the wall between
the ivory tower and the real world. In doing so, students realize that there are a
lot needs out in the community. I currently run a wellness program for employees at
seven Riverside Medical Clinics, in which I train CBU students to be health coaches.
My research interests include health and wellness coaching for type II diabetes and chronic
diseases.
