Public Health

Focus on a specialization that meets your goals, and work in community based programs

The Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health provides students with the knowledge and skills to work in community-based programs. The focus of the degree is to prepare health professionals who can assess needs, plan and implement programs, conduct research, communicate health information, and serve as a health resource person. Courses are designed with hands-on learning in mind. Students participate in projects where they are meeting a real community's health needs.

Program graduates work to promote positive health behaviors and prevent disease by collaborating with individuals and communities. Employment opportunities are available in non-profit, government, healthcare, and business sectors. Graduates may also seek certification through professional organizations, such as the National Commission on Health Education Credentialing.

A Public Health Minor (18-19 hours) is also offered.

Public Health is now HyFlex!

Students can now complete the Public Health courses (those with a CHEP prefix) using the HyFlex format. CHEP courses that are listed as in-person can be completed by attending a class on campus, attending virtually, and/or completing the course online.

Students and professors standing together

Employment Opportunities

Health education specialists work to promote positive health behaviors and prevent disease by educating communities and individuals. Graduates of Public Health programs typically seek employment or apply to graduate school. Employment opportunities are available in non-profit, government, and business sectors. Many employers prefer candidates who have attained the Certified Health Education Specialist or Master Certified Health Education Specialist credential from the National Commission on Health Education Credentialing.

Job titles for Public Health graduates:

Youth Health Educator
Partnerships for Success Coordinator
Adult Intervention Specialist, Suicide Prevention focus
Threat Intake Examiner
Cardiac Surgery Patient Navigator
Fitness and Wellness Coordinator
Child Nutrition Director & Wellness Coordinator
Treatment Coordinator

What is Public Health?What is Public Health?

Why Public Health?

"The Public Health Program at Fairmont State helped me find a unique field of study that allowed me to educate and promote all dimensions of health in my community and others around the state. This program gave me a sense of purpose and feeling of pride and accomplishment knowing that I am helping people from all walks of life." - Claire D. Class of 2022

Three students posing in the Falcon Center

Admissions

Students who are currently enrolled at Fairmont State University and wish to declare Public Health as their major must complete a major change form by going to Student Services located in the Turley Center. You must be a Fairmont State student and have a satisfactory GPA (2.0 or higher) to change your major.

Minor

Public Health is also offered as a minor. The minor provides students with the knowledge and skills to work in community-based programs. The focus is to prepare students to assess needs, plan and implement programs, conduct research, communicate health information, and serve as a resource person. Courses are designed with hands-on learning in mind. Students will participate in projects where they are meeting a community’s health needs. The Public Health Minor is 18 to 19 hours and includes: