Public Health
What is Public Health?
As described by the American Public Health Association: Public health promotes and protects the health of people and the communities where they live, learn, work and play. While a doctor treats people who are sick, those of us working in public health try to prevent people from getting sick or injured in the first place. We also promote wellness by encouraging healthy behavior.
From conducting scientific research to educating about health, people in the field of public health work to assure the conditions in which people can be healthy. That can mean vaccinating children and adults to prevent the spread of disease. Or educating people about the risks of alcohol and tobacco. Public health sets safety standards to protect workers and develops school nutrition programs to ensure kids have access to healthy food.
Public health works to track disease outbreaks, prevent injuries and shed light on why some of us are more likely to suffer from poor health than others. The many facets of public health include speaking out for laws that promote smoke-free indoor air and seat-belts, spreading the word about ways to stay healthy and giving science-based solutions to problems.
Below are some examples of professions in the field of public health:
- Health educators
- Epidemiologists
- First responders
- Restaurant inspectors
- Scientists and researchers
- Nutritionists
- Community planners
- Social workers
- Public health physicians
- Public health nurses
- Occupational health and safety professionals
- Public policymakers
- Sanitarians
Bachelor of Science in Public Health
The Bachelor of Science in Public Health is offered through the CSUN Department of Health Sciences, part of the College of Health and Human Development.
Master of Public Health on Campus
CSUN’s Master of Public Health degree program prepares students to become public health professionals in order to enhance the general health and wellbeing of diverse human populations and communities.
Master of Public Health - Online (Tseng)
Designed in collaboration with the university's College of Health and Human Development, CSUN’s two and a half year, seven-term online Master of Public Health: Community Health Education program is an ideal choice for individuals seeking to enter or advance in the field.
The Bridge Newsletter
The Bridge is the Official CSUN Public Health Program newsletter and the go-to resource to keep you informed and engaged with public health updates!
CEPH Certification
Our undergraduate program is certified by the Council of Education for Public Health (CEPH).