Program Description

The mission of the Public Health program is to prepare students to transfer to a baccalaureate degree program at a 4-year university or college by providing them with introductory level coursework related to the content, concepts and skills essential to promoting and protecting health in diverse communities and populations.

In Public Health, the emphasis is on improving the health of entire populations, not just individuals. Professionals in this field perform many essential functions such as identifying and monitoring health issues that arise in the community, encouraging healthy behaviors through educational programs and media campaigns, as well as advocating to improve health equity for the most vulnerable members of society. Public Health workers also focus on the environmental and social factors that affect the health of the community. This is an exciting and rewarding career path for those who want to make a difference in the lives of others by creating a safer and healthier world. The Associate Degree in Public Health is designated to transfer to Bachelor Degree programs in public health within the City University of New York (CUNY) system as well as to other 4-year colleges.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Public Health degree program requirements, students will be able to:

1. Identify strategies used by public health professionals for promoting health and reducing disease in individuals and communities.
2. Discuss how past and present public health policies and government initiatives have improved health and quality of life in the US.
3. Identify the differences between the key determinants of health (behavioral, environmental, social and cultural) and explain their roles in the development of major diseases and health concerns affecting the US.
4. Locate, access, and evaluate current, reliable health information from appropriate medical, governmental, and voluntary health agencies integral to the US healthcare system.
5. Demonstrate an ability to communicate health information accurately and effectively in both oral and written forms.
6. Examine health disparities that exist between different populations within the US based on race, ethnicity, gender, and socio-economic status.

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Curriculum Coordinator: Professor Elyse Gruttadauria