Public Health

Undergraduate - Frequently Asked Questions

What Does the Curriculum Include?

The focus of the Public Health curriculum is to prepare students to work in a variety of settings. Graduates of this program receive a BS degree in Public Health.

Public Health majors typically engage in professional activities at sites such as: voluntary health agencies, public health departments, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, corporate worksites, community based health organizations, family planning clinics and managed health care agencies. Students learn to use educational interventions to provide health information; gain experience in assessing the needs of target populations; clarify program goals and objectives; and, develop strategies to motivate and involve their clients/patients in educational interventions. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to take the certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) Exam. For more information about CHES, go to www.nchec.org.

Can I Minor in Public Health?

The Department of Public Health offers a Public Health minor for students who would like to strengthen their public health knowledge as it might relate to their major area of study. Five specific health courses are required, as well as two elective health courses (21 credits) agreed upon by the student and the Public Health advisor. Students are required to take:  PH100, Introduction to Public Health; PH107, Environmental Health; PH225, Epidemiology; HRP103, Health Psychology and Human Behavior and PH110, Contemporary Health Issues.  They may then choose two content courses within the Department of Public Health according to their interests to complete the minor.

Is there a National Accreditation Exam for Public Health Majors?

There is no national exam required of public health majors.  At the completion of the major, however, there are a number of certifications and specializations that graduates could take to supplement their degree.  These include:

Certification in Gerontology
Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)
Drug and Alcohol Counseling Certification

Are There Internships Available?

Yes, the Public Health major requires two internship experiences. An internship is one of the most important experiences a student has in final preparation for a professional career in the health field.

Public Health majors are required to spend their last two semesters at two different health agencies. They will spend over 600 hours in the field during these experiences (14 credit hours).  In these settings, the student is expected to assume responsibility for assigned tasks in the implementation of the programs and/or services of the agencies. Additionally, the student is expected to participate in staff meetings and activities, and to become an integral part of the agency's work. In the final semester, students are required to plan, implement, and evaluate their own Public Health program.

What Career Opportunities Are Available for Public Health Graduates?

As the number and magnitude of health threats to the society have increased, the need for public Public Health has grown accordingly. As people have become more aware of the potential for optimal health, more of them have begun to seek "higher level wellness." As professionals with special expertise in one or more areas of health, opportunities for public health workers has increased, and Public Health, as a distinct specialty, has expanded. The demand for Public Health, both within the community and other venues, is greater than ever before.

Public Health undergraduates can expect jobs with health departments, hospitals, clinics, or local, regional and national non-profit organizations. Public Health graduates plan health awareness programs and implement health curricula in both community and school settings. A Sampling of Temple Public Health Alumni Job Titles includes: Health Counselor, Child Life Specialist Consultant, Community Health Educator, Community Relations Coordinator, Coordinator of Substance Abuse, Coordinator of AIDS Education, Curriculum Coordinator, Director of In-Service Training, Educational Specialist, Public Health Writer, Health Services Director, Product Manager, Health Education Specialist.

How can I get more information?
Contact: Monica Reid, Adviser
Phone: (215) 204-6779
Fax: (215) 204-1854
E-mail monica.reid@temple.edu