Why Study Public Health?

Five compelling reasons to pursue a career in population health

Public health is a field that empowers individuals to make a significant impact on community well-being. It brings together professionals from diverse backgrounds to protect and improve population health, addressing challenges from disease prevention to environmental safety. By studying public health, you gain the tools to tackle some of society's most pressing health issues. 

The benefits of pursuing a public health degree are both personal and far-reaching. This field offers the unique opportunity to blend scientific rigor with social impact, allowing you to contribute to tangible improvements in people's lives. 

So, what is a public health degree? At Belmont University, the public health program combines comprehensive academics with practical experience. Students are prepared to address complex health challenges and promote wellness on local and global scales. Whether you're passionate about disease prevention, health equity or crisis response, public health offers a path to a rewarding career. 

Let’s break down five reasons why you should study public health.

1. Improve Population Health 

Public health professionals are at the forefront of efforts to enhance the overall health of communities. By studying public health under expert faculty, you'll learn to identify health trends, develop prevention strategies and implement programs that can positively impact thousands of lives.  

From promoting vaccination campaigns to designing interventions for chronic diseases, public health equips you with the knowledge to address wide-ranging health issues. This field allows you to work on a scale that extends beyond individual patient care, potentially improving health outcomes for entire populations.  

2. Address Health Disparities 

Working in public health opens your eyes to the stark realities of health inequities and equips you with tools to combat them. You'll learn to identify and analyze the social, economic and environmental factors that contribute to health disparities among different populations.  

Public health education emphasizes the importance of creating equitable health systems and developing targeted interventions for underserved communities. By pursuing this field, you'll be prepared to advocate for policies and programs that aim to close the gap in health outcomes, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthy life regardless of their background or circumstances.  

3. Respond to Global Health Challenges 

In our interconnected world, health issues don't stop at borders. Studying and working in public health prepares you to tackle global health challenges head-on. You'll gain insights into international health systems, emerging diseases and the complex factors that influence health on a global scale.  

From responding to pandemics to addressing climate change-related health risks, public health professionals play a crucial role in crafting and implementing solutions to worldwide health issues. This field offers the exciting opportunity to collaborate with experts from around the globe, potentially leading to work that impacts millions of lives across continents.  

4. Influence Health Policy

Public health professionals play a vital role in shaping the policies that govern our health systems and practices. By studying public health, you'll learn how to translate scientific evidence into actionable policies that can improve community health outcomes.  

You'll gain skills in data analysis, program evaluation and policy development that are crucial for informing decision-makers at local, national and international levels. Whether it's advocating for tobacco control measures, pushing for better access to health care or developing guidelines for emergency preparedness, your work in public health can lead to lasting, systemic changes that benefit entire populations. 

5. Diverse Career Opportunities

One of the most exciting aspects of studying public health is the wide array of career paths available to graduates. The field offers opportunities in various sectors, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare systems, research institutions and private companies.  

You might find yourself working as an epidemiologist tracking disease outbreaks, a health educator developing community wellness programs or a policy analyst shaping healthcare legislation. Other potential roles include: 

• Environmental health specialist 

• Biostatistician 

• Global health consultant 

• Health care administrator 

• Public health researcher 

• Occupational health and safety expert 

• Disaster management specialist 

This diversity allows you to find a niche that aligns with your interests and strengths, while always working towards the common goal of improving public health.  

Common Questions About Studying Public Health  

There’s a lot to think about when choosing a major. Hopefully, these questions and answers will help you gain a better understanding of what studying public health entails and guide you in making an informed decision about your future academic and career path. 

Why Is Public Health Important? 

Public health is important because it protects and improves the health of entire populations. Unlike individual health care, public health focuses on preventing diseases and injuries before they occur, promoting healthy lifestyles and ensuring equitable access to health services. It addresses the broader factors that influence health, such as environment, education and social conditions. 

By tackling these wide-ranging issues, public health initiatives can lead to longer life expectancies, reduced health care costs and improved quality of life for communities worldwide. 

What Will You Learn in a Public Health Program? 

In a public health program, you'll learn a diverse set of skills crucial for addressing complex health challenges. Core coursework typically includes epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy and environmental health. You'll gain proficiency in data analysis, research methods and health program planning and evaluation.  

Many programs also cover topics like global health, health communication and social determinants of health. Practical experiences, such as internships or fieldwork, often complement classroom learning, providing hands-on opportunities to apply your knowledge in real-world settings. 

Why Should You Choose Public Health at Belmont? 

Choosing to study public health at Belmont's College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences offers a unique blend of rigorous academics and practical experience in a supportive environment. The program emphasizes interprofessional approaches, preparing students to tackle complex health issues from multiple angles.  

Belmont's location in Nashville provides access to diverse health organizations and community partners, enriching learning opportunities and small class sizes ensure personalized attention from experienced faculty who are active in the field. The program also integrates Belmont's commitment to service, encouraging students to make a tangible impact on community health even during their studies. 

Shape a Healthier Future with a Public Health Degree 

By choosing to study public health, you're not just selecting a career path – you're committing to improving lives and creating positive change on a large scale. If you're ready to take on this challenge and join a field that combines science, policy and social impact, explore Belmont University's public health program.