Public Health
The purpose of public health is to protect the health of all people. Public health is rooted in social justice and utilizes scientific inquiry and investigation to solve complex health problems. Public health professionals work to prevent sickness, disease and injury, and do so at a total population level, impacting large numbers of people at a time.
A career in public health enables you to serve the community, conduct research, create innovative interventions, develop policy, collaborate with others, advocate for and work with vulnerable populations, and utilize best practices and evidence-based solutions to improve the quality of life of others. Graduates of UCO’s Public Health program go on to work in county health departments, state health departments, other government organizations, tribal health, hospitals, academic institutions, non-profit organizations, and private businesses - pursuing their passion to improve the health of people locally, nationally, and/or globally.
Vision
Empowered, ethical, and evolving public health leaders and advocates
Values
The UCO Public Health Program serves students, prioritizes the public’s health, engages community partners, and values:
- Evidence-based approaches and best practices
- Systems thinking
- Effective public and private policy
- Inclusiveness, empathy, respect, and humility
- Cultural and community engagement
- Politically engaged students, faculty, and alumni
- Servant and ethical leadership
- An “All Teach, All Learn” approach
- Lifelong learning, growth mindset, and grit
Mission
The UCO Public Health Program prepares career-ready graduates through scholarly and community engagement opportunities to promote equity, work upstream to address root causes and advocate for policies, laws, and systems that solve contemporary public health issues and improve health outcomes.
Goals
- Provide transformative and scholarly learning opportunities
- Promote perspective-taking, cultural sensitivity, and Inclusivity
- Utilize scientific inquiry and investigation to solve complex health problems
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities for Public Health include:
- Public Health Specialist
- Program Coordinator/Manager
- Public Health Advisor
- Public Health Educator
- Environmental Specialist
- Health Administrator
- Grant Manager
- Patient Advocate
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