Public Health Sciences Degree
Public health is the science of promoting health, preventing disease, extending life and improving quality of life for populations. The population can be as small as a community or as large as a country. Public health professionals address the impact of genetics, environment and individual behavior on the health of the population.
The mission of public health is accomplished through the development and delivery of educational programs, creation of policy, regulation and administration of resources and continuing research. The scope of public health practice is broad encompassing a wide range of disciplines which emerge from the five core areas; behavioral science, epidemiology, biostatistics, administration, and environmental health.
MC's degree program is designed to articulate with the BS in public health sciences at the University of Maryland School of Public Health. Students may choose to complete this program at either the Shady Grove campus or the main campus in College Park. Students not transferring into the BS in public health sciences are advised to check the requirements of the institution and program to which they intend to transfer.
Program Outcomes
Program Advising
Meet with your academic advisor regularly to discuss your academic plans and make sure you are on track to graduate and/or transfer. The program advising guide outlines the degree requirements and is meant to supplement the advising process.
Transfer Opportunities
MC has a long history of successfully preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions. This degree is designed for students to transfer and earn a bachelor's degree, with transfer agreements in place with George Washington University and University of Maryland. See all transfer agreements.
Careers
For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.
Related careers include health policy analyst, health administration program specialist, and epidemiologist.
- MC Student Employment Services: Speak with the Student Employment Specialist for help with resume writing, interviewing, setting up a College Central Network (CCN)new window account and other job search topics.
- Career Coach: Explore Career Coach to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests! Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area.
Curriculum
A suggested course sequence for students follows.
- All students should review the advising guide and consult an advisor.
- Find out about related programs and course in the Fields of Study section.
- Most courses have either assessment levels that must be met or prerequisites (courses that must be taken first). Part-time students and those who need to meet assessment levels or take prerequisite courses will take longer to complete a degree. An advisor will help make sure you are taking your courses in the right order.
- All degree-seeking students must take a central group of General Education courses in English, mathematics, arts, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, and science. These courses are included in the suggested course sequence below.
Related Programs and Courses
General Studies Degree
Students who major in general studies explore personal, professional, and academic areas of interest within a flexible framework supporting transfer.
Workforce Development and Continuing Education
MC offers a wide variety of noncredit classes. These courses are designed to help you upgrade your skills, pursue career training, or learn something new.