Published On: June 4, 2025

Career Opportunities in Public Health: Where to Start

Career opportunities in public health span a wide range of fields, all dedicated to improving the well-being of individuals and communities. Whether working in disease prevention, health education, or policy development, public health professionals help shape healthier societies by addressing key issues like chronic disease, environmental health, and healthcare access.

With careers in epidemiology, health promotion, and global health initiatives, the field offers meaningful and impactful work. As public health challenges continue to evolve, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can drive change. If you’re interested in a career that blends science, advocacy, and community engagement, exploring public health opportunities could be the right path for you. Let’s take a closer look at where you can start.

What is Public Health? Understanding the Field

Public health is all about prevention and promoting health at the population level. While many doctors and nurses care for individuals in clinical settings, a significant number also work in public health—especially in leadership, policy, and community health roles. Public health professionals come from a wide range of backgrounds, including medicine, nursing, epidemiology, and behavioral science.

Together, they focus on strengthening health systems, improving access to care, and addressing large-scale challenges such as infectious disease control, health equity, and environmental safety. A degree in public health can also be a valuable foundation for those pursuing advanced clinical training, such as MD or NP programs.

The Many Branches of Public Health

Public health is a broad and dynamic field that goes far beyond disease prevention. It touches nearly every aspect of daily life, from the air we breathe to the policies that shape our healthcare systems.

Epidemiology & Disease Prevention: Experts track health data, study outbreaks, and create strategies to stop the spread of diseases like influenza, COVID-19, and foodborne illnesses.
Health Education & Promotion: Public health educators teach communities how to make healthier choices, from smoking cessation programs to nutrition workshops.
Public Health Policy & Administration: Professionals in this area shape healthcare laws, advocate for better resources, and ensure public health programs run efficiently.
Environmental & Global Health: Climate change, pollution, and access to clean water all impact public health. Specialists in this field work to mitigate these risks on both local and global scales.
Biostatistics & Data Science: Public health analysts use data to identify trends, predict outbreaks, and assess the effectiveness of public health programs, playing a crucial role in evidence-based decision-making.

At its core, public health is about creating healthier communities before medical intervention is even necessary. While clinical healthcare is essential, public health works behind the scenes to prevent problems before they start.

Breaking Into Public Health: Where to Start Your Career

Starting a career in public health isn’t just about having the right degree—it’s about knowing where to apply your skills. Entry-level jobs in this field allow you to gain hands-on experience, build connections, and make an immediate impact in communities. Whether you’re passionate about direct patient outreach, data analysis, or health education, there’s a career path that fits.

Community Health Worker

Community Health Workers (CHWs) are the frontline of public health, working directly with populations to improve access to healthcare, promote wellness programs, and address disparities. They educate communities about preventive care, connect people with resources, and support underserved populations.

Where They Work: Nonprofits, hospitals, local health departments, government agencies.

This role is ideal for those who enjoy working one-on-one with people and seeing the immediate impact of their efforts.

Health Educator

Health educators design and implement programs that help communities adopt healthier lifestyles. They work in a variety of settings, from schools to government agencies, teaching people how to prevent diseases, improve their diet, and maintain overall well-being.

Where They Work: Schools, public health departments, NGOs, hospitals.

Public Health Data Analyst

For those who love numbers and research, a career in public health data analysis offers a way to influence health policy and prevention strategies. Analysts collect and interpret health trends, using statistics to inform decision-making at government agencies, research institutions, and healthcare organizations.

Where They Work: CDC, NIH, local health departments, universities, research firms.

This career is ideal for those who prefer working behind the scenes, using data to drive impactful change.

Beyond Entry-Level: Public Health Jobs That Lead to Change

Entry-level jobs open doors, but what happens when you’re ready for more? Mid-level and advanced public health careers offer greater responsibility, leadership opportunities, and higher earning potential. Whether you want to shape policy, run public health programs, or lead research initiatives, this field has room for growth.

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists are the detectives of public health. They study disease patterns, investigate outbreaks, and help develop strategies to prevent future health crises. Their work informs everything from flu vaccines to global pandemic responses.

Where They Work: CDC, WHO, state and local health departments, universities.

This career is perfect for those who love research, problem-solving, and making a large-scale impact on public health.

Public Health Administrator

Public health administrators are the decision-makers behind major health initiatives. They manage teams, direct funding, and oversee programs designed to improve community health. Their work is critical in shaping how healthcare is delivered at the state, national, and global levels.

Where They Work: Hospitals, government agencies, nonprofits.

This role is ideal for professionals who enjoy leadership, policy development, and ensuring healthcare initiatives run smoothly and effectively.

Environmental Health Specialist

Environmental health specialists focus on the connections between human health and the environment. From water quality to pollution control, they work to ensure communities have access to safe and sustainable living conditions.

Where They Work: Health departments, environmental agencies, consulting firms.

This career is ideal for those passionate about environmental justice, climate change, and protecting communities from environmental health risks.

Public Health Careers Start with the Right Education—Here’s Yours

Public health professionals need the right foundation to make an impact. Whether you’re interested in health education, wellness promotion, or advocacy, a strong educational background can help you stand out. Our Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) provides a flexible, career-focused education designed for the evolving world of public health.

We’ve created a curriculum that balances foundational coursework with specialized concentrations, giving students a well-rounded understanding of public health challenges and solutions. Whether you’re entering the field for the first time or looking to advance your career, our program is designed to fit your goals and lifestyle.

SCU’s BSHS Program

Our fully online, transfer-friendly BSHS program allows students to gain essential public health knowledge while specializing in areas like health promotion and education. With a curriculum that integrates real-world applications, students graduate prepared to step into meaningful roles in public health.

Health Education – CHES® Preparation:
Prepares students for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) exam, a recognized credential for careers in community health education, public health advocacy, and wellness program coordination.
Health Promotion:
Covers integrative health, wellness strategies, and community health initiatives—perfect for students interested in preventive healthcare and public outreach.
Medical and Graduate School:
SCU’s BSHS program provides a strong academic foundation for students planning to pursue medical school. With an emphasis on public health, systems thinking, and interdisciplinary care, the curriculum supports students preparing for MD programs by reinforcing the population-level perspective now central to many modern medical schools.

The degree also prepares students for other graduate studies in whole health and allied health, including nursing, physician assistant, or occupational therapy, for those pursuing additional clinical training.

Through its focus on real-world application and evidence-based healthcare, the BSHS program equips future medical professionals to lead with both clinical skill and a broader understanding of community health.

Want to explore more? Check out our full list of concentrations.

Flexible Learning & Career Support

We know our students have different needs, so we’ve designed a program that fits into real life. With only two courses per term, students benefit from focused learning that improves comprehension and retention. Our fully online format allows for both full-time and part-time study, making it easier to gain real-world experience while completing your degree.

Our career services team also provides resources to help students connect with internship opportunities, ensuring they graduate with both academic knowledge and practical skills that set them apart in the job market.

Fixed-Rate Tuition & Scholarships

We believe in making higher education both affordable and predictable. Our fixed-rate tuition guarantee means students won’t face unexpected cost increases throughout their program. Plus, we offer multiple scholarship opportunities for eligible students, helping make a public health degree more accessible.

Take the First Step Toward a Public Health Career Today

Public health is more than a profession—it’s a commitment to improving lives, shaping policies, and preventing disease on a broad scale. With so many career opportunities in public health, from health education to epidemiology, the field offers a path for those who want to make a real impact. Whether you’re drawn to community outreach, research, or policy development, the demand for skilled public health professionals continues to grow.

If you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to help. Our Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) provides the knowledge, flexibility, and support you need to launch or advance your career in public health. Explore our admissions process and apply today!

FAQs

What are some common career paths in public health?

Public health professionals work in disease prevention, health education, epidemiology, policy, and global health. They can be found in hospitals, government agencies, nonprofits, and research institutions, tackling everything from community wellness to environmental health.

Do I need a master’s degree for a public health career?

Not always! Many entry-level roles, like health educator or public health analyst, only require a bachelor’s degree. However, advanced roles in epidemiology, policy, or research may require a Master of Public Health (MPH) or other specialized graduate degrees.

How does your BSHS program support public health careers?

Our Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) helps students build a strong foundation in health sciences while offering the flexibility of online learning. Whether you’re interested in wellness promotion, community health, or education, our program provides the knowledge and skills to support your public health career goals.

Which concentrations in your program align with public health careers?

We offer a Health Education concentration for those interested in health promotion and a Health Promotion concentration for students focused on wellness initiatives and preventive care. These concentrations prepare graduates for diverse public health roles in community health, education, and policy.

Can I work while completing my degree?

Absolutely! Our program is fully online and designed for working professionals. You can study full-time or part-time, allowing you to gain work experience while completing your degree—perfect for those looking to transition into public health careers.