Global and Public Health Sciences (GPHS) is offered through the College of Human Ecology or the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Enrolling in this major is especially appropriate if you wish to pursue advanced study to prepare for leadership positions in governmental or nongovernmental organizations, working directly with current and emerging health concerns in the U.S. or internationally. Public health is the prevention of illness and promotion of wellness in communities both large and small. The Global and Public Health Sciences (GPHS) major teaches the tools of public health research and action and their application to population health issues in the U.S. and globally. The work of public health professionals is distinct from the work of clinical professionals, who typically treat individuals after they have become sick or injured. Public health actions often involve educational and/or governmental approaches that influence many people simultaneously, for example, to address issues such as obesity and diabetes, food security, HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases, quality of food, water and air, and access to health care. Sustained improvement of the health of populations often requires a multidisciplinary approach involving the biomedical, behavioral, social, political and environmental sciences, and careful consideration of the importance of cultural and ethical contexts.
Opportunities in public health are numerous and growing. The GPHS major provides an excellent foundation for a wide variety of careers in public health, public service, research, social entrepreneurship, medicine and other health careers both domestically and globally: Public health fields such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health education and behavior, international health, health policy and management, environmental health, and many more Medicine and other health careers such as physical therapist, physician's assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical pharmacy Research including careers that use biochemical, physiological, genomic, clinical, and social science methods to improve human health and well-being domestically and globally In many cases, these career paths will require appropriate graduate or professional training, such as a Master's in Public Health. Students are encouraged to meet with advisors and career counselors to ensure appropriate undergraduate preparation, as specific requirements differ among the various fields.
