What can you do with a bachelor's in public health? | edX

What can you do with a bachelors in public health?Written by: Sarah Edwards, Edited by: Arthur McMahonPublished: February 7, 2025Have you always wanted to make the world a healthier place? Learn how you can educate and advocate for others with a bachelor's in public health degree.What jobs can you get with a bachelor's in public health?A bachelor's in public health degree can open doors for careers in various fields, from patient education to technology. Here are three roles that can consider pursuing after you get your degree:Community health workerCommunity health workers are responsible for providing culturally appropriate health education and advocacy for specific communities. In this role, you may:Offer counseling and guidance regarding particular health behaviorsConnect people with appropriate healthcare practitioners and health servicesAdvocate with politicians and public figures for community health needsProvide free screenings and basic first aid services to the communityProvide translation and interpretation services for community membersOffer health education and information via events and initiativesIn a bachelor's of public health program, you will likely encounter courses on cultural competence, behavior theory, and health coaching. This coursework will help prepare you for working with communities and individuals to improve collective and individual health outcomes.According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), community health workers earn a median annual salary of $48,200 as of May 2023.Social and community service managerSocial and community service managers design and oversee programs that work toward public wellbeing. Some tasks you may take on in this role include:Survey communities to identify necessary social programsCoordinate program administration, including budgeting, policy development, and participant involvementPlan and coordinate outreach and marketing activities to raise awareness about community programsRecruit, hire, and train program staff members and volunteersCollect and analyze data to evaluate program effectivenessMeet with senior management to suggest program improvementsYour public health degree can help you prepare for this role thanks to studies in community health, public health systems, program planning, and research methods.Social and community service managers earn a median annual salary of $77,030 as of May 2023, according to the BLS.High school health teacherWith a degree in public health, you might also be able to land a job teaching health to high school students. However, it's important to note that you might need to pursue an additional certification alongside your degree. In a role like this, you may:Develop and deliver engaging and interactive lessons on various health-related topicsUse quizzes and other assessment tools to gauge student learningStay up to date on the latest health research and incorporate it into the curriculumDevelop school-wide initiatives to promote health among the student bodyCollaborate with other staff to develop curriculum materials and address student needsA bachelor's of public health program can prepare you for this role thanks to courses in nutrition, anatomy, and physiology, helping you deeply understand the body and what affects human health. You'll also be prepared to serve a critical role in sexual education and help curb the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.According to the BLS, high school teachers earn a median annual salary of $65,220 as of May 2023.Frequently asked questions about what you can do with a bachelor's in public healthWhat is a bachelor's in public health?A bachelor’s in public health is an undergraduate degree program that focuses on helping graduates gain the knowledge to address health disparities and improve community-wide health outcomes.What is a high-paying job you can get with a bachelor's in public health degree?Social and community services manager is one of the highest-paying roles you can be qualified for with a bachelor's in public health degree. According to the BLS, these professionals earn a median annual salary of $77,030 as of May 2023, with the highest 10% of earners in the field earning more than $127,550 a year.What skills will you learn in a bachelor's in public health program?In a bachelor’s in public health program, students learn skills such as research methods, analytical writing, program planning and implementation, patient education, and communicating with cultural competence.Skill DevelopmentCareerHealthcareShare this articleShare on FacebookShare on XShare on LinkedinShare on Email