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Public Health Concentration in Healthcare
A public health concentration focuses on population-level health, disease prevention, and community wellness. It typically builds on the program core curriculum and adds courses in epidemiology, biostatistics, and environmental health. It is closely related to the healthcare policy concentration, which examines the legislation and economics that shape population health programs.
Quick Answers
What is a public health concentration in healthcare?
A public health concentration is a focused set of courses within a healthcare program that emphasizes this subject area.
What do you typically study in this concentration?
Coursework varies by school, but most programs cover core concepts, applied methods, and domain-specific tools related to public health.
Is this concentration available online?
Many schools offer this concentration online, but availability depends on degree level and start-term scheduling.
Back to Healthcare Concentrations
At a Glance
- Focus area: Population health, epidemiology, and disease prevention
- Key career: Epidemiologists – $87,220 median salary (BLS, May 2025)
- Employment: 11,460 epidemiologists nationwide (BLS, May 2025)
- Accreditation: CEPH accreditation available for MPH programs
- Degree levels: Available as bachelor’s concentration or graduate specialization (MPH)
For an overview of all degree paths, see the Healthcare Program Guide.
What you typically study
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| Epidemiology | Disease patterns, outbreak investigation, and study design methods |
| Biostatistics | Statistical analysis, data interpretation, and research methodology |
| Environmental Health | Environmental risk factors, toxicology basics, and exposure assessment |
| Health Behavior & Promotion | Behavior change theories, intervention design, and community engagement |
| Global Health | International health challenges, cross-border disease control, and health systems comparison |
| Public Health Policy | Policy development, evaluation frameworks, and advocacy for population health |
Questions to ask before choosing this concentration
- How many courses are required versus elective options?
- Are there prerequisite courses for this track?
- Does the concentration include a capstone or applied project?
- Is the concentration available online and in your desired term?
How healthcare concentrations compare
| Concentration | Key Career | Median Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Administration | Medical and Health Services Managers | $117,960 | 565,840 |
| Healthcare Management | Medical and Health Services Managers | $117,960 | 565,840 |
| Health Informatics | Health Information Technologists | $67,310 | 37,620 |
| Healthcare Policy | Epidemiologists | $83,980 | 11,460 |
| Health Education | Healthcare Social Workers | $68,090 | 185,940 |
| Public Health | Epidemiologists | $83,980 | 11,460 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Next Steps
- For CEPH-accredited MPH options, review the master’s in healthcare guide.
- Explore study guides and reference material in the resources library.
- Considering clinical population care? See the nursing program.
Data verified: June 7, 2026. Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.