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 and adds courses in epidemiology, biostatistics, and environmental health.
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 – $83,980 median salary (BLS, May 2024)
- Employment: 11,460 epidemiologists nationwide (BLS, May 2024)
- 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 2024.