What is Public Health?
Public health is often described as “the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health.” Unlike clinical medicine, which focuses on individual patients, public health works to improve health and well-being at the community, population and even global level. If you are passionate about making a difference in the health of local and global communities, then a degree in public health can help you launch a fulfilling, impactful career.
Students come to the Georgia State School of Public Health from a variety of academic backgrounds and with a range of interests. Their studies at Georgia State can encompass one or more of the fields listed below.
Applied Biostatistics
Applied biostatistics is the practical use of statistical methods to collect, analyze, interpret and present data in public health and related fields, such as the biological sciences and medicine. Training in applied biostatistics equips students with data analysis, quantitative reasoning and communication skills that in are high demand across a range of fields.
Biostatistics
The development and application of statistical reasoning and methods to improve health. Career paths include biostatistician, data analyst, informatics specialist, and research scientist.
Environmental Epidemiology
Studies the relationship between environmental factors and patterns of disease in populations. Career paths include environmental epidemiologist, clinical epidemiologist, consultant and research scientist.
Environmental Health
Examines the relationships between people and their environment and how environmental factors impact human health and well-being. Career paths include corporate health and safety director, environmental analyst, environmental scientist and toxicologist.
Epidemiology
Applies statistical techniques to understand the patterns and causes of health conditions and to develop and evaluate strategies for the prevention and control of diseases at the population level. Career paths include data scientists, pharmaceutical epidemiologist, medical epidemiologist and director of clinical research.
Global Health
Global health is an area of study, research and public health practice that focuses on improving the health of people around the world. This field develops, analyzes and implements solutions that transcend national boundaries to promote health for all. The teamwork and cross-cultural communication skills an education in global health cultivates are in demand across a range of fields and industries.
Health Management & Policy
Analyzes issues of access, quality and affordability while also identifying and implementing best practices. Career paths include policy analyst, public health officer, health scientist and behavioral scientist.
Health Promotion & Behavior
Analyzes issues of access, quality and affordability while also identifying and implementing best practices. Career paths include policy analyst, public health officer, health scientist and behavioral scientist.
Maternal and Child Health
Maternal and child health focuses on the development and implementation of practices and programs that improve the health and well-being of mothers, children and families. An education in maternal and child health complements expertise in fields such as nutrition, nursing, psychology, counseling and social work, among many others.
Career Outlook
Public health degree holders are in high demand at agencies, health care organizations, academic institutions, private companies and non-profit organizations. Learn more about median salaries for public health careers, the projected growth in demand for public health practitioners and the career resources that are available to Georgia State students.
Where do public health majors go after graduation?
- Health care: 27%
- Corporations: 24%
- Academia: 19%
- Government: 17%
- Nonprofits: 12%
- Other sectors: 1%
Join Us in Improving Health for All
Located in the heart of Atlanta, the Georgia State University School of Public Health provides a career-focused, practice-based education in a thriving global city. Our range of programs educate emerging leaders who are passionate about changing the lives of individuals and improving health and well-being at the community level. Learn more about our programs and join us in improving health for all.
Contact Us
Admissions
Academic Assistance
Building Address
Urban Life Building
Suite 300
140 Decatur St.
Atlanta, GA 30303
Mailing Address
School of Public Health
Office of Academic Assistance
P.O. Box 3995
Atlanta, GA 30302-3995