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.
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.
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.
Career Outlook
Public health degree holders are in high demand at federal and state 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 Advancing Health Equity
Public health degree holders are in high demand at federal and state 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.
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