Public Health

For UC Davis Students

Public health consists of various specialty areas that address the physical, mental and environmental health concerns of communities and populations at risk for disease and injury. Its goal is to enhance quality of life through the application of health promotion and disease prevention technologies and interventions. Public health is open to all undergraduate students with a variety of majors, from the biological sciences to social sciences.

Public health is comprised of many professional disciplines such as medicine, dentistry, nursing, optometry, nutrition, social work, environmental sciences, health education, health services administration, and the behavioral sciences. Its activities focus on entire populations rather than on individual patients.

Schools of public health and public health programs differ in size and opportunities. In a school of public health, there are different departments focusing on specific public health areas. This means that more concentration areas will be offered. A public health program is part of a medical school or graduate school department and usually has a single focus, such as health education. However, an MPH or related degree will have the same credibility, regardless of the institution.

For additional information refer to the “What is Public Health?” on the handouts page.

Health Sciences Advising has advising staff who are eager to assist you in your quest towards a career in public health.