Public health is the practice of maintaining a healthy population through education, research, public policy, regulation of health systems and working health professionals. Public health professionals protect the health of the community, promote healthy lifestyles, and prevent disease and injury through research and education. Public health has been a national objective for more than three decades with focuses on increased public awareness, health equity, healthful behaviors across all life stages, and interaction of national, state, and local stakeholders to strengthen policies and improve practices (e.g., Healthy People 2020).

The A.S. degree in Public Health exposes students to the various contributors to public health – including the natural sciences, mathematics, ethics, and social sciences – to form a foundation of public health education. Students are afforded a strong background in science and math along with the general education requirements appropriate for continued Public Health study at a four-year institution.

Successful graduates of this program will be able to transfer to Mercer’s articulation affiliates (Rutgers: Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy or William Paterson University) to pursue a bachelor’s degree in their chosen area of specialization. Elsewhere in the state, Richard Stockton College and Montclair State University offer a B.S. in Public Health or Health Education while The College of New Jersey and Drew University offer a minor in Public Health.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

• Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts of public health;

• View the world and all of its resources with a greater understanding, insight, and appreciation with regard to public health;

• Understand key health issues as they relate locally, nationally, and globally;

• Demonstrate the ability to apply the scientific method of inquiry to gather and use information for the purpose of critical thinking, information analysis, and problem solving;

• Recognize that knowledge of history, literature, geography, and economics all play an important role in public health;

• Transfer and successfully pursue a baccalaureate degree in public health.

PUBLIC.HEALTH.AS - Public Health

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