Health Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Public Health—Population Health Specialization

About the Population Health Specialization

A Bachelor's Degree in Public Health equips you with the skills needed to be a successful public health professional and also prepares you for further study in master's or doctorate programs. Our program aims to educate and empower the emerging generation of public health leaders. Population health focuses on the distribution of health across different communities. Understanding issues and situations that harm people’s potential for health, well-being, and quality of life enables public health professionals to develop effective strategies to improve outcomes.

Why Study Population Health at CWU?

Graduates of this program prioritize upstream approaches to health for all.

You will have the opportunity to undertake internships and other practical experiences in Washington, around the region, and the world. Our graduates go on to work in public health agencies, nonprofit organizations, and corporations. Many pursue graduate programs in public health and other disciplines, including law and social work, as well as medicine and other health professions.

“Our current students are now being hired by public health departments so, they’re finishing their classes online while they’re working on the front lines.” Casey Mace is a faculty member in the Department of Health Sciences

Where is this program offered?

• Ellensburg
• Online

How much does this program cost?

Explore information on Cost, Aid, and Value to make an informed decision about investing in your education at CWU.

Where can I find more information?

Please visit the CWU Academic Catalog for current information about admission requirements, course descriptions, learner outcomes, and credit information.

Careers & Opportunities

Our Public Health Major, with its specialization in population health, will prepare you for jobs in health-related fields. Career pathways include:

• Social and Community Service Manager, average annual wage for a Community Health Worker: $47,780
• Public Health Specialist, average annual wage: $64,930. Olympia-Tumwater, WA area ranked #2 in Metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs for this profession
• Healthcare Consultant
• Survey Statistician

If you are interested in continuing your education in a health-related field, find more information about Health Careers

Highlights

The Public Health Program operates a Community Response Lab focused on emerging research and best practices in response to the needs of rural communities in the Pacific Northwest region.