What is public health?
Public Health at Mizzou is all about improving health at the community level. From vaccination campaigns and health education to policy development and disease prevention, public health focuses on creating solutions that make a lasting impact. You’ll explore how social, environmental and behavioral factors shape health, with key areas of study including epidemiology, health policy, and environmental health.
Watch the video below to learn more about public health at Mizzou.
What classes will I take?
Public Health students learn about the activities needed to promote and protect the health of people and the communities that they live in. A core curriculum of health education, epidemiology, environmental health, communication and culture help prepare students for a multitude of public health career paths. This includes classes such as:
- Introduction to Public Health
- Public Health Promotion and Program Planning
- Principals of Environmental Health
- Introduction to Epidemiology
View a full list of required courses.
Are there experiential learning opportunities?
Yes! The University of Missouri believes in learning by doing. Public Health students apply what they learn in the classroom through a required internship. This experiential learning opportunity allows students to gain real-world experience, develop professional skills, build meaningful connections and explore potential career paths while addressing the health challenges facing communities today.
Students can also take their learning abroad through a faculty-led study abroad program in Greece. By visiting healthcare organizations, community agencies and historic sites, students gain a deeper understanding of global health issues while experiencing another culture firsthand. Whether working in the community or traveling abroad, Public Health students graduate with experiences that prepare them to make an impact locally and globally.
Become a public health major
You can declare Public Health as your major at any point during your career at MU without a separate application.
- New students: Apply to MU and choose Public Health as your major.
- Current students: Declare or change your major.
Frequently asked questions
A major in public health is perfect for students who are passionate about promoting healthier communities and addressing pressing health challenges at a population level. Public health is ideal for those who thrive in collaboration, think critically, and seek innovative solutions to complex problems. Whether your goals include a career in healthcare, policy, research, education, or advocacy, public health equips you with the tools to create meaningful and lasting change in the world.
A bachelor’s degree in public health enables you to start your career in a setting such as a local public health agency, state department of health, community clinic, governmental unit or non-governmental organization. You’ll be prepared to address issues such as health promotion and health education, environmental health, health literacy, disaster preparedness, water quality, workplace health coordination, nutrition, health communication, injury and violence prevention, and a variety of other prevention issues.
Graduates also pursue advanced degrees in public health (MPH), health care administration (MHA), epidemiology, medicine, veterinary medicine, nursing, law, and prepare for roles in health policy, program management and research.
Mizzou’s Public Health degree prepares you for a variety of careers by offering customizable pathways that align with your interests and goals, including a new Pre-Professional Emphasis for students pursuing medicine, dentistry, physician assistant studies and other health professions. The program’s interdisciplinary approach combines public health with fields such as epidemiology, social and behavioral sciences, health policy and healthcare systems, giving you a well-rounded understanding of the factors that influence health. Through hands-on experiences, including a required internship and study abroad opportunities, you’ll graduate prepared to address complex health challenges and make a meaningful impact in your community and beyond.
Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) is the national credential for health educators. These specialists work in a variety of settings, including: universities, public schools, local and state health departments, non-profits, hospitals, corporations, and more. Learn more about CHES.
No, this degree is direct admit. If you are admitted to the University of Missouri, you will be admitted to the Public Health degree program.
Yes, the University of Missouri Public Health program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). Learn more about Mizzou’s CEPH accreditation.
At Mizzou, students can pursue any major while preparing for medical school. The Public Health Pre-Professional Emphasis is designed for students pursuing careers in medicine, dentistry, physician assistant studies and other health professions. While completing the coursework needed for professional school preparation, students also develop a broader understanding of population health, disease prevention and the social factors that impact health outcomes, providing a unique perspective that complements clinical training.