Public Health
Earn an in-demand degree in public health.
Public health promotes and protects the health of people and the communities where they live, learn, work and play. With a bachelor's degree in public health, graduates can make an impact on public health locally and globally, conducting research, educating, and coordinating resources to prevent the spread of diseases.
Using real-world cases (such as those related to recent COVID-19 pandemic), field work and practicum, students in Duquesne's public health program learn what it takes to improve health care globally.
Duquesne's Public Health program follows the Accreditation Criteria for Standalone Baccalaureate Programs in Public Health adopted by the Council on Education for Public Health in 2016.
Program Information
The Duquesne University Public Health program provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to addressing public health challenges. Through a combination of coursework, research, and practical experiences, students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to promote health, prevent disease, and improve the well-being of communities.
Program Type
Major
Degree
Bachelor's
Duration
4-year
Required Credit Hours
131
Learning Outcomes
- Understand and apply foundational public health principles and biological sciences to analyze health data using statistical methods.
- Employ critical thinking to solve population health challenges through evidence-based approaches and project implementation.
- Communicate public health information effectively to diverse audiences using oral, written, and technological methods.
- Demonstrate ethical reasoning, integrity, and professionalism and understanding the regulatory aspects of public health practice.
- Exhibit cultural competence by engaging with diverse populations to address the social determinants of health and disparities with sensitivity and respect.
Along with a scientific background, it is essential that future physicians and other
health professionals also understand Public Health and the humanistic perspective
of health care. Learn how we provide undergraduate students with the necessary academic
preparation and a unique and clinically-relevant education that embodies this conceptCurriculum
*Students must complete at least one 1.5 credit Fieldwork experience; a 3-credit or
two 1.5-credit Fieldwork experiences are recommended.
*Students must complete at least one 1.5 credit Fieldwork experience; a 3-credit or
two 1.5-credit Fieldwork experiences are recommended.
Interested in becoming a Physician or Medical Professional?
Find your fit connecting science and service.
Want to study infectious and chronic diseases, environmental health and general epidemiology? Look at our Bachelor of Science degree, an interdisciplinary program that focuses on the scientific dimensions of health. While this degree can be used to start a career, it can also serve as a steppingstone to medical schools, pharmacy schools, and other health related professional programs.
If social, behavioral and community health aspects of public health, program planning, development, and assessment are more in line with your interests, explore our Bachelor of Arts degree.
Public health covers a broad range of disciplines and issues, including such topics as environmental pollution, access to health insurance, behavioral health, substance abuse, spread of infectious disease, bioterrorism, and obesity. The minor can serve as a precursor to further study in public health, other health professions, or any fields in which the health of persons and populations is a relevant concern.
Faculty and Staff
Health Administration and Public Health
Urmi Ashar, MBBS, MD, DNB, MBA
Assistant Professor and Director of Public Health
Elvin Khanjahani, PhD, CPH, CHDA
Assistant Professor
Joan Kiel, PhD, C.H.P.S.
Professor, Chairperson Healthcare Compliance
Jennifer Lasch, B.S.
Administrative Assistant II
Faina Linkov, PhD, MPH
Associate Professor
Jason Scibek, PhD, LAT, ATC
Department Chair and Associate Professor
Ariel Shensa, PhD, MA
Assistant Professor
Career Options
Make your mark on health care. There is a shortage of public health professionals globally. The projected percent change in employment from 2019 to 2029 is 13% increase. The average growth rate for all occupations is 4 percent.
Public health workforce shortages even more critical in much of the developing world. Despite representing 11% of the world's population and 24% of the global burden of disease, sub-Saharan Africa has only 3% of the world's health workers and commands less than 1% of the world's health expenditures.
Improve health outcomes in underserved communities. Assess air and water quality across the globe. Improve quality of life for an aging population. Public health graduates have many career paths available to them, often in non-profit, corporate, academic, government and hospital settings. Depending on the field you intend to study, the average salary is $62,000 but ranges from $38,000 to $112,000.
Become a Preceptor/Clinical Instructor
A clinical preceptor is an experienced healthcare professional who trains students in a real-world clinical setting. They act as mentors, role models, and supervisors, providing hands-on instruction and feedback to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need for their chosen healthcare field.
Contact Us
We would love to hear from you!
Jennifer Lasch, B.S.