This concentration in the Health Department  is designed for students interested in seeking careers as environmental health specialists or public health sanitarians. Such professionals apply the principles of the natural and social sciences to the detection, evaluation, control and management of those factors in the environment which influence health. These professionals typically work in governmental agencies or industry.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Assess a community's health needs to determine priority areas amenable to intervention.
2. Utilize models, theories, and frameworks to assess, develop, or plan community health interventions.
3. Analyze the impact and role of public health systems and the environment in the design and planning of community health interventions.
4. Analyze a health issue using an ecological framework to identify opportunities for intervention.
5. Plan an evidence-based program to address a community's health needs and improve quality of life.
6. Select and apply valid sources of secondary data when engaging in community health practice.
7. Collect, analyze, and interpret primary and secondary data needed to address a research question, to evaluate the effectiveness of a program/service, or to assess the health needs of a community.
8. Use the research literature to identify evidence based practices for public health interventions.
9. Plan, implement, and evaluate a health intervention to promote health at the individual, community, or policy level.
10. Collaborate with other community health professionals, stakeholders, and participants to address a community's needs.
11. Effectively communicate community health information in oral and written forms through a variety of sources and channels.
12. Apply ethical principles when working with organizations, communities, and individuals.
13. Demonstrate cultural competence when working with diverse populations.
14. Demonstrate the dispositions needed to be an effective public health professional.
15. Articulate a plan for achieving a career of their choice in public health.

Career Potential

• Public health sanitarian with a county health department
• Specialist with governmental agencies such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Environmental Protection Agency
• Environmental specialist with businesses and corporations
• Emergency management and response specialist