Public Health

Grounded in the tenets of disease prevention, health promotion, health and social equity, and environmental sustainability, COCC’s Public Health program encourages students to promote personal and population health using a systems-thinking approach to understand the health connections between people, places, and policies. With experiential learning in the form of labs and field trips, and with hands-on practicum opportunities through partner public health agencies, students trace the full arc of community health, from local farms to the front lines of primary health care. The program’s curriculum centers on equity, environment, and sustainability to help build a holistic appreciation for the field and its impact. Educational paths include an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree with an emphasis in Public Health, and an 11-week Community Health Worker training. 

Community Health Worker     Peer Support Specialist

Program-Specific Information

Public health careers include program planners, program evaluators, researchers, educators, epidemiologists, health and safety engineers, advocacy and policy advisors, health communication specialists, community developers and organizers, global health development officers, minority health and health disparities experts, and environmental health specialists. Work activities may include developing educational programs, creating health promotion policies, providing social services, conducting mixed-methods research, and leading community development and health systems reform.

Unique Features

• Community Health Worker
• Peer Support Specialist
• Practicums

Important Links

• Explore all Health Career programs at COCC

Related Disciplines

• Human Services

CAREER INFORMATION

Explore public health careers.

Career Paths in Public Health

STUDENT STORIES

Hear from Public Health students and graduates.

Student and Alumni Stories

MEET OUR FACULTY

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Faculty Profiles