Public Health
Why study 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
"COCC teaches open minds and open hearts for this incredibly crucial fabric of our community. The curriculum for COCC Public Health students includes guest speakers and community panels with lived experiences and up-close public health realities. We have been very fortunate to provide learning to, and learn from, COCC students."
FUTURE STUDENTS
Learn more about attending Central Oregon Community College.
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
Important Links
Related Programs
Contacts
Health and Human Performance Department
541-383-7760
Department Directory
Sarah Baron
Assistant Professor II, Public Health
541-383-7764
sbaron@cocc.edu
How to Pay for College
Our Financial Aid staff can guide you through ways to pay for college.
Learn More
COCC's Admissions Specialists provide webinars and virtual sessions to learn more about COCC.