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Degrees in public health permit individuals to begin a career in a field where trained professionals can positively impact their community. A career in public health offers the opportunity to make a difference every day. Public health officials are relied on to solve the most complex issues; such as poverty, drug addiction and even disaster control. Professionals in the public health field are equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to develop effective solutions to the most pressing problems within society. The individuals develop policies, improve access to essential resources, reduce environmental hazards and provide educational opportunities to the community and target populations.

1. Kaplan University

Kaplan University has been a pioneer in distance education since its early beginnings in 1938. Originally established for the purpose of providing preparation courses for standardized testing, Kaplan University has evolved into a highly regarded leader in distance education programs. Kaplan University offers an array of quality programs ranging from high school education through graduate degree programs. Students have the option of completing their programs entirely through online courses or at one of the numerous campuses located across the nation. Serving a student body of nearly 60,000 individuals from 19 countries around the world, Kaplan University offers a curriculum geared towards the global marketplace. Kaplan University is dedicated to the success of their students and committed to ensuring they meet their educational goals by providing flexible schedule options, expert resources and experienced instructors. Kaplan University is accredited by The Higher Learning commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The Master of Public Health degree program offered at Kaplan University provides students with a comprehensive curriculum which prepares students for careers in managerial positions within a range of professional settings. Students are trained to become leaders in their fields of interest by developing their skills in administration, ethics and communications. The program teaches students to apply scientific research and statistical methods and to develop public health policies designed to meet the needs of their communities. Students also learn to assess the impact of occupational and environmental elements on individuals and to create health education programs for the public. Three areas of emphasis are offered within the program; epidemiology, health education and public health program development. The required courses in the program include organizational development for health care, health care finance and economics, health information management and assessment, health behavior, applied biostatistics, applied epidemiology, public health biology, health policy and ethics in public health and occupational and environmental health.

[Click here to get more information about Kaplan's public health degree program]

 

2. Ashford University

Ashford University, founded in 1918, has become a national leader in distance learning due to their commitment to providing flexible high quality degree programs to diverse populations. The challenging liberal arts degree programs provide industry relevant curriculum which is regularly updated to incorporate advances in the fields. Students are offered the option to complete undergraduate and graduate degree programs, certificate programs and accelerated degree programs. A student centered institution; Ashford University equips their student with the leadership skills necessary to become successful in their fields of study. Students are instilled with an understanding of the importance of lifelong learning and ethical responsibility. The faculty members teaching the courses are industry experienced educators with graduate degrees. Ashford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Administration offered at Ashford University prepares students for careers in a range of professions including community and public health. Students complete a range of core courses intended to equip them with a fundamental understanding of the field. The program requires students to select an area of specialization form entrepreneurship, finance, human resources management, information systems, international management, long term care management, project management and public administration. Courses required within the major include the U.S. Health care system, social implications of medical issues, managing in health and human services, health care ethics and medical law, accounting concepts for health care professionals, health care financing and information systems, special populations, and community and public health.

[Click here for more information about Ashford's program]

 

3. Capella University

Capella University, founded in 1991, is an award winning provider of distance learning educational programs. The institution was developed for the purpose of offering working adults an opportunity to pursue their education and career goals without the impediments of the constraints of traditional schools. Capella University is dedicated to providing an innovative, high quality educational experience tailored to meet the needs of their students and ensure their success. Currently, Capella University offers more than 42 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to a student body of more than 37,000 individuals. The curriculum for the degree programs offered at Capella University are developed by industry experts in collaboration with the institution. Capella University is accredited by te Higher Learning commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The School of Public Service Leadership at Capella University offers a 60 credit Master of Public Health degree designed to meet the national curriculum standards for public health programs. The program examines the various factors which affect and influence the health of various populations including behavioral, social and psychological. Students study the administrative systems and public health issues, examine behavioral and social theories; explore research methodologies and international public health concerns. Students enrolled in the program are required to complete a collaborative project to attain practical experience. The program include the following courses: Survey of Public Health Concepts and Issues, Introduction to Public Health Administrative Systems, Environmental Health Concepts in Public Health, Psychological, Behavioral, and Social Issues in Public Health, Principles of Biostatistics, Principles of Epidemiology, Public Health Integrative Project, Public Health Professional Collaborative Project, Social and Behavioral Research Methods, Theories of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Public Health Program Planning and Evaluation, Assessment and Surveillance in Public Health, Public Health Information for Diverse Population, Health Disparities in the United States and International Public Health.

[Click here to get more info about Capella's public health degree program]

 

4. Walden University

Walden University was founded in 1970 and has emerged as a global leader in online education. A student centered institution; Walden University offers students exceptional programs, flexible schedules and expert resources. Walden University offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in an array of disciplines. The faculty members instructing the courses are nationally recognized experts with professional experience and renowned teaching skills. The instructors are dedicated to the success of their students, often serving as mentors to them. Students are instilled with an understanding of their ethical and social responsibilities as professionals and equipped with the most current knowledge and skills within their fields of study so that they can ‘effect positive change’. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.

Walden University offers public health degree programs at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels. The programs prepare students with the knowledge necessary to prevent disease and promote community wellness and health.

The curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Health Studies encompasses the breadth of the discipline. Students examine policies, organization, financing and the dynamics of the United States health care system. In addition to the theoretical studies, students attain a practical understanding of the field and develop the skills necessary to become leaders in the complex field. Students learn to anticipate changes in the health care industry and identify environmental hazards affecting the health of the population. Concentrations are offered in child development, disaster and emergency management, health communication, health and cultural diversity, health informatics, health psychology and behavior or a self designed area of focus. The Bachelor of Science in Health care Management provides students with the knowledge and skills to make a difference in the health care field.

[Click here to get more information about Walden's public health program]

 

5. Benedictine University

Benedictine University is a private, catholic institution which was founded in 1887. U.S. news and World Report has ranked the institution among the top schools in the Midwest. Benedictine University endeavors to instill value driven professionalism within their students; ensuring their graduates become ethical leaders within their fields. Students enrolled at Benedictine University receive a broad liberal arts education, global perspective and develop skills in communications, problem solving, ethics, professionalism and leadership. The 46 undergraduate majors, 13 masters programs, 2 doctoral programs and 4 adult accelerated undergraduate degree programs offered at Benedictine University provide students with a range of options intended to facilitate their educational and career success. The instructors teaching the courses have earned the highest degrees in their field and are dedicated to providing an exceptional educational experience. The adult programs are designed to permit students to work at their own pace and create schedules which accommodate their needs.

The 66 credit Master of Public Health degree program offered at Benedictine University encompasses the fundamental areas of study within the discipline. Graduates of the program are equipped with the skills necessary to effect change, respond to local needs and anticipate changes and needs within local and international public health. Students enrolled in the program are required to complete forty hours of core courses for the major intended providing a conceptual and factual skill base. The program offers student the opportunity to select an area of concentration in health education, dietetics, disaster management, health services administration and health policy. The concentration coursework requires the completion of twenty credits. The program includes studies in statistical reasoning, addressing, analyzing and solving public health problems, various approaches for preventing and controlling environmental hazards that might pose risks to human health, studying patterns of disease and injury in certain populations and developing public health programs and strategies. Students should also expect to complete an internship.

 

6. American Public University

American Public University is a highly regarded distance education provider which offers a range of respected and affordable degree and certificate programs. Graduates of the program are prepared to become successful and effective professionals in a diverse, global society. With more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs in fields ranging from security management to homeland security to sports management, American Public University is able to provide industry relevant, cutting edge degree programs to students interested in nearly every profession. The programs are flexible and can be tailored to meet the career goals and educational needs of the individual students. The curriculum is created by an advisory committee of corporate members who ensure the programs remain abreast of changes and advancements in every major. The faculty members are experienced industry professionals with strong academic backgrounds. American Public University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association and the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council.

The School of Public Safety and Health at American Public University offer an Associate of Science, Bachelor of Science and Master degree program in public health which trains public health professionals to respond to the health care needs of the national and international populations. Designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the public health issues confronting both the national and international communities, the program encompasses the breadth of the discipline. Students learn about the health care system, management, finances and structure. Students are also able to develop an area of concentration in emergency and disaster management. Courses within the program include moral issues in health care, Public health in American, health economics and finance, health services organization, wellness: health promotion and disease prevention, quarantine, epidemiology, public policy, biology, chemistry, consequence management, emergency and disaster incident command and emergency planning. To complete the program, students must take 38 credits in general education, 30 hours in general electives, 35 hours in core requirements and 12 in major requirements.

 

7. A.T. Still University of Health Sciences

A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, established in 1892, was the first college of osteopathic medicine in the nation. The university was instituted for the purpose of educating students to become compassionate and competent health care professionals committed to the advancement of the field. Offering more than twenty masters degrees and a range of doctorate degrees, A.T. Still University of Health Sciences has emerged into the leading health science university in the nation. Graduates of A.T. Still University are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to promote positive change in the health care industry and committed to lifelong learning. A.T. Still University is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The Master in public health degree offered at A.T. Still University of Health Sciences is a sixty credit, fifteen courses program which is completed entirely online. The program trains students to anticipate and address the health care needs of various communities and to become leaders dedicated to the improvement of the health of their communities. Students learn to become competent professionals capable of devising and implementing health care resources and health care educational programs intended to confront complex national and global health care issues such as violence, injury, substance abuse, infectious diseases and environmental hazards. Courses within the program include health services in the U.S., A lifespan Approach, epidemiology, fundamentals of research in public health, introduction to public health concepts, biostatistics, environmental health sciences, public health financial management, human resource management and public health policy and politics.

 

8. American Military University

A member of the American Public University System, American Military University serves a student body of over 50,000 students located in more than 100 countries and offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs. The flexible degree programs can be tailored to meet the individual needs of the students; with monthly enrollment options and eight or sixteen week sessions offered. The course syllabus, assignments, procedures and tests are all available online with course materials mailed to the students to assist with completion of the assignments. The 200 full time faculty members are experts from around the world with real world experience as leaders in government, business and public safety organizations. American Military University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association and the Accrediting commission of the Distance Education and Training Council.

American Military University offers several degree options for the public health major; Associate of Science in Public Health, Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Master of Public Health. The programs are designed to prepare students for careers in the public health field; monitoring and evaluating the needs of the communities in which they work and around the globe. Students learn to identify environmental hazards, promote health practices and behaviors and to develop and implement effective health policies. The program ensures students develop a comprehensive understanding of the public health issues confronting society. Students complete coursework in science, psychology, sociology, public law, policy and administration as well as management and finances. Specialization areas are offered in emergency and disaster management or homeland security. Courses within the program include moral issues in health care, public health in American, epidemiology, quarantine, public policy, research analysis and writing and health services organizations.

 

9. Duquesne University

Duquesne University, established in 1878, is a private, catholic university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania containing 10 colleges and schools. Consistently ranked by U.S. News and World Report among the top tiered national universities, Duquesne University has become a leading institution. The high quality, flexible degree programs offered through online formats offered at Duquesne University provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful professionals in their field of study. Degrees are offered in a range of disciplines at associate, bachelor and graduate levels. Duquesne University boasts an international student body of more than 10,000 comprised of individuals from 80 different countries. The faculty members teaching the courses are committed to academic excellence and provide real world insight to their students.

The 36 credit Master of Arts in Policy Analysis and Administration offered at Duqesne University provides students with the fundamental skills required for a career in policy and administration. Students are taught the techniques of policy analysis and social science research methodology, learn the nature of policy making, and examine the various organizational areas requiring trained professionals such as the public and private sectors as well as non profit organizations. The program permits students to investigate a specific area of study within the field; environment, housing, community development or health. Students who intend to pursue a career in public health will attain the knowledge necessary to become successful as professionals within the industry. Required courses include social and public policy analysis, politics of civic problems, women and politics, policy implementation, American politics and policy, research methods and six credits in health.

 

10. Philadelphia University

Philadelphia University, founded in 1884, is a private institution recognized as a leader in many areas of study; architecture, design, engineering, business, textiles, science and health. Offering more than fifty areas of study in six schools, Philadelphia University is dedicated to providing high quality, challenging degree programs with flexible schedules which can be tailored to meet the needs of their students. Philadelphia University’s distance learning program uses the latest and most advanced technologies to deliver their courses. Students are able to participate in asynchronous and synchronous discussion boards, complete online testing and assignments, access online journals and syllabus and enjoy an interactive educational experience comparable to that enjoyed by traditional students. Philadelphia University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

The 36 credit Master of Science in Disaster Medicine and Management offered at Philadelphia University provides an innovative and challenging program. The program was developed in response to current pressing issues which have become increasingly prevalent in the world today. Environmental disasters, threats of terrorism and environmental hazards have created a need for qualified, trained individuals with knowledge in these areas. Students enrolled in the disaster medicine and management program will study public health in relation to hazards such as earthquakes, hurricanes, war, chemical and biological terrorism, major power grid disruptions and mass casualty situations. The program evaluates and analyzes the public safety policies and health systems and emergency medical services and examines disaster emergency planning and management. All facets of the field are encompassed in this rigorous program. The program can be completed in one to three years with courses taken in four 12 week semesters.

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