Career
Public Health
Public Health Career Resources
Public Health Job Overview
Whether your goal is conducting epidemiological research, educating the public about current health topics, or becoming an environmental health specialist, WCU’s online Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) program and Master of Public Health (MPH) program help you develop and hone the skills needed to make a difference.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in public health, review the information below.
Various Public Health Jobs
A public health degree can help prepare you for a variety of jobs, including community health, epidemiology, and health education.
Community Health Workers implement programs and advocate for those who may have limited access to health resources and social services. Their aim is to promote wellness within their communities by helping people adopt healthier behaviors.
Epidemiologists are public health workers who investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury. Typically, epidemiologists need at least a master’s degree in public health or a related field to enter the occupation.
Health Education Specialists can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies, developing programs that teach people about conditions affecting their well-being.
Top Public Health Professional Qualities
The top qualities of public health professionals will depend on the nature of the role.
Community Health Worker Qualities
- Communication skills – must be able to clearly convey information in health-related materials to those they serve and in written proposals for programs and funding
- Cultural sensitivity – must be respectful of the communities they serve and be understanding of their concerns
- Instructional skills – often lead programs and facilitate discussions with clients
- Interpersonal skills – must be good listeners and be empathetic in responding to the needs of the diverse communities they serve
- Problem-solving skills – must think creatively about the best ways to serve their clients such as adapting program planning according to budgets or community needs
Epidemiologist Qualities
- Communication skills – must use speaking and writing skills to inform officials and the public about health risks as well as convey information effectively to other health workers
- Critical-thinking skills – must be able to consider a variety of resources in responding to a public health problem or health-related emergency
- Detail oriented – must be precise and accurate in moving from observation and interview to conclusions
- Leadership skills – may direct staff in research or in investigating a disease as well as assign work and evaluate staff performances
- Math and statistical skills – may need to use large databases and statistical computer programs to analyze data from the results of studies and surveys
Health Education Specialist Qualities
- Analytical skills – collect and evaluate data to determine the needs of the people they serve
- Communication skills – must be able to clearly convey information in health-related materials and in written proposals for programs and funding
- Instructional skills – often lead programs, teach classes, and facilitate discussion with clients and families.
- Interpersonal skills – must be good listeners and be empathetic in responding to the needs of the people they serve
- Problem-solving skills – must think creatively about improving the health of the community as well as solve problems that arise in planning programs, such as budget constraints or evolving community needs
For more, see these Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Profiles:
Public Health Job Interview Preparation
Public Health Volunteer Opportunities
When existing health programs are overburdened, some communities may require additional assistance. A public health volunteer or a group of volunteers can provide them with the assistance they require. At the same time, populations that do not already have medical programs may work with volunteers to establish them, making their communities more self-sufficient overall.
Organizations
These organizations have hired WCU graduates in the past. They can be a good place to start when it comes to looking for open roles in public health.
Have Questions?
Get in touch with our team
FAQs
What are some common public health interview questions?
Depending on the nature of the role, a public health interview can look different. Generally, an interview for a public health job will focus on your ability to address community health challenges, data analysis, and health education.
Here are some examples:
- Can you walk me through your resume?
- What draws you to the public health field?
- How would you design a community health program to address a specific health issue?
- Describe your experience with data collection and analysis in public health research.
- How do you approach educating a community about health risks and preventive measures?
- What is your experience working with diverse populations or underserved communities?
- How do you stay current on public health research and emerging health trends?
What should I include on my public health resume?
Your public health resume should emphasize your experience and knowledge most relevant to the role to which you’re applying. Key elements to include are a professional summary briefly explaining your qualifications, area of interest, and career goals, your work experience, education, skills you want to highlight that are relevant to the role, and any certifications.
Do I need certification to work in public health?
While certification is not always required, certain roles may benefit from or require it. Common certifications include:
- Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES): Recognized for professionals focused on health education and promotion.
- Certified Public Health (CPH): A broad certification for public health professionals working in various fields.
- Certified in Infection Control (CIC): Useful for epidemiologists or professionals working in infectious disease control.
How can WCU Career Services help?
Our Career Services offer a range of services, including career advising and resume review, so you can feel confident about every step of your job search. We’ll help prepare you for real job interviews and give you the tools you need to make a strong impression on hiring managers.
Additionally, we partner with hundreds of employers across various industries, helping to facilitate meaningful connections and opportunities between recruiting companies and our student and alumni populations.
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Community Health Workers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/community-health-workers.htm
2Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Epidemiologists, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/epidemiologists.htm
3Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Health Education Specialists, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm
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