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An advanced degree in public health can prepare you to tackle the world’s most pressing public health challenges through careers in government, nonprofits, health care, research and more. 

Public health programs look for students with a solid foundation in the natural sciences, social sciences, or data science; a passion for health equity; and health-related volunteer and work experience. With ³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Public Health concentration, you’ll build a foundation of knowledge and skills that will help prepare you for graduate school and beyond.

Earning a Master of Health Science (M.H.S.) or Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree after your bachelor’s degree can take an additional one to two years. A doctorate (Ph.D.) in Public Health may take four to seven years (less if you earn a master’s first). 

You can apply to some programs directly after earning your bachelor’s degree from Whitman. Others may require one or two years of relevant work experience first, which may include service in the Peace Corps, international health programs, internships with state or county public health departments, or work with federal health agencies.

You can learn more about careers in public health from the (ASPPH). And you can compare public health programs in the ASPPH’s .

Plan of Study

The five core academic disciplines of public health are: 

• Biostatistics
• Epidemiology
• Health services
• Health education and behavior
• Environmental health 

Many public health programs offer additional specialization in international health, maternal and child health, nutrition, or public health policy and practice. 

Since each program sets its own requirements, it is difficult to recommend a standard set of prerequisite courses. Review the specific requirements of the schools you plan to apply to—and work with your Health Professions Advisor to develop a plan of study at Whitman. 

In general: 

• Courses in mathematics, chemistry and the life sciences are beneficial for students interested in environmental health, epidemiology or biostatistics programs
• Courses in anthropology, psychology and sociology are good preparation for health education and behavior and global health programs
• Courses in economics can provide a sound background for health policy programs