What is public health?

What is public health?

Public health professionals promote and protect the health of people and communities – where they live, learn, work and play.

With a degree in public health, you’ll explore how to solve pressing health challenges, as well as prevent disease, reduce toxins in our environment, address health disparities and more.

Be part of the solution for ongoing and emerging public health issues and advocate for health equity.

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What can you do with a degree in public health?

At Oregon State University, we offer degree options in health management and policy, health promotion and health behavior, and a general public health option.

  • Learn to create organizational and legislative solutions for complex health challenges. 
  • Be a leader in health care.
  • Dig deep into the behavioral and social influences on health and disease.
  • Address health across the lifespan, including health disparities and health equity.
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Explore pre-med options

Public health to pre-med

A background rooted in public health offers a unique path to medical school.

Explore pre-med options

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MPH program options

Fast-track your MPH

As an Oregon State undergraduate student, you may be eligible for the accelerated graduate program.

See MPH options

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Undergrad research

Make an impact

Gain hands-on experience by assisting with faculty-led research projects. 

Learn about undergrad research

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Carrington Fastelin

Carrington Fastelin, ‘23

"Public health addresses everything I am passionate about: people, human health, environmental health, affordable housing, environmental and social justice, structural racism, inequality, nutrition and more."

Meet Carrington