What is public health?

Public health is the scientific study of promoting and protecting the health of people and where they live, learn, work and play.

With a degree in public health, you’ll explore how to solve pressing health challenges, such as preventing disease, reducing toxins in our environment, addressing health disparities and more.

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

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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, as well as health promotion and health behavior.

  • 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.
  • Help dismantle health disparities across the globe.

Public health to pre-med

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

Explore pre-med options

Fast-track your MPH

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

See MPH options

Make an impact

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

Learn about undergrad research

Yesina Castro

Yesina Castro
Health Promotion and Health Behavior ’13

"I am so glad one of my passions has a name -- public health."