Bachelor of Applied Science - Public Health - School Health Education

University of Minnesota Duluth's (UMD) Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Public Health prepares graduates to practice in a variety of sites, such as public health departments, nonprofit agencies, hospitals, businesses, and educational institutions. UMD faculty, staff, and students work as a team to develop professional, caring leaders who are committed to protecting and promoting the health of individuals, families, and communities.

The Public Health B.A.Sc. offers students many learning and leadership opportunities:

• Positive learning environment that promotes community support and excellence
• Involvement in student groups and professional organizations
• Hands-on community-based learning experiences
• Assistantship opportunities in research, teaching, lab management, communication, and event coordination
• Work with peers and community members of diverse backgrounds
• Internship experience in real-world settings
• Study abroad opportunities

Students can select from two areas of concentration in either Community Health Education & Promotion or School Health Education.

School Health Education Concentration:

Students who graduate with a B.A.Sc. in Public Health with a concentration in School Health Education are qualified to teach K-12 health curriculum in Minnesota school systems. A school health educator improves the health literacy and health behaviors of young people through education about health and wellness topics, such as exercise, nutrition, stress, personal growth, and safety.

Acquired Skills

• Students will gain experiential understanding of areas of responsibility of a health education specialist through active learning.
• Effectively communicate through several mediums including oral, written, and multimedia.
• Understand theories and research used in health education.
• Work with diverse people in determining their needs for public health programming.
• Develop health literacy skills, which include the ability to access, understand, appraise, apply, and advocate for health information and services in order to maintain or enhance one's own health and the health of others.
• Graduates are prepared to teach to SHAPE America standards. (School Concentration)

Career Possibilities

Entry-level positions:

• Public or School Health Education Specialist
• Health Educator, Health Coach, or Patient Educator
• Workplace Wellness Coordinator
• Health Marketing/Communication Director
• County/State Public Health Worker
• Public Health Intervention Planner/Evaluator

Advanced Degrees in:

• Community Health, Maternal/Child Health
• Epidemiology and Statistics
• Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Therapy
• Public Health Administration
• Environmental Health & Safety