Public Health Sciences

This program offers courses in areas such as community health, public health, health education, health and social justice among others. Students will learn how to identify and assess public health challenges, as well as develop and implement strategies to promote health and prevent disease in populations. Graduates of this program will be prepared for entry-level positions in public health organizations or to transfer to a four-year institution to continue their education in public health or related fields.

What is Public Health Science?

Public Health Sciences is a multidisciplinary field that aims to improve the health and well-being of populations through the prevention of disease and injury. It encompasses a range of scientific disciplines, including epidemiology, health education, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy, and social and behavioral sciences. Public Health Sciences professionals study the distribution and determinants of health and disease in populations, identify and address health disparities, and develop and implement policies and interventions to promote health and prevent illness. The goal of Public Health Sciences is to protect and improve the health of entire communities, rather than just individuals, through the promotion of healthy behaviors, the creation of healthy environments, and the provision of effective healthcare services. The major at Bakersfield College skill competencies include knowledge of public health models, health education and promotion, health risk assessments, health screenings and surveillance of disease outbreaks in a community.

Is Public Health Sciences Right for Me?

A Public Health Sciences major may be right for you if you are interested in improving the health and well-being of populations and have a passion for public service. Particularly if you enjoy working in interdisciplinary teams, have strong communication and problem-solving skills, and are committed to social justice and health equity. This is also suitable if you wish to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor's degree in public health or related.

Several traits and skills would make you a good fit for studying Public Health Sciences, including:

1. Passion for public service and improving the health of communities.
2. Analytical and critical thinking skills
3. Knowledge of and interest in scientific methods and research, including epidemiology, biostatistics, and data analysis
4. Ability to work well under pressure, prioritize tasks, and manage time effectively.
5. Cultural competence and sensitivity to the diverse needs of populations, including an understanding of social determinants of health.
6. Ethical decision-making and a commitment to social justice and health equity

These traits and skills are essential for success in Public Health Sciences and can help prepare you for a career in public health, healthcare administration, health policy, and related fields.

Public Health Science Degree and Certificates

Public Health Science Associate in Science Degree for Transfer

The Associate Science in Public Health Science for Transfer Degree (AS-T) focuses on disease and injury prevention strategies and health education for community and individual wellness.

Health Navigator Certificate of Achievement

Health Navigator is a health care professional who works as part of a team or health care system to reduce barriers to accessing health care and promoting prevention services.

Community Health Worker 1 Job Skills Certificate

Community Health Workers (CHW's) are members of the community who work either for pay or as volunteers in association with the local health care systems.

Public Health Informatics & Technology Job Skills Certificate

The Public Health Informatics professional works as part of a team in healthcare in the health care system to provide equitable health care by providing information and data which allows for informed and equitable public health decisions.

Learn more about the California Consortium for Public Health Informatics and Technology

Public Health for Non-Health Professionals Certificate of Completion (Noncredit)

The program is a 36 hours program that provides future and current professionals who do not have a public health background and want to work/are working with Community Based Organizations and or Faith Based Organizations with basic fundamentals of public Health.

Paying For Education

You CAN Afford BC

Don’t let finances get in the way of your goals. Get help paying for college costs like tuition, books, or sometimes even the rent with a variety of financial aid options to help you reach your educational and career goals.

I Can Afford College

Careers in Public Health

These careers can be found in various settings, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, hospitals and clinics, community health centers, research institutions, and private companies. Additionally, you can use this degree as a steppingstone to pursue a bachelor's degree or higher education in public health or related fields, which can lead to more advanced and specialized career opportunities.

Kern County Public Health Services (KCPHS)

Beyond BC

Transfer to a University

Graduates with an Associate Degree from Bakersfield College may choose to continue their education at a university to earn a 4-year degree. See your Counselor and/or a Transfer Specialist for specific questions, options, and opportunities.

Transfer Pathways

Academic Department: Behavioral Science

Career & Learning Pathway: Health Sciences (HS) Pathway

Courses: Public Health Sciences (PBHS)

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