Why Study Public Health at OCC?
Interested in making a difference in the health of entire communities? Public health careers are projected to grow faster than other segments of the workforce. A degree in public health prepares students to prevent disease, promote healthy lifestyles, and address health challenges that affect populations locally and globally. Ocean County College’s Public Health program allows you to start building the knowledge and skills needed to improve health outcomes and create healthier communities.
What You Will Learn
Ocean County College’s public health concentration prepares students to improve the health and well-being of communities through education, prevention, and advocacy. Students explore key topics such as the dimensions of wellness, social determinants of health, and health promotion. Through experiential learning, students develop the skills needed to address real-world public health challenges. This program provides a foundation for transfer to a four-year institution and careers in public health, community health, and related fields.
Core skills and competencies include:
- Community health assessment and advocacy
- Health promotion and disease prevention strategies
- Analysis of social determinants of health
- Implementation of wellness education initiatives
- Population health problem-solving
- Identification of community health challenges
Where Passion Becomes a Career
Public Health majors typically pursue careers promoting health and preventing disease in communities, working as health educators, community health workers, epidemiologists, or public health program coordinators. Graduates also find opportunities in government agencies, nonprofits, hospitals, and research organizations, with many continuing to study in public health, health administration, or related fields to advance their careers.
Transfer Opportunities
Credits earned at Ocean County College transfer to four-year colleges and universities, giving students the flexibility to continue their education at accredited institutions.
Connect with our Transfer Services team to ensure a smooth path to your bachelor’s degree.
At A Glance
Length
60 credit hours
~2 Years to Complete
Cost
For Ocean County Residents
Summer – $206 per credit
Effective Fall – $216.00 per credit
Modality
In Person
Academic Pathways
This program is designed to transfer. Where you go next is up to you! After earning your degree at OCC, seamlessly transfer your credits to a four-year college or university, setting the stage for continued academic and career success.
Associate
Gain foundational knowledge in public health, including the roles of public health professionals, core principles of disease prevention, and strategies for promoting community well-being. Coursework also covers state, federal, and international health policies to prepare students for entry-level roles in health-focused organizations.
Bachelors
Seamlessly transfer to a four-year institution to continue studies in public health, epidemiology, health education, or other specialized areas of public health. Students can build expertise and prepare for graduate-level programs, including a Master of Public Health (MPH).
Career
Pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree to advance your expertise and career. Many roles in the field, such as Epidemiologist or Health Policy Analyst, may require graduate-level education, and most accredited MPH programs include core areas such as biostatistics, environmental health, health services administration, and behavioral sciences.
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