Public health is a field of study that is becoming increasingly important in the world today. With the rise of global health issues, the need for qualified professionals in public health is becoming more and more urgent. As such, many students are now considering pursuing degrees in public health and are wondering if a STEM degree in public health is right for them. In this article, we will take a look at what a public health STEM major entails, the benefits of pursuing one, and how to know if it is the right fit for you.
What is a Public Health STEM Major?
A public health STEM major is a degree program that focuses on the study of the environment, its effects on human health, and how to make changes to improve human health outcomes. These programs typically integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to explore topics such as disease prevention, health care delivery, and public health policy.
What Do Public Health STEM Majors Study?
Public health STEM majors typically take courses in biology, chemistry, physics, epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy, and health economics. They may also take courses in nutrition, public health communication, and public health law. Additionally, some programs offer courses in global health, health informatics, and health services research.
Benefits of Pursuing a Public Health STEM Major
There are many benefits to pursuing a public health STEM major. These include:
1. A Broad Understanding of Health Issues
A public health STEM major provides students with a broad understanding of health issues and how they are addressed. This knowledge can be used to help inform policy decisions, develop strategies to improve public health, and create solutions to address global health problems.
2. Valuable Job Skills
Public health STEM majors develop valuable job skills in areas such as data analysis, epidemiology, and research. These skills can be used in a variety of fields, including public health, health care, and research.
3. An Opportunity to Make a Difference
Public health STEM majors have an opportunity to make a difference in the world by using their knowledge to help improve public health outcomes. This can be done through research, policy development, and advocacy.
How to Know if a Public Health STEM Major is Right for You
Before making the decision to pursue a public health STEM major, it is important to consider your own interests, skills, and career goals. If you are passionate about making a difference in the world and have strong analytical, research, and communication skills, then a public health STEM major may be the right fit for you. Additionally, if you are interested in a career in public health, research, or policy, then this major can provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue these career paths.
Conclusion
A public health STEM major is an excellent choice for students who are interested in making a difference in the world and have the skills and knowledge to do so. This major provides students with an understanding of health issues, develops valuable job skills, and provides an opportunity to make a difference in the world. If you are considering pursuing a public health STEM major, then it is important to consider your own interests, skills, and career goals to determine if this major is the right fit for you.