Public Health (HS-U)

Students pursuing a Health Sciences - Public Health major at Drake will complete courses that promote and support individual and community health and well-being.

Drake’s public health major develops the critical thinking and analytic skills necessary to address topics such as access to health care, health promotion, disease prevention, health disparities, health economics, health policy, and others.

What can you do with a public health degree?

Drake’s Public Health major prepares you for post-graduate work or careers with county, state, or federal government agencies, as well as international governments and organizations. Students with a public health major may also work for private nonprofit and for-profit organizations related to the health care system, ranging from advocacy organizations to pharmaceutical corporations. Students may also go on to graduate school in Public Health or other areas.

Career Options

There are many career options with a public health degree. To prepare our seniors, our CPHS Office of Experiential Education will help identify an internship opportunity, which could include experiences at the Polk County, Iowa Department of Public Health, or other health care agencies.

Questions?

Learn more about one of the best public health programs, what the major has to offer, and internship/career opportunities that are available to our students.

Other Joint Degree Options

Drake Public Health (HS-U) + Des Moines University MHA or MPH

Students in the Public Health major also have the opportunity to study in two dual-degree programs through our partnership with Des Moines University. Students interested in pursuing a career in health care administration can add a Master of Health Care Administration (MHA) to their Bachelor's degree. Students interested in pursuing a career in public health can add a Master of Public Health (MPH) to their degree. 

Review the Program Plan for 3+2 HS-U/MHA (DMU) or 3+2 HS-U/MPH (DMU) for more information about your curricular requirements.