Public health is one of the quickly evolving subject areas in the world, focusing on the health at the population level by dealing with hygiene, epidemiology, and disease prevention.  Despite being small by size, New Jersey is among the states with the highest population density in the country, carrying over 8.9 million residents. There is a large disparity in health status here due to various social, economic, and biological factors. Many health problems need to be addressed in this area, such as low birthweight, preventable hospitalization, obesity and drug use.  Therefore, the job prospects in public health are quite favorable in the local community and neighboring states.

The  minor in Public Health consists of five courses (i.e., 20 credits). All courses in the minor discuss relevant health topics under the interdisciplinary, intercultural, and international scopes. The students will gain knowledge on the history, core values and concepts of public health. They will be able to use tools of public health data collection and evidence-based approaches to identify and address major health needs and concerns of populations.

Particularly, in the midst of a global pandemic, the need for public health officials and data scientists to come together has never been more apparent.  The collection and use of accurate and reliable data to make informed decisions about intervention strategies is a cornerstone of our current public health organizations.  This minor allows you to understand the landscape of public health to make a real difference in people’s lives.

1. Students are required to take 5 courses (lecture and lab co-requisites count as one course) to complete this minor.
2. At least half of the courses fulfilling a minor must be distinct from the student’s major. That is, three of the five courses (lecture and lab co-requisites count as one course) required for a minor cannot be used towards fulfillment of major requirements. A School Core does not need to be completed for a minor. Minors are open to students regardless of school affiliation.
3. Not all courses are offered each semester. Please check the current Schedule of Classes for semester course offerings.

PUBLIC HEALTH MINOR

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