Public Health

Public Health is the science and art of preventing disease.

As a field of study, public health focuses on promoting and protecting the health of people and the communities where they live, learn, work and play. An interdisciplinary field, public health combines information from multiple fields of study including biology, sociology, politics, social justice as well as communication studies.

Public heath uses both biological and social determinants of health (conditions including socioeconomic status, education, environment, health care, employment, and social support networks) as a framework for understanding health outcomes and why some people are more likely to suffer from poor health than others.  Public health focuses on understanding the lived experiences of populations and giving science-based solutions to problems.

Through a newly updated curriculum, the Public Heath (PH) program provides students with a methodical and dynamic hands-on educational experience. One that prepares them to effectively and compassionately improve the public's health and advocate for social justice through community involvement and collaboration.

Contact Us

Academic Advisor

Jennifer Leita
CV 201A, MS-9067
360-650-4377
Jen.Leita@wwu.edu

Program Coordinator

Steve Bennett
CV 182B, MS-9067
360-650-4268
bennet63@wwu.edu