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November 20, 2024Maria College Launches Bachelor’s in Public Health to Address Looming Workforce Shortage
In response to a projected loss of more than 100,000 public health professionals in the U.S. by 2025, Maria College will launch a bachelor of science degree and minor in public health in January 2025.
Designed for those passionate about health but not focused on direct patient care, the program enables graduates to pursue career opportunities in hospitals, government agencies, managed care organizations, non-profits, insurance companies, and community-based organizations.
“The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the urgent need for trained public health workers,” said Dr. Wendy Parker, MPA, Ph.D., director of Community Health Programs at Maria College. “As local and state healthcare workers retire, we require new leaders. Our program prepares students for vital roles such as health promotion specialists, epidemiologists, community health workers, healthcare data analysts, and patient navigators. These in-demand positions tackle critical issues like health disparities, food insecurity, and infectious disease outbreaks, providing a work-ready degree focused on promoting health and preventing disease in our communities.”
The four-year program is tailored for both traditional and non-traditional students and is ideal for those dedicated to community service and problem solving, and healthcare professionals looking to advance their careers. Offered in a hybrid format, the program combines in-person and online learning to accommodate students with diverse schedules and commitments.
The curriculum, which is taught in small classes, provides a thorough understanding of the healthcare landscape and the complex factors influencing health outcomes. Students will take courses in social determinants of health, epidemiology, health promotions, healthcare ethics, research methods, health communication, and data analysis.
In addition to the B.S. degree, Maria College will offer a minor in public health, allowing students in other programs to gain valuable skills in health promotion and policy.
“Maria College is especially well-known for its nursing program,” said Dr. Parker. “Nursing students completing the minor will gain valuable insights into the social and environmental factors affecting patient health, which makes them more attractive to employers. The program complements our nursing courses, giving students a deeper understanding of health systems, health promotion, and community advocacy.”
Public health students will gain hands-on experience through internships with local organizations like Albany Medical Center, MVP Health Care, and Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region. These internships allow them to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world situations.
“At Maria College, our deep connection to the community reflects our Mercy mission,” concluded Maria College President Dr. Lynn Ortale. “This exciting new program continues that tradition, preparing graduates to help individuals manage their health and tackle broader public health challenges, particularly in the Capital Region, which faces higher rates of infectious diseases and food insecurity.”
For more information on how to apply, please visit https://mariacollege.edu/academics/liberal-arts/public-health. You can also email Wendy Parker, director of Community Health Programs, at wparker@mariacollege.edu.
