Public Health
Associate Degree

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Why NCC’s Associate in Public Health Program

Save lives through health education, counseling, access initiatives, promotional campaigns and more! The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Public Health degree program at Northampton Community College (NCC) equips you with experience in real-world settings, facilitated by an experienced instructor.

You can complete this 100% online program in 16-24 months with plenty of opportunities for student interaction and participation — so you can start your career or transfer to a four-year institution on a schedule that works for you.

 

Online Format - Study Wherever You Are

Take advantage of flexible learning opportunities in NCC’s public health online degree program. Balance your studies with other commitments while you expand your skills, collaborate with public health professionals and complete hands-on field experiences.

 

Fast Track Option - Earn Your Degree in 16 months

Equip yourself to enter the workforce ASAP or transfer into a four-year program with two years’ academic credits—in just 16 months. The accelerated associate degree in public health offers seven-week online courses throughout the year, empowering you to graduate faster.

 

What You’ll Learn as a Public Health Major

Study the basics of biology and public health through courses on social and cultural perspectives of health, public health across the lifespan, global health and more. In your second year, complete a first-hand field experience to deepen your understanding of both the local and international effects of public health initiatives. Connect with professionals in the field and apply your learning in practical scenarios.



Program Details

Semesters: 4

Credits: 62

College Catalog: View Curriculum

Program Map: Download PDF

Locations: Fully Online

Program Overview:

Build foundational understandings of biology, nutrition, epidemiology, and community and global health. Pair field experience with extensive study and research as you prepare to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate health education and public health programs. Develop proficiency with multiple levels of public health planning, risk factors, community health models, health research, and more factors and features that influence public health initiatives.

 

Additional Resources



Program Information

In their first year of the program, students study the basics of both biology and public health. Through courses such as Social and Cultural Perspectives of Health, they gain skills in planning, analyzing, and implementing health programs.

 

In the second year, first-hand experience in the field allows students to understand both local and global effects of public health initiatives. The capstone course gives students the chance to meet professionals in the field and apply what they've learned in the classroom to practical scenarios.

PUBH101 Introduction to Public Health
PUBH102 Introduction to Epidemiology
PUBH103 Social & Cultural Perspectives of Health
PHIL202G Ethics & Moral Problems
PSYC103 Introduction to Psychology
PUBH201 Introduction to Global Health
PUBH202 Public Health Across the Life Span
PUBH203 Public Health Education Communication
PUBH204 Community Health Practice
PUBH205 Public Health Field Experience



Tuition and Financial Aid

Earn your associate degree in public health online at NCC to save up to $40,000 per year on the first two years of a four-year bachelor’s degree! Our affordable tuition rates are accessible to students from all backgrounds, and we also offer one of the largest scholarship programs among Pennsylvania’s community colleges.



Prepare for Health Careers or Transfer

Join the workforce directly after graduation or transfer to a bachelor’s degree program in public health or other health specialties. Earning your public health associate degree online at NCC gives you access to more than 100 transfer agreements we hold with top colleges and universities across the country. Your advisor can help you navigate the transfer process, from finding programs to tailoring your courses to applications and enrollment.

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What Can You Do With a Public Health Degree?

Public health professionals contribute to health initiatives and work with community leaders to plan, implement and evaluate health education interventions. Enact change in families and communities through chronic and infectious disease awareness campaigns, vaccination programs, and family planning and prenatal care initiatives. The associate degree in public health online program helps you turn your passion for working with the public into meaningful action that promotes the health of communities and groups of citizens. You can go on to work for local, state or federal public health offices, as well as private industrial companies, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, research institutions and volunteer health agencies, such as the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association and the Alzheimer’s Association. Public health is a growing field: over the next decade, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects demand for health education specialists to increase by 7% and positions for community health workers to grow by 14%. Consider professional opportunities like: Although public health professionals often work for local, state or federal public health departments, federal agencies such as the NIH, CDC and branches of the armed forces also employ all types of public health workers. Private industrial companies, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions may also hire public health specialists to ensure health and safety standards. Voluntary health agencies, such as the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, and the Alzheimer's Association often employ public health professionals to run programs and assume administrative roles. Northampton graduates have found success in their careers as:

  • Health Promotion Counselor
  • Patient Navigator
  • Health Communications/Public Relations
  • Public Health Worker
  • Health Coach
  • Community Health Educator
  • Health Teacher
  • Wellness promotion Specialist

Need Help Deciding?

Reach out to our Academic Advisors to learn more about the public health online degree program and other academic opportunities at NCC. For support with career planning and finding your vocation, talk to one of our Career Counselors!


Contact a Career Counselor Connect with an Academic Advisor

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Learn More About NCC’s Online Public Health Program

Encourage healthy lifestyles and empower healthy communities with the Associate in Applied Science in Public Health degree from NCC. Apply now to study entirely online at a pace that works for you—as little as 16 months overall—and prepare to start your career or transfer to a four-year bachelor’s degree program.



Next Steps

With 120+ high-quality programs at a highly affordable cost, you can build specialized skills to advance in your career path — fast. And with flexible class formats and convenient locations, it's never been easier to join us.