Fairbanks School of Public Health
Please note: This program will no longer be available for enrollment to new students beginning with the summer 2023 term.
All aspects of our environment, whether natural or human-made, have an impact on our health. When our bodies interact with our physical surroundings, many diseases and health conditions can manifest; we see this when children and adults develop asthma from poor-quality air or when people get sick from contaminated food. Global health professionals work to improve public health by identifying, tracking, and addressing environmental risk factors. They go by many titles, including environmental health practitioner, environmental health officer, and public health official. Prevention is a key focus of global health protection. Global health specialists perform research, educate the public, help develop and implement public policy, improve the practices of businesses and the government, and create new technologies to help make our world cleaner and safer.
Global health is a great fit for individuals who are team players with a strong interest in science, a commitment to the public welfare, and an ability to see the big picture. It is also perfect for students looking to go on to professional programs like medicine and dentistry—and having a background in public health will really set you apart from the crowd!