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Pathways to Public Health

Christina Heminger and Andrew Wiss

Pathways to Public Health introduces you to a wide array of topics that are fundamental to public health and its place within the broader health sector. These topics are an essential starting point for the study of public health, including as preparation for the Maternal and Child Health MicroMasters. This course examines important and impactful public health topics, approaches, and methodologies, including but not limited to: the genetic and biological basis for disease, environmental factors, social determinants of health, individual levels of behavior change, globalization, research methods, and many more.

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Pathways to Public Health introduces you to a wide array of topics that are fundamental to public health and its place within the broader health sector. These topics are an essential starting point for the study of public health, including as preparation for the Maternal and Child Health MicroMasters. This course examines important and impactful public health topics, approaches, and methodologies, including but not limited to: the genetic and biological basis for disease, environmental factors, social determinants of health, individual levels of behavior change, globalization, research methods, and many more.

This course provides a valuable introduction to core public health concepts, theories, and language that will inform your understanding of persistent and emerging health issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, health disparities, and the impact of climate change on human health.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Describe the essential functions and services of public health in both the domestic united states and international settings.
  • Discuss issues public health attempts to address relating to: health disparities, health services delivery and access, epidemiology, global health, changing health behaviors, prevention, influencing policy, and the importance of evidence in decision making.
  • Describe the various professional roles public health professionals play, and their intersections with outside professions.
  • Identify underlying influencers of individual and community health, including the social, environmental, commercial, and biological determinants of health.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Equips learners with a solid foundation in public health ideas and terminology, which will aid comprehension of present and emerging health concerns
Prepares learners for the Maternal and Child Health MicroMasters, indicating a focus on real-world application
Explores various public health professions and their connections with other fields
Outlines the critical roles and services of public health organizations within the United States and globally
Emphasizes the impact of social, environmental, and biological variables on health, reinforcing a holistic approach
Suitable for students studying Maternal and Child Health, expanding their knowledge of public health concepts

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Reviews summary

Public health: foundational & relevant overview

According to learners, this course provides a largely positive and comprehensive overview of public health. Students appreciate the up-to-date discussions on global challenges like pandemics and health disparities, highlighting the course's relevance. The instructors are frequently praised for their clear and engaging lectures, making complex topics accessible. While many find it an excellent starting point for beginners in the field, some reviewers note its theoretical focus and express a desire for more practical applications or career-specific guidance, suggesting it's less about job training and more about foundational knowledge. The assignments are generally considered fair, with flexible deadlines being a bonus for busy professionals.
Assignments are reasonable, with flexibility for busy learners.
"The quizzes tested understanding without being overly difficult."
"The assignments were fair, but I wished for more interactive elements or case studies."
"The flexibility with deadlines was also a huge plus, allowing me to manage it alongside my full-time job."
The course has been updated, indicating responsiveness to feedback.
"I heard they updated some modules, which is great, but my experience was with the older version."
Instructors are praised for their clear, engaging, and passionate teaching.
"The content is relevant and the instructors are knowledgeable."
"The lectures by Dr. Smith were incredibly clear and engaging."
"The instructors' passion for the subject truly shines through."
Content addresses current global health issues and is highly relevant.
"I particularly appreciated the up-to-date discussions on global health challenges like pandemics and climate change."
"The course material was always relevant."
"The content is relevant and the instructors are knowledgeable."
An excellent introductory course, particularly for newcomers to the field.
"It’s a great starting point for beginners."
"For newcomers, it's very informative."
"Highly recommend for anyone new to public health."
Offers a broad and extensive introduction to public health concepts.
"This course was an absolutely fantastic introduction to public health."
"This provided a comprehensive overview of the field."
"The course provides a truly comprehensive overview of the field. I especially liked the real-world examples."
Course leans academic; some desire more practical application.
"I was hoping for more practical career guidance, but it's more academic."
"It felt more like a very broad academic survey rather than something practical for career paths."
"It needs more practical exercises and less focus on pure theory."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Pathways to Public Health with these activities:
Review your biology and chemistry background
Biology and chemistry are important foundation subjects for public health. Refreshing your knowledge of these subjects will help you better grasp the concepts covered in this course.
Browse courses on Biology
Show steps
  • Review your notes and textbooks from previous biology and chemistry courses
  • Take practice quizzes and tests
  • Attend a review session or workshop
Review basic statistics
Statistical analysis provides a vital foundation for this course. Especially if you are rusty on your stats skills, this review will help ensure you are prepared for this course.
Browse courses on Statistics
Show steps
  • Review your notes from an introductory statistics course, such as mean, median, and standard deviation.
  • Practice solving basic statistics problems using online resources or textbooks.
  • Take a practice quiz or test to assess your understanding of the concepts.
Join a public health online forum or community
Connecting with other public health professionals through online platforms will allow you to discuss ideas, share resources, and build a network of colleagues who can provide support and insights.
Browse courses on Professional Networking
Show steps
  • Identify relevant public health forums or online communities
  • Create a profile and join the community
  • Participate in discussions and ask questions
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Attend a local public health conference
Attending public health conferences allows you to connect with professionals, learn about the latest research and trends, and explore career opportunities.
Browse courses on Professional Networking
Show steps
  • Research and identify upcoming conferences
  • Register for the conference
  • Attend sessions and workshops
  • Network with other attendees
Create a public health infographic
Infographics are a concise and visually appealing way to communicate public health information. Creating an infographic will help you synthesize and present public health data and information in an engaging way.
Browse courses on Public Health Communication
Show steps
  • Gather the necessary health data
  • Choose an appropriate infographic format
  • Design and create the infographic
  • Share and promote your infographic
Volunteer at a local health organization
Volunteering for a health organization will provide you with hands-on experience in public health and an opportunity to contribute to your community.
Browse courses on Public Health Practice
Show steps
  • Identify a local health organization
  • Contact the organization to inquire about volunteer opportunities
  • Complete the necessary training and orientation
  • Participate in volunteer activities

Career center

Learners who complete Pathways to Public Health will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Social and Behavioral Scientist
Social and Behavioral Scientists study the social and behavioral factors that influence health. They develop and evaluate interventions to promote health and prevent disease. This course would be helpful for Social and Behavioral Scientists because it provides a foundation in public health concepts, theories, and language, as well as a focus on social and behavioral science.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social and Behavioral Scientist
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists investigate the causes of disease and other health problems in populations. They design and conduct studies to collect data on the incidence, prevalence, and distribution of diseases. They also develop and evaluate public health programs to prevent and control diseases. This course would be helpful for Epidemiologists because it provides a foundation in epidemiology and other public health concepts.
See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist
Health Researcher
Health Researchers conduct research to improve the health and well-being of populations. They study the causes of disease, develop new treatments, and evaluate the effectiveness of health interventions. This course would be helpful for Health Researchers because it provides a foundation in public health concepts, theories, and language, as well as a focus on research methods.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Researcher
Maternal and Child Health Specialist
Maternal and Child Health Specialists work to improve the health and well-being of mothers and children. They work with a variety of stakeholders to develop and implement programs that meet the needs of mothers and children. They also advocate for policies and programs that promote maternal and child health. This course would be helpful for Maternal and Child Health Specialists because it provides a foundation in public health concepts, theories, and language, as well as a focus on maternal and child health.
See salaries and explore the career path for Maternal and Child Health Specialist
Population Health Manager
Population Health Managers work to improve the health and well-being of populations. They work with a variety of stakeholders to develop and implement programs that meet the needs of the community. They also manage the financial and human resources of health programs. This course would be helpful for Population Health Managers because it provides a foundation in public health concepts, theories, and language, as well as a focus on population health management.
See salaries and explore the career path for Population Health Manager
Public Health Administrator
Public Health Administrators manage the operations of public health departments. They work with a variety of stakeholders to develop and implement policies and programs that promote health and well-being. They also manage the financial and human resources of public health departments. This course would be helpful for Public Health Administrators because it provides a foundation in public health concepts, theories, and language, as well as a focus on public health administration.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Administrator
Environmental Health Specialist
Environmental Health Specialists protect human health from environmental hazards. They work to identify and assess environmental hazards, develop and implement regulations to control environmental hazards, and educate the public about environmental health risks. This course would be helpful for Environmental Health Specialists because it provides a foundation in public health concepts, theories, and language, as well as a specific focus on environmental health.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Health Specialist
Health Policy Analyst
Health Policy Analysts develop and evaluate health policies and programs. They work with policymakers to develop and implement policies that promote health and well-being. They also conduct research to evaluate the effectiveness of health policies and programs. This course would be helpful for Health Policy Analysts because it provides a foundation in public health concepts, theories, and language, as well as a focus on health policy.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst
Global Health Specialist
Global Health Specialists work to improve health and well-being in low- and middle-income countries. They work with governments, NGOs, and other organizations to develop and implement health programs. They also conduct research to evaluate the effectiveness of health programs. This course would be helpful for Global Health Specialists because it provides a foundation in public health concepts, theories, and language, as well as a focus on global health.
See salaries and explore the career path for Global Health Specialist
Health Communication Specialist
Health Communication Specialists develop and implement communication strategies to promote health and prevent disease. They work with the media, public health organizations, and other organizations to create and disseminate health information. They also conduct research to evaluate the effectiveness of health communication campaigns. This course would be helpful for Health Communication Specialists because it provides a foundation in public health concepts, theories, and language, as well as a focus on health communication.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Communication Specialist
Health Program Manager
Health Program Managers plan, implement, and evaluate health programs. They work with a variety of stakeholders to develop and implement programs that meet the needs of the community. They also manage the financial and human resources of health programs. This course would be helpful for Health Program Managers because it provides a foundation in public health concepts, theories, and language, as well as a focus on health program management.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Program Manager
Health Educator
Health Educators develop and implement educational programs to promote health and prevent disease. They work with individuals, groups, and communities to provide information about health risks and behaviors. They also develop and evaluate health education materials. This course would be helpful for Health Educators because it provides a foundation in public health concepts, theories, and language.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator
Community Health Worker
Community Health Workers provide health education and support to individuals and families in their communities. They work to improve access to healthcare and other resources. They also advocate for policies and programs that promote health and well-being. This course would be helpful for Community Health Workers because it provides a foundation in public health concepts, theories, and language.
See salaries and explore the career path for Community Health Worker
Public Health Nurse
Public Health Nurses provide nursing care to individuals and families in the community. They work to prevent and control diseases, promote health, and improve access to healthcare. They also advocate for policies and programs that promote health and well-being. This course would be helpful for Public Health Nurses because it provides a foundation in public health concepts, theories, and language.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Nurse
Public Health Scientist
Public Health Scientists conduct research to prevent and control diseases. They study the causes of disease and develop ways to prevent and treat them. They also work to improve public health policies and programs. This course would be helpful for Public Health Scientists because it provides a foundation in public health concepts, theories, and language.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Scientist

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Pathways to Public Health.
Cover image
The History of Miners' Diseases
Save
This classic text provides a clear and concise introduction to the field of public health. It is written in a non-technical style and is accessible to readers with a variety of backgrounds.
The History of Miners' Diseases
Paperback
Check
The History of Miners' Diseases
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Transforming Public Health Practice
Save
A concise and accessible introduction to the key principles and practices of public health, covering topics such as epidemiology, health promotion, and public health policy.
Transforming Public Health Practice: Leadership and...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Cognitive Therapy of Depression
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of public health. It valuable resource for students and professionals who are new to the field or who want to update their knowledge.
Cognitive Therapy of Depression
Paperback
Check
Cognitive Therapy of Depression
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Health Gap
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the social determinants of health. It valuable resource for students and professionals who are interested in understanding the social factors that influence health.
The Health Gap: The Challenge of an Unequal World
Hardcover
$$
The Health Gap, Status Syndrome 2 Books Collection...
Paperback
$$
The Health Gap: The Challenge of an Unequal World
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Priorities on the Health Horizon
Save
A monthly peer-reviewed journal that publishes research on the relationship between the environment and human health.
Priorities on the Health Horizon
Paperback
Check
Priorities on the Health Horizon
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Mothers, Fathers, and Others
Save
A monthly peer-reviewed journal that publishes research on the social and behavioral aspects of health and illness.
Mothers, Fathers, and Others: Essays
Paperback
$$
Mothers, Fathers, and Others: Essays
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Employee Experience, Occupational Health, and...
Save
A weekly peer-reviewed medical journal that publishes research on a wide range of health topics.
Employee Experience, Occupational Health, and...
Paperback
Check
Employee Experience, Occupational Health, and...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Making Lemonade out of Lemons
Save
A monthly peer-reviewed journal that publishes research on public health topics.
Making Lemonade out of Lemons: Mexican American...
Paperback
$$
Making Lemonade out of Lemons: Mexican American...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Administrative Topics in Athletic Training
Save
A monthly peer-reviewed journal that publishes research on health policy and planning issues.
Administrative Topics in Athletic Training:...
Hardcover
$$$
Administrative Topics in Athletic Training:...
Hardcover
$$$$
Administrative Topics in Athletic Training:...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Drugs and Society
Save
A quarterly peer-reviewed journal that publishes research on global public health issues.
Drugs and Society
Paperback
$$$$
Drugs and Society
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
A History and Theory of Informed Consent
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of public health ethics. It valuable resource for students and professionals who are interested in understanding the ethical issues that arise in public health.
A History and Theory of Informed Consent
Paperback
Check
A History and Theory of Informed Consent
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
Effort
2 to 4 hours per week for 8 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
George Washington University
Instructors
Christina Heminger
Andrew Wiss
Language
English
Transcript
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Equips learners with a solid foundation in public health ideas and terminology, which will aid comprehension of present and emerging health concerns
Prepares learners for the Maternal and Child Health MicroMasters, indicating a focus on real-world application
Explores various public health professions and their connections with other fields
Outlines the critical roles and services of public health organizations within the United States and globally
Emphasizes the impact of social, environmental, and biological variables on health, reinforcing a holistic approach
Suitable for students studying Maternal and Child Health, expanding their knowledge of public health concepts
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