The UMD Public Health program strives to develop professional, caring leaders who are committed to protecting and promoting the health of individuals, families, and communities. We prepare students to assess, plan, implement, evaluate, and manage programs that benefit individuals and communities, while communicating and advocating for health and the public health profession.
Photo: Molly Johnson '22 attending the UMN Community Engagement Conference with Dr. Jessica Hanson (photo by Jessica Hanson)
creating community
Creating a strong community for our students and faculty is very important to us. We have 5 key values that guide us in everything that we do:
[ We are Real ]
We value each other as unique human beings, and we want you to be your authentic self.
[ We are Creative ]
We inspire each other to create solutions to public health issues in innovative ways.
[ We are Engaged ]
We partner with campus, community, and professional organizations to create applied learning opportunities for our students that have a lasting impact on community members.
[ We are Supportive ]
Our teaching, advising, and research activities emphasize mentoring, collaboration, and the creation of a supportive learning environment.
[ We are Successful ]
Your success is our success. We strive to help our students reach their academic, personal, and professional goals...whatever they might be.
the public health profession
Public Health is Everywhere
According to the American Public Health Association, public health promotes and protects the health of people and the communities where they live, learn, work, and play. When you study public health, you are studying:
- Health promotion: We promote wellness by encouraging healthy behaviors.
- Disease prevention: We try to prevent people from getting sick or injured.
- Surveillance and monitoring: We identify and keep track of people with a certain disease or illness.
- Outbreaks and emergency preparedness: We help communities prepare and deal with disease outbreaks and environmental disasters.
- Communication and literacy: We provide health education materials in a way that people can understand.
- Healthcare management: We advance knowledge in health management, policy, and research.
- Health disparities: We focus on social determinants of health to better understand why some of us are more likely to suffer from poor health than others.
Career Opportunities & Graduate Education
After graduating with an undergraduate degree in public health, you might seek jobs with titles such as contact tracer, global health professional, health education specialist, health and wellbeing coach, community health worker, or health communication officer...just to name a few. Speaking a foreign language, developing your cultural competence, having practical experience, and earning a certification can also help you increase your career opportunities.
Our alumni often seek certifications, graduate education, or professional training in fields such as public health, health education, health promotion, epidemiology, social work, psychology, occupational therapy, medical school, nursing, dental hygiene, and environmental health & safety.
Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor & Statistics, “Employment of epidemiologists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2018 to 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations.” For health educators and community health workers, the projected growth is even higher with an expected growth rate of 11 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. The great news is that public health professionals have a major future at the local, state, national, and global levels. The UMD Public Health faculty look forward to supporting you on your public health journey.
our Public Health degree at UMD
We offer 1 public health major and 2 minors.
PUBLIC HEALTH MAJOR & MINOR: At UMD, students can select a Public Health major or minor. After completion of the program, students are awarded a Bachelor of Applied Science degree.
HEALTH & WELLNESS COACHING MINOR: We also offer a minor in Health & Wellness Coaching. The Health and Wellness Coaching minor can be taken in conjunction with the Public Health major. This minor prepares you with interpersonal skills that are important in working with clients, patients, customers, or students in a variety of health care, worksite, community, and school settings.
Our flexible curriculum is designed to provide stepping stones for learning and personal growth.
Year 1: Personal health and wellbeing
During your first year, coursework such as Health & Wellness Strategies for Life, Introduction to Public Health, and Human Nutrition will introduce you to personal health concepts. You will be paired with a peer health coach, who will support you with setting and achieving your own personal health and wellbeing goals.
Year 2: Public health profession
In your second year, you will build on that knowledge and begin exploring the public health profession, the social determinants of health, and basic research skills.
Year 3: Professional skills
In your third year, you will enhance your health knowledge and develop a range of professional skills that will help you plan and implement effective health interventions for diverse audiences.
Year 4: Capstone experience
In your fourth year, you will be applying these skills in community and campus settings through internship and assistantship placement opportunities.
We have a set of core courses plus a range of flexible course options.
All students will take a series of core courses such as Health & Wellness Strategies for Life, Human Nutrition, Introduction to Public Health, Foundations of Public Health, Research & Evaluation, Epidemiology, Public Health Communication, and Community Health Methods. We have a range of courses, such global health, grant writing, and worksite health, that will allow you to personalize your public health degree in a way that will best prepare you for chosen graduate education or career. If you are not sure what your educational or career goals are at this point, that’s okay, too. We are here to help you along the way.
We deliver 2 short-term study abroad courses that focus on health.
Explore the possibility of a short-term or long-term study abroad opportunity! We have two short-term study abroad options led by public health faculty. One will allow you to learn about arts and health in Italy. The other will allow you to learn about holistic health and healing in England and Scotland.
Italy
Cities Visited: Florence, Rome, & Venice.
Dates Abroad: To be announced
Description: Our course commences in Rome, travels to Florence, and culminates in Venice as we explore historical aspects of community/public health through innovative methods, such as dynamic classroom settings appropriately titled, ‘Walking’, ‘Creative’, ‘Floating’, ‘Nature-based’, and ‘Healing’. The Walking Classroom is our primary mode of transportation as it empowers us to ‘learn at every turn’ while maximizing our educational experience that hinges on factors that affect a community’s health.
Get all the details and apply at z.umn.edu/italyhealth
United Kingdom
Cities visited: England (London, Bath, Nottingham, Liverpool) & Scotland (Edinborough)
Dates Abroad: To be announced
Description: Journey to your best life as we explore the rich history of holistic health in the United Kingdom, which celebrates a mixture of vibrant cultures and natural healing practices. Throughout this journey, you will learn about current health issues (such as digital toxicity, stress and the microbiome, and resilience during crisis) and how to address them in today’s world. You will leave with a new awareness of “self,” a new appreciation for different cultures, and a new set of experiences with body, mind, spirit practices.
Get all the details and apply at z.umn.edu/ukholistichealth
We provide capstone options that will allow you to tailor your professional development.
Internship
The Public Health Internship is a pre-professional capstone experience that enables undergraduate Public Health majors to apply the knowledge they have learned in the classroom in a variety of settings, such as public health departments, government health agencies, voluntary health organizations, hospitals, corporate worksites, universities, and K-12 schools. Internship connects students to the people and situations they may encounter as a public health professional while simultaneously providing valuable experience, networking opportunities, and professional contacts.
In an internship, the student will:
- Complete a minimum of 6 credits (240 hours) of internship in a community health education/promotion setting under the guidance of a community health education/promotion expert (Site Supervisor) and UMD Public Health faculty member (Public Health Internship Instructor).
- Create internship goals/objectives involving a community health education/promotion project that benefits the Sponsoring Agency.
- Apply Responsibilities & Competencies for Health Education Specialists in a real-world setting.
- Document the learning experience through timesheets, evaluations, and reports.
Internship Site Examples:
- YMCA
- Carlton County
- American Lung Association
- Planned Parenthood
- Duluth Entertainment & Convention Center.
Assistantship
A Public Health Assistantship is a service learning experience designed for undergraduate students in public health. Under direct supervision of a public health faculty member, students will further their undergraduate education in an applied manner and develop skills that may enhance future graduate education or employment opportunities. Assistantship responsibilities may involve developing professional skills in research, laboratory management, pedagogy, or programming.
In an assistantship, the the student will:
- Complete 1 or more credits (40 hours per credit) of assistantship under direct supervision of a UMD Public Health faculty member.
- Develop a written learning plan that includes the number of credits, nature of work to be accomplished, time expectations, and the number of expected meetings between the student and faculty member.
- Apply Responsibilities & Competencies for Health Education Specialists in a real-world setting.
- Document the learning experience through timesheets, evaluations, and reports.
Assistantship examples:
Communication Assistantships
Event Coordinator Assistantships
Lab Assistantships
Our Faculty
"I enjoy being a Public Health major because the field is very diverse. There are many outlets you can take in the field of public health. The basis of every Public Health is to help different communities and populations. It's very fulfilling knowing you have a direct impact on helping a community. I am striving to become an Epidemiologist in the future of work in the field of Global Health. This major at UMD is great because the Public Health staff wants you to succeed and also pushes you in the right direction. UMD Public Health comes with multiple opportunities for undergrads like undergraduate research, volunteering organizations, internships, and public health jobs. Everyone within this major is welcoming and always willing to help!"
Sarah Michels '23
advising and mentorship
Throughout your time here, you will have both a professional advisor and a faculty advisor who will serve as mentors and guides to help you reach your goals. We will help you make informed choices about which classes to take, how many credits to take, finding an internship, applying to graduate school, and seeking career paths.
Mentorship can come from both faculty and your peers. Faculty mentorship can take the form of an assistantship in research, peer education, communication, or event management. Peer mentorship through our HERO Peer Health & Well-being Coaches, guidance from the public health lab assistants, or joining the Public Health Student Group can help you feel part of our UMD Public Health community. For new students, these options are great for connecting with your fellow students and learning about other campus and community opportunities!
Student leadership and engagement
Within the Public Health Program
SOPHE Collegiate Champions
The UMD Public Health program has two Society for Public Health Communication (SOPHE) Collegiate Champions every year. As SOPHE Collegiate Champions, these students work to promote the Society for Public Health Communication both in the UMD Public Health program and on campus. Every semester, the champion and the mentor host one event for health promotion and education.
Public Health Student Group
The Public Health Student Group (PHSG) is a collection of public health students who are interested in learning more about the profession and developing leadership skills. The mission of this group is to communicate, promote, and advocate for health, health education/promotion, and the public health profession. The group also provides students with many different opportunities, both on and off campus, related to programming, advocacy, and networking.
Public Health Student Advisory Team
The Public Health Student Advisory Team consists of a small number of Public Health majors who are in good academic standing. The responsibilities of members include advising the program coordinator and designated Public Health faculty on program initiatives and communicating student perspectives and needs. Input received from PHSAT members is highly valued and important for ensuring program quality. The program coordinator for the Public Health program is Dr. Amy Versnik Nowak, and the current designated faculty member is Dr. Jessica Hanson.
Health and Wellness Coaching Minor
The Health and Wellness Coaching Minor (20-24 credits) is a free-standing minor that offers the basic skills and knowledge consistent with a career or interest in health and wellness coaching. A health/wellness coach is a supportive mentor who helps others feel their best through lifestyle changes that meet their unique needs. Students will learn to assess the current health/wellness needs of clients through coursework such as Human Nutrition, Health and Wellness Strategies for Life, and Facilitating Healthy Lifestyles. The Health and Wellness Coaching Minor will then provide further instructional options to aid in areas the student would like to pursue such as Exercise Adherence, Behavioral Analysis and Behavioral Change, and Cross-Cultural Psychology. These courses will assist the student in learning how to set goals and develop plans of action to work towards the clients’ desired outcomes.
HERO Peer Health Coaches are enrolled in HLTH 4400 Professional Health Coaching and spend a semester providing health and wellbeing coaching for students enrolled in HLTH 1100 Health & Wellness Strategies for Life. As Peer Health Coaches, they help students set personal health goals and strategies to achieve those goals.
Student Recognition
Public Health Student Showcase
Every semester, the UMD Public Health program puts on a Student Showcase for students to share the work they have been doing throughout the semester. Some of the projects showcased at this event include; multi-media health campaigns, community health intervention programs, internship and assistantship experiences, and much more. Students typically have a table set up with printed materials, computers to show website designs, monitors for presentations, etc. to share their work. During the event, students share this work with peers, family, alumni, faculty and other professionals in the field. This is a great opportunity for students to make personal and professional networking connections for future endeavors.
Spring 2022 Student Showcase
Fall 2021 Student Showcase
Spring 2021 Virtual Student Showcase
Fall 2020 Virtual Student Showcase
Spring 2020 Virtual Student Showcase
Fall 2019 Student Showcase
Major of the Year
UMD Public Health Major of the Year
The UMD Public Health Major or the year is elected annually and represents an outstanding Public Health student who is involved and active within the Public Health program. The Public Health Major of the Year award recognizes high achievement of a junior or senior student who is majoring in Public Health. Nominations and applications are sought every spring term.
Qualities of a UMD Public Health Major of the Year
- Major in Public Health at the University of Minnesota Duluth
- Junior or Senior standing
- Good academic performance
- Commitment to Public Health profession
- Leadership in Public Health or other groups
- Professional development (e.g., attending workshops and conferences)
- Engagement in research or other scholarly/creative activities
- Community involvement
- Receiving other honors
The Public Health Major of the Year receives the following:
- Certificate from the Department of Applied Human Sciences (AHS)
- Recognition at the AHS graduating senior banquet
- Recognition on the Public Health and AHS Facebook pages
- Ability to list this recognition on résumé and job applications
Scholarships
CEHSP Scholarships
For the 2019-2020 academic year, the College of Education and Human Service Professions awarded 91 scholarships with $254,700 in total awards! Both undergraduate and graduate students across all five departments are recognized in the fall at the annual CEHSP Honors and Awards Ceremony.
Fall 2021 Award Winners
Picture Your passion scholarship
Established by Dr. Ladonna Tornabene, the Picture Your Passion scholarship promotes diversity among UMD students by assisting non-traditional students returning to school and by assisting health education students desiring internships abroad.
E.W. Bohannon Merit Scholarship
This scholarship is named in honor of Dr. Eugene W. Bohannon (1865-1955), who served as the Duluth State Teachers College's first president from 1902 to 1938. He gained stature as a defender of educational excellence during his distinguished career.
Doc Jo Memorial Scholarship
Dr. Barbara Ainsworth (Master of Education '75) established the Doc Jo Memorial in Applied Human Sciences scholarship in 2016 in memory of UMD professor Dr. Joann Johnson (1932-2010), who was UMD's first female full professor. This scholarship is awarded to a student who is committed to advancing women in physical activity and sport.
University Scholarships
The Raymond Darland All-American Scholarship Program is a university-wide scholarship program that was established in 1976. Four scholarships are awarded each year to UMD students to offset the cost of tuition. For two consecutive years, a public health major was awarded one of the four competitive scholarships:
Study Abroad Scholarships
Opportunities for Giving
Do you know anyone who wants to support public health or health education efforts through donations or a scholarship fund?
- Donate to our UMD Trails of a Champ-ion Professional Development Fund, which supports the enhancement of professional development of junior and senior public health majors to attend conferences, professional meetings, and seminars.
- To set up a scholarship in your name to support our public health students for years to come, please email the public health program coordinator at aversnik@d.umn.edu.
Social Media
The UMD Public Health program utilizes the social media platforms, Facebook and Instagram, to share student work and information related to public health.
Conclusion
Thank you for visiting the UMD Public Health Spark page for new students! We hope that this page provided you with useful information that helped you to understand what our program is all about. Our faculty are so excited to have you join our UMD Public Health family, and we hope you are too!
