Department of Public Health Program Guide
The Department of Public Health offers four (4) graduate degree programs, five (5) undergraduate degree programs, one (1) associate degree program three (3) graduate certificate programs, and three (3) undergraduate certificate programs. These academic programs prepare students for a wide variety of health careers. Students may pursue one of several major or minor programs. Specialized programs prepare students for careers in public health, health care administration, environmental health science, and related fields.
All majors and minors are expected to work closely with their academic advisors in planning their courses of study. Special interests and abilities will be considered in planning the individual course of study
Bachelor of Science - Undergraduate Degree Programs
Public health work is done in a wide variety of settings in the public and private sectors. Graduates of the baccalaureate program in public health are prepared to use their skills in a variety of government agencies, hospitals and other facilities of the health care system, community mental health agencies, employee health programs in business and industry, student health services on college campuses, and many non-profit health agencies in communities.
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The Department of Public Health offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (major with no minor requirements). This program prepares the student for management and administrative positions in various types of health care facilities, organizations, and agencies such as hospitals, nursing homes, group medical practices, health maintenance organizations, public health agencies and clinics. This program will also prepare individuals to work in medical sales companies, health planning agencies, the insurance sector and other related health organizations. Individuals completing this program are academically prepared to enter graduate programs in health care administration provided that the student meets the entrance requirements of the particular graduate program to which (s)he applies.
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The mission of the Enivironmental and Occupational Health Science (EOHS) Program at Western Kentucky University is to educate students in preparation for an exciting career in the environmental health science. The EHS Program is committed to providing south central Kentucky, the state, and the nation with entry-level environmental professionals. The program is built upon a sound foundation of providing students with a background in assessing environmental resources, including water, air, and land resources, in relation to environmental and human health.
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This program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a health and human sciences related career.
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Health information management (HIM) is a diverse yet evolving field that incorporates medicine, management, finance, information technology, and law into one dynamic career path. This program prepares the graduate HIM professional with the skills and competencies in health data management, information policy, administering computer information systems and administrative and clinical work flow. Students will focus on the management of information, people and operational units, participation in administrative committees, preparation of budgets and administration of computerized health information systems.
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Master of Science - Graduate Degree Programs
This graduate program is designed to provide graduate education for careers focused on the protection of human health and prevention of health hazards in occupational and natural environments. A key component of the program is to understand how exposure to environmental and occupational hazards occurs and discovering ways to reduce and control the risk of exposure. This program is designed for working professionals and students desiring opportunities with industry, consulting firms, government agencies, and other environmental and occupational health science professions.
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The Master of Public Health (MPH) is a professional practice degree that prepares students for a wide range of health-related professions. The 42 credit-hour program, accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), is offered on WKU’s campus and in a fully online format. Beyond the required core courses, MPH students work in partnership with their advisor to select electives and tailor a program that meets their professional and academic goals related to public health. The MPH program is competency-based and focuses on applied and integrative learning.
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This program prepares the student for management and administrative positions in various types of health care facilities, organizations, and agencies such as hospitals, nursing homes, group medical practices, health maintenance organizations, public health agencies and clinics. This program will also prepare individuals to work in medical sales companies, health planning agencies, the health insurance sector and other related health organizations.
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Health Care Administration is an ever-changing field of study that requires well-rounded leaders and innovators to manage the challenges in the health care world. Administrators are responsible for coordinating and organizing the delivery of care while staying in touch with consumers’ needs. The Executive Master of Health Care Administration Program at WKU allows health care professionals the opportunity to strengthen their education with a unique and flexible schedule.
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