Public health focuses on vulnerable populations and uses a proactive, preventive, and group approach to address the health needs of communities (regions, countries, or even the world) that are experiencing health disparities. Public health methods coordinate the work of individuals, organizations, as well as private, government, and public entities. These public health methods are unique from those of other health professions that focus on individuals.
Responding to public health crises is always a concern for large urban centers such as Philadelphia. These public health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the opioid crisis, affect other areas related to public health, such as the homicide rate and homelessness, and increase the need for public health professionals to focus on the specific needs of city residents.
The AA in Public Health is multi-disciplinary program designed for transfer, with an emphasis on communication (oral and written) and sociology in the context of health and health care. Students will develop a theoretical understanding of group dynamics, learn population-based approaches to health, and analyze the historical and structural factors that create health and health care disparities and impact health. The AA in Public Health also prepares students to advocate for issues they care about within their own communities.
Public Health
Career Options
Careers
Find your path.
Biostatisticians – est. salary $98,233*
Administrative Services Managers – est. salary $126,361
Health Education Specialists – est. salary $61,372
**EMSI Data, 2022; The greater Philadelphia region; a percentage of people in these jobs may have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Transfer Opportunities
Courses and Completion Sequence
The following courses and sequence of courses is designed for the optimal success and completion of the Public Health degree/certificate. Any alterations should be discussed with your academic advisor.
Semester 1
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| PH 101 | 3 credits | Prereq for PH 102 | Major Course |
| ENGL 101 - English Composition | 3 credits | Prereq for ENGL 102, must earn a C or better, ENGL 115, ENGL 118, and AH 204 | Writing/Research/Info Lit 1 |
| FNMT 118 - Intermediate Algebra or MATH 150 - Introductory Data Analysis |
3 credits | FNMT 118 and MATH 150 require FNMT 017 or FNMT 019 completed or FNMT 118 (or higher) placement FNMT 118 or MATH 251 are prereqs for PH 226 Prereq for MATH 251, must earn a C or better, and AH 224 Students should consult an advisor or program faculty |
Quantitative Reasoning |
| AH 101 - Introduction to the Health Care Professions | 3 credits | First-Year Experience Course | |
| SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology | 3 credits | Prereq for SOC 231 | Cultural Analysis and Interpretation |
Semester 2
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL 102 - The Research Paper | 3 credits | Writing/Research/Info Lit 2 | |
| CIS 103 - Computer Applications & Concepts | 3 credits | Technological Competency | |
| BIOL 109 Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 credits | Prereq for BIOL 110 | Scientific Reasoning |
| PH 102 - Community Health Education and Promotion | 3 credits | Prereq for PH 226 | Major Course |
| SOC 105 - Health and Society | 3 credits | Major Course |
Semester 3
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MATH 251 - Statistics for Science | 3 credits | Prereq for AH 224 FNMT 118 or MATH 251 are prereqs for PH 226 |
|
| BIOL 110 - Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 credits | ||
| SOC 231 - Social Problems or SOC 233 - Race, Ethnicity and Social Inequalities |
3credits | Prereq for PH 226 | Advanced Sociology Course |
| ENGL 115 - Public Speaking | 3 credits | ENGL 101 may be taken concurrently with ENGL 115 | Oral Communication/ Creative Expression |
| AH 204 - Medical Law and Ethics | 3 credits | Major Course |
Semester 4
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| PH 222 - Health Care Policy and Administration | 3 credits | Major Course | |
| AH 224 - Current Issues and Trends in Health Care | 3 credits | Major Course | |
| AH 116 - Interpersonal and Professional Skills in the Health Care Setting | 3 credits | Communication Course | |
| ENGL 118 - Intercultural Communication | 3 credits | ENGL 101 may be taken concurrently with ENGL 118 | Communication Course |
| PH 226 - Foundations in Public Health Research | 3 credits | Major Course |
General Education Requirements:
All general education requirements necessary for graduation are met through the courses in the program as indicated above. Students who wish to take courses that differ from the general education courses indicated above must complete a course substitution request form. To access the form, login to the MyCCP portal, and in the Student tab, under Electronic Forms, click on the Records and Registration Forms link, then choose Request for Course Substitution of Graduation Requirement link. A more detailed explanation of the College’s general education requirements is also available.
Featured Career
Medical and Health Services Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.
Median Salary
$109,944
For Year 2020
$109,944
For Year 2020
Number of Jobs
3, 018
in the region
3, 018
in the region
10 Year Job Outlook
+26.7%
in the region
+26.7%
in the region
Typical Tasks
- Develop and maintain computerized record management systems to store and process data, such as personnel activities and information, and to produce reports.
- Direct, supervise and evaluate work activities of medical, nursing, technical, clerical, service, maintenance, and other personnel.
- Maintain awareness of advances in medicine, computerized diagnostic and treatment equipment, data processing technology, government regulations, health insurance changes, and financing options.
- Develop and implement organizational policies and procedures for the facility or medical unit.
- Conduct and administer fiscal operations, including accounting, planning budgets, authorizing expenditures, establishing rates for services, and coordinating financial reporting.
How well does it pay?
New workers generally start around $65,899. Normal pay for Medical and Health Services Managers is $109,944 per year, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as $189,538.
Program Information
Public Health
Degree Type:
Associate in Arts (A.A.)Credits Needed to Graduate:
62