The Department of Social and Public Health is where personal passion meets public good. Our department addresses the health and social service needs of the entire population, making an impact for generations to come. If you want to help meet the world’s biggest challenges in health care and social services, the Department of Social and Public Health is where you can maximize your societal contribution.
You will be employing critical thinking skills to address important public needs and problems, no matter your program area or discipline. Whether you are contributing to safer workplaces, helping families grow stronger, improving the environment or the health status of populations, your contributions to the public good are valued and vital. We hope that you will become an advocate for the people who need a champion the most—the young, elderly and all underserved populations at the margins of society.
Whatever your passion and interest, we are ready to help you achieve your career goals. If you are ready to learn, and have a true conviction to make a difference, your future contributions and accomplishments are limitless. So, explore the Department of Social and Public Health and contact us if we can provide you with any additional information. We look forward to meeting you!
Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) studies how people grow, develop, and interact within families and communities across the lifespan. At Ohio University, students examine the relationships, environments, and life transitions that shape well-being from childhood through older adulthood.
These programs prepares graduates to support children, adults, older adults, and families in healthcare, community programs, and human service settings.
Whether you are interested in hospitals, physician practices, health insurance, public health departments, or other emerging health care organizations, faculty from the Health Services Administration program are eager to work with you to start your career path in the dynamic and challenging field of health administration. If you are an engaged and active student interested in learning about health administration and the complexities of leading and managing in today’s evolving health care environment, you have come to the right place. We look forward to meeting you and working with you as an integral part of the Health Services Administration program.
The field of community and public health examines how health issues are affected by social, behavioral and environmental factors. Professionals in community health work to advance health promotion efforts in a variety of international and national organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO); the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); state and local health departments; community-based organizations; corporate wellness programs; voluntary organizations and healthcare facilities.
Recent pandemics (COVID-19, HIV, SARS, avian influenza) are just one indicator of the increasingly globalized nature of health and health care. Demand for global health education and experience has increased as governmental and nongovernmental agencies call for global health personnel. Professionals trained to address underserved populations are especially needed.
The Environmental Health Science program focuses on the public health skills needed for prevention of disease through the management of water, food, land, chemical, radiation and other environmental factors. The curriculum offers a solid foundation in physical and biological sciences, plus hands-on experience in the field using modern equipment and techniques to analyze air and water quality, noise and environmental stressors, food quality and contaminants of all types.
For more information about Social and Public Health programs, contact us at sph@ohio.edu.