Newberry College to Launch New Major in Public Health
NEWBERRY — Starting in the fall of 2024, Newberry College will introduce a new undergraduate major in public health. This program aims to address the growing need for qualified health care professionals, particularly in light of the evolving health landscape.
Program Overview
The public health major focuses on various aspects essential to enhancing and safeguarding the health of communities. This includes investigating health issues, crafting policies, educating the public about health, ensuring quality health services, and assessing the effectiveness of health interventions.
The program will be offered in a hybrid format, combining on-campus core education courses with online major curriculum taught by experts in the public health field. This setup allows students the flexibility to engage in their studies while still benefiting from Newberry’s student-centered campus community.
Coursework and Career Opportunities
Students pursuing this new major can expect to delve into subjects like epidemiology, biostatistics, health services administration, environmental health, social and behavioral sciences, and health policy. Graduates will be well-equipped to enter this expanding field, exploring job opportunities in hospitals, nonprofits, research organizations, and government agencies.
As reported, individuals with a bachelor’s degree in public health in South Carolina earn an average annual salary of $69,627, according to data compiled by ZipRecruiter.
Supporting Statements
Dr. Jerry Alewine, dean of nursing and health sciences at Newberry College, expressed the institution’s commitment to meeting the community’s health education needs. He stated, “The needs our communities now face for qualified health care professionals are ever-increasing, especially in the field of public health.” He further elaborated that the program is designed to adapt to both the current industry landscape and the needs of the students.
Dr. Alewine emphasized that “Our students are on the cutting edge of a field that changes by the day,” highlighting the dynamic nature of public health and the importance of staying updated with current practices and knowledge.
Existing Health Programs
The introduction of the public health major adds to the extensive array of health-related programs offered at Newberry College. The college currently provides degrees in exercise science and human performance, health care management, health science, neuroscience, nursing, nutrition, RN-to-BSN, and the only bachelor’s-level program in respiratory therapy in South Carolina.
How to Apply
Students interested in pursuing a degree in public health can find more information or apply by visiting the Newberry College website at newberry.edu. With this new offering, the college aims to prepare students for fulfilling careers that contribute meaningfully to the health sector.
Overall, the advent of the public health major at Newberry College represents a significant step in addressing health-related challenges in society, equipping the next generation of professionals to tackle pressing public health issues.
