Why Study Public Health?

Public health professionals work within a variety of settings, including state and local health departments, hospitals, workplace wellness programs, government agencies, educational institutions, research organizations, and international development agencies. The two-year Associate in Science (AS) degree, is designed specifically for students to transfer to the appropriate upper-level college or university of their choice, where they can complete a bachelor’s degree in public health or a related field of study. The curriculum includes core courses in public health along with those general education requirements that would be included in the first two years of study at a four-year institution. A Public Health degree may be a great option for students who are interested in a healthcare career, but may not be drawn to a profession of direct patient care. This program will help students build a broad base of healthcare knowledge, and introduce them to a variety of healthcare careers.


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Degree Tracks & Course Sequence

Associate of Science (AS): Public Health


Real World Ready

Listening to workforce needs

Graduates of Rockland Community College are provided with a clear path to meaningful careers that meet the needs of businesses and industry in the communities we serve. Our students are trained in specific skills that are needed by employers, and guided through a career path that leads directly to workforce opportunities. With affordable tuition, students who begin their college careers at RCC are ready to meet the demands of the real world.

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Student Success

At Rockland Community College, you are provided with a Student Success Team that will help you with your academic journey, career exploration, transfer planning, support service referrals, and more! Your Team includes your Dean, Program Director, Faculty Advisor, Student Success Advisor, Connection Center Counselor, Financial Aid Advisor, Peer Mentors, and if you’re involved in any of these special programs, your Athletics, Honors, TRiO, and Veterans Advisors. During your first semester, you will take an ‘Introduction to the School’ course that will outline the various College offices and departments that can help you on your path.

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Career Outlook

Public health professionals concentrate on the well-being of the collective instead of the individual. Rather than learning how to treat someone who is sick, you will focus on how to optimize the overall health of a community, which includes safety regulations and access to healthy food and clean water. Graduates of the program are capable of big-picture data analysis and the ability to identify influential factors  that aid in population health and responses to health crisis.

Job Roles

Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Environmental and Occupational Health, Health Education and Behavioral Science, Infectious Disease, Public Policy, Global Health Nutrition, and Maternal and Child Health

Industries

Public Health professionals work in settings that include state and local health departments and government agencies, hospitals, corporate wellness programs, educational institutions, research organizations, and international development agencies.


Careers

Health Education Specialists

$64,100 NYS Average
National Average $69,790 annually

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

$90,340 NYS Average
National Average $85,570 annually

Healthcare Social Workers

$64,050 NYS Average
National Average $67,430 annually

Employment and wage data by occupation are based on the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey, which collects information from approximately 51,000 businesses. bls.gov


Get Started Today

Rockland Community College, State University of New York, offers a safe, supportive learning environment for thousands of students from diverse backgrounds. RCC has become the “first choice” for parents and students. Thanks to our affordable tuition, students can save $100,000 on a college education by starting at RCC and transferring to outstanding four-year colleges.