Are you interested in improving the health of people in need? Do you want to make a difference in your local and global community? Can you envision yourself working in healthcare?
If you answered yes to those three questions, chances are you have come across the both health science and public health majors.
While these two degrees share many similarities and have some curricular overlap, they also have many differences that can help you determine which degree and career field is right for you.
Let’s explore health science and public health degrees in further depth so you can better know which degree best fits your interests, skills, and career goals.
What is a Health Science Degree?
Health science represents the general approach to non-clinical healthcare practices and typically does not involve direct patient contact. Instead, health science professionals fulfill various behind-the-scenes roles, and serve in roles such as information technology professionals, researchers, medical and healthcare law experts, and administrators.
As this area involves applying scientific research to clinical practice, associate and bachelor’s degrees in Health Science are multifaceted choices designed to prepare graduates for new and entry-level positions as health professionals.
These programs typically consist of general education courses, core science courses like chemistry, introduction to public health, research methods, and courses in medical terminology, law and ethics, and other topics.
Health science programs also allow students to focus and concentrate on specific areas or tracks that align with their interests and career goals. For example, at Goodwin University, students can choose between the following:
1. Healthcare Administration
This track best fits those interested in healthcare policy, leadership, and management. Students explore the ins and outs of the healthcare system and learn how to positively impact patient experiences.
2. Epidemiology
This track focuses on studying infectious diseases and how they impact our population. Students learn about global health and human disease to prepare them for a career as a trusted community health professional.
What Jobs Can I Pursue With a Health Science Degree?
As mentioned, a degree in Health Science enables candidates to pursue various positions committed to improving health outcomes for individuals of all ages.
Some rewarding health science careers and their median annual salary as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), include:
- Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians – $57,800
- Epidemiologist – $78,830
- Healthcare administrator – $101,340
- Health education specialists – $56,500
- Substance abuse counselor – $48,520
What is a Public Health Degree?
Like health science, public health focuses on protecting and improving the health of communities and populations around the globe. However, public health professionals achieve this by promoting healthy lifestyles, researching disease and injury prevention, and detecting, preventing, and responding to infectious diseases.
Students in Bachelor of Public Health programs gain the skills they need to advocate for community members through community outreach programs and manage public health emergencies and crises locally, nationally, and globally.
They take courses in various scientific topics, from sociology to environmental health, and learn about public health policy, health leadership, health behavior, chronic disease, occupational health, and epidemiology.
Learn more about Goodwin’s Bachelor of Science in Public Health program today!
What Jobs Can I Pursue With a Public Health Degree?
Public health professionals are trained to advocate for populations needing better health care or health education. They use their knowledge of the U.S. healthcare system, its policies, and the many macro factors affecting human health to change health policy, promotion, and research.
Graduates of Public Health degree programs go on to pursue the following careers, and the projected median annual salaries for these positions are reported from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
- Community health worker – $46,190
- Environmental health specialist – $76,530
- Research assistant – $50,470
- Health and safety specialists and technicians – $51,120
Health Science vs. Public Health: Which is the Best Field For Me?
Deciding between a Health Science or Public Health degree is an important and personal decision. While both pathways have the potential to make a difference in the larger healthcare system, they do so in their own unique way.
Students looking to improve the health of populations on a large scale should consider a degree in Health Science. Students interested in fighting public health issues like disease epidemics, obesity, substance abuse, overdose, and improving patients’ mental health should enroll in a Public Health degree program.
No matter which path you choose, you will be pursuing a rewarding, meaningful, and in-demand field dedicated to improving the lives of others. Find out more information about Goodwin University’s flexible and affordable bachelor’s in Health Science and bachelor’s in Public Health programs today.
And if you have more degree or career-related questions, contact our admissions team. We are ready to help you make the best decision for you on a personal and professional level!