Public Health

COCC’s Public Health program prepares students to build healthier communities.
--Grounded in prevention, promotion, equity, and sustainability, the program uses a systems-thinking approach. Students learn through hands-on labs, field trips, and practicum experiences with local public health partners. Coursework explores how people, places, and policies shape personal and population health. Educational degree options include the Certificate of Completion in Community Health, which builds into Associate Arts for Transfer with a Public Health emphasis. Join us and discover how you can make a lasting impact on community health. A the foundation of the degrees are the Oregon Health Authority Community Health Worker and Peer Support Specialist - Adult Mental Health Trainings. 

Community Health Worker     Peer Support Specialist

"COCC teaches open minds and open hearts for this incredibly crucial fabric of our community. The curriculum for COCC Public Health students includes guest speakers and community panels with lived experiences and up-close public health realities. We have been very fortunate to provide learning to, and learn from, COCC students."

Program-Specific Information

Public health careers include program planners, program evaluators, researchers, educators, epidemiologists, health and safety engineers, advocacy and policy advisors, health communication specialists, community developers and organizers, global health development officers, minority health and health disparities experts, and environmental health specialists. Work activities may include developing educational programs, creating health promotion policies, providing social services, conducting mixed-methods research, and leading community development and health systems reform.

Unique Features

• Community Health Worker
• Peer Support Specialist
• Practicums

Important Links

• Explore all Health Career programs at COCC

Related Programs

• Addiction Counseling and Behavioral Health

CAREER INFORMATION

Explore public health careers.

Career Paths in Public Health

STUDENT STORIES

Hear from Public Health students and graduates.

Student and Alumni Stories

MEET OUR FACULTY

Learn about faculty backgrounds and expertise.

Faculty Profiles