Public Health
Associate of Science
Division: Nursing, Health and Wellness
Division Chair: Kathleen Hopkins, khopkins@sunyrockland.edu
Department Support Staff: Lori Jelen, ljelenst@sunyrockland.edu
Department Office: Technology Center, Room 8320, Phone: 845-574-4731
Why Study in the Public Health Program?
The Associate of Science degree program in Public Health is designed specifically for students to transfer to the appropriate upper-level college or university of their choice, where they can complete a BS degree in Public Health or their chosen field of study. As such, the program provides core courses in Public Health and general education requirements that would be included in the first two years of study at four-year institutions. This degree program provides students with foundational knowledge in public health that can also be used in a wide range of professions and many other health-related fields. 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.
Degrees Offered:
Occupational Objectives:
Upon completing the program, students will be prepared for transfer to a four-year institution where they can further their education in an area of their choosing. Students who are successful in this degree program and the programs to which they may transfer can find positions in state and local health departments, hospitals, workplace wellness programs, government agencies, educational institutions, research organizations, international development agencies and other related areas.
5 Top Reasons
To Study Public Health at RCC:
- VALUE: Affordable tuition, financial aid, scholarships.
- CAREER: A wide range of internships to provide real-world experience.
- FLEXIBILITY: Part-time study can accommodate work, family or other time commitments. On-campus childcare available.
- SUPPORT: Small class sizes, more individual attention, free tutoring.
- TRANSFER: Agreements with many four-year colleges for seamless transfer to pursue multiple bachelor's degree options.
Opportunities at Rockland Community College:
Our beautiful and convenient veteran-friendly campus offers a wealth of academic, social, and recreation opportunities. Participate in sports and fitness, mentoring and community service, or student publications and student government. Free services include academic tutoring, career counseling or transfer support for students pursuing a bachelor's degree. Get involved and explore more than 40 student clubs ranging from Sustainability to Video/Robotics, Habitat for Humanity, Christian Fellowship, Hillel, Chess, Cooking, Dance, Art and so much more. RCC's exciting calendar of special events includes heritage celebrations, guest speakers, cultural activities, concerts, performances, and exhibits.
Program Goals:
The degree will provide students with a solid foundation in the core Public Health curriculum enabling students to successfully transfer to a four-year degree program in Public Health.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Define public health and related roles and responsibilities of government, non-government agencies, and private organizations
- Describe risk factors and modes of transmission for infectious and chronic diseases and how these diseases affect both personal and population health
- List the leading causes of mortality, morbidity, and health disparities among local, regional, and global populations
- Discuss the role of gender, race, ethnicity, and other evolving demographics in affecting population health
- Discuss major local, national, and global health challenges
- Describe how the methods of epidemiology and surveillance are used to safeguard the population's health
- Communicate health information to a wide range of audiences through an array of media
- Conduct a literature search on a health issue using a variety of academic and public resources
- Recognize the impact of policies, laws, and legislation on both individual and population health
- Analyze ethical concerns and conflicts of interest that arise in the field of public health