Community Health Major

The major in community health prepares students for careers in healthcare, public policy, community education, and much more. Graduates understand both macro and micro perspectives of health within communities.
Why should I study community health?
Graduates of the community health major are qualified for a variety of careers and employed in entry-level positions in a variety of settings such as family planning agencies, nonprofit agencies, state and federal health agencies, schools, and community health centers. Depending on the setting, your responsibilities may vary. You may be responsible for data collection and analysis to determine community needs, planning, implementing, and evaluating programs, or teaching in community health settings. You will have the opportunity to learn beyond the classroom via practicums and internships.
Completion of the community health major establishes eligibility to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) examination. This exam measures the possession, application, and interpretation of knowledge essential to the practice of community health/health education. The CHES certification is a national standard for health education practice.
What can I do with this degree?
Your academic experience will include courses in a variety of disciplines, preparing you for a wide range of careers. Alumni may immediately enter the field while others go on to earn graduate degrees at universities across the country.
- Community health educators or specialists
- Health & Wellness Educator
- Director of Volunteers
- Health Administrator
- Hospital or medical clinic staff
- Senior Healthcare Facility Staff
- Community Service Agency Director
- Community Services Specialist
- Health Programs Outreach Specialist
- Health Officer
- Case Manager
- Employee Wellness Coordinator
- Health Program Director
- Prevention Specialist
- Public Health Social Work
Advanced Education may be required:
- Health Administration & Management
- Health Education
- Public Health
- Nutrition
- Occupational Therapy
- Physician Assistant
- Physical Therapy
- Epidemiology
- Environmental Health
- Counseling
General Industry Employers:
- City, County & State Government
- Corporations
- Departments of Health
- Health Clubs
- Health Maintenance Organizations
- Hospitals & Clinics
- Insurance Companies
- K-12 Schools
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Universities & Colleges
What skills will I develop?
- Critical thinking
- Collaboration
- Cross-cultural and interpersonal communication
- Research Skills
- Methods for teaching health topics
- Leadership skills
- Integration of Christian faith with the study of health and wellness
- Addressing the whole person of those in your care
- Seeing the big picture of sociological and environmental issues that impact community wellbeing
You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in the R.E.A.L. Experience—a program specifically designed to help you gain the relevant, hands-on experience employers desire—so that when you graduate, you’ll be as impressive in practice as you are on paper.
What unique experiences or opportunities will I have?
- During your internship, you'll gain entry into the practice of community health through working in a clinic, community education, social work agency, non-profit organization, or other location that provides the hands-on experience.
- Besides a required internship, courses will include field experiences that expose you to a variety of career opportunities.
- Service-learning opportunities through your classes or co-curriculars will enrich your studies, preparing you before you leave Bethel.
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Community health graduates achieved national recognition for their scholarship, leadership, and service
29%
of all recent undergrad alumni work in health care
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I want to use my voice and be a resource for underrepresented communities that lack quality healthcare.
Lizzie Sanchez '22Community Health Major