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Creative and Data-Driven
Public Health has been described as an art and a science because practitioners use data and creativity to promote healthy communities and a healthy environment.
Introduction
As a Public Health major, you’ll take classes in the health sciences, physical sciences and social sciences as you learn about the social, economic, environmental and political forces that influence human health. You will be able to tailor a five-course sequence to your specific interest, whether it be in policy, management, community health, nutrition or another area. Additionally, you will conduct an independent capstone project, and build your resume and professional network at an internship.
Special Opportunities
Public Health classes are offered on Russell Sage College’s campuses in Albany and Troy, making it easy to experience all that Sage has to offer. Both campuses are ideally situated for Public Health majors to take advantage of internships and other opportunities at the New York State Department of Health, county health departments and dozens of community organizations.
AHEC Scholars Program
Sage has a formal agreement with the Hudson Mohawk Area Health Education Center. Students can apply to the AHEC Scholars program, a two-year program that places students in a field experience at a community health center and provides supplemental education and mentoring. AHEC Scholars learn how social determinants impact high-risk populations while they gain professional experience and develop their professional network.
Thrive @ Russell Sage
Russell Sage College has a signature program called Thrive @ Russell Sage. Building on our reputation in the health sciences, Thrive extends beyond the classroom to focus on bringing well-being to all aspects of a student life. There are lots of opportunities for students to get involved with Thrive, which embraces the same broad definition of health and well-being as does the field of public health.
“Public Health … is making the people and the environment they live in the healthiest they can possibly be.”
Dayna Maniccia, DrPH, MS
Associate Professor and Program Director, Public Health
Spotlights
Meet faculty, students and alumni.
Your Future
Russell Sage College’s bachelor’s degree in Public Health is truly interdisciplinary, which means you’ll be prepared to start your career or pursue a graduate degree in public and community health, and in related fields like public service, social work, business or the health sciences.
Graduate Studies
Many Sage graduates with a degree in Public Health pursue a master’s degree in Public or Community Health and are accepted at top programs.
By using the five-course sequence to meet program requirements, this program can also prepare you for:
- Russell Sage College’s M.S. in Occupational Therapy
- Russell Sage College’s MBA program
- Russell Sage College’s M.S. in Organization Management
- Russell Sage College’s M.S. in Health Services Administration
Careers
Recent Sage graduates who majored or completed a concentration in Public Health have been hired at the Rensselaer County Department of Health, the New York City Council and New Choices Recovery Center.
Research & Internships
Recent employers that have hosted Public Health interns from Russell Sage College include the Rensselaer County Health Department, the New York State Assembly, Capital District Women’s Employment and Resource Center, Capital Roots, and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area.
In your senior year, you will conduct a needs assessment as your independent capstone project. Needs assessments are a common activity for public and community health professionals, so your capstone project is another relevant experience you can include on your resume, along with your internship. Students are encouraged to conduct research with a faculty mentor and to participate in multiple internship experiences whenever possible.
Have questions?
Chair, Interdisciplinary Studies Department, Assistant Director of the Center for Teaching & Learning, Program Director & Associate Professor of Public Health