Overview

In the wake of recent man-made and natural disasters, the US is placing a high priority on building up the nation's public health workforce.  Since 2002, Federal funding has increased for public health preparedness, including scholarship and loan repayment programs, workforce development grants, and funding for bioterrorism preparedness.  What does this mean for you?  It means that with a degree in public health, you’ll be in high demand – and on a career path filled with advancement opportunities.

With a career in Behavioral Science/Health Education you help to improve public health by encouraging people to make healthy choices. For instance, you may develop community-wide education initiatives on health topics ranging from nutrition and fitness to injury and disease prevention. 

If you pursue a career in this field, you may help to:

• stop the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, such as herpes and HIV/AIDS
• help young people recognize and avoid the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse
• reduce obesity and related health problems among children
• improve the quality of life for the growing population of seniors
• save more lives by promoting seatbelt use

Public health professionals in this field also research complex health issues, in order to help people make better use of health services, adopt self-care practices, and become more active participants in their community's health system.

You can download, save and print a PDF of this career profile:

Behavorial Science PDF 02 Sep 2008 [pdf, 181 KB]

Working Conditions

Working conditions in this profession vary by subspecialty.

NOTE: Salary ranges, as listed, are the actual salaries earned (adjusted for inflation using the national CPI - Bureau of Labor Statistics) within one year of graduation, as reported by the most recent nationwide survey of graduates conducted by the Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH).