Earn a bachelor's degree at WSC and a Public Health master's degree at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in just five years.
Pre-Public Health Degree Track
Pre-Public Health Program with Accelerated Public Health Master's Degree
The field of public health brings individuals from diverse academic interests and backgrounds together to study, analyze, understand, and address complex community health issues. The accelerated Pre-Public Health degree track at Wayne State College is set up for you to receive dual degrees from WSC and the University of Nebraska Medical Center in five years. It is open to all majors, with the Exercise Science major as an example. As an Exercise Science major in this accelerated dual degree program, you can combine your interests in health and exercise physiology for promoting health and preventing diseases in public and global health professions. The Public Health degree track consists of three years at WSC, followed by two years at UNMC, with up to 21 credit hours transferring back to WSC for your bachelor’s degree. At the end of five years, you’ll receive a master’s degree in Public Health from UNMC.
Percent of recent WSC graduates employed or in graduate school
based on the most recent graduate survey
Our Focus is Results
Wayne State has the keys to your success and offers just what you need to become well prepared for the real world in the pre-public health degree program.
Skills Learned
- Knowledge of body structure and function
- Health status and risk factor identification
- Fitness appraisal and exercise prescription
- Body composition testing/measurement
- Exercise physiology; strength and conditioning
- Cardiac rehabilitation, exercise prescription
- Research and data analysis
- Kinesiology / biomechanics
- Biological and social determinants of health and disease
Possible Careers
- Public health project manager
- Community health worker
- Health communications specialist
- Population health manager
- Environmental health director
- Epidemiologist
- Occupational health specialist
- Biosecurity specialist
- Chief medical officer
- Corporate medical director
- Disaster preparedness coordinator
Employers
- Hospitals and medical clinics
- Businesses and corporations
- City, county, and state governments
- Schools, colleges, and universities
- Federal agencies
- Non-profit organizations
- Labs and research facilities
- Public relations and marketing agencies
- Public health departments
Learn From the Best
Our faculty are accomplished. Several are highly regarded as experts and have been recognized with notable honors and awards. And with a low student-to-faculty ratio, you'll be sure to receive an excellent education in the pre-public health degree program.
Outside the Classroom
At Wayne State College, you’ll have opportunities to enhance your education by participating in clubs, organizations, art shows, internships, and more.
Clubs and Organizations
Service-Learning
Make a difference in the community while learning skills you can apply toward your future career. Wayne State’s Service-Learning program has received national awards in recognition of outstanding community service, with more than 400 students participating in Service-Learning projects each semester. Examples of community and Service-Learning events include:
- World Heart Day – Provide free blood pressure screening, share heart health information and heart-healthy snacks, and facilitate recreation opportunities for local families and children.
- Community/campus bicycle events – Promote and participate in various events including maintenance workshops, “Bike to School” days with community schools, and the “Wild Ride Color Ride” event.
- Body tests - Help local high school wrestlers meet NSAA program guidelines by measuring their body composition and hydration levels.
Opportunities
- Wellness program - Gain experience as a wellness advisor and fitness instructor to other WSC students, faculty, staff, and members of the community.
- Exercise is medicine – Partner with campus and community teams to promote exercise as a prescription for health.
- Conduct your own research and even present your findings at the NASCM conference.
- Recognition – Each year, the department awards and recognizes one student from each of the HHPS majors for their achievements.
- Study Abroad - Earn credit toward your degree while experiencing exciting global adventures overseas.
Internships
An internship is required to earn your public health degree. You’ll have a chance to earn credit through on-campus services like the wellness program or human performance lab, or anywhere you’d like to do an internship. Career Services is available to help you find the best internship opportunities.
