ABOUT THE Public Health PROGRAM AT pACIFIC UNIVERSITY

The field of Public Health is dedicated to understanding and improving the health and well-being of all communities. Pacific University's public health program is designed to develop students' abilities to analyze and solve problems and communicate effectively in a diverse, complex and rapidly changing world. Rooted in the liberal arts, the program integrates science and social sciences with humanistic approaches to addressing global health challenges. The program is housed in the School of Social Sciences, in the Department of Politics and Government and Public Health.

Integrating Theory and Practice

All Public Health majors at Pacific University complete a semester-long practicum and a year-long Capstone experience. This culminating educational experience begins with a 70-hour, hands-on fieldwork experience (in either spring semester of junior year or fall semester of senior year) with a community-based organization whose work aligns with the student’s interests. Following the field experience, the student completes an independent senior project that builds upon knowledge gained during the practicum.      

Course Descriptions:

PH-380: Students complete a 70-hour civic engagement field experience under the supervision of a public health professional; placements are arranged in consultation with Public Health Program staff. A learning contract with the host agency guides students’ individualized field learning. Field learning is complemented by reflective and analytical writing along with group discussion. To enable diverse field learning settings, group learning activities take place primarily online.

PH-491: Senior Capstone I (Fall): The focus of this course is to assist students in selecting an area of interest in order to define their senior project, complete background research and literature review, and develop a proposal or methodology for the project. This course is required of all public health majors in their final year.

PH-492: Students further refine and develop their senior project. Students complete their program plan or data analysis. In addition, students create professional products for presenting their work, including written and oral presentation of their project. This course is required of all public health majors in their final year.

Read more about the Public Health major learning outcomes and interdisciplinary curriculum.