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Student in class representing the Public Health and Wellness degree at Curry CollegeWhat are the underlying causes of illness in our society? How can you help marginalized populations get the care they need? What is the relationship between health and human rights? How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the future direction of Public Health? You’ll be able to answer these questions and many more with a Public Health and Wellness degree from Curry College.

Public Health and Wellness:

  • Combines natural and social sciences
  • Highlights medical and clinical applications
  • Focuses on scientific research and development
  • Provides a global perspective on health

Learn Beyond Your Classroom

Internships – Gain hands-on experience at hospitals, fitness centers, nonprofit organizations, and clinical sites.

Awards – Demonstrate your passion and you could win the Most Promising Health and Wellness Student Award. This award is given out each year to the student(s) going above and beyond in the program.

Senior Capstone Project – Complete a capstone project on a topic of your choice. You will choose a health issue that interests you and use research and creativity to create your own intervention as a way to improve upon that health problem.

Study Away Trips – Join a class trip to get a firsthand glimpse into the dynamic ways in which other societies approach public health and healthcare. Trip destinations have included Lisbon, Portugal and London, and have included students from disciplines such as Public Health, Nursing, Biology, and Psychology.

Courses You’ll Love

Environmental Health
Global Health
Health Policy and Advocacy
Race, Class, Gender, and Health

Consider a Minor in Public Health and Wellness

The Public Health and Wellness (PHW) minor enables students from a broad variety of educational backgrounds to apply the art and science of public health alongside the ideas and practices of their major. Since PHW is a broad, interdisciplinary, and applied field, there are often professionals with expertise in the Sciences, Education, Nursing, Communications, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, Business, Environmental Science, and more working together to approach and solve community health issues. Minoring in PHW encourages students to embrace the interconnectedness of many fields of study all with the goal of improving health for all.

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Biology (minor)
Business Administration (minor)
Education (minor)
Psychology (minor)
Research with Faculty
Public Health Club
Curry Cares – Community Service Club
Wellness Club

The Path to Your Dream Career

Just a few of the many career options include:

  • Behavioral Health Specialist
  • Case Manager
  • Clinical Research Coordinator
  • Community Health Worker
  • Epidemiologist
  • EMT
  • Healthcare Administrator
  • Health Advocate or Lobbyist
  • Health Educator
  • Health Policy Analyst
  • Local or State Health Director
  • Medical Technician
  • Nutritionist
  • Occupational Health & Safety Professional
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Reproductive Health Specialist
  • Physician’s Assistant
  • Physical Therapist
  • Research Assistant
  • Or continue on to Graduate or Medical School

Students must complete 15 credits in this minor. Three courses (9 credits) are required. Two additional courses (6 credits) will be chosen from several options to prepare the student for his/her area of interest. One of the additional courses must be at the 2000-level and one of the additional courses must be at the 3000-level.

Required Courses

Minor Requirements

Credits

HW 1001 Principles of Public Health and Wellness

3

HW 2000 Foundations of Community Health

3

HW 2010 Health Behavior, Education, and Promotion

3

Additional 2000-level Courses (choose one)

Course Options (Choose one)

Credits

HW 2200 Social Determinants of Health (Fall only)

3

HW 2300 Environmental Health (Spring only)

3

HW 2500 Global Public Health (Fall only)

3

HW 2520 Nutrition

3

Additional 3000-level Courses (choose one)

Course Options (Choose one)

Credits

HW 3005 Public Health Advocacy and Policy

3

HW 3000 Introduction to Epidemiology

3

HW 3050 Race, Class, Gender, and Health

3

1. Describe the interrelationship between natural and social sciences and their combined impact on health and well-being.
2. Debate the relationship between social justice, human rights, and health.
3. Discuss political and policy implications of public health.
4. Articulate health and well-being through scientific and epidemiological language.
5. Teach individuals, communities, and populations about health and well-being.

Kendra Aucoin

Meet Kendra Aucoin '24: Case Manager, Seven Hills

For Kendra Aucoin, public health has always been about helping others. That commitment now defines her work as a Case Manager at Seven Hills, where she coordinates care and support services for individuals with intellectual disabilities, helping them live more independent and fulfilling lives. No two days look exactly alike—sometimes she’s working remotely and collaborating with the Department of Developmental Services, while other days are spent visiting clients and their caregivers, ensuring they have the resources they need. What remains constant is her dedication to making a lasting impact.

Read More About Kendra's Career Path

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Making the transition to college can be a little confusing and lot of fun. Your First-Year Experience at Curry College helps smooth out the bumps and puts you on the path to success.

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Life-Changing Opportunities Await

Start with a foundation in the liberal arts. Add attentive faculty and countless opportunities to learn by doing. That’s what you’ll get with a bachelor’s degree from Curry. Learn what’s waiting for you today.

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