Short Description
The Public Health Associate of Arts (A.A.) program offers a dynamic foundation in the science and practice of public health, preparing students to improve community well-being through knowledge, skills, and real-world application. This two-year program introduces core concepts such as epidemiology, health promotion, environmental health, health policy, and disease prevention. Students will learn how to assess community health needs, design and evaluate health programs, communicate effectively with diverse populations, and understand how social, economic, and cultural factors influence health outcomes. With hands-on learning, community engagement experiences, and coursework grounded in current public health practice, this program prepares graduates for meaningful work in health-related fields or for continued study. Type of Credential
Associate of Arts (A.A.) Contacts and Additional Information
Program Coordinator:
CCBC Catonsville, Danielle Holland
443-840-1573 or dholland@ccbcmd.edu
Additional Information:
- Opportunities to earn Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) - For Health, see DSST. Several General Education classes also have CPL opportunities.
- Articulation and Transfer Agreements - While there are no program-specific agreements for the Public Health AOC, see other types of agreements such as guaranteed admission, block transfer, and discounts. For the Public Health A.A., students should review opportunities with Hood College, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and Morgan State University.
Curriculum Maps
Curriculum Maps are a tool to provide students with a clear understanding of which courses to take and the order in which to complete them. Curriculum Maps help define a student’s individual path towards graduation, ensuring their time and efforts are not spent on credits that fall outside their program of study.
Each map identifies critical courses that must be completed in order to progress through the program and graduate. Curriculum Maps come complete with helpful hints for students - like recommended course electives and a reminder to apply to graduate.
Select the link(s) below to view the Curriculum Map(s) for this program: - Public Health Curriculum Map
Courses Needed for This Program*
General Education Requirements and Electives - 35-36 Credits
General Education Requirements
General Education Electives
Choose courses in each category from the list of approved General Education Courses . - Biological and Physical Sciences 3-4 Credit(s).
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (SOCL 101 recommended) 3 Credit(s).
Program Requirements and Electives - 24-25 Credits
Program Electives
Take 6 credits from the list of program electives below. In addition, select 4-5 credits of electives to attain 60 credits for the degree. A student’s selection of General Education electives will determine the total elective credits required to reach 60 credits. Contact the program coordinator or an academic advisor for assistance in choosing electives. Courses should be chosen based on the requirements of the transfer institution. Total Number of Credits Required for Degree: 60-61*
Note
*Credit students who are new to college (no successfully completed transferable college credits from other institutions) are required to take ACDV 101 - Academic Development 101 . This 1-credit course is designed to be taken in the first semester at CCBC. Students must provide an official transcript(s) from an accredited institution to document successful completion of college coursework for the ACDV 101 requirement to be waived.
Program Description
The Public Health Associate of Arts (A.A.) program offers a dynamic foundation in the science and practice of public health, preparing students to improve community well-being through knowledge, skills, and real-world application. This two-year program introduces core concepts such as epidemiology, health promotion, environmental health, health policy, and disease prevention. Students will learn how to assess community health needs, design and evaluate health programs, communicate effectively with diverse populations, and understand how social, economic, and cultural factors influence health outcomes. With hands-on learning, community engagement experiences, and coursework grounded in current public health practice, this program prepares graduates for meaningful work in health-related fields or for continued study. Career Opportunities Graduates with an A.A. in Public Health are prepared for entry-level positions such as: - Community Health Worker
- Health Educator Assistant
- Outreach Specialist
- Public Health Technician
- Program Support Assistant in health nonprofits or government agencies
For students who continue their education and earn a Bachelor’s Degree (B.A./B.S.) in Public Health, a broader range of roles becomes available. A bachelor’s degree also opens doors to competitive graduate programs and careers in healthcare administration, health policy, emergency preparedness, and more - positioning students for leadership roles in improving population health. This degree program is designed to articulate with the BA in Public Health at Hood College, and transfer pathways also exist for the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and Morgan State University. Other bachelor’s degree programs may require additional coursework. Students are advised to consult the specific requirements of the bachelor’s degree program to which they wish to transfer. Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this degree, students will be able to: - describe basic principles of health topics including fitness, nutrition, stress management, psychological wellness, addiction, cardiovascular disease, cancer, sexuality, aging, and environmental wellness;
- demonstrate a high quality of personal and public communication skills in oral and written form;
- apply knowledge of human physiology and behavior;
- discuss cultural differences to health issues;
- apply health behavior change theories;
- utilize data and statistics to examine public health phenomena; and
- describe ethical considerations in public health
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