Public and One Health (PAOH) Frequently Asked Questions

What is public health?

Public health is the science of illness and injury prevention and health promotion in populations (neighborhoods, regions, countries, etc.). Public health professionals often work together across multiple disciplines to improve health and well-being for all.

Public health incorporates wide-ranging topics and fields such as maternal and child health, surveillance of infectious diseases, outbreak response, rural public health, substance use and abuse, health disparities, social determinants of health, public health policy, environmental health, nutrition and food security, climate change impacts on health, emergency preparedness and response, reproductive health, agriculture, animal population health, and more.

What is One Health?

One Health is the concept that the health of humans, animals and the environment are connected, therefore the health of all living things and our planet may be improved when experts across these different fields work together to solve complex health issues.

Learn more about One Health here: One Health Commission

What topics are typically of interest to students within the Public and One Health program?

Public and One Health students are mainly interested in health. Students also may have an interest in the natural or social sciences, in pre-health professions, and/or in helping others to maximize their health and well-being. One Health advocates take a particular interest in working collaboratively across diverse disciplines to discover new and unique solutions to pressing health problems, also known as a transdisciplinary approach to health.

What jobs are available to a person who graduates with a Public and One Health degree?

Our graduates are qualified to work in entry-level positions in public health, animal health, or environmental health. Employment opportunities include, but are not limited to, government, nonprofit organizations, industry, research (hospitals, academia, pharmaceutical companies), consulting firms, etc.

Information on careers in public health can be found on our website at the following links:

Public and One Health Careers
Public and One Health Career Options

To learn more about specific jobs, including average salary, expected job growth, required education, etc., you can access the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics “Occupational Outlook Handbook” at the link below, and search specific job titles you’re interested in learning more about:

Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)

Can a B.S. in Public and One Health prepare me for healthcare-related professional or graduate studies? (e.g., physician, dentist, veterinarian, pharmacist, etc.)

Yes! This major can prepare students to apply to various professional programs including but not limited to medical school, veterinary school, dental school, physical therapy and physician assistant programs, pharmacy schools, optometry schools, etc. Students may also elect to pursue graduate training in biomedical sciences, public health, epidemiology, or other fields. Students should work closely with their academic advisor to fulfill any necessary prerequisite courses for their desired graduate or professional program of interest.

If I major in Public and One Health, will this prioritize my admission to the veterinary professional program at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine?

While majoring in Public and One Health enables students the opportunity to fulfill all prerequisites required to apply to veterinary school, it will not give priority to their application to the Auburn University Veterinary Medicine Professional program.

Where are classes taught?

Classes are taught in-person on the main campus of Auburn University. We do not offer courses online at this time.

What classes are required for this degree?

The course curriculum can be found on our website at the following link: Public and One Health Curriculum.

Is the Public and One Health degree accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)?

The Public and One Health baccalaureate program was designed to meet all of the necessary requirements for CEPH accreditation. New programs are eligible for accreditation after 3-5 years, which this program will pursue on the appropriate timeline.

How do I schedule a visit?

If you would like to schedule a visit please fill out the “Request Information” form on our website at the following link, and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible: Request Information Page.

How do I obtain more information?

If you would like to obtain more information about our program, please submit any questions you have through the “Request Information” form on our website at the following link, and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible: Request Information Page.