Hartwick College students walking in front of Bresee Hall on Founders' Way

welcome to hartwick public health

WHY STUDY PUBLIC HEALTH AT HARTWICK?

You want to make a real difference in people’s lives, not just in hospitals, but in communities, policies and global systems that shape health every day.

At Hartwick, you’ll explore how disease spreads, how communities stay healthy and how policy, culture and science connect, while gaining real-world experience in a growing field.

Through interdisciplinary coursework connecting public health with biology, psychology and policy, you’ll build practical knowledge that prepares you for careers focused on prevention, health and well-being.

What sets Hartwick apart:

  • Study public health through an interdisciplinary approach that connects science, behavior, policy and culture, helping you understand not just what affects health, but why.
  • Design your own concentration in areas like epidemiology, global health or community health.
  • Gain real-world experience through internships, fieldwork and applied research.
  • Explore health at every level, from local communities to global experiences.
  • Enjoy flexibility in your schedule with select electives offered online.
  • Work closely with faculty mentors to build research, communication and public speaking skills.

CAREER OUTLOOK FOR PUBLIC HEALTH MAJORS

Public health is a rapidly growing field, with careers in epidemiology, community health, healthcare systems and policy expected to grow faster than average nationwide. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

As global health challenges evolve, from infectious diseases to chronic conditions, professionals who can analyze data, communicate effectively and design solutions are in high demand. Hartwick graduates are well-prepared to meet that need and make an immediate impact.

CAREER PATHS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH MAJORS

Public health opens doors to a wide range of meaningful, people-focused careers, including:

  • Epidemiology
  • Community Health Education
  • Public Health Data Analysis
  • Healthcare Administration and Policy
  • Environmental Health
  • Global Health and Humanitarian Work
  • Health Research and Program Management

Graduates also pursue advanced degrees in public health, healthcare, research and related fields at institutions such as Johns Hopkins or Boston University. Others apply their skills in areas such as nonprofit leadership, wellness programming and population health strategy. And many students take paid, full-time opportunities through the New York State Public Health Corps (NYSPHC) Fellowship Program, which often turn into full-time positions.

HARTWICK ALUMNI LAND SUCCESSFUL CAREERS

Hartwick Public Health Alumni Have Worked For:

  • Warren County Public Health Department
  • Langone Health, New York University
  • Fox Hospital
  • ClaimFox Inc

After completing his master’s in public health at Yale University, Will Eger ’19 is pursuing a Ph.D. in interdisciplinary research on substance use at the University of California San Diego/San Diego State University. While at Hartwick, he was awarded an Emerson Scholarship to serve as a public health intern in the Amazon Region of Ecuador.

Liz Kelly ’12, who also holds a master’s degree in public health (MSPH), is a research project manager at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill’s Translational Research Institute and is working on a nationwide long-COVID data study.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

  • Build a strong foundation in public health through global health and epidemiology, then explore advanced topics like infectious and chronic diseases.
  • Understand how health is shaped across communities and systems, from local to global.
  • Study public health through policy, ethical, cultural and scientific perspectives.
  • Develop research and analytical skills through public health methods and a senior research project.
  • Apply your knowledge through hands-on experiences and opportunities to present your work at Student Showcase and professional conferences.

FACULTY

Michelle Budwitz

Assistant Professor of Public Health
607-431-4392

Lisle W. Dalton

Professor of Religious Studies, Coordinator of Public Health Program & Honors Program Co-Director
607-431-4936

Stephanie Carr

Associate Professor of Biology
607-431-4410

Laurel Elder

Professor of Political Science and Department Chair
607-431-4887

Matthew Chick

Assistant Professor of Political Science & Pre-Law Program Coordinator
607-431-4611

Connie Anderson

Professor of Anthropology
607-431-4861

Carlena Cochi Ficano

Professor of Economics
607-431-4946

Cherilyn Lacy

Professor of History & Assistant Provost
607-431-4885

James Buthman

Associate Professor of Political Science
607-431-4586

Elena Chernyak

Associate Professor of Sociology
607-431-4327

William Kowalczyk

Associate Professor of Psychology and Department Chair
607-431-4965

Three-Year Bachelor’s Degree Program

Ready to move faster? Get the full Hartwick public health experience in three-quarters the time at three-quarters the cost. Learn more about the three-year program.

Learn More

SEE YOURSELF IN PUBLIC HEALTH?

Learn more about how public health at Hartwick connects science, policy and real-world experience to help you understand communities, prevent disease and make an impact in a growing, high-demand field.