Public Health Concentration
The public health concentration prepares students for practice within a public health setting. The specialized curriculum provides students with a thorough understanding of the structure of public health systems. It examines ethical, social, economic, environmental, and political factors contributing to health and health disparities on a national, state, and local level. Students will be prepared to identify and select evidence-based interventions that address the social determinants of health (SDOH) and improve health outcomes for individuals, families, groups, and communities. Understanding the role of the social work profession within interdisciplinary teams is also a key component addressed within the curriculum.
The public health social work curriculum is based on the increased demand for social workers in the public health sector. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the public health practice arena for social work exploded. The curriculum is designed to prepare students with a solid understanding of the core components of public health practice. Students will complete structured practicum placements with supervisors who understand the evidence-based practices, social policies, and community health assessment tools utilized in public health settings. This approach allows the program to ensure students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, values, and ethics framed within public health practice.
The required courses for the specialized area of public health are:
- SWK 621: Social Health and Public Work I
- SWK 622: Social Health and Public Work II
- SWK 616: Advanced Practicum I (student will be placed in a public health setting)
- SWK 617: Advanced Practicum II: (student will be placed in a public health setting)
Contact Us
Sociology, Social Work & Criminology
Dr. Connie Hardesty, Chair
355 Rader Hall
Morehead, KY 40351
EMAIL: sswc@moreheadstate.edu
PHONE: 606-783-2202
