Is Public Health a STEM Major?

Public health is a field that focuses on preventing diseases prolonging life promoting health well-being through organized efforts informed choices of society organizations public private communities individuals. It is a multidisciplinary field that involves different areas of knowledge including medical science social science mathematics. But is public health considered a STEM major? This article will explore this question in more detail.

STEM Fields

STEM stands for Science Technology Engineering Mathematics. These fields are often grouped together because they share a common goal of applying scientific mathematical principles to create new technologies tools solutions to complex problems. STEM fields are essential for innovation progress in many areas including health energy transportation communications.

Public Health STEM

Public health is often not considered a traditional STEM major but it integrates many aspects of STEM fields into its research practice. Public health involves studying analyzing data to track the spread of diseases identifying risk factors designing interventions to prevent control them. To do this public health professionals use statistical methods modeling techniques data visualization tools to analyze communicate complex information.

In addition public health professionals use technology to collect store manage data related to health outcomes risk factors demographic information which requires knowledge of information systems database management data privacy regulations. Moreover public health research often involves laboratory work clinical trials the development of new diagnostic tools vaccines which requires knowledge of medical science chemistry.

Public Health Programs STEM Requirements

Many public health programs require students to take courses in the STEM fields. For example students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Health may take courses in biology statistics epidemiology environmental health. Students pursuing a Master of Public Health may take advanced courses in biostatistics environmental health sciences health policy management. Moreover many public health research projects involve collaborations between public health professionals STEM researchers from other fields such as engineering computer science.

Conclusion

In conclusion public health is not usually considered a traditional STEM major but it involves many aspects of STEM fields public health professionals use STEM skills in their research practice. Public health is a vital field that helps prevent control diseases improve health outcomes promote well-being for individuals communities. Therefore students interested in public health should consider taking courses in STEM fields collaborating with STEM researchers to enhance their skills knowledge.