The Public Health Generation: Undergraduate Public Health Degrees Growing Exponentially

New research charts dramatic increase in public health majors

NEW ORLEANS – The number of public health majors has increased 750% over the last twenty years according to a new study by the de Beaumont Foundation and the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH), “Characterizing the growth of the undergraduate public health major, 1992-2012.” The report, released in conjunction with the fourth annual Undergraduate Education for Public Health Summit, is the first of its kind to map this significant growth trend in public health education.

“Anecdotal evidence suggested that the number of public health undergraduates was increasing, but this research demonstrates that the field is expanding far more quickly and to a greater degree than we had imagined,” said Dr. James Sprague, author and CEO of the de Beaumont Foundation. “These students will bring a distinct expertise and perspective to both their personal and professional lives, whether they are employed in a health-related field or not.”

Using data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the study’s authors documented the growth of the undergraduate public health major from 759 degrees awarded in 1992 to 6,464 in 2012. Their research also uncovered demographic trends within this growing student population, which is more ethnically diverse than the US undergraduate population as a whole. Women were particularly well represented as public health majors. The number of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders more than doubled, and the proportion of Hispanic students increased dramatically. African American students represent the largest minority group in public health.

“Today’s students have a global perspective and understand the links between their lives and those around them, both locally and globally,” said Dr. Harrison C. Spencer, ASPPH President and CEO. “Public health’s inherent interdisciplinary nature melds well with an undergraduate curriculum, allowing students to apply what they learn to any number of fields, whether it’s in public health, clinical care, or a non-health profession such as business, engineering, architecture, or urban planning.”

“Millennials grew up against the backdrop of September 11th, Hurricane Katrina, and other domestic and international health crises. In response, this generation seems to be more service-minded than their predecessors, recognizing the need for public service and emergency response from a young age,” said Brian Castrucci, author and Chief Program and Strategy Officer at the de Beaumont Foundation.

This report is the first of its kind to chart the growth of the undergraduate public health major. At the same time, it has raised many more questions about the impact these students have after graduation and whether their knowledge is being put to use. The study revealed that fewer than 1 in 10 apply to medical school or pursue an advanced degree in public health, but more precise information regarding their eventual fields of employment is still unknown. Preliminary research indicates that these students are not joining the public health workforce in large numbers, but it is not clear why or whether they are seeking employment or continued studies outside of health-related fields.

“We are looking forward to a follow up study of public health undergraduates that will extend our analysis past the point of graduation,” said Dr. Craig Blakely, author and Dean of School of Public Health and Information Sciences at the University of Louisville. “Where do these graduates end up? What kind of work do they do? Are they prepared for the public health workforce? Are they advocates for healthier lifestyles in their communities? Documenting the changes in the field of public health education is a first step. Our challenge, and the challenge we pose to others in the field, is to determine how we can best use this information moving forward.”

The report was authored by:

  • Jonathon P. Leider, PhD; Senior Research and Evaluation Officer, de Beaumont Foundation
  • Brian C. Castrucci, MA; Chief Program and Strategy Officer, de Beaumont Foundation
  • Christine Plepys, MS; Director of Data Analytics, ASPPH
  • Craig Blakely, PhD, MPH; Dean of School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville
  • Emily Burke, MPH; Program Manager of Data Analytics, ASPPH
  • James B. Sprague, MD; Chief Executive Officer, de Beaumont Foundation

The full text of the report can be found online at www.publichealthreports.org. An interactive dashboard is available at data.aspph.org/public. To learn more about the Undergraduate Education for Public Health Summit, click here.

The Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health is the voice of accredited public health education. Our mission is to transform public health by strengthening and promoting the education, research, service, and practice activities of CEPH-accredited schools and programs. We advocate for investments needed to advance population health and more effective public health policies. To learn more about ASPPH, visit www.aspph.org.

The de Beaumont Foundation works to transform the practice of public health in the United States. Founded by Pierre S. de Beaumont, the Foundation primarily supports projects that provide training and education to the public health workforce; build public health infrastructure; and improve information and data management through innovative technology. To learn more about the de Beaumont Foundation, visit www.debeaumont.org.

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