In its commitment to improving the health and vitality of Detroit and beyond, Wayne State University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, in collaboration with the Wayne State School of Medicine, has launched a new bachelor's degree of science in public health program.

The rise of environmental health issues and global disease concerns such as the Flint water crisis and the Zika virus have dramatically increased interest and job growth in the field of public health.

Graduates of the new major and minor programs will have the ability to assess and prevent health disparities in Detroit and beyond, as well as diagnose and research public health problems, improve public health through human and environmental interventions, and educate the public regarding healthful choices in life.

"Public health is a field that all students can identify with," said Heather Dillaway, associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. "A public health curriculum can teach us about the safety and well-being of individuals, families and entire populations - both now and for generations to come. Studying this critical topic at WSU will allow students to engage in health disparity and health equity issues and create stronger communities here in Detroit before they even graduate."

A public health degree opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities, including work in public administration, community health departments, government and nonprofit organizations.

The new major and minor will offer training in public health issues and policies to students interested in a broad range of health careers. These new degree programs will also be popular among pre-med students, as the new Medical College Admission Test requirements increasingly emphasize public health and social aspects of health delivery.

Enrollment for Wayne State's bachelor of science in public health is now open. For more information, visit clas.wayne.edu/publichealth.