Entry-level Jobs
Just out of college, students will be prepared for a variety of entry-level jobs in governmental, multilateral, bilateral, nongovernmental, nonprofit, for-profit, consulting, research, advocacy, healthcare, and educational organizations. Since the curriculum offers students the flexibility to tailor courses to their interests, they will be able to prepare for a broad range of employment opportunities. Such jobs include positions like:
- Project manager or administrative coordinator for a nonprofit
- Social media outreach for a health equity advocacy group
- Program assistant for an international health program
- Research assistant for a scholarly research project
- Data entry specialist for government office
- Data analyst for a nonprofit
- Outreach coordinator for human services organization
- Public health educator for a government agency (e.g., Health Dept.)
- Health teacher in a K-12 school (teaching certification often required)
- Patient advocate, patient representative
- Consumer safety officer, consumer health advocate
- Disaster preparedness researcher
- Paralegal work assisting with social justice cases
- Medical/health writer
- Public health journalist
- Wellness manager for a public health facility or private corporation
- Research consulting for a health-related company
- Marketing or communication for an insurance agency
In addition to entry-level job preparation, the health and society program works to prepare students to compete for prestigious post-graduation opportunities, including service learning experiences offered through AmeriCorps, Fulbright Teaching Awards, and Peace Corps and gap-year experiences such as those offered by a Fulbright Research Award, a CDC Training Fellowship, or an internship with the NIH.
Additional Degrees
Health and Society graduates are well prepared for graduate study in fields such as public health, global health, health policy, human services, healthcare management, law, and clinical healthcare.
Graduate Pathways
Graduates may pursue advanced degrees such as an MPH, MA, MSW, MBA, MPA, MHA, JD, or PhD, as well as clinical programs in medicine, nursing, and allied health professions.
Accelerated Master of Public Health at UVM
Students interested in public health may be able to earn both their undergraduate degree and MPH in five years through UVM’s Accelerated MPH program. Eligible students can apply graduate credits taken during their senior year toward both degrees.
Planning Ahead
The MPH program requires undergraduate science and math coursework, so interested students should plan their electives accordingly.
Career Opportunities
A Health and Society degree can prepare students for careers across public health, healthcare, research, policy, education, and nonprofit organizations.
Explore Career Paths
- Public Health & Research: Epidemiologist, biostatistician, researcher, program evaluator, infection preventionist
- Policy & Government: Legislative policy advisor, public health planner, regulatory inspector
- Healthcare & Administration: Health services administrator, program manager, health information manager
- Communications & Education: Health educator, health journalist, communications specialist, medical interpreter
- Community & Global Health: Social worker, outreach coordinator, NGO director, emergency preparedness coordinator
Where Graduates Work
Graduates may pursue opportunities with government agencies, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, research institutions, and international health organizations.
Advanced Degrees
Some career paths require additional education or specialized training, such as an MPH, MA, MBA, JD, MD, or PhD.