Photo of a group of WashU graduates gleefully jumping into the air together

Explore Careers

What can you do with a Public Health & Society degree?

Public Health & Society graduates move into a variety of professions and advanced study programs. The field of public health offers a broad spectrum of career opportunities beyond the traditional roles in local health departments. Whether you aim to directly engage with communities, conduct groundbreaking research, or influence public health policies, a degree in Public Health & Society equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to make a difference.

Possible career paths include:

  • Biotechnology and Bioengineering
  • Clinical Research
  • Community Health Worker
  • Community Organizing, Advocacy, and Social Justice
  • Computational and Data Sciences
  • Environmental Policy Analyst
  • Epidemiology
  • Governance, Politics, and Consulting
  • Health Communications and Marketing
  • Health Insurance Underwriter
  • Healthcare Administrator
  • Healthcare Data Analytics
  • Healthcare Policy Research and Analysis
  • Human Resources and Labor Relations
  • International Humanitarian Aid
  • Medical Practice (MD/DO/NP/etc.)
  • Non-Profit Management, Grant Writing, and Program Development
  • Psychiatry, Psychological Counseling, and Social Work
  • Urban Planning and Architectural Design
  • Workplace Health and Wellness Initiatives
  • Youth and Family Services, Senior Services, or Disability Services

There is a lot you can do within the field of public health.

Not sure what classes to take? 

Map Icon

Electives Organized by Topic
A-Z Icon

Full list of Electives

The Center for Career Engagement

Make an Appointment

Don't be shy - whether you're just starting to think of options or have a specific path in mind, it's easy to meet with a career advisor! The Center for Career Engagement’s online tool lets you schedule an appointment at any time and help find the right advisor to get started.

Schedule an Appointment

Register for Handshake

Handshake is a career management system where you can search and apply for jobs, internships, and co-ops, manage your applications, and RSVP for programs and workshops. On Handshake, you can also upload and submit application materials such as resumes, cover letters, and other supporting materials like writing samples and portfolios.

Join Handshake

Browse Resources and Tools

The Center for Career Engagement has an abundant amount of resources and guides to help you along your journey.

Center for Career Engagement resources and tools

Drop-In Hours for Quick Questions

Looking for help with your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn, or Handshake? Need help preparing for an interview? Come to Drop-In Hours for Quick Questions to meet with a coach from the Center for Career Engagement. No appointment needed!

Spring Semester Opportunities:

Want to learn more the WashU Medicine admissions process?

Attend an upcoming virtual information session!

These sessions are an excellent opportunity to learn about the holistic admissions review process, innovative Gateway Curriculum, student support resources, and the WashU Medicine culture. Registration is required and linked to each session date:

upcoming
events

For Careers
See More Events
Careers

The Power of Introspection

I’m Peter, an MD by profession, a first-year MPH student at the Brown School, and a CCE Graduate Intern. I have been a practicing physician for the past five years. My journey into medicine has been profoundly shaped by introspection, and I believe that understanding one’s motivations is crucial when considering a career in medicine. Engaging in reflective thinking can help aspiring doctors clarify their paths and ensure they are making informed decisions.

| Center for Career Engagement
Careers

Podcast: How to Write Amazing Cover Letters

In this episode we talk about how to make your cover letter stand out from the stack. We'll offer some tips so that your cover letter is as much about the organization you're applying to as it is about you, demonstrates your commitment to the organization's mission, and reflects holistically on how your experiences relate to the job to which you're applying. Writing cover letters is not easy! We're here to help.

| Center for Career Engagement

Additional Resources

Planning to Continue Your Education with a Master of Public Health?

institution icon
Fast-track your education with the 3-2 MPH Program