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Public Health & Community Health Education

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Become a leader in public health through our accredited program and help address community health issues like infectious disease and mental health.

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Undergraduate program

Public Health & Community Health Education

Undergrad major Undergrad minor

With a degree in public health, you can help build healthier communities. Learn more about UWL's Public Health and Community Health Education program.

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Graduate programs

Healthcare Administration

Graduate degree

Nearly every healthcare organization relies on knowledgeable, compassionate leaders to guide operations, improve patient care and navigate complex systems.

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Public Health Online

Graduate degree

Prepare to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of communities through UW-La Crosse's online Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) program.

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Nursing Home Administration

Graduate certificate

The 100% online Nursing Home Administration Graduate Certificate equips you with the knowledge and skills to lead in the growing field of long-term care.

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CEPH accredited seal
The Bachelor of Science in Public Health program at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse is currently accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) as a standalone baccalaureate program (SBP)

Featured courses

  • Foundations of Health Education
    CHE 210 | 3 credits
    This course explores introductory concepts related to the field of health education. Basic principles, philosophies, and issues related to health education are presented. In addition, health education as a career option is examined and the role of the health educator in numerous settings discussed. Offered Fall, Spring.
  • Health Policy, Advocacy, and Community Organizations
    CHE 400 | 3 credits
    This course focuses on the process of engaging communities in health education and behavior change programs of various kinds. Several organizing paradigms for fostering healthy communities are examined, and their practical and ethical implications are considered. Skill development for community assessment, constituency-building, and leadership of participatory planning efforts is emphasized. Students are paired with health and human services, health policy and social justice agencies, and coalitions to gain an in-depth knowledge of agenda setting, legislative research, and legislative advocacy in relation to specific legislation being proposed in the Wisconsin state legislature. Prerequisite: CHE 310, CHE 360, CHE 370; PH 340. Offered Fall, Spring.
  • Implementation, Administration, and Evaluation of Health Education Programs
    CHE 450 | 3 credits
    In this course students implement, administer, and evaluate a community health education program. Interventions are based on professional best practices and social and behavioral theories and models. Data is collected that allow students to evaluate goals, objectives, and activities. Students are required to generate a report at the end of the semester that can be used to inform decision makers on the success of the program and can be added to the professional evidence base. Prerequisite: CHE 320, CHE 380, CHE 400, PH 335. Offered Fall, Spring.
  • Introduction to Public Health
    PH 200 | 3 credits
    This course serves as an introduction to the past, present, and future of public health. The course covers multiple issues including analytical methods, biomedical basis of disease, social and behavioral factors, and environmental health. Students examine what those issues are, what determines them, and how they can be addressed. As a survey of the entire field of public health, students explore persistent health disparities, determinants of health, and public health in an era of globalization. Offered Fall, Spring, Summer.
  • Introduction to Global Health
    PH 204 | 3 credits
    This course introduces participants to global health through its history, definition, determinants, and development as a field of study. The connection between health problems in developed and developing countries and the interdisciplinary approach necessary to understand and address health issues are emphasized. Students learn about population health in regions of the world, and explore how and explain why various health indicators are likely to change over time. Students also develop a basic understanding of the methods used to assess population health, discuss why some groups are healthier than others, and suggest what can be done to reduce health disparities. Offered Fall, Spring.
  • Environmental Health
    PH 335 | 3 credits
    This course will examine the interdisciplinary and global impacts of human-environment relationships. Emphasis is placed on the critical nature of our understanding these relationships in order to improve ecosystem health, human health and well-being, global economics and sustainability. Politics, economics, science, technology, human behavior (both individual and collective), history, ethics, and the media are examined for the purpose of improving the quality of life for all people through the creation of a sustainable global society. The science, methods and processes of environmental health will be considered. The role of environmental health in public and population health will be examined. Prerequisite: admission to the public health and community health education major or an environmental studies minor. Offered Fall, Spring.
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Portrait of Rebecca Shirley

Hear from an alum

Rebecca Shirley

Since graduating in 2019, I’ve worked for two Wisconsin health organizations, both stating they hired me because I graduated from the UWL Public Health & Community Health Education Program! When our professors say they have a public health undergraduate program like no other, they are absolutely right.

Portrait of Kemmesha Thomas

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Kemmesha Thomas

UWL programs, like the McNair Scholars Program, made me realize so many things I’m interested in. I can develop more knowledge and enjoy doing research.

Portrait of Kelsey Shuda

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Kelsey Shuda

Pursuing a major in Public Health & Community Health Education has given me opportunities to advocate and work on policy development at a local and national level. From Eta Sigma Gamma meetings to summits in Washington D.C., I was able to continuously prepare for my future career in public health.

Portrait of Chelsea Dummer

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Chelsea Dummer

The professors were my strong, supportive mentors that helped me create a foundation for the work I do today in the field. Their genuine passion for the field created a unique sense of appreciation for the work that is needed now more than ever.

Portrait of Kitt (Katherine) Drewiske

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Kitt (Katherine) Drewiske

The professors who make up this program are among the most dedicated individuals I’ve ever had the opportunity to work with. Not only do they provide high-quality education, they provide their students with opportunities for applied learning to see how public health works from theory to practice at all levels.

Portrait of Kayla Loeber, '19 & '25

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Kayla Loeber, '19 & '25

"Even though it was virtual, it was very easy to access other students and support each other along the way. What I learned in this program connects perfectly back to the population I work with, and the support I gained in policy and advocacy has definitely helped me be able to advocate for the people that I work with."