Introduction
The community health degree prepares students in the professional skills necessary to promote healthy lifestyles, particularly among populations that have limited access to health-related information and services. These skills include needs assessment, program development and implementation, and evaluation of program outcomes.
Delaware State’s community health program emphasizes hands-on learning. Students gain many of hours of practical work experience via field placements in voluntary health agencies, public health departments, and other agencies. They develop programs to enhance health in a variety of ways including:
- nutrition
- obesity prevention and reduction
- alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse
- sexually transmissible diseases
- pregnancy and prenatal care
- heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and other chronic conditions
- mental health
- pollution and environmental health
Professional Preparation
Graduates enter the work force with a wide range of job-ready work skills, including public speaking, written communication, community organizing, and assessment. The program includes an in-depth study of how community health organizations function, as well as the particular health-related challenges of diverse and low-income populations.
Faculty
Faculty in the community health program teach from first-hand experience. Combining academic expertise with years of professional practice, they have earned their “street cred” and can offer practical wisdom and insight along with textbook lessons.
Delaware State’s community health program offers intimate class sizes, so instructors develop close relationships with students, offering mentorship, academic guidance, and career advice.
Research and Experience
During the junior year, all students perform dozens of hours of observation and fieldwork at an off-campus health care agency. The senior capstone consists of a minimum twelve-week, full-time placement at a community health agency or public health facility.
