Texas higher ed board approves UNT launch of public health degree program

Monday, January 11, 2016 - 20:12

DENTON (UNT), Texas -- The University of North Texas College of Education will soon offer a bachelor's degree in public health. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved the degree, helping UNT to fill a critical need in the field of health.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified a need for new undergraduate programs in public health by 2020. With numerous public hospitals, health departments and non-profit health organizations, the public health job market in the North Texas region is significant, and these organizations will need future graduates to support their efforts.

"This new degree will complement the outstanding programs already offered in our Department of Kinesiology, Health Promotion and Recreation," said College of Education Dean Jerry Thomas. "My hope is that future UNT students will select this degree as an opportunity to be on the cutting edge of preventing disease outbreaks and epidemics."

The public health program has become the college's seventh degree program. It will have several focus areas, including population studies and biological sciences.

"Public health careers are always in demand," said Jennifer Edwards, the coordinator of the new degree program and a health promotion lecturer. "Federal agencies say there will be a shortage of 250,000 public health workers by the year 2020. We are excited to prepare our UNT students to meet this need addressing vital public health problems like outbreaks, vaccinations and access to healthcare."

Applications are currently being accepted for the Bachelor of Science Degree Program in Public Health. Classes will start Fall 2016.

For more information, contact Edwards at 940-565-2069 or Jennifer.Edwards@unt.edu.

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