The interdisciplinary nature of public health as a discipline and science enables graduates to pursue diverse opportunities in an array of professional settings including the public sector, non-profit and community-based organizations, academia, and the private sector. Past, current, and future job projections indicate the demand for individuals trained in public health exceeds the current workforce. An analysis of job postings before and during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated a considerable, diverse, and escalating demand for graduates with public health skills and expertise. This unmet and burgeoning high demand for skilled professionals in the public health job market underscores the importance of training and developing highly qualified graduates, and the UT School of Public Health San Antonio is well-positioned to help meet this need.
Below is a list of just some of the many career opportunities available to School of Public Health graduates upon graduation.
Careers in Environmental and Occupational Health
Careers in Environmental and Occupational Health ensure the safety of workplaces and the environment surrounding South Texans. Public health professionals contribute to the betterment of infrastructure in the community, the implementation of effective interventions in workplaces, and the promotion of safety in the community’s environment.
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Environmental Health Specialist
Environmental health specialists are responsible for assessing and addressing environmental factors that can impact public health. They work to identify and reduce risks associated with air and water quality, food safety, hazardous materials, and more. These professionals collaborate with government agencies, businesses, and communities to develop strategies for ensuring safe and healthy environments.
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Occupational Health and Safety Officer
Occupational health and safety officers are dedicated to creating safe work environments. They inspect workplaces, identify potential hazards, and develop safety protocols and regulations. These experts play a crucial role in preventing accidents, injuries, and occupational illnesses among workers in various industries.
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Industrial Hygienist
Industrial hygienists focus on assessing and controlling workplace hazards that may affect the health and well-being of employees. They conduct comprehensive evaluations of chemical, biological, and physical agents in the workplace, implement safety measures, and educate workers and management on proper safety practices.
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Toxicologist
Toxicologists study the effects of chemical and biological agents on human health. In the context of environmental and occupational health, they examine the potential health risks associated with exposure to various substances. Their research helps inform safety regulations and public health guidelines.
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Environmental Consultant
Environmental consultants advise organizations on managing environmental issues and complying with environmental regulations. They help businesses minimize their environmental impact, develop sustainable practices, and navigate complex environmental laws and policies.
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Industrial Safety Engineer
Industrial safety engineers design safety systems and protocols to protect workers and prevent accidents in industrial settings. They analyze equipment and processes to identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
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Water Quality Specialist
Water quality specialists work to ensure the safety and purity of drinking water. They monitor and assess water sources, treatment processes, and distribution systems, striving to maintain water quality standards that protect public health.
Careers in Health, Behavior, and Society
Careers in the Health, Behavior, and Society realms of public health emphasize health equity and addressing health disparities in South Texas and San Antonio. They contribute to the understanding of structural and social determinants of health, the implementation of effective interventions, and the promotion of health communication in diverse communities.
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Health Educator
Health educators work to promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles in communities, with a focus on addressing health disparities. They develop and implement educational programs that address issues such as cancer prevention, behavioral health, substance use, diabetes management, sexual health, and infectious disease prevention. Health educators often use a community-based participatory approach to engage with diverse populations.
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Community Health Worker
Community health workers act as liaisons between communities and healthcare providers. They play a vital role in addressing health disparities by providing culturally competent education, support, and resources related to diabetes management, substance use prevention, and infectious disease control.
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Public Health Social Worker
Public health social workers assist individuals and families in accessing essential health and social services. They specialize in helping those affected by behavioral health issues, substance use, and chronic diseases. These professionals address structural and social determinants of health and help clients navigate complex healthcare systems.
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Health Communication Specialist
Health communication specialists develop and implement communication strategies to disseminate health information effectively. They play a crucial role in promoting health equity by ensuring that information about cancer prevention, sexual health, and other health topics is accessible to diverse populations.
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Behavioral Health Counselor
Behavioral health counselors provide support and counseling to individuals struggling with mental health issues and substance use disorders. They contribute to addressing disparities in behavioral health by offering evidence-based therapies and treatment.
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Health Equity Researcher
Health equity researchers conduct studies to understand and address disparities in health outcomes. They focus on issues such as cancer, diabetes, and infectious diseases, exploring the structural and social determinants that contribute to disparities and working on structural interventions and implementation science to improve health equity.
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Health Policy Analyst (with a focus on health disparities)
Health policy analysts with a focus on health disparities work to shape policies and interventions that address the root causes of health disparities. They evaluate the impact of structural interventions and advocate for changes that promote health equity in areas like cancer, diabetes, and sexual health.
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Program Evaluator (with a focus on community-based interventions)
Program evaluators assess the effectiveness of community-based interventions aimed at reducing health disparities. They help measure the success of initiatives related to behavioral health, substance use prevention, and infectious disease control, providing valuable data for program improvement.
Careers in Health Policy and Health Services Administration
Careers in Health Policy and Health Services Administration align with a diverse range of issues and priorities, including addressing healthcare disparities, health economics, global health, and the unique needs of specific populations, such as women, children, and Hispanic communities. Professionals in these roles contribute to improving healthcare systems and policies to better serve diverse populations.
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Health Policy Analyst
Health policy analysts research and develop policies related to healthcare, with a focus on issues such as access to care, health disparities, and health insurance. They work at various levels of government and in research institutions to influence policy decisions that address the unique needs of diverse populations, including underserved communities.
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Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare administrators are responsible for managing healthcare facilities and systems, ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of healthcare services. They may work in hospitals, clinics, or government agencies, addressing healthcare needs of an aging population and underrepresented groups, as well as issues in infant and children's health, women's health, and Hispanic health.
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Health Economist
Health economists study the economic aspects of healthcare, including the costs and benefits of various healthcare interventions. They play a critical role in developing healthcare financing strategies and addressing economic disparities in healthcare delivery.
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Global Health Consultant
Global health consultants work to address healthcare disparities on a global scale. They may collaborate with international organizations, governments, and non-profits to design and implement policies and programs that improve healthcare access and quality worldwide.
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Healthcare Policy Advocate
Healthcare policy advocates work in the public or private sector to influence healthcare policies that align with the needs of specific populations, such as women's health and Hispanic health. They engage in lobbying, public awareness campaigns, and legislative efforts to drive policy change.
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Health Services Researcher
Health services researchers study the delivery and organization of healthcare services to improve quality, access, and efficiency. They investigate issues related to healthcare administration, emerging healthcare needs, and the needs of underserved communities.
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Healthcare Management Consultant
Healthcare management consultants assist healthcare organizations in optimizing their operations. They offer expertise in areas like healthcare administration and health systems administration at various levels of government, helping these organizations adapt to current healthcare demands
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Public Health Planner
Public health planners work with government agencies and organizations to develop strategies for addressing current and emergent healthcare needs. They contribute to planning and organizing healthcare services that are responsive to the demands of different demographic groups.
Careers in Quantitative and Qualitative Health Sciences
These careers align with the curriculum and research focus of the Quantitative and Qualitative Health Sciences department, emphasizing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies and addressing health issues specific to South Texas, San Antonio, and Hispanic populations. Professionals in these roles contribute to advancing public health knowledge and practice through rigorous research and analysis.
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Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists study the patterns and causes of diseases within populations. They use quantitative methods to investigate health trends, identify risk factors, and design interventions to prevent and control diseases. Epidemiologists contribute to public health practice and research studies while interpreting scientific evidence relevant to public health.
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Biostatistician
Biostatisticians specialize in statistical analysis in the field of public health. They design research studies, analyze data, and interpret results to inform public health decisions. Biostatisticians play a crucial role in quantitative health sciences, including areas such as environmental health, epidemiology, and decision sciences.
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Environmental Epidemiologist
Environmental epidemiologists focus on studying the relationship between environmental factors and public health outcomes. They use quantitative methods to assess the impact of environmental exposures on health and contribute to research on environmental health issues.
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Social Epidemiologist
Social epidemiologists examine how social determinants affect health outcomes within populations. They use quantitative methods to understand the social factors that contribute to health disparities and develop strategies to address these disparities.
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Qualitative Researcher
Qualitative researchers explore health-related phenomena through methods such as anthropology, narrative inquiry, and ethnographic studies. They provide in-depth insights into the experiences, perceptions, and behaviors of individuals and communities, with a focus on South Texas, San Antonio, and Hispanic populations.
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Program Evaluator
Program evaluators use a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods to assess the effectiveness of public health programs and interventions. They employ mixed methods research to gain a comprehensive understanding of program outcomes and impact.
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Clinical Trial Biostatistician
Clinical trial biostatisticians work in the design and analysis of clinical trials, ensuring that studies adhere to rigorous scientific standards. They play a vital role in the development of evidence-based healthcare practices.
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Health Research Methodologist
Health research methodologists specialize in research methodologies, including longitudinal data analysis, systematic reviews, meta-analysis, missing data techniques, psychometrics, structural equation modeling, causal inference, and Bayesian methods. They provide methodological expertise to research projects and studies in public health.