Public & Community Health

The Bachelor of Science in Public and Community Health (PCH) at Murray State University is a dynamic major that is interdisciplinary in nature and provides options that allow students to prepare for various careers in public and community health organizations, such as hospitals, governmental agencies, non-profits, and worksite wellness programs. 

PCH Mission and Vision 

• Mission: To prepare leaders for tomorrow's health care challenges
• Vision: To become a nationally recognized, competitive program

Suggested Curriculum

• Suggested Curriculum by Year

Public and Community Health Minor:

• Public and Community Health Minor

Internship and Career Opportunities

• Public Health Jobs
• Allscripts
• American Heart Association 
• Calloway County Health Department 
• Cerner (internships & recent grads) 
• EPIC 
• Four Rivers Behavioral Health
• Health Jobs (CHES preferred) 
• HP Career Net 
• Huron Consulting
• Internship and Job Location Directory 
• Idealist Internship and Job Location Directory 
• Internship Location Directory 
• Lourdes Hospital (Paducah) 
• Marshall County Health Department
• McKesson 
• Medical Fitness Association 
• Murray-Calloway County Hospital 
• Murray-Calloway County Hospital Center for Health and Wellness 
• Navigant Consulting
• Premier Health & Fitness Resources 
• R1
• YMCA 

Public and Community Health Professional Organizations

American Public Health Association – APHA

The American Public Health Association is the oldest and most diverse organization of public health professionals in the world; protecting all Americans, their families and their communities from preventable, serious health threats. APHA strives to assure community-based health promotion and disease prevention activities and preventive health services are universally accessible in the United States.

Southern Health Association – SHA of the American Public Health Association

The Southern Health Association is a regional organization representing the southeastern states of: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina and Hamilton and Kanawha Tennessee Counties. The Southern Association of the American Public Health Association looks to promote a greater degree of scientific effort in the protection and improvement of public health and promotion of public health services.

Kentucky Public Health Association – KPHA

The Kentucky Public Health Association (KPHA) is a nonprofit, independent, voluntary organization. The Kentucky Public Health Association is an affiliate of the Southern Health Association and the American Public Health Association.

Society for Public Health Education – SOPHE

The Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) promotes healthy behaviors, healthy communities and healthy environments through its membership, network of local chapters and partnerships with other organizations. SOPHE members work in elementary/secondary schools, universities, voluntary organizations, health care settings, worksites and local/state/federal government agencies.

Society of Health and Physical Educators – SHAPE America

The Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America) SHAPE America is the largest organization of professionals involved in school-based health, physical education and physical activity.

Southern District Society of Health and Physical Educators – SD SHAPE America

The Southern District Society of Health and Physical Educators (SD SHAPE America) supports and promotes the aims of SHAPE America. SD SHAPE America also assists in strengthening the state associations of the thirteen district states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. – NCHEC

The NCHEC enhances the professional practice of Health Education by promoting and sustaining a credentialed body of Health Education Specialists. NCHEC certifies health education specialists, promotes professional development and strengthens professional preparation and practice.

HPCareer.Net

HPCareer.net works exclusively in health promotion and wellness, supporting both the profession and the industry via the following: Career Advertising, Partner Network, Continuing Education and Web Site and Online Community Development, Support and Management.