Exploring Your Future in Public Health: Is an Associate’s Degree Right for You?

Public health professionals develop strategies to prevent the spread of diseases, promote healthy behaviors, and much more to improve the health and wellbeing of the public.

An associate's in public health is a great entry point to a career in public health for students who want to make a difference in their communities. Prospective public health students get foundational knowledge and develop practical skills that prepare them for different areas of public health, such as community health, disease prevention, and health education.  

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about an associate’s in public health, including curriculum, program objectives, potential career paths, and other crucial details to decide whether or not this program is right for you. You’ll also get a peek into the best programs you can pursue if this degree aligns with your career goals.

An associate’s degree in public health is a two-year undergraduate program that introduces you to public health principles and equips you with skills to address community health challenges. This degree program is a great stepping stone if you want to enter the public health field immediately or are interested in pursuing a bachelor’s and possibly a master’s degree later on.

There are two types of associate’s in public health: an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science.

According to Southwestern Community College, an Associate of Arts (AA) in Public Health focuses more on liberal arts, humanities, and social sciences.¹ It’s ideal for students who are preparing for a four-year program in education, psychology, or other related fields.

An Associate of Science (AS) in Public Health, on the other hand, focuses more on math, science, and technical coursework. It prepares students for further studies in STEM-related fields like biology, engineering, or computer science.

Both degrees are designed to fulfill general education requirements for students who may want to pursue a bachelor’s program in the future.

The curriculum for an associate’s in public health varies depending on the school and the program.

That being said, regardless of which program you decide to pursue, you should get a strong foundation in practical and theoretical public health concepts. The program starts with general education courses and continues on to more specialized public health coursework.

According to the American Public University, after obtaining an Associate of Science in Public Health, each student should be able to do the following:²

Here are some key courses you may come across if you pursue an associate’s degree in public health:³

An associate’s degree in public health opens the door to many career opportunities that are in high demand, including:

According to the University of Cincinnati, an associate’s degree in public health equips you to work in a variety of settings, including:¹²

These professions are more prevalent in urban and underserved areas, where public health needs are the greatest.

Costs vary by institution, but the College Board reported that in 2024, the average cost of one year in an associate degree program was $4,050 for a public community college, compared to the average tuition of a public university, which was $11,610 per year.¹³

Just like four-year bachelor’s degrees, financial aid is available to lower the costs of tuition and fees for an associate’s degree. These include:

To lower the cost of your education, consider applying for multiple scholarships, exploring affordable community college options, and enrolling in dual enrollment if you’re still in high school.

Take some time to think about where you’d like your career to go and what college needs to look like for you to get there.

First, ask yourself, are you interested in disease prevention, community health, or health education? If so, an associate’s degree in public health may be a good route.

Next, assess your current educational level and bandwidth. An associate's degree is a great choice if you’re a high schooler, returning to school, or looking for a quicker way to enter the workforce. The two years or less of education gives you a comprehensive education with a shorter time commitment compared to a four-year degree.

Then, consider the financial aspect of your college education. Explore scholarships, apply for the FAFSA, and seek employer tuition assistance.

The last step is to gather general information. To understand the program's benefits and drawbacks, attend in-person events or webinars, speak with program coordinators, and, if possible, meet with current students or alumni.

An associate’s degree in public health can get your public health career started; but so can other programs.

For example, you could choose to pursue a certificate in health science or a bachelor’s degree in public health, instead.

Health science certificates

Health sciences certificates are typically much shorter than an associate’s degree. If you don’t want to commit to a two-year academic program, a certification program can be much shorter, often lasting a few weeks or months.

However, a downside to these programs is that they offer limited career advancement, which is something to consider when it comes to your career aspirations in public health or a similar field.

We developed an in-depth guide to public health certificates to help you decide if a health science certificate might be a good option for you based on your personal goals.

Some examples of health science certification programs include:¹⁵

Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health

A bachelor’s degree in public health is a four-year program that provides a more in-depth understanding of public health and prepares you for a graduate program if you want to further your education. You’ll receive more coursework that covers public health topics like epidemiology, environmental health, emergency preparedness, and data analytics.

A bachelor’s in public health may not be a good fit for you if you don’t want to commit to a four-year program or don’t want to spend a substantial amount on tuition and other associated costs.

Similar to our in-depth guide to public health certificates, we also developed an overview of bachelor’s in public health degrees.

That being said, a significant benefit of getting a bachelor’s in public health is that you’ll get access to higher-paying jobs with opportunities for career advancement, such as:

Profiles for Top Associate’s Degree Programs in Public Health

If you feel that a public health associate degree is right for you, here’s a look at the best academic programs offering an associate’s degree in public health:

Getting an associate’s in public health is a great stepping stone into a life-changing profession. This two-year program offers a practical, flexible, and affordable way to enter a rewarding career in public health.

It offers a well-rounded curriculum, a wide array of career opportunities, and the potential to further your education with a four-year degree in public health. This degree prepares you for an entry-level role while setting the foundation for academic and professional growth so you can make a meaningful impact in your community.

Take the time to research associate’s degree programs in public health and reflect on your academic and career goals to ensure you make an informed decision on your future. Whether you’re a high school senior thinking about your future or an experienced professional seeking a career change, an associate’s in public health can open the door to a fulfilling and impactful career in public health and other related careers.

Are you ready to pursue an associate’s degree in public health? If so, start your journey by researching schools that offer this degree, contacting admissions offices, and attending in-person or virtual campus tours and other events. Try to find the contact information of academic advisors so you can discuss your education and career goals. As mentioned before, don’t rush through this process. You want to ensure you pick the right school and program, and you can’t do that by selecting the first program you come across. Set aside time in your schedule to do small tasks at a time so you choose a program that meets your requirements.