For Students

Six Reasons to Study Public Health in 2026 

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photo of students sitting in classroom

Public health is the scientific study of protecting and improving population health. While clinical professionals, such as physicians and nurses, treat individuals when they become ill, public health practitioners and experts develop strategies and practices to prevent those diseases in the first place. Public health is a growing field with a myriad of opportunities to thrive.  In this post, we will talk about six reasons why you should get a degree in public health in 2026. 

1. You care about the world and people  

There are always plenty of reasons to study a subject, however it is important to prioritize a field that aligns with your morals and core values.. From environmental work to research, policy, and data, public health offers countless ways to improve lives. If you care about others and want to make a real impact, public health could be for you. 

2. A financially rewarding career  

Job security in an increasingly  turbulent economy is something we all care about. Even in the current economic climate, public health offers a variety of rewarding career opportunities. Public health allows you to make a living while improving the health and well-being of others. Below are some the high-paying jobs within public health according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

  • Medical and Health Services Managers: $104,830 annually 
  • Biostatisticians (Statisticians): $98,920 annually 
  • Operations Manager (such as at a non-profit): $98,100 annually 
  • Epidemiologists: $85,880 annually 
  • Occupational Health and Safety Specialists: $78,570 annually 

 3. Diverse Career Options  

Public health is a field of study that provides you with a variety of career choices to choose from. If you have a passion for teaching, you can become a community health educator. If you love math and statistics, you can emerge as a biostatistician. If you love advocacy, you can be a health policy analyst or a lobbyist. A graduate degree in public health will open doors for you at both the local and federal levels.  

4. You love leadership and teamwork  

We all know someone who has a captivating natural charisma someone people love listening to, someone who thrives in a team. If you are that someone (don’t worry if you are NOT, we have plenty of options for you too 😀 ), public health offers plenty of opportunities for you to shine. There are plenty of leadership roles available for public health graduates at the state, federal, non-profits level, and so on. Courses like Health Administration equips students with all the fundamental skills needed for these positions.  

5. You love meeting new people  

Public health is a highly interdisciplinary field. It recruits experts from a variety of fields, including, but not limited to, biology, statistics, economics, sociology, environmental science, and medicine. A career in public health offers you the chance to meet and network with individuals from diverse disciplines. You will continuously be provided with opportunities to expand your knowledge and refine your skills in a plethora of settings. 

6. You love teaching and research.  

Public Health also offers plenty of teaching and research opportunities. If you receive training in Biostatistics or other public health research methodology courses, you can easily find a job as a research analyst at any firm. If you have a graduate degree, such as a Master’s or PhD in Public Health, you can start teaching at different colleges and universities.  

Overall, public health is a very rewarding field. It gives you the chance to make a difference in the lives of others and impact communities on a deeper level.  

Thank you for reading.

Program in Applied Public Health Sciences email:  publichealth@uchc.edu
Program Director: Dr. Stacey Brown, PhD – 860-679-5470  stbrown@uchc.edu

 

Public Health Career Paths | UConn MPH Alumni Spotlight: Mayra’s Journey

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What Does a Career in Public Health Really Look Like After Graduation?

Public health has never been more essential than it is right now. From addressing health inequities and chronic disease to strengthening community-based care and supporting the medical system beyond hospital walls, public health professionals are helping shape healthier futures every day. For students considering this path, one big question often comes up: What does a career in public health actually look like after graduation?

In this alumni spotlight, we sit down with Mayra, a UConn Master of Public Health (MPH) graduate from December 2025, to talk about her academic journey, career path, and what she does now as a public health professional.

Mayra shares how the UConn MPH program prepared her for meaningful, real-world work in the field. She speaks about the skills she gained: from community engagement and program planning to data-driven decision-making; continuing to shape her career. Now working at the Hispanic Health Council, Mayra plays a role in supporting community health efforts that directly intersect with the medical community, highlighting how public health complements clinical care by focusing on prevention, access, and systems-level change.

Throughout the conversation, Mayra also reflects on the mentors who supported her during her time at UConn and how those relationships helped her grow both professionally and personally. Her story underscores how an MPH can open doors to a wide range of impactful careers. Whether you’re working alongside healthcare providers, advocating for underserved populations, or designing programs that improve health outcomes at the community level.

If you’re curious about the many career paths an MPH can lead to, what life after graduation really looks like, or how public health professionals are making a difference in today’s rapidly changing health landscape, this alumni spotlight offers an honest and inspiring look into the possibilities.

Public Health 101: Empower Your Community

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Public health is everywhere. It shapes the air we breathe, the food we eat, the policies that affect our daily lives, and the systems that keep communities healthy. And it needs people from all backgrounds.

Whether you’re studying engineering, biology, psychology, business, environmental studies, or something completely different, Public Health 101 is designed to show how your skills and interests can make a real-world impact.

This student-led, classroom-based session offers an approachable introduction to public health—what it is, what professionals do day-to-day, and how public health works behind the scenes to support communities locally and globally.

Snack and drinks will be provided.

Session Dates & Locations

UConn Waterbury

Tuesday, February 10, 2026
12:30 – 1:45 PM
Room 203

Panelists:

  • Dr. Angela Bermudez – Public Health Sciences
  • Dr. Mayte Restrepo – Public Health Sciences
  • Dr. Anna-Michelle McSorley – Allied Health Sciences

This session will focus on how public health research and practice directly support and strengthen communities, with examples rooted in real-world impact.

Register for this session: UConn Waterbury Public Health 101: Empower Your Community – Fill out form

UConn Hartford

Thursday, February 19, 2026
12:30 – 1:45 PM
HTB 216

Panelists:

  • Dr. Shayna Cunningham – Public Health Sciences
  • Dr. Amy Hunter – Public Health Sciences

This session will highlight interdisciplinary public health work and how research, education, and policy intersect to improve population health.

Register for this session: UConn Hartford – Public Health 101: Empower Your Community – Fill out form

UConn Storrs

Thursday, February 26, 2026
12:30 – 1:45 PM
Student Union 104

Focus: FastTrack Program & Environmental Health

Panelists:

  • Dr. David Gregorio – Public Health Sciences
  • Dr. Misti Levy-Zamora – Public Health Sciences

This session will spotlight how environmental health connects to public health and provide an overview of the UConn MPH FastTrack program for students interested in accelerating their path to graduate study.

Register for this session: UConn Storrs- Public Health 101: Empower Your Community – Fill out form

What You’ll Learn

Public Health 101 breaks down the field in a clear, engaging way, focusing on prevention, systems, and population-level impact rather than individual patient care. Through real examples, discussion, and visuals, you’ll explore how public health intersects with:

  • Health policy and advocacy
  • Disease prevention and health promotion
  • Environmental and occupational health
  • Mental health and social justice
  • Community-based research and outreach

You’ll also see how public health connects directly to student life and everyday decision-making.

Interactive and Student-Led

Led by current UConn MPH students, these sessions are designed to be interactive, welcoming, and low-pressure. There’s plenty of time to ask questions and hear honest perspectives about:

  • The UConn MPH student experience
  • Career pathways in public health
  • Tuition-saving opportunities and academic options

No prior public health experience is required—just curiosity.

Panels, People, and Real-World Perspectives

Each session features a panel of faculty, researchers, students, and public health professionals who bring different perspectives to the conversation. Panelists will share what led them to public health, what their work looks like day-to-day, and how their research or practice empowers communities.

And yes—snacks and drinks will be provided, because learning is better fueled.

Why Public Health at UConn?

During each session, you’ll also learn about the academic pathways available through the UConn Department of Public Health Sciences, including:

  • Full-Time MPH
  • Part-Time MPH
  • Graduate Certificates
  • PhD in Public Health Sciences

UConn’s MPH program is CEPH-accredited and known for its interdisciplinary faculty, real-world projects, student-led research, and strong community partnerships—along with opportunities to save on tuition.

Is This Session for You?

If you’re:

  • Curious about public health
  • Thinking about grad school
  • Interested in using your degree to make an impact
  • Or simply exploring your options

Public Health 101 is an easy, low-commitment way to see where you fit and how you can empower your community.

We hope to see you there.

Registration links:

MPH 12th Week Schedule – Fall 2025

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This event series is exclusively for MPH students and faculty. Each session provides valuable opportunities for learning, connection, and professional development.

Important Information:

  • Attendance is mandatory for all MPH students.

  • Faculty members are invited to participate in the virtual webinars on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

  • Students must register for the Wednesday night in-person event using the registration form provided to track attendance.

Event Schedule

Tuesday, November 11, 2025 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Virtual Webinar
Topic: Health Coverage at Risk: Projected Losses in Medicaid & Access Health CT
Contact: info@ctdatahaven.org
Speaker: Mark Abraham, MPH
Executive Director of DataHaven

This session will explore projected losses in Medicaid and Access Health CT, discussing the implications for healthcare access across Connecticut.

Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | 5:30 PM

Location: Academic Rotunda

Student Advisory Session (5:30 – 6:00 PM)
Meet with your major advisor and connect with peers for guidance and support.
Faculty are strongly encouraged to attend this session to engage with their advisees.

Relational Dance for Professionals
A dynamic learning program designed to cultivate emotionally intelligent, relationship-centered professionals across diverse fields.
Grounded in three core principles:

  • The Identity of Value

  • The Practice of Connection

  • The Power of Consistency

Program Director Updates
Hear the latest news from the Program Director, including department updates, important reminders, and upcoming opportunities.

Thursday, November 13, 2025 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Virtual Webinar
Topic: Working with Public Data: Resources & Guidance from CT Data Collaborative
Contact: jill@ctdata.org
Speaker: Jill Walsh
Senior GIS & Data Analyst, CT Data Collaborative

This webinar offers practical insights into accessing and using public data effectively for research and program evaluation.

Reminders

  • Attendance is mandatory for students at all events.

  • Faculty are encouraged to attend the Wednesday advisory session in person.

  • Students must complete the registration form for the Wednesday night event to confirm attendance.

PHLAME Event – Communicating for Career Success

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You can’t prepare for every interview question—but you can prepare to communicate with confidence. This workshop explores interview etiquette and formats, provides strategies for answering tough questions, and reviews the essentials of professional communication, including outreach and strategic thank-you messages. We will also discuss the effective use of GenAI to support your communication goals. Attend this session to strengthen your ability to convey the best of what you have to offer with clarity, professionalism, and purpose.

Join us for this valuable session from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on October 21, designed to help you strengthen your interview skills and professional communication in public health and beyond.

This session is offered virtually. The registration link is attached below.

Please email publichealth@uchc.edu if you encounter any issues with the link to join virtually.

Register here

MPH Information Sessions – Fall 2025

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We are excited to announce that we will be hosting a series of information sessions to provide detailed insights into our Master of Public Health program. During these sessions, you will have the opportunity to explore the diverse field of public health and engage directly with the program director. You’ll also be able to ask questions, participate in discussions, and gain a deeper understanding of the unique advantages of UConn’s curriculum.

We will be holding three virtual info sessions on the following dates:

  1. Monday, November 10th, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST
  2. Wednesday, November 19th, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST
  3. Wednesday, December 10th, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST

Register for dates here.

SAVE the DATES and JOIN us for these sessions and take the first step toward an exciting journey with UConn’s Master of Public Health program.

 

Master of Public Health Fall 2025 Information Session Flyer We will be holding three virtual info sessions on the following dates: Monday, November 10th, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST Wednesday, November 19th, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST Wednesday, December 10th, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST

2025-2026 Segal Scholars: Mevlana Iljazi & Laura Contreras

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Mevlana Iljazi

Raised in an Albanian immigrant household in Waterbury, CT, Mevlana brings a lived understanding of health inequities to her public health work. Witnessing people in her life struggle with addiction, stigmatizing care, and limited access to services ignited her commitment to equity-focused practice. A first-generation college graduate (B.S. in Allied Health Sciences, minor in Psychological Sciences, UConn ’25), she is now pursuing an MPH at the UConn School of Medicine (expected May 2027).

Her experience spans frontline care and research. In emergency departments at Connecticut Children’s and Bristol Hospital and in laboratory client services at Hartford Hospital, she supported diverse, often underserved patients while honing culturally responsive communication and coordination skills. Academically, she contributed to an international study on youth obesity and the Mediterranean diet, a meta-analytic project on cancer survivors and caregiver wellbeing, and a Health Disparities Institute evaluation using CBPR principles. The Segal Scholars Fund will enable her to deepen this community-engaged research and training, with a career goal of leading programs that expand equitable care, reduce addiction stigma, and improve mental health access for immigrant and low-income communities.

Laura Contreras

Raised in a predominantly Spanish-speaking community in Connecticut, Laura learned early how language barriers, misinformation, and limited cultural humility can derail care. Translating medical terminology for family as a child sparked her commitment to bridge gaps in communication and trust. A recent UConn graduate (B.S. in Allied Health Sciences; concentration in Public Health & Health Promotion; minor in Culture, Health & Human Development), she is entering the UConn MPH program with a focus on epidemiology and community health.

Lauren’s experience blends research, outreach, and frontline service. She supported Spanish-speaking residents as a translator with Waterbury’s mobile vaccination clinic and advanced oral-health education during a nonprofit internship, designing bilingual outreach materials and engagement plans. As a Research Assistant in the Racial Trauma & Health Lab, she conducted literature reviews and contributed to project planning; as a Resident Assistant and staff member at the Puerto Rican/Latin American Cultural Center, she fostered inclusive, health-promoting environments. Study-abroad service in Cusco, Peru, further deepened her cultural competence. With fluency in Spanish and a passion for clear, culturally responsive health education, Laura aims to pair epidemiologic training with community-facing work—promoting healthy behaviors, building trust, and serving as a role model for other first-generation students pursuing advanced education.

MPH Fall ’25 Students Give Back at Hartford Service Event

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Students smiling in a group photo

This fall, our MPH students kicked off the semester with an afternoon of service at the Metropolitan AME Zion Church in Hartford.

Led by Dr. Amy Hunter, the students partnered with SAVE (Saving African American Village), a local organization that collaborates with Amazon each month to bring essential household items to community members in need. These items are distributed at no cost through a monthly community store hosted at the church.

As part of the service event, MPH students worked together to prepare donations, organize supplies, and set up the space for the upcoming community store. Their efforts directly support families across Hartford, helping ensure that vital resources are accessible to those who need them most.

“Today is about more than just preparing for tomorrow’s store,” said Dr. Hunter. “It’s about showing our students what it means to be involved in public health at the community level and the impact they can make.”

Events like this are a cornerstone of the MPH experience at UConn. Beyond the classroom, students gain hands-on opportunities to engage with communities, support health equity initiatives, and build relationships that shape their future careers in public health.

We are proud of our Fall ’25 MPH cohort for demonstrating the spirit of service and leadership that defines public health.

Students Shine at Poster Session and Graduation Dinner

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The UConn Department of Public Health Sciences recently hosted two unforgettable events celebrating student achievement, research, and leadership.
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At the Public Health Poster Session, over 50 MPH students presented impactful research on a wide range of pressing public health issues. From health equity to community engagement, each poster was a testament to the passion and purpose our students bring to the field. The session was a powerful showcase of their dedication to inspiring change through evidence-based solutions.
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Later that night, the department gathered for the Public Health Sciences Graduation Dinner. It was a joyful evening filled with music, food, laughter, and well-earned recognition. Graduates were honored for their academic accomplishments and community contributions, with several students receiving awards for their outstanding work. Guests enjoyed performances by program directors, adding a personal touch to the celebration.
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The evening also marked a meaningful moment of transition as the department expressed deep gratitude to Dr. David Gregorio for his years of leadership, while warmly welcoming Dr. Stacey Brown as she steps into her new role as Program Director this July.
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Congratulations to the Class of 2025, we are so proud of all you have accomplished!
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  • Dr. Stacey Brown presenting to group at the graduation dinner

Crossing the finish line with purpose!

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Julia Prescott (MPH ’25), Mahima Mehta (MPH ’25), and Margot Drummey (CLAS ’23)

On April 27, Julia Prescott (MPH ’25), Mahima Mehta (MPH ’25), and Margot Drummey (CLAS ’23) completed the Eugene Marathon, the largest marathon in the Pacific Northwest, finishing on the iconic Hayward Field in Oregon.

Mahima ran on behalf of Community Supported Shelters, demonstrating how public health leadership extends beyond the classroom, through action, advocacy, and heart.

Mahima currently serves as President of the Public Health Student Organization, with Julia as Vice President, both exemplifying dedication to public health in every step.