Web cookies (also called HTTP cookies, browser cookies, or simply cookies) are small pieces of data that websites store on your device (computer, phone, etc.) through your web browser. They are used to remember information about you and your interactions with the site.
Purpose of Cookies:
Session Management:
Keeping you logged in
Remembering items in a shopping cart
Saving language or theme preferences
Personalization:
Tailoring content or ads based on your previous activity
Tracking & Analytics:
Monitoring browsing behavior for analytics or marketing purposes
Types of Cookies:
Session Cookies:
Temporary; deleted when you close your browser
Used for things like keeping you logged in during a single session
Persistent Cookies:
Stored on your device until they expire or are manually deleted
Used for remembering login credentials, settings, etc.
First-Party Cookies:
Set by the website you're visiting directly
Third-Party Cookies:
Set by other domains (usually advertisers) embedded in the website
Commonly used for tracking across multiple sites
Authentication cookies are a special type of web cookie used to identify and verify a user after they log in to a website or web application.
What They Do:
Once you log in to a site, the server creates an authentication cookie and sends it to your browser. This cookie:
Proves to the website that you're logged in
Prevents you from having to log in again on every page you visit
Can persist across sessions if you select "Remember me"
What's Inside an Authentication Cookie?
Typically, it contains:
A unique session ID (not your actual password)
Optional metadata (e.g., expiration time, security flags)
Analytics cookies are cookies used to collect data about how visitors interact with a website. Their primary purpose is to help website owners understand and improve user experience by analyzing things like:
How users navigate the site
Which pages are most/least visited
How long users stay on each page
What device, browser, or location the user is from
What They Track:
Some examples of data analytics cookies may collect:
Page views and time spent on pages
Click paths (how users move from page to page)
Bounce rate (users who leave without interacting)
User demographics (location, language, device)
Referring websites (how users arrived at the site)
Here’s how you can disable cookies in common browsers:
1. Google Chrome
Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner.
Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data.
Choose your preferred option:
Block all cookies (not recommended, can break most websites).
Block third-party cookies (can block ads and tracking cookies).
2. Mozilla Firefox
Open Firefox and click the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner.
Go to Settings > Privacy & Security.
Under the Enhanced Tracking Protection section, choose Strict to block most cookies or Custom to manually choose which cookies to block.
3. Safari
Open Safari and click Safari in the top-left corner of the screen.
Go to Preferences > Privacy.
Check Block all cookies to stop all cookies, or select options to block third-party cookies.
4. Microsoft Edge
Open Edge and click the three horizontal dots in the top-right corner.
Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Cookies and site permissions.
Select your cookie settings from there, including blocking all cookies or blocking third-party cookies.
5. On Mobile (iOS/Android)
For Safari on iOS: Go to Settings > Safari > Privacy & Security > Block All Cookies.
For Chrome on Android: Open the app, tap the three dots, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies.
Be Aware:
Disabling cookies can make your online experience more difficult. Some websites may not load properly, or you may be logged out frequently. Also, certain features may not work as expected.
Strong communication skills can make all the difference when navigating interviews, building professional connections, and taking the next step in your career.
Join us for Communicating for Career Success, a professional development workshop designed to help students communicate with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Returning after last year’s session, the workshop will cover practical strategies students can use throughout the job search and beyond.
During the session, participants will explore interview etiquette and formats, strategies for navigating tough interview questions, and approaches to outreach and strategic messaging. The workshop will also discuss ways to use generative AI (GenAI) thoughtfully to support professional and career goals.
The session will be hosted by Kay Gruder and will provide students with practical tools for presenting their skills and experiences effectively in a variety of professional settings.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2026 Time: 3:00 PM Location: Virtual
Whether you are preparing for an upcoming interview, beginning your job search, or simply looking to strengthen your professional communication skills, this session is an opportunity to build skills that can support you throughout your career.
UConn’s Program in Applied Public Health Sciences is excited to introduce a new Accelerated Master of Public Health (MPH) program, designed specifically for UConn Waterbury undergraduate students looking to fast-track their path into public health.
This innovative program gives qualified students the opportunity to begin graduate-level coursework while still completing their bachelor’s degree—saving time, reducing costs, and helping students enter the workforce sooner.
What Is the Accelerated MPH?
The Accelerated MPH allows eligible undergraduate students to complete a portion of their MPH coursework before graduating with their bachelor’s degree. By getting an early start, students can seamlessly transition into the full MPH program and complete their graduate degree at a faster pace.
Why Consider the Accelerated MPH?
This program is designed with flexibility, efficiency, and impact in mind:
Start early: Take up to four graduate-level MPH courses as an undergraduate
Finish faster: Earn your MPH in as little as one year instead of two
Save money: Reduce overall tuition costs by up to $20,000
Stay connected: Continue your education within the UConn community
Program Details
Students accepted into the program will begin coursework in Fall 2026, including:
PUBH 5408: Introduction to Epidemiology & Biostatistics I Tuesdays, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
All classes are held at UConn Health in Farmington, with transportation provided for UConn Waterbury students—making the transition to graduate coursework accessible and convenient.
Important Dates
Students interested in the Accelerated MPH should plan ahead to meet key deadlines:
Application Deadline: Wednesday, July 29
Reply to Offer Deadline: Friday, July 31
Take the Next Step
If you are a UConn Waterbury student interested in building a career in public health, this program is a unique opportunity to get ahead.
As part of the Spring 2026 12th Week Enrichment series, and during National Public Health Week (April 6 to 12), MPH students gathered Wednesday evening for a program focused on reflection, learning, and accountability in health systems.
The evening began with a Student Advisory Session, providing MPH students the opportunity to meet with faculty advisors, reflect on their progress, and connect with peers. This dedicated advising time fostered mentorship and dialogue while reinforcing the importance of academic planning and professional growth within the program.
Students then watched a screening of SHUFFLE, a documentary that investigates fraud within the addiction treatment industry. Through personal accounts and reporting, the film examines how profit motives, weak oversight, and gaps in regulation can harm people seeking recovery. It also raises broader questions about ethics and responsibility in public health.
For many students, the film offered a challenging and eye‑opening perspective on the U.S. healthcare system. Student reflections noted how SHUFFLE highlighted the contradiction between high national healthcare spending and persistently poor health outcomes, particularly in the context of substance use disorder treatment. Several students shared that the documentary deepened their understanding of how predatory treatment networks operate and how structural gaps can cause significant harm to vulnerable populations.
A key highlight of the evening was the live discussion with the film’s producer, which allowed students to engage directly with the investigative process behind the documentary. Students appreciated the opportunity to ask questions, unpack real‑world implications, and explore how policy, regulation, and accountability intersect with public health practice. Many reflected that the conversation helped connect the film’s themes to coursework and professional responsibilities within applied public health.
Student feedback emphasized the value of pairing the screening with discussion. Participants described the session as thought‑provoking and informative, particularly in expanding their understanding of insurance systems, addiction treatment, and the ethical responsibilities of public health professionals. Several students noted that the experience reinforced the importance of advocacy, regulation, and systems‑level thinking in protecting communities and improving health outcomes.
The event reflected the goals of National Public Health Week by encouraging students to examine complex challenges through real-world examples. It also served as a reminder that public health leadership requires technical knowledge, ethical judgment, and a commitment to meaningful change.
We are proud to announce one of stellar students, Michael Raizin, will be speaking at the 2026 Graduation Commencement Ceremony. He recently has given an interview that is featured on UConn Today.
This event series 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, April 7, 2026 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Virtual Webinar Topic:Putting Equity in Practice at the CT Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services Speaker:Samia Hussein, DrPH, MPH Director at CT Mental Health & Addiction Services
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.
‘SHUFFLE’ Documentary Discussion SHUFFLE exposes the insurance-driven cycle of addiction treatment fraud through personal stories and investigative reporting. For MPH students, the film offers a compelling look at how public policy, health systems, and profit incentives intersect and how structural failures can put vulnerable populations at risk. The screening invites critical discussion around ethics, regulation, and the public health role in addressing substance use and health system accountability.
Students will have the opportunity to engage directly with the film’s producer following the screening. Come prepared with questions and ready to discuss real‑world public health issues.
Program Director Updates Hear the latest news from the Program Director, including department updates, important reminders, and upcoming opportunities.
Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Virtual Webinar Topic:The Mouth as a Mirror: Oral Health & Pregnancy Speaker:Dr. Brianna Muñoz, DMD, MPH Pediatric Dentist & CEO Twinkle Tooth Pediatric Dentistry
Public health careers in the 21st century demand proficiency interprofessional collaboration, encompassing skills relevant to system-level strategies addressing health within the context of our environment and social structures. Our program’s distinct concentration on Interprofessional Public Health Practice brings medical, dental, social work, law, pharmacy and public health students together with to share and collaborate on learning and service project. Our concentration also reflects a commitment to the practice of public health where students receive ample exposure and interaction with public health professional who one day will be their peers in protecting the health and well-being of our citizenry. Our program is made up of a dynamic community, where students, alumni, faculty, and community partners work together to shape our public health systems and services. When considering the landscape of public health in Connecticut, the impact of our program cannot be overstated.
Applied vs. Theoretical Public Health
Applied public health focuses on solving specific, real-world health problems by collecting and acting on data, while theoretical public health focuses on building generalized knowledge, frameworks, and models to understand health phenomena. Applied public health is action-oriented (e.g., creating a vaccination program), while theoretical public health is knowledge-oriented (e.g., studying the social determinants of health to build a model for behavior change)
In some of our classes we teach topics that cover course covers AI, automation, design and data software systems; so they can communicate in the field no matter if they are an environmental researcher, policy maker or biostatistician. The purpose of our classes are to help public health professionals become more advanced with various tools and technology many struggle with after graduation.
You can learn more about our curriculum and competencies here
Skills Students Gain (community engagement, data use, communication)
This past 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 withSAVE (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.
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.
How Applied Learning Prepares Students for Careers
Mayra shares how theUConn MPH programprepared 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 theHispanic 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.
“Overall, the MPH program has opened doors for me to pursue work in my own community. For a long time I had the desire to give back to my community in a meaningful way. If it hadn’t been for the program, it wouldn’t have led me to interning for the Hispanic Health Council which in turn wouldn’t have led me to working for this current study. I owe much of the opportunities I have encountered to this program and the people who have mentored me along the way. I am very knowledgeable that I am still young and early into my career but that doesn’t mean that I am not excited about what is to come. Because the reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more.”
Join the UConn Department of Public Health Sciences and Allied Health Sciences for a casual and engaging lunch event designed for students interested in health-related careers. This gathering creates a welcoming space to meet fellow students, share ideas, and explore how public health connects to many different health professions.
During the event, students will enjoy lunch while participating in icebreakers and conversations about current issues shaping public health today. Graduate Assistants from the UConn Master of Public Health (MPH) program will also share their personal journeys into public health, along with insights on preparing for graduate school and exploring career paths in the field.
The event will also introduce opportunities such as FastTrack and dual degree options, along with tips on academic advising and navigating the next steps in health-related education. To wrap up the session, students will participate in a short, interactive public health activity designed to spark discussion and encourage collaboration.
Whether you’re exploring career possibilities, considering graduate school, or simply curious about public health, this event offers a relaxed environment to learn, connect, and exchange ideas.
Lunch and drinks will be provided. All students are welcome.
Space is limited so please register to save your spot
A hands-on, two-semester experience preparing students for real-world public health impact.
Public health cannot be learned from a textbook alone. It requires real-world experience, community partnership, and a deep understanding of equity and ethics. The public health practicum bridges the gap between classroom learning and professional practice—giving students the opportunity to make a meaningful difference while preparing for their careers.
What is the Practicum & What Makes Ours Unique
The practicum is a two-semester experience that combines classroom preparation with extended field placements. Students begin by building a strong foundation in professionalism, ethics, advocacy, and health equity. They then apply those skills by working closely with public health agencies and community organizations on mutually beneficial projects.
Through these placements, students gain hands-on experience, contribute to real public health initiatives, and learn what it truly means to work in partnership with communities.
Learning With Purpose
By spending extended time in the field, students move beyond observation to active engagement—supporting programs, research, outreach, and policy efforts that address real public health needs. These experiences help students build confidence, clarify career goals, and understand the impact of public health work on people’s lives.
See the Practicum in Action
Want to hear directly from students and faculty about what makes the practicum so impactful? Watch the video above to see how this experience prepares students to become thoughtful, skilled, and community-centered public health professionals.
Learn more about the public health practicum, explore placement opportunities, and discover how hands-on learning can shape your future in public health. Explore our website and follow us on social media to stay connected.
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
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
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.
