Public Health
The ongoing international discussion about health care highlights the critical importance of a deep understanding of the political, social and economic effects of providing access to those who need it. University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) students can explore the implications of the delivery of health care and can create careers based on the creation of policy that addresses societal concerns. Working with others to create social impact, health equity and environmentally responsible practice, students who complete this area of focus often study abroad, engage in experiential learning focused on public health, or complete internships in government agencies before going on to study public health, law, political science, international relations or public affairs.
Career Options
Careers in this area of focus include:
Health Sciences & Medicine

- Community Health
- Education Specialist
- Health Care Policy Reform
- Global Health Educator
Featured students of Public Health Pathway
Evan Doyle, ‘13
"The Capstone experience was an open-ended opportunity to explore anything and everything I was interested in outside of the classroom. I spent four months in Ecuador conducting a qualitative research study on barriers in access to health care services. These interviews with health care workers, along with the time spent volunteering in clinics across the country, provided me with an in-depth perspective on how a nationalized health care system functions."
Audra Gaikowski, ‘20
"My Capstone experience gave me the opportunity to practice my second language and conduct independent, qualitative research, which allowed me to understand research from a very different perspective than what I had previously been exposed to. My experience abroad deepened my passion for women's health and health equity, which is a passion that I carry to this day."
Lindsey Kuefler, ‘14
"The amazing part about UMR was that all the instructors were fantastic. All of them were there to help me succeed."
Sami Johnson, ‘20
"I fell in love with the integration of health care that ran through the veins of UMR. Every course provided scientific perspective despite representing different subjects of learning. I loved the possibilities that the proximity to Mayo Clinic provided and was awed to work in collaborative labs in my second year."
Cassie Kersten, ‘16
"I started at UMR as a PSEO student during my senior year of high school. I wasn't originally planning to stay for the entirety of my degree, but after experiencing the unique learning environment and engaging with the faculty for a year, I couldn't imagine leaving!"
Anjelica Montano, ‘15
"My capstone for UMR involved two different study away programs and a semester that included courses at the University of Minnesota TC campus. During my time at UMR I shifted my focus from being a medical practitioner, to studying different forms of health, well-being, and medicine."
Students pursuing this area of focus have engaged in meaningful experiences such as these listed below.
- Current University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) students: reach out to your Student Success Coach for more information.
- Prospective students: contact the Office of Admissions for more information.
Internships and volunteer opportunities
Internships and volunteer opportunities allow you to gain valuable experience in a professional field. These opportunities help students develop marketable skills and competencies through hands-on experience, build a network of contacts and gain insight into a professional field.
- CDC Public Health Scholar Program
- Minnesota Department of Health
- AmeriCorps
- Capital Pathways Internship Program
- Children of Incarcerated Caregivers Internship
- Olmsted County Public Health
- American Red Cross Southeast Minnesota
- Health Career Connection (HCC)
- HECUA: Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs
- Health Disparities and Cancer Research Internship
- Rochester Epidemiology project
- American Public Health Association
- United States of Care
- BlueCross BlueShield
- The Landing
- Twin Cities Food Justice
Employment During Undergraduate
You will have various opportunities for employment during your undergraduate studies. The organizations listed below are good places to explore employment opportunities.
- Center for Infectious Disease and Policy at the University of Minnesota: Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Student Worker
- Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
- USA Jobs
Research
As a student in health sciences, you will have many opportunities to participate in research. Below is a list of previous research experiences students in Public Health have participated in.
- Developing & Applying Public Health Initiatives: EcoliteracySCHOOL
- Cradle to Career Paid Research Experience
- Sustainability Research with the City
- University of Minnesota Twin Cities Centers: Center for Global Health and Social Responsibility, Obesity Prevention Center, and Epidemiology Clinical Research Center (ECRC)
Other Experiences
There are other avenues you can take to pursue your future as well. Check out the options listed below.
- Sierra Club
- Colleges Against Cancer
- University of Minnesota Twin Cities Undergraduate Public Health Association (UPHA)
Study Away/Global Travel Experiences
- Global Discoveries (UMR Club)
- University of Minnesota Health Equity Journal Club
