Experience Public Health Policy

In an era of global health challenges and evolving public needs, our Public Health Policy program equips students with the interdisciplinary knowledge, real-world experience, and ethical grounding to become thoughtful and impactful leaders in the health arena.

Rooted in the liberal arts, the program brings together insights from biology, epidemiology, and global health explore how public policies can improve health outcomes and promote social justice. Students delve into pressing issues such as healthcare access, disease prevention, health equity, and environmental health while learning to analyze data, evaluate policies, and advocate for change on local and global scales.

“In this new major, we cultivate critical thinkers to develop evidence-based responses to current and emerging public health policy challenges and consider public health through a social justice lens,” - Public Policy Chair Anne S. Douds.

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Campus Kitchen at the Senior Center

Public Health Policy in Action

Featured Courses

Jump to level: All Public Health Policy courses

by level: 100 • 200 • 300 • 400

PHP 120 Public Health
This course introduces students to the core disciplines of public health including epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, social and behavioral sciences, and health policy. Using a social-ecological framework, emphasis is placed on understanding the determinants of health and approaches to public health challenges in the United States. HS 120 and PHP 120 are cross-listed.
PHP 305 Advanced Public Policy Analysis
Ready to tackle real-world challenges? In PHP 305, students engage in rigorous policy analysis, drawing on foundational texts and applying theory to a topic of their choice. The semester culminates in a professional-grade white paper and policy recommendations—perfect preparation for careers in think tanks, government agencies, or nonprofits.
PHP 323 Social Determinants of Health
Health outcomes aren’t just about biology—they’re shaped by social forces. PHP 323 examines how factors like education, income, housing, environment, race/ethnicity, and gender influence wellbeing. Through historical analysis and policy case studies, students learn how to identify underlying causes of disparities and design public health strategies to promote equity.

A degree in Public Health Policy from Gettysburg is more than preparation for a career—it’s preparation for a lifetime of leadership, service, and meaningful impact.

 

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