Beginning in fall 2017, the University’s College of the Coast and Environment and the LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans’ School of Public Health will offer a “3+2” fast-track program for a master’s in public health.
Students participating in the program will be able to earn a bachelor’s degree in coastal environmental science with a new concentration in environmental health in the first three years. Students will then move to the New Orleans campus to complete a master’s in public health for the final two years of the program.
Environmental sciences professor Vincent Wilson said he began developing the program with Dr. James Diaz, a professor in the School of Public Health, in 2010. Wilson said he noticed a trend of CC&E graduates entering the public health field or pursuing public health degrees after graduation and wanted to encourage their efforts.
Wilson said the main drive behind the idea was supporting his students’ interests and making sure they are prepared for their next career steps.
“My major concern is to make sure students in my program come out with a very strong math and science base, and then I’m going to encourage them and help them in whatever direction their interests go,” Wilson said.
Wilson helped design the undergraduate portion of the program and was influenced by his own medical and research background. The three years of bachelor’s study has a rigorous focus on math and science, he said, including courses in chemistry, biology, calculus and physics.
Wilson said he believes the program will appeal to students who are seeking direction. Developing an accelerated program will also save students time and money, will help meet existing workforce needs and provide students more options in the medical field, he said.
Many students are interested in medical careers but either are disinterested in the clinical aspects or struggle with the medical school curriculum, Wilson said. A master’s in public health is an option that will allow students broader career options while remaining in the medical field.
Students can pursue careers in disease management and prevention, safety and regulatory departments or industrial hygiene, among others, Wilson said.
“Public health is critical for Louisiana and our nation,” said Dean Smith, the School of Public Health dean. “These graduates will contribute scientifically-based knowledge to help create, promote and maintain a healthier society.”
