INFORMATION FOR
Prepare for a rewarding career addressing social, environmental, and behavioral factors that shape public health with a degree from William Paterson University. Our programs emphasize community public health practice, health equity, and a strong commitment to social justice, equipping students to address complex health challenges across diverse populations.
The Bachelor of Science in Public Health Promotion provides a strong foundation in public health principles, health education, and community-based practice, preparing students for entry-level roles and continued study. The Master of Public Health (MPH) builds on this foundation with advanced, practice-oriented training in program planning, data analysis, leadership, and population health strategies, preparing graduates for professional roles and leadership positions across the public health workforce.
Both the Bachelor of Science in Public Health Promotion and the Master of Public Health programs are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), the nationally recognized accrediting body for schools and programs of public health. This accreditation affirms that our programs meet rigorous academic and professional standards and prepare graduates to contribute effectively in today's evolving public health landscape.
Graduates are prepared to work in public health agencies, healthcare systems, nonprofit organizations, and community-based settings to improve population health, reduce health disparities, and advance health equity at the local, national, and global levels.
If you would like a copy of the CEPH accreditation report, please e-mail Dr. Naa-Solo Tettey tetteyn@wpunj.edu
Alumni in science and health are employed in or in graduate school within 6 months after graduation
Average starting salaries in Public health (NACE)
Noteworthy Public Health Jobs and Mid-Career Salaries 8+ Years of Experience (PayScale)
The BS in health studies is a general program that prepares students with the health knowledge and skills necessary to understand and navigate the U.S. healthcare system, to be an informed consumer of health information, and to critically assess personal health behavior, health status, and associated health risks. The health studies program is ideal for those who want to learn more about health and wellness, but who do not wish to pursue preparation in a specific health profession such as public health, health education, or nursing.
View academic program requirements and course descriptions in the University Course Catalog:
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The BS in Public Health Promotion is a professional preparation program that prepares students with the knowledge of public health practice, principles and methods, and the skills necessary to utilize these to improve the health of the public. The program prepares public health professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to function effectively in a public health setting and to attain the certified health education specialist (CHES) credential.
Health studies is a broad term used to describe the study of health issues and behaviors with an emphasis on health at the level of the individual. As our collective understanding of human health is continually evolving, the minor in health studies provides students with broad exposure to current and evidence-based content through a variety of personal health courses. Students who minor in health studies will explore content in several foundational areas of personal health and wellbeing, and may select elective courses based on personal interests and needs.
The minor in public health introduces students to the core content and functions of the field of public health. Students may select from a variety of elective courses to build a program that enhances the student's major area of study and matches the student's personal interests in the health field.
WP’s internationally recognized BS in public health promotion is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). Students become oriented to the profession of health education through completion of a 9-credit full-time internship during their final semester, at which time they also take the national certification examination to become a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). A BS in health studies is also available, which is ideal for those who have an associate’s degree in an allied health discipline and wish to complete their bachelor’s degree, advance their current healthcare career, or pursue graduate study.
In our public health programs, students learn in-demand skills that employers have identified as critical for job candidates, including:
With a bachelor’s degree in public health promotion and Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) certification, career pathways include environmental health, substance abuse prevention, health services research, and health management. Students who continue public health study at the graduate level pursue careers in fields such as epidemiology or health administration.
Our professors are proud practitioners in their fields and love to share their expertise beyond the classroom. Mentorship is at the core of our department, and it’s our goal that every student work directly with a faculty member to expand their knowledge and worldview.
Public health graduate currently pursuing the MPH at New York University
And we're ready to help you grow. At William Paterson, we provide students with the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to forge forward as a powerhouse—both in the classroom and in their careers. Apply today to discover your potential.
Corey Basch, a professor of public health at William Paterson University whose recent work focused on the growing influence of social media on public health, has been selected as a 2026 NJBIZ Healthcare Heroes honoree. The awards recognize excellence, promote innovation, and honor the efforts of individuals and organizations making a significant impact on the quality of health care in New Jersey. Basch is being honored in the Education category.
The NJBIZ Healthcare Heroes Award honorees were chosen by a panel of independent judges and include individuals and organizations across 11 categories.
“We congratulate Dr. Basch on this well-deserved recognition,” said President Richard J. Helldobler. “At a time when more people, especially young people, are getting and acting on health information from social media, Dr. Basch’s work is critical to informing public health communication policy and strategies. It exemplifies the kind of high-level research with real-world applications that is being conducted by William Paterson faculty.”
Basch is a leading voice in public health communication. She has shaped how critical health information is understood and shared across New Jersey and beyond, with a focus on empowering individuals to make informed decisions.
Most recently, she has explored how social media platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram influence the spread of health information, misinformation, and public response during health crises. For example, Basch analyzed 100 videos on TikTok with the hashtag #mentalhealth that had collectively received more than 1 billion views. Her results showed that adolescents appeared to be turning to TikTok as a source of support. While noting that such support may build community, “a great concern is that adolescents may be making faulty self-diagnoses and treatment plans in the absence of professional insight,” she told the New York Times.
Basch has explored numerous other topics, such as hormonal contraceptive discussions on TikTok, social media depictions of noise pollution, TikTok videos posted under the hashtag #Ozempic, COVID-19, chronic disease, cancer education, distracted walking, and perceptions of artificial intelligence. She is the author of more than 300 peer-reviewed publications, and she frequently cited in national media including The Washington Post, CBS, NBC, and Parents. She received the William Paterson University Faculty Excellence Award for Research, Scholarship, and Creative Expression in 2017.
A Certified Health Education Specialist, Basch teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in public health and mentors future health leaders. She holds multiple master’s degrees and a doctorate from Teachers College, Columbia University, as well as an MPH from University of Massachusetts Amherst. She served two terms as chair of WP’s Department of Public Health and held editorial roles with the Journal of Medical Internet Research.
