Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Public Health and Communication
Get a competitive edge in the job market through internships at local health departments, hospitals and media agencies.
Our Public Health and Communication major is where public health meets media—creating change through knowledge, outreach and advocacy.
Public Health and Communication Degree at a Glance
Program Type
Major
Mode of Study
On Campus
Co-op/
Internship
Guaranteed
Est. Time
4 Years
Start Terms
Fall, Spring
Cost
School
Accreditation
Tell Me More About Merrimack's Public Health and Communication Major
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Fall Open House
Sunday, December 7, 2025
from 10:30 am
to 3:30 pm
Learn more about our academic schools and programs, take an in-depth campus tour and meet members of our community! Open House attendees are eligible for on-the-spot admission decisions and an automatic $1,000 visit grant.
The Public Health and Communication Major
This major dives into health, media and how people connect. Plan to explore how the healthcare world works, how communication impacts well-being and how media shapes both what we believe and what we do about our health.
What You'll Study
You’ll learn how to promote health and well-being strategies to various publics through persuasive messaging.
Public Communication
Media and Culture
Intro to Public Health
Health Behavior & Promotion
Health Communication
Foundations of Healthcare System
Skills You'll Learn
Focus your studies on fundamental topics like how to understand health care policy and how to communicate those policies to lay people who find themselves in the healthcare system.
Interpersonal Communication
Media Literacy
Epidemiology Fundamentals
Data Interpretation
Health Informatics
Community Health Engagement
Public Health and Communication Courses You'll Take
PUBLIC
COMMUNICATION
COM 1020
This course focuses on the concepts and practices associated with effective public communication. A central aspect of this course entails the mastering of public speaking through the process of researching, preparing, and delivering presentations in a variety of formats (e.g., informative, persuasive, and impromptu).
intro. to
PUBLIC heAlth
HSC 1500
Public health aims to understand the occurrence and causes of disease within populations with the goal of prevention and health promotion, through changes in individual behavior, control of infectious disease and environmental health factors, and social and political organization for health improvement.
HEALTH
COMMUNICATION
COM 4625
This course explores the way in which communication as symbolic activity affects the form and practice of contemporary health care. Health communication plays a crucial role by promoting the effective exchange of medical information and helping shape the very conditions and perceptions of how health is practiced.
See All Courses & Options Available to Public Health and Communication Majors
Public Health and Communication Major Requirements
General Education Requirements
In addition to the major requirements below, you will also need to complete Merrimack’s general education requirements. To see more details about the major, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.Sample Four-Year Schedule - Curriculum Guide
Why Choose the Bachelor of Arts in Public Health and Communication?
Learn how to make a real-world impact by blending healthcare knowledge with strong communication strategies.
INTERDISCIPLINARY DEGREE
This major merges two high-impact fields: public health and communication. Together, they prepare you to educate, advocate and lead health initiatives effectively.
FLEXIBLE CAREER PATHWAYS
This degree opens doors to jobs in public health education, health journalism, nonprofit communications, government and advocacy, healthcare marketing and graduate school.
OPPORTUNITY FOR CHANGE
Imagine how much change you can make when you are able to understand and correct the spread of misinformation regarding health issues on social media, in journalism and more!
Career Outlook: Where Can a Public Health and Communication Degree Take You?
Career Outcomes Rate
95% of the undergraduate class of 2024 in Nursing & Health Sciences were either employed, participating in voluntary service or continuing their education within nine months of graduation.
Experiential Learning
90% of the undergraduate class of 2024 participated in at least one internship, co-op, clinical, practicum or research opportunity while at Merrimack.
Graduate School
Northeastern University, Sacred Heart University, MCPHS and Merrimack are just some of the graduate programs Nursing and Health Sciences graduates are attending.
Jobs with a Public Health and Communication Degree
Upon completing our program, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue graduate study or a career in public health and related disciplines. Positions may include:
- Health Journalist
- Health Educator
- Health Communication Specialist
- Patient Advocate
- Healthcare Marketing Coordinator
- Corporate Wellness Specialist
Where Merrimack [PROGRAM NAME Graduates Work & Intern
Boston Children's Hospital
Postdoctoral Researcher
Brookhaven Hospice
Social Worker
Harvard Business Publishing
Client Services Specialist
Fulbright Scholar Program
Fellowship, Nepal
Northeast Arc - Andover
Internship - Disabilities
St. Ann's Home - Methuen
Internship - Disabilities
Windrush Farm - Boxford
Internship - Equine Therapy
Crest Collab. - Andover
Internship - Inclusive Ed.
Beyond the Classroom
Student Life
You’ll have endless opportunities to find your fit, get involved and pursue what makes you happy—all while making lifelong friends (and memories!).
Explore your passions alongside others with similar interests, whether that means a cappella singing or outdoor adventuring.
- 70+ student organizations
- Division I Athletics, club and intramural sports
- Beloved traditions like Homecoming, Block Party and Spring Concert
- Fraternities and sororities
Internships & Co-Ops
Our students gain valuable work experience and connections with leading companies through guaranteed internships and the Warriors at Work co-op program. Recent placements include:
- Interning with Homeland Security Investigations, shadowing special agents
- Interning at Delta Tech-Ops, working in components engineering
- Working as a tax intern at Baker Tilly
Research with Faculty
With access to cutting-edge tools, undergraduate students can collaborate with faculty on research projects that can lead to presentations and publications.
- Explore the complexities of the human mind in a state-of-the-art psychology lab.
- Understand how inflammation affects immune cell aging in our Shared Instrumentation and Research Facility.
- Build fully functional battle bots for competitions.
Study Abroad
Global Merrimack provides transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Our 30+ study abroad programs include semesters abroad, faculty-led trips and international internships.
- Explore and study in the Dominican Republic or Iceland.
- Immerse yourself in cities like Dublin, Madrid or Rome.
- Experience a semester at sea or intern in vibrant cities like London or Paris.
Service Learning
Community and service are at the heart of our Augustinian mission.
Over 1,000 students work together to engage in hands-on service learning projects each year, supporting our communities and those in need.
- Participate in our campus-wide Mack Gives Back volunteer days.
- Spend your winter, spring, or summer break on an immersive SEND trip in the U.S. or abroad, helping those in need.
- Tutor students in nearby school districts.
See for Yourself
Humanities Faculty & Staff
Our faculty members are dedicated to student success. They bring their real-world experience into the classroom and offer personalized academic support.
Programs Related to the Public Health and Communication Major
Explore other areas and where they can take you.
Take the Next Step (We're Here to Help)
At Merrimack, we are ready to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go. And, we make the process simple along the way!
Upcoming Events
Info Session & Campus Tour
Monday-Friday & Most Saturdays
Attend a 20-minute info session led by an admission counselor and then take a student-led campus tour. Registration is required.
Merrimack College Awards & Recognition
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2026)
- Most Innovative Schools (#8)
- Regional Universities North (#38)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (#20)
- Best Colleges for Veterans (#16)
- Best Value Schools (#52)
Tell Me More About Merrimack's Public Health and Communication Major
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