Strive for healthier communities

Public health is a fast-paced, critical component of our healthcare system that promotes and protects the health of people and their communities. The Principles of Public Health course offers fundamental guidelines and practices aimed at improving the well-being of communities and preventing health problems. At a most basic level, these include promoting good hygiene, ensuring clean water, preventing diseases, and encouraging healthy lifestyles.

The course provides a historical context for the development of the public health field, reviews the public health infrastructure and workforce, and explores the application of evidence-based practices addressing public health issues our communities face today.

MSU Denver’s Principles of Public Health course offers career paths in government, nonprofit organizations, healthcare, and education. After successfully completing this course, you can jump right into the workforce with an entry-level position or continue on to a degree in Public Health at MSU Denver.

This course serves as an ideal starting point for those eager to pursue careers in public health and can stack into a MSU Denver credential or degree.

Flexible schedule

Course can be completed in 4-8 weeks and is self-paced online.

Career advisement

Receive a personal advising session with an industry leader.

High job demand

Gain a competitive edge.

Career pathways in Public Health

Approximate return on investment for each academic pathway

Principles of Public Health ROI Graphic

Pathway 1: Enter the workforce quickly. Complete the Principles of Public Health course and immediately enter the workforce with job titles like Clinical Data Coordinator, Outreach Worker, Health Medical Scribe, Research Assistant, Administration Tech, and Community Health Worker.

  • Median salary is $34,500 year.

Pathway 2: Continue your academic journey and earn a degree in public health, which allows you to increase your earning potential. You can find positions like Policy Associate, Community Partnerships Coordinator, Infection Control Coordinator, Infection Prevention Program Coordinator, Health Data Science Coordinator, Health Educator, and Environmental Protection Specialist.

  • Median salary is $59,600 a year.

Take the course to upskill your resume to advance in your career or discover a new passion.

About Principles of Public Health

About your Principles of Public Health course instructors

Erin Seedorf

Dr. Erin Seedorf has 20 years of experience in different professional roles in various public health settings (i.e., local public health, state public health, and academia). She joined the Department of Health Professions at Metropolitan State University of Denver in Fall 2010 as affiliate faculty. She now serves as Associate Professor coordinating the MSU Denver Public Health Program.

Previously, she served as a program manager and evaluation specialist at University of Colorado Denver.

Erin Seedorf

Kristin Banks

Dr. Banks has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare sector as an operational leader and expert in quality and performance improvement. Currently, she is a Senior Director at DaVita, where she leads a national performance improvement team that supports independent nephrology practices as they transition to value-based care. Before joining DaVita, Dr. Banks worked at Kaiser Permanente for 13 years in various leadership capacities, including population health, primary and specialty care operations, and health services research. Kristin holds a Doctorate of Public Health from the University of Colorado, a Master of Public Health from Boston University, and a Black Belt in Process Improvement.

Kristin Banks

Shane Walker

Shane Walker, MHA, was born and raised in Colorado. He enjoys doing the typical Colorado activities such as snowboarding, fishing and hiking, and is an avid fan of the local sports teams.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado Mesa University in Kinesiology and Health Promotion in 2017. and a Master’s degree in Health Administration from MSU Denver in 2021. His thesis focused on what factors affected Colorado’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution strategy.

He previously served as a Community Relations Coordinator for Keystone Health and Wellness and now works for Children’s Hospital of Colorado as a Physician Relations Representative.

Shane Walters

Contact us

Email us

Phone: 303-615-1234

Office Location:
Jordan Student Success Building
3rd Floor – #330
Auraria Campus

Mailing Address:
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Innovative and Lifelong Learning
P.O. Box 173362
Campus Box 6
Denver, CO 80217-3362