Partnership gives community college students path to BS in Public Health

A new partnership between the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health and Tohono O’odham Community College will provide a direct transfer pathway for students to start their college careers at the community college and finish a Bachelor of Science in Public Health at the U of A in preparation for health services careers.

“By bridging our programs, we aim to empower students from Tohono O’odham Community College to become the next generation of Indigenous public health leaders who will make meaningful impacts in our communities and beyond,” said John Ehiri, PhD, MPH, a professor and the senior associate dean for academic and faculty affairs at the Zuckerman College of Public Health. 

“This collaboration reflects our commitment to expanding educational opportunities and supporting our diverse communities,” Ehiri added. “We are thrilled to partner with Tohono O’odham Community College to establish this transfer pathway for students pursuing careers in public health.” 

At Tohono O’odham Community College, students can earn certificates or an Associate of Arts in Life Science – Community and Public Health before transferring to the U of A. The associate degree program meets students’ general education requirements and provides opportunities for hands-on experiences while exploring health careers, relevant topics in health and wellness, and the fields of community health and public health. 

“Tohono O’odham Community College students bring a wealth of life experiences and Indigenous ways of knowing and competence to their studies, particularly for service fields such as community and public health,” said Laura Sujo-Montes, PhD, dean of academics at Tohono O’odham Community College. “We are excited to join in this partnership with the Zuckerman College of Public Health to create a pathway that will facilitate Native American students moving forward in public health careers and benefitting their local communities.”

At the Zuckerman College of Public Health, the Bachelor of Science in Public Health offers students the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, ethics and cultural competencies needed to build healthier communities, develop safer workplace environments and improve regional health programs. Students can choose from one of seven degree tracks: public health practice, global health, health promotion, One Health, environmental and occupational health, quantitative methods in public health, and health systems theory and practice.

Graduates go on to build health services programs, change policies, improve health equity across communities and make the world a better place.

Tohono O’odham Community College is located about 50 miles west of Tucson along Arizona 86. Approximately 1,200 students, about 96% of whom are American Indian or Alaskan Native, are enrolled at the college, which is open to learners of all backgrounds.