The University of Tennessee at Martin now offers a concentration in public health as part of its health and human performance degree at all six UT Martin regional centers beginning in the fall 2026 semester.
The public health concentration has been offered at the UT Martin main campus as part of its health and human performance degree. The Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance degree prepares students for successful careers in exercise science, public school teaching in health and physical education, public health and various pre-professional programs.
Erica Bell, executive director of the Office of Regional Centers and Online Programs, said the new concentration aligns directly with the mission and evolution of the regional centers by expanding access to high-demand, workforce-relevant programs in rural West Tennessee.
“The degree advances UT Martin’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan by increasing programmatic reach and degree completion opportunities for place-bound students,” she said. “In addition, the program responds to critical and growing workforce needs across multiple sectors of health care, including community health, health education and preventative services.
“By offering this pathway at the regional centers, UT Martin is not only broadening academic access but also strengthening regional economic and community health outcomes through the development of a locally-trained, workforce-ready talent pipeline.”
“The concentration is especially relevant for students who want to make an impact in rural and underserved communities where preventive health services and community-based programming are critically needed.”
Dr. Richard West, chair of the Department of Health and Human Performance
Dr. Richard West, chair of the Department of Health and Human Performance, said he was excited for what the new concentration provides to area students.
“The concentration in public health within the health and human performance degree creates meaningful opportunities for students interested in health promotion, prevention and community wellness,” he said. “Graduates will be prepared for careers in areas such as community health, health education, wellness programming, nonprofit health organizations, public health outreach and other roles focused on improving health outcomes at the individual and population levels.
“The concentration is especially relevant for students who want to make an impact in rural and underserved communities where preventive health services and community-based programming are critically needed.”
West added that the new concentration provides a strong background for those seeking a master’s degree in a public health-related field.
“The program not only meets current workforce needs but also helps students build a pathway toward advanced study and long-term professional growth,” he said. “From an academic standpoint, this is an exciting development because it expands access to a field that continues to grow in importance.
“Public health is a natural fit within health and human performance because it helps students understand health not only at the individual level, but also at the broader community and systems level. It gives students the opportunity to connect health education, prevention and service in ways that are practical and highly relevant to today’s workforce.”
UT Martin has regional centers in Jackson, Parsons, Ripley, Selmer, Somerville and Springfield, expanding access to a university education throughout West and Middle Tennessee.
For more information about UT Martin, visit www.utm.edu or call 1-800-829-UTM1 (-8861).
