What Is a Community Health Degree?

Community health is the overall physical and mental health level of a group of people connected by geography, culture, age, ethnicity, employment, or other commonalities. It also represents the public health initiatives and networks that address social, economic, and environmental issues that influence the health of those groups.

Community health professionals are on the front line of improving community health. They may help assess a community’s social determinants of health—healthcare access, education quality, economic stability—propose programs to address challenges, and work directly with individuals to connect them with resources that promote healthy living.

Individuals interested in advocating for the health of their communities should start by earning a community health degree, such as an associate degree in community mental health. What is a community health degree exactly, and how can it help aspiring health professionals reach their career goals?

Community Health Degree Program at a Glance

A community health degree aims to give students a fundamental understanding of what a healthy community looks like and teach them how to advocate for, plan, and deliver services that will improve health. The program may concentrate on physical or mental health, or both, and focus on health education, health informatics, nutrition, public health, and more. 

Community health degree programs run the gamut, from associate to doctoral degree programs. An associate degree may be a good place to start for students just exploring what a community health degree is. Such a program can introduce them to the fundamentals of community health, help them develop the skills needed to pursue entry-level roles, and serve as a springboard for further education or more expansive roles. 

Typically, those enrolled in an associate degree program will develop critical thinking, analytical, and leadership skills that are keys to success in the community health field. Coursework may cover subjects such as systems of care, lifespan development, social psychology, human services practice, and mental health disorders.

Benefits of a Community Health Degree

Long term, the primary perk of a community health degree is that it allows individuals to start building the tools needed to successfully enter a field where the chief goal is to improve people’s lives. Professionals who find significant meaning in their careers, for example, by helping others, often have higher levels of engagement, commitment, and satisfaction.

Community health careers have a strong outlook, as an increasingly aging population requires more social services, resulting in higher demand for social and health services professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates 9% growth in employment of community and social service specialists through 2033, more than double the average growth rate for all professions. 

Additionally, roles available to community health degree program graduates are numerous and varied. Professionals in this field may work in the private sector, for a government agency, or with a nonprofit. With all the career paths available, community health professionals can anticipate substantial opportunities for career development and advancement. 

Community Health Degree Career Outcomes

Effective community health requires a holistic and often collaborative approach involving individuals, organizations, and community health professionals. Because of this, the community health field contains several career paths, including entry-level positions for those with an associate degree.

Client Advocate

Client advocates provide a voice for people who may not have a voice of their own. They guide individuals through complex organizational systems, ensuring that they get the resources, support, and information they need for improved health outcomes. They also work directly with organizations to ensure that the individuals they work with receive optimized support. Payscale lists the median annual salary for client advocates at around $44,170 as of March 2025.

Case Management Aide

Also known as case management assistants, case management aides support case managers by helping them coordinate resources and services for individuals. They often act as liaisons, ensuring that the lines of communication between individuals, community health professionals, and service groups remain open, consistent, and clear. They also help the case manager with key administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and maintaining client data. Payscale listed the median annual salary for case management aides at around $45,440 as of November 2023.

Social Services Assistant

Social services assistants work with other social services professionals to develop aid-driven strategies for individuals. Those in the role help determine the type of services and resources that are needed. They also conduct research on resources available to their clients to help optimize their impact. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for social and human service assistants was $41,410 in 2023.

Take the First Step Toward a Fulfilling Career in Community Health

Community health workers are advocates for their communities and help improve the lives of others. They are part of a field that offers meaningful work, a bright outlook, and multiple career paths and options for development and advancement. 

Now that you know what a community health degree is and how it can help you reach your goals, consider the Associate of Arts in Community Mental Health degree from New England College. The 100% online program is flexible for working professionals; can be earned in two years or less by full-time students; and can prepare you to work with various communities, including developmentally disabled individuals, older adults, and refugees. 

Explore NEC’s program today.