8 Best Public Health Programs in the US 2025

Public health is a type of science that is focused on protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. Throughout a public health degree program , students take a wide range of courses, such as global health, biostatistics, and epidemiology.

Public health officials are responsible for an endless amount of tasks, including protecting and educating the community on potential health hazards. It is definitely a field that produces rewarding job opportunities and promising career stability.

Learn.org identifies the best bachelor's in public health degree programs available online and informs readers of possible careers that graduates can explore.

Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs

The following list contains the best online bachelor's in public health degree programs that are available online today.

1. The University of Arizona

The University of Arizona's Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree program is one of the best programs available online. The program is the only public health program that is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) in the state of Arizona.

The online program is highly customizable and students are able to select from three emphases:

• global health
• health systems theory and practice
• public health practice

Throughout the 120 credit hour program, students are able to build a variety of core skills, such as:

• collaboration
• critical thinking
• data analysis
• policy advocacy
• verbal and written communication

Along with the coursework, students are exposed to a variety of internship opportunities that allow them to broaden their professional network and enhance their skills.

2. California Baptist University

California Baptist University (CBU) offers an online public health degree program that is widely known. The Bachelor of Science in Public Health program primarily focuses on the core disciplines, such as:

• epidemiology
• biostatistics
• behavioral science
• environmental and occupational health
• curriculum design in health education

The main features of the program are:

• classes start every eight weeks
• accelerated, asynchronous courses offered 100% online
• three semesters offered year-round
• transfer friendly

This particular program can be completed in as little as 16 months.

3. University of Missouri

The University of Missouri Columbia's Bachelor of Health Science in Public Health program is considered a top-ranked program in the entire nation. The program is CEPH accredited and exposes its students to coursework in:

• global health
• social and behavioral health
• environmental health
• health care management
• health promotion programs
• qualitative methods in public health

The program is delivered completely online and offers part-time and full-time options. After completing the program, students can explore careers as health educators, research specialists, and emergency management directors.

4. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University's online Bachelor of Science in Public Health program consists of 120 credit hours and provides students with a strong foundation in biological and social sciences. In addition, the program also emphasizes evidence-based approaches to planning and evaluation.

From the program, students will learn to:

• use principles to recognize patterns and trends
• apply strategies to improve health, safety and quality of life
• explain the effectiveness of health programs
• identify health disparities and promote social justice
• make globally, socially, and ethically decisions
• design communication strategies that promote campaigns

One enrolled, students have 24/7 access to coursework and are given highly flexible schedules. The program is also extremely affordable and has a total cost of around $40,000.

5. The University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi offers an unique public health program that can be completed in two years. In order to be admitted, students must have graduated from an accredited two-year allied health program with an associate's degree.

Examples include respiratory therapists, dental hygienists, and physical therapy assistants. From the program, allied professionals

are able to:

• pursue master's or doctoral degrees
• increase their income within their field of practice
• gain credibility within the health care setting
• potentially moving to a management position within their field
• transitioning to another career outside of their field

The program can be completed in two years.

6. National University

National University offers an array of online degree programs that are highly flexible and convenient, especially for working students.

Among their many programs, their online bachelor's degree in public health program is definitely a stand put program. The program has year-round enrollment and consists of four-week courses. The program's learning objectives are:

• explaining the core principles of public health
• describing behavioral and non-behavioral variables
• describing the contributions of health disparities to morbidity and mortality
• assess the need for health promotion programs
• choosing appropriate strategies and tactics
• evaluating the progress and outcomes of prevention programs

Throughout the program, students are exposed to a variety of learning formats, such as lectures, presentations, and audio recordings.

7. Rivier University

Rivier University is another institution that offers a credible public health degree program. Their Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree program is fully online and offers seven and 14-week-long courses.

In the program, students will be able to:

• develop skills to practice in multiple public health-related fields
• learn about the core concepts of public health
• hone skills in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of community and public health services

Graduates of the program are prepared to fulfill roles as epidemiologists, biostatisticians, hospital administrators, and public health analysts.

The average time to complete the program is between two to four years.

8. Youngstown State University

Youngstown State University's Bachelor of Science in Public Health program offers two different concentration tracks:

• environmental health and safety
• health education/health promotion

The environmental health and safety track focuses on health and community concerns as it relates to environmental health. The health education/ health promotion track focuses on health education, crisis management, and community health.

Each track has the option of a two, three, or four-year program. The program is made up of a total of 127 credit hours.

How Long Is an Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Program?

A public health bachelor's degree program typically requires 120 credit hours and takes four years to complete. Depending on the institution, some programs can be finished in a shorter amount of time.

What Careers Can I Pursue with a Bachelor's Degree in Public Health?

Pursuing a bachelor's degree in public health provides students with the chance to explore an endless number of careers. With a bachelor's degree, graduates can pursue careers as:

• health educators
• health communication specialists
• environmental health specialists
• infectious disease specialists
• data analysts
• public health researchers

What is the Average Cost of an Online Bachelor's Degree in Public Health?

The cost of an online bachelor's degree in public health can reach as little as $25,000 to as high as $55,000.

Enroll in an Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Program Today

Public health degree programs introduces students to a well-rounded curriculum that consists of courses in epidemiology, environmental health, and healthcare management.

If any of these programs interest you, please reach out to your program of choice for any questions you may have about their enrollment requirements.