What Are the Courses in a Public Health Bachelor's Degree Program?
The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) has identified general knowledge areas in public health, which often form the core of public health bachelor's degree programs. Read on to learn about these degree programs and what they include.
Public Health Bachelor's Degree Programs Overview
Bachelor's degree programs in public health are offered at many different universities. These are four-year programs that include both public health-specific and general education courses. Some also include different tracks so students may specialize in an area specific to their interests.
Bachelor's degree programs in public health award either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts. The focus is slightly different between the two: a BS focuses more on natural sciences, while a BA focuses more on social sciences. Some courses that may be part of these programs include the following:
- Health Literacy
- Environmental Health
- Global Public Health
- Health Care in the U.S.
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Southern New Hampshire University
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you reach them. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you.
University of Maryland Global Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus provides affordable, achievable, and flexible pathways to a college degree for adult learners. With over 90 degrees and certificates, UMGC is built to fit your schedule and goals.
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina offers a wide range of online programs designed for working adults. Earn your degree from a nationally recognized institution with flexible scheduling and strong academic support.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers more than 300 online degree programs, certificates and courses. ASU Online delivers the same rigorous academic programs as on campus, with the flexibility you need to succeed.
Important Information About This Field of Study
| Specializations | Global health, health economics, epidemiology, nutrition, maternal and child health, health promotion, health services research |
| Possible Careers | Public health educator, environmental specialist, communicable disease investigator, program coordinator |
| Online Availability | Many schools offer fully online programs. |
| Prerequisites | Some schools require successful completion of introductory public health courses before being admitted to the program. |
| Median Salary (2021) | $48,860 (for all health educators and community health workers) |
| Job Outlook (2021-2031) | 12% growth (for all health educators and community health workers) |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Core Courses
Below are some of the major topics that bachelor's degree programs in public health usually cover:
Biostatistics
Biostatistics is the study of statistics as applied to biology. Topics in an introductory biostatistics class might include probability, sampling distributions, hypothesis testing and data analysis. Public health students also learn to use statistical software to manage data.
Epidemiology
In an epidemiology course, public health majors study how illness affects whole populations or segments of populations, as opposed to individual patients. Students learn to apply statistics to resolve community health problems, while exploring prevention and control of chronic conditions and communicable diseases. Topics may include biological and environmental factors in disease emergence and the history of various diseases.
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Social and behavioral science's coursework may include the studies of anthropology, psychology and related disciplines to explore people's attitudes and behavior regarding health. Students observe trends in public health that are social, rather than communicable, in nature, such as smoking. They also learn to apply theories of behavior change for the purpose of intervention.
Health Services Administration
Health services administration involves assessing a population's health needs, formulating policies and interventions, and implementing appropriate services and programs. Aspiring public health administrators study program planning and evaluation, media relations, financing, human resources, marketing and quality control.
Environmental Health Sciences
A class in environmental health sciences introduces public health students to environmental factors that can adversely impact human health or development. These factors might include air and water quality, disease and food safety. Students also examine environmental practices, policies and laws aimed at improving public health.
