Public Health, B.S.

Public Health is an interdisciplinary major that includes aspects of biology, economics, exercise science, management, political science, psychology, and sociology.  This allows students to explore critical concepts, research, and practices that shape community well-being.  Public health majors will gain expertise in epidemiology, health policy, and disease prevention as they prepare for careers or further education in the field of public health.

Program Learning Goals in Public Health

After completing a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, students will be able to:

1. Explain public health history, philosophy, and values

2. Identify the core functions of public health 

3.  Apply qualitative and quantitative methods in describing and assessing a population’s health

4. Explain the effects of environmental factors on a population’s health

5. Explain biological and genetic factors that affect a population’s health

6. Explain behavioral and psychological factors that affect a population’s health

7. Explain the social, political, and economic determinants of health and how they contribute to population health and health inequities

8. Explain how globalization affects global burdens of disease

9. Explain an ecological perspective on the connections among human health, animal health,  and ecosystem health

10. Display competency in a public health professional environment

11. Display oral and written communication skills that can be used to advance public health knowledge

Major Requirements

31 required foundational credits, which include one research methods course, and an additional 15 credits of electives as well as a 4-credit internship with capstone. For students not declaring a concentration, a minimum of three credits from each of the following categories—Health Policy, Health Communication, Environmental Science, and Social and Behavioral Health—must be completed.  Students may obtain a concentration by completing all 15 credits of their electives, the concentration-specific internship, and an associated research course within one category. At least nine elective credits must be at the 3000 level or higher. Students may declare multiple concentrations and complete those categories accordingly.

Foundational Courses (31 credits)

*Students intending on a minor in business must take the in-person section of this course.

For students not declaring a concentration, the following additional requirements apply:

Health Policy Concentration

The Health Policy concentration within the Public Health major is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between health, society, and governance. This concentration focuses on the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies that affect public health outcomes.

*Students must have taken at least five prior PO courses to register for this course.

Health Communication Concentration

The Health Communication concentration within the Public Health major emphasizes the crucial role of effective communication in promoting public health and influencing health behaviors. This concentration equips students with the skills to design, implement, and evaluate communication strategies that improve health outcomes at the individual, community, and policy levels.

*Students intending on a Health Communication concentration should begin with this course.

Environmental Science Concentration

The Environmental Science concentration within the Public Health major emphasizes the critical connection between the environment and human health. This concentration equips students with the knowledge and skills to assess, manage, and mitigate environmental factors that impact public health outcomes. Students will study topics such as air and water quality, environmental contaminants, climate change, toxicology, environmental justice, and the impact of urbanization on health.

Social and Behavioral Health Concentration

The Social and Behavioral Health concentration within the Public Health major is designed to explore the complex social, cultural, and behavioral factors that influence health and well-being. Students will examine topics such as health behavior theory, social determinants of health, mental health, substance use, community health, and the role of socioeconomic factors in shaping health outcomes. 

Students interested in healthcare administration and/or management should consider a minor in program.

Students interested in a healthcare profession should consider a minor in program.