BS Public Health

Can you see yourself in a rewarding career promoting positive health behaviors by designing, implementing and evaluating educational programs and services in a variety of settings? Are you interested in graduate education in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant or public health and want a major that provides all the required prerequisites AND a foundation in public health?

The bachelor of science degree in public health (BSPH) trains individuals interested in improving and promoting health. Our graduates work as vital members of community and health-care teams. They serve in hospitals, clinics, non-profit agencies, and health departments, as well as, industries, schools, local, state, and national governmental offices and private businesses. Some majors also go on to graduate education in a variety of medical, dental, allied health and public health programs.

The BS in public health has three concentration areas.

Community health educators assist individuals and communities as they strive for improved health. The community health concentration builds specialized knowledge and skills in community organization, needs assessment, and educational strategies in order to plan, implement, and evaluate programs and services in a community-health setting. Graduates typically find employment in local health departments, hospitals, governmental agencies and a variety of community-based organizations such as substance abuse agencies, pregnancy prevention programs, STI prevention programs, community assessment initiatives and heart and cancer associations.

The pre-health professions concentration prepares students for entry in graduate professional schools in areas such as medicine, dentistry, physician assistant, pharmacy, physical therapy and public health. Students can participate in an optional internship that allows them some early exposure to their intended medical, allied health or public health field.

The worksite health promotion concentration offers a unique opportunity to blend public health, exercise science, and business management courses in preparation for a career as a health promotion specialist in various worksite settings. Worksite health promotion specialists plan and coordinate programs in areas such as nutrition, fitness, weight control, smoking cessation, hypertension, and stress management. In addition to assisting employees maintain or improve their health, they also advise company executives on health policies and programs.