Undergraduate Programs

Public health is a broad field, and undergraduate students can choose from a range of degree options and focus areas. Depending on the school, you may find bachelor’s programs with specializations in community health, epidemiology, environmental health, global health, health policy, and health education. Explore the links below to learn more about the different types of undergraduate public health degrees and related specializations available.

Bachelor’s in Public Health (BPH) 

A Bachelor’s in Public Health (BPH) program can help lay the foundation for a public health career. Because a number of roles within the public health field require a master’s degree, you have the option to go the general route for your BPH and later specialize with a graduate degree. Still, there are bachelor’s degrees that will allow you to specialize. 

Bachelor of Health Science (BHS)

A Bachelor of Health Science (BHS) provides students interested in health care with the tools they need to enter a variety of medical careers, both hands-on and administrative. A BHS degree focuses on the application of science to health, including the study of medicine, nutrition, and other health-related topics. 

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health (BSEH)

A Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health (BSEH) is a public health-related degree that focuses on the relationship between environmental factors and human health. Environmental health is an evolving field that individuals interested in issues such as disaster preparedness and climate change might consider.

Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW)

A Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) is designed to help students enter the field of social work. Social workers are dedicated to helping individuals and groups through a variety of life-altering circumstances. This degree is similar to the BPH as both prepare students to work with large populations, helping to improve their quality of life through policy changes and more.  

Bachelor’s to Master’s Dual Degree

If you’re certain public health is the career field for you, you may consider a bachelor’s to master’s dual degree program. This type of program combines bachelor’s and master’s coursework, so you’ll complete both programs in succession. While this may seem rigorous, it could allow you to enter a public health career more quickly than completing each program separately would. 

For many people interested in public health, earning a bachelor’s degree is the first step. With flexible options like online bachelor’s in public health programs, you can earn your degree without having to relocate to your school’s campus, give up your job if you’re working, or forfeit personal obligations.

Once you’ve completed your undergraduate degree and you’re confident that a career as a public health worker is for you, you may consider a master’s degree program, such as a Master of Public Health. This degree affords you the opportunity to specialize and, more importantly, may help you pursue competitive career options. With a master’s, you may qualify for administrative and policymaking positions. Public health presents a variety of opportunities for a fulfilling career—and it’s worth exploring if you are interested in health care on a broad scale. 

Information last updated April 2026