Bachelor’s in Public Health (BPH) Programs

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Public Health

Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) courses typically focus on the natural sciences. Graduates with a BS in Public Health or BSPH may pursue a variety of science-based careers in the clinical field, such as epidemiology, biostatistics, and research. Students will cover much of what’s included in BA programs while also completing coursework in math, statistics, health informatics, or chemistry. BS students may also be interested in working in laboratory settings after they start their careers.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Public Health

A Bachelor of Arts in Public Health is generally designed for students with an interest in the socio-cultural, socio-economic, and health policy aspects of public health. While it covers many of the same areas as its Bachelor of Science counterpart, a BA in Public Health places greater emphasis on the social sciences. In practice, that could include human behavior and development, social studies, and environmental health, as well as broader topics like politics and law.

Bachelor’s in Public Health (BPH) Degree and Curriculum

What exactly does a bachelor’s in public health cover? The answer to that question depends on your chosen institution and specialization, but you’ll study a range of topics in both science and the humanities.

Typical Prerequisites for a BPH Program

Though the specifics depend on the university, many bachelor’s in public health degree programs have similar admissions requirements. In most cases, you’ll begin by applying for general admission to the university of your choice. Once accepted, you may contact the school to ask about program-specific admissions requirements.

Many universities require high school transcripts (often with a GPA of 3.0), either an SAT or ACT score, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. A personal statement may also be required for admission into the public health program specifically.

Concentration Options in BPH

Once you’ve gotten familiar with the basics of the field, a bachelor’s in public health offers a number of public health specializations. Broadly, these are divided by degree type: a BA or a BS in Public Health.

BA candidates tend to focus more on the social sciences, with specializations covering areas like health education, community health promotion, and global health. Conversely, BS students are likely to specialize in science and statistics, studying research methods, epidemiology, and health disparities.

BS in Public Health programs generally don’t require an individual to choose a concentration. But if you’re hoping to obtain a more niche education, picking a specialization may help you do that. If you have one in mind, research whether your desired program offers it—some specializations are only available at the master’s level, such as a Master of Public Health (MPH).

Typical BPH Curriculum and Courses

Though curricula vary by institution and specialization, bachelor’s in public health students can expect to graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to address many of modern society’s fundamental public health challenges. As with many undergraduate programs, students will begin by taking general education courses, for example in biology or anatomy.

The specifics vary by university, but once you choose to major in public health, you’ll take introductory classes across a range of topics, including the history of public health, environmental health, and epidemiology.

After successfully completing these courses, you’ll be able to move on to more advanced study. At this point, you may need to choose a concentration. In general, these courses may cover health psychology and behavior, or health management. Other concentrations go beyond the discipline itself and teach students about public health education or administration.

Toward the end of your undergraduate degree, you may also be required to complete an internship or capstone project, but this varies by institution.

Traditional vs. Online BPH Programs

While some think it lacks the interactive environment of traditional BPHs, an online bachelor’s in public health offers several benefits. Like other online degrees, this starts with flexibility. Since many courses are available part-time, you can comfortably balance school and work.

An online program also lets you live at home and potentially save money on travel. For candidates who prefer more interactive learning, some online programs also offer in-person components. Whatever path you choose, remember that online and traditional Bachelor’s in Public Health programs normally share similar curricula, so you won’t miss out if you decide to study online.

Frequently Asked Questions on Bachelor’s in Public Health Programs

Identifying the right bachelor’s in public health for you, can be confusing. Here’s a list of frequently asked questions—and answers to help you as you make a decision.