This is a list of 10 best undergraduate public health programs offering prospective students a bachelor’s degree in public health. Students graduating with a BS in public health degree can go on to work in this challenging field serving people at multiple levels. These important health workers are involved at these levels:
- individual
- community
- national
- global
Students can also pursue graduate school after earning a bachelor’s degree with a public health focus.
Public health impacts everyone. The American Public Health Association describes public health this way: “Public health promotes and protects the health of people and the communities where they live, learn, work and play.”
This field involves prevention of disease and illness and promoting a healthy life. Public health workers are found in a variety of workplaces, including agencies and organizations. According to the American Public Health Association public health workers are involved with:
- research
- community health
- education and safety standards
This degree in public health prepares students to have a positive impact on the lives of others and promote the well-being of people at different levels. Here is the list of the top 10 undergraduate BS in public health programs to check out to find a school of public health for you.
- #1 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- #2 University of Florida
- #3 The College of New Jersey
- #4 University of Washington-Seattle Campus
- #5 Ohio State University-Main Campus
- #6 The University of Texas at Austin
- #7 Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- #8 Texas A&M University College Station
- #9 Ohio Northern University
- #10 MCPHS University
Methodology
Methodology for ranking involved schools’ graduation and retention percentages. The initial pool of schools and tuition rates were sourced from the College Navigator website. Programs costing more than $42,000 were eliminated, leaving a pool of 295 best value schools to rank. Prospective students should communicate with their program of interest to confirm tuition and should also consider the additional costs of housing and books that are not included in these posted tuition rates.
Reviewing the Best Undergraduate Public Health Programs Available
#10 Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Bachelor of Science Public Health
Tuition $35,800
MCPHS offers the opportunity to earn a bachelor of science in public health degree in a full-time four year program. This BS in public health program helps students gain skills to work in the field at home or around the world. Graduates of the program can be involved in a variety of community health areas including:
- vaccinations
- legislation
- clean air and water
- substance abuse and more
Students also have the opportunity to gain a foundational education not only in public health but in basic science and liberal arts. After completing the BSPH degree, public health students can begin making a difference in the public health field . Or they can continue on to pursue an advanced degree. MSPHS has a master of public health degree program on campus and online.
Students in the bachelor of science in public health program will learn from faculty who are leaders in the field. Graduates of this program may wish to continue their education with their master of public health program. It’s offered at their Boston campus or online. Prospective public health students can learn more about the BSPH curriculum and admission requirements on the website.
#9 Ohio Northern University
Bachelor of Science in Public Health
Tuition $35,380
Ohio Northern University gives students the opportunity to gain professional skills to make a positive difference in their field. The BS in public health degree at ONU teaches students about:
- health
- public policy
- equity
- disease prevention
Graduates can be leaderes in the growing public health field. ONU public health students learn in the classroom setting through public health core courses as well as outside the classroom setting. The public health education includes learning about:
- biology
- statistics
- communication
- sociology
- political science
Students in the public health program can:
- engage in research
- work on projects
- network with other health professionals and organizations
The ONU public health program helps students gain competencies in:
- disease investigation and prevention
- health promotion and education
- community health
- program management
Students in this robust program benefit from small class sizes and a safe campus environment. The dedicated professors get to know their students and become invested in their success. Upon graduation, students can expect to have a flexible skill set and comprehensive knowledge in their field of study.
Graduates from the ONU public health program can pursue positions in public health or health care management. They can also continue on to an advanced degree. Are you interested in investing in an education that gives you the tools to have a positive impact on society? The BS in public health program at Ohio Northern University may be right for you. Check out their website to learn more about:
- the program
- curriculum,
- opportunities available
#8 Texas A&M University College Station
Bachelor of Science Public Health
Tuition In State $13,239
Tuition Out of State $40,134
Texas A&M University is in tune with the shortage of public health workers. They helps meet the need through their public health program. The BS in public health program prepares their students to become public health practitioners. Program graduates will be able to assess factors influencing health in populations. They can also plan, design, implement, and successfully manage effective health care programs and interventions. This degree helps prepare students to assess public health needs. They can plan, evaluate, and manage programs and interventions to help meet the needs.
The program focuses on health determinants, using scientific data, addressing health challenges, and designing approaches to improve public health. The public health program has a vision for:
- stronger communities
- healthy people
- tradition
BPH values include:
- accountability
- generosity
- integrity
- excellence
- professionalism
The Texas A&M School of Public Health may be right for you if you’re looking for:
- a well-respected program
- a field with growing needs
- diverse student body
- friendly community
- small classes sizes
An option for top undergraduate students is Texas A&M’s 3+2 Program. Undergraduate BSPH majors can earn a combined BSPH/MPH degree through an intensive five year program in one of four concentrations:
- Epidemiology
- Occupational Health
- Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences
- Health Policy and Management
Prospective students can learn more about admissions, how to apply, career services, and the program on the website.
#7 Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Bachelor of Science in Public Health
Tuition In State $15,804
Tuition Out of State $33,005
Rutgers NJ campus in New Brunswick offers a major in public health through the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy. The Bloustein school clearly values:
- education
- research
- service
Students in this robust program learn about upstream factors that influence community health, especially:
- poverty
- housing
- work and unemployment
- social exclusion
- food security
- transportation
- access to health and social services
- evidence-based, data-driven decision-making.
Students enrolled as public health majors have the opportunity to prepare for a career in population health and disease prevention. Public health professionals can find career opportunities in health professions involving:
- infectious disease
- chronic disease management
- health monitoring and surveillance
- community health
- environmental and occupation health and safety
- emergency preparedness
Students in the Rutgers public health program may be able to study abroad. to gain a unique perspective on global health and health disparities. Rutgers additionally has a joint bachelor of arts or science and master of public health program for qualified students. This five year joint program may be valuable to students who plan to pursue graduate studies. Prospective students can find additional information on the website about:
- the undergraduate public health program
- joint program
- admissions information
#6 The University of Texas at Austin
Bachelor of Science
Tuition In State $11,752
Tuition Out of State $40,996
The University of Texas at Austin understands the mission of public health is to preserve, promote and improve the health and well being of people. Their BPH staff is working to fulfill that mission through:
- education
- research
- service
UT at Austin is helping overcome the public health workforce shortage. It prepares students through earning their public health degrees to be health professionals or go on to pursue graduate studies. Earning a BSPH degree at UT Austin provides the opportunity to gain foundational knowledge in the five core areas of public health. Students may have the option to specialize.
The bachelor of science in public health degree helps students gain experience through internships. Graduates may work in entry level jobs or go on to pursue graduate work. Work environments vary and can include:
- government departments
- non profit organizations
- research
- education and more.
UT’s 3+2 program is for top BSPH students wishing to earn a dual BSPH/MPH degree through their five year program in one of four concentrations:
- Epidemiology
- Occupational Health
- Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences
- Health Policy and Management
Students can use the career center at UT Austin for help and guidance. If you’re passionate about helping keep people healthy and safe, the public health program at the University of Texas at Austin may be the right program for you.
#5 Ohio State University-Main Campus
Bachelor of Science
Tuition In State $11,936
Tuition Out of State $35,019
OSU offers a Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree. It has two specializations available in the public health major:
- public health sociology
- environmental public health
Students can earn their public health degrees in four years and participate in a capstone course. The capstone course may involve an internship, research or an honors thesis. Ohio State’s public health students can be involved in the public health organization called Buckeyes for Public Health. This organization enables students to promote public health through community health education at the local and international level.
Students can also become involved in the Multicultural Public Health Student Association and the Student Ambassadors for Public Health. Graduates of the OSU public health program may be eligible for entry level positions in the field. Or they can continue on to graduate studies. If you are interested in making a differences in people’s lives through health education, the bachelor’s program at OSU may be right for you.
#4 University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science
Tuition In State $12,076
Tuition Out of State $39,906
The University of Washington in Seattle offers an undergraduate BS global public health degree. Public Health-Global Health is a school-wide major that can lead to a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science. It uses public health questions, concepts, and tools to teach critical thinking skills. Students can learn to promote community health education and well-being of communities.They will also gain critical thinking skills.
Students will have the opportunity to gain competencies in public health core courses and the following topics:
- assessment and measurement
- communication
- environment
- ethics and social justice
- natural science
- populations health
- policy and politics
- social science
Graduates can engage in:
- entry level work opportunities in the public health field
- service opportunities
- graduate and professional school in public health
- an advanced degree in other areas
To develop the cultural competencies of graduates the University of Washington public health major prioritizes diversity in:
- admissions
- advising
- student programming
Students earning degrees in the WU public health program can learn to question, challenge and explore ways to promote the health and well-being of people at the local and global level.
#3 The College of New Jersey
Bachelor of Science
In State Tuition $17,287
Out of State Tuition $29,594
TCNJ offers the Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree. This BS degree in Public Health program is offered by the School of Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science in collaboration with all seven of the TCNJ schools. Students have the opportunity to take courses in all schools and participate in:
- research
- conferences
- networking
- global study
- internships
- mentoring
This program prepares students to use health education, health promotion, and disease prevention to advance public health. The TCNJ Public health program is personalized and rigorous. It has opportunities for students to learn from faculty in different settings, including:
- research
- conferences
- global studying
- internships
- mentoring
TCNJ public health students will participate in a 120-hour capstone internship program during their senior year. A unique element of the TCNJ public health program is the focus on global health. The global health emphasis requires students to study a second language as part of the curriculum.
Graduates of The College of New Jersey public health program can pursue careers in:
- government
- health-related organizations
- other agencies
These graduates are also well positioned to apply to master of public health degree programs. If you’re interested in earning a public health degree, you can learn more about public health and the TCNJ program at their website.
#2 University of Florida
Bachelor degree
Tuition In State $6,381
Tuition Out of State $28,659
The University of Florida offers students the opportunity to earn their BPH degree. They will develop foundational skills that can be used in individual and community health care. The UF Bachelor of Public Health degree program helps students gain an education that equips them to work in health systems or organizations.
Students can graduate from this bachelor program and begin work in the public health field. The program is also for students who wish to pursue an advanced degree. Students are educated on:
- the five major public health areas
- social determinants impacting public health
- professional communication, and more.
On the website, prospective students can learn more about:
- the admissions process
- prerequisites
- application
- financial aid
For students who wish to pursue their master of public health degree, the combined bachelor in public health and MPH program at UF may be the best option. There is more information about the combined degree on the website.
#1 The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Bachelor of Science
Tuition In State $9,028
Tuition Out of State $36,891
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has a strong public health program in the Gillings School of Global Public Health. The Gillings School of Global Public Health has a clear vision to improve public health in North Carolina and around the world guided by their values.
Students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and additionally focus their studies in:
- biostatistics
- environmental health sciences
- health policy and management
- nutrition
UNC at Chapel Hill’s top school of public health offers prospective students the opportunity to visit in person or engage in the Virtual Fairs online. Students in the BS in public health program at UNC at Chapel Hill can learn in an environment of engaged faculty, staff and students to solve problems in the health field. Graduates from the school of public health are prepared to continue on to earn their master of public health. You can visit the website to learn more about the application process, tuition and fees, and the programs available to help you make a positive difference in the public health field.
FAQ
What is public health?
The American Public Health Association defines public health as the health field that “promotes and protects the health of people and the communities where they live, learn, work and play.” Professionals in public health are involved in working to improve quality of life, disease prevention and health promotion for all people around the world. Public health professionals do their work at the community local level, regional, national or global level.
To improve and protect public health, the field uses:
- education
- research
- program implementation and evaluation
Public health impacts all people. Public health leaders work to protect and promote the well being of everyone.
How will a bachelor’s degree in public health help me to advance in my career?
A bachelor’s degree in public health promises to prepare graduates for entry level jobs in this exciting field. Earning this degree makes it possible to go on to earn a Master’s of Public Health (MPH). This expands employment opportunities in the field.
What are the core disciplines of public health?
Public health curricula have a foundation in the five core public health disciplines. These include:
- epidemiology
- biostatistics
- behavioral science
- environmental and occupational health
- curriculum design in health education
Bachelor’s level programs include general education courses and elective classes as well as health science classes to build a foundation for further study.
What is the significance of the CEPH accreditation?
The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) is an independent agency. It’s the recognized accrediting organization for public health programs and schools of public health. This agency is recognized by the US Department of Education. The CEPH’s mission is to assure quality public health education and training. CEPH’s vision to promote excellence in public health education, including in MPH programs, ensures standards are kept. Their mission and vision together can lead to a healthier world. The council’s goal is to improve public health by validating that public health professionals are receiving the appropriate education in order to identify, prevent and solve problems in the public health field.
CEPH accreditation is a validation that the program is seen by the council as one that provides quality education. This accreditation also shows that public health professionals are meeting standards that promote excellence in public health. The CEPH website can provide you with additional information on the agency, history and additional meaning of the accreditation, as well as lists of schools that are accredited.
What is an entry-level pay scale in public health?
There is a wide range of salaries that you can expect to earn in the field of public health with a bachelor’s in public health degree. Information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics at BLS.Gov can give you more information regarding the pay scale in your area of interest and geographical area. Look at the Occupational Outlook Handbook for jobs of interest. Health Education Specialists and Community Health workers may be an entry level position. It has a median salary of $48,860. A median salary means that half of workers in that position make more than that, and half make a lower salary.
How are public health degrees financed?
College is typically financed through a variety of methods that may include:
- loans
- scholarships
- savings
- family financial support
Earning a public health BS is likely going to be financed in this way. Financial aid packages vary, so talk to your school of interest about your goals and financial needs. Students may choose to fill out a FAFSA form for government loans. These may be subsidized depending on income level. Schools may require this form be completed to qualify for some school aid.
How long does the public health degree take to complete?
Full-time students typically take four years to complete the undergraduate degree program in public health. This is a typical length for all bachelor degree programs. Pursuing the degree part time will take longer, and typically undergraduate programs don’t have a time limit to complete the program. Completing this degree part time can give students time to work at their job or take care of personal responsibilities.
What kind of job titles might I have once I earn my bachelors degree in public health?
Students interested in work in the health care system will find completing a bachelor of science in public health can open doors for employment opportunities in:
- health communication
- maternal and child health
- health education
- public health investigation
- environmental health science
- health services administration
- environmental and occupational safety.
Once you’re working, developing skills that will lead to more opportunities will make you valuable to your employer. Students who earn a bachelor’s degree may be eligible for entry-level positions in community health agencies and organizations.
How is the CDC involved in public health?
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) plays a big part in the United States’ public health system. The CDC has a large staff of over 14,000 public health workers in almost 170 different occupations in all 50 states and more than 50 countries. Because the CDC is connected to health departments on multiple levels and in so many locations, they have an opportunity to understand public health disease patterns and respond appropriately. The CDC also works on practical safety issues like:
- ensuring safe food and water
- controlling disease outbreaks
- educating the public in public health
Will a degree in public health make a difference in the world today?
Because of the public health initiative in the last 100 years, life expectancy of people in the United States increased by 25 years. According to the CDC, the greatest public health improvements in the last century include:
- workplace safety
- infectious disease control
- food safety
- mother-baby health
- decline in death from heart disease and stroke
- motor vehicle safety
- effective immunizations
- family planning initiatives
- fluoridated drinking water
- tobacco use decline
What will be future health initiatives be that will improve health and make for a healthier population in the US and abroad? Will you play a role in these important and exciting public health initiatives?
What is the professional organization for public health?
The largest public health organization for public health professionals is the American Public Health Association (APHA). With a vision to “create the healthiest nation in one generation,” APHA is a champion for the health of all people and all communities. APHA strives to strengthen the public health profession and speak out about public health issues. It promotes science-backed public health policies. APHA has wide-reaching influence in federal policy and has a long term perspective of nearly 150 years. This professional organization brings together members of all areas of public health. APHA’s mission is to improve the health of the public and achieve health equity in health status. Their values reflect the beliefs of their members from all disciplines of public health and over 40 countries around the globe.
Other public health professional organizations to check out:
- American Public Health Association
- American College of Healthcare Executives
- Your State’s Public Health Organization
- Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists
- National Association of County & City Health Officials
Is graduate school necessary for those with undergraduate public health degrees?
This depends on what you would like to do in this field. Undergraduate public health degrees typically qualify candidates for entry-level positions in the field. Entry level positions include:
- employment as community health workers
- working in health literacy
- health policy and more
Other professions related to public health can include:
- social work
- physician
- nursing
- social and behavioral sciences
- other therapies
Earning a master of public health will expand opportunities for making a difference in this important health field.
Can I pursue other advanced degrees with this undergraduate degree?
A school of public health will talk to its public health majors about options after graduation. Graduates with a BS in public health may look to pursue an advanced degree such as a master of public health or a professional program in different fields including:
- public health
- business
- law
- medicine
- pharmacy
- social work
- global health
- social and behavioral sciences and education, among others.
Is public health a growing field?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare in general is a growing field. Health education workers and community health workers have a projected 17% growth in 2020-2030. This is a much higher than all other occupations. The CDC also reports a need for more public health workers in the field. Those with public health degrees in health promotion, health policy, and environmental and occupational health are likely to find a robust market for their skills. Many public health programs acknowledge the shortage of health workers and the anticipated future need for more professionals in the field. Check out the school of public health you find interesting to earn a BS in public health and get on your way in this exciting and meaningful field.
How do I know if a BS in public health is right for me?
Take time to evaluate your career goals. Are you seeking a stable career with opportunities for growth while making an impact in human health? Then public health may be a good degree choice. Consider your specific interests and how this degree can help expand your knowledge in those areas. After considering and evaluating those career goals and interests, take time to find a solid program that fits your needs. With a clear self understanding of your goals, interests, and needs, you will be better able to decide if earning a bachelor’s degree in public health is the right choice for you.
Are you looking to make a difference in promoting and protecting human heath at home or abroad? Earning your BS in public health is a good step in that direction to make your dream a reality.
By Erin Padden RN, BSN
Updated June 2022
Erin graduated from Cedarville University in 2012 with a BSN. She currently works in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania while pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice at Thomas Jefferson University (an online/hybrid program).
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This concludes our ranking of the top 10 bachelor’s in public health degree programs