The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Public Health Degrees
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill appears in our ranking of the Top 10 MPH in Health Policy and Management Degrees Online.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a concentration in biostatistics. The program prepares graduates for entry-level positions in statistical and programming careers as well as for study at the graduate level. The program is 120 credit hours and is only available on campus. It is designed for those with strong quantitative abilities who have an interest in math, statistics or computer programming related to public health. Courses required include:
- Advanced Calculus I
- Basic Elements of Probability/Statistical Interference I
- Calculus of Functions of One Variable I and II
- Calculus of Functions of Several Variables
- Design of Public Health Studies
- Discrete Mathematics
- Ecology and Population Biology or Genetics
- Field Observations in Biostatistics
- Health Behavior and Health Education
- Health Policy and Management
- Introduction to Biostatistics
- Introduction to Environmental Sciences
- Introduction to Programming
- Introduction to Statistical Computing and Data Management
- Linear Algebra for Applications
- Principles of Biology with Lab
- Principles of Epidemiology
- Principles of Experimental Analysis (Multiple Linear Regression)
- Sample Survey Methodology
The Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a concentration in environmental health sciences prepares students with a basic understanding of how environmental factors impact public health. Graduates are able to demonstrate a basic level of understanding in fundamental sciences while also identifying major issues in environmental sciences. They can describe regulatory components that shape policy and demonstrate communication skills regarding the field. Courses required include:
- BioCalculus I & II
- Calculus of Functions of One Variable I & II
- Calculus of Functions of Several Variables
- Communications Intensive
- Ecological Modeling
- Ecology and Evolution
- General Physics I & II
- Introduction to Organic Chemistry
- Introduction to Scientific Programming
- Introductory Calculus-based Electromagnetism and Quanta
- Introductory Calculus-based Mechanics and Relativity
- Mathematical and Computational Models in Biology
- Molecular Biology and Genetics
- Physical and Life Sciences
- Quantitative Intensive
- Quantitative Reasoning
The Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a concentration in Health Policy and Management creates responsible graduates who are prepared to address health disparities, work toward health reform and create better access to care. They also have an understanding of healthcare quality and costs along with health promotion and disease prevention on a global scale. Courses required for the program include:
- Financial Reporting and Analysis or Financial Accounting
- Foundations of Health Care Financial Management
- Foundations of Public Health
- Information Systems, Technology and Tools
- Introduction to Economics
- Introduction to Health Organization Leadership, Management and Behavior
- Introduction to Health Services Systems II & II
- Introduction to Law and Ethics in Health Administration
- Introduction to Statistics
- Introduction to Strategic Planning and Marketing
- Policy Issues in Health Services Delivery
- Pre-Calculus, Calculus of Functions of One Variable, Calculus of Functions of Several Variables, Decision Models for Business or Decision Models for Economics
- Public Health Systems & Solutions
- Principles of Epidemiology
- Principles of General Biology and Lab
A 10-week full-time internship is also required in the summer between the junior and senior years.
At the graduate level, the following programs are offered:
- UNC Gillings School’s Master of Public Health (MPH) (with 12 concentrations)
- Master of Science in Public Health
- Dual Bachelor’s-to-Master of Science Program (BSPH-MS)
- Dual Bachelor’s-to-Master of Science in Public Health Program (BSPH-MSPH)
- Online Leadership MPH Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) Online
- And more
About University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
Chartered in 1789, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the oldest public university in the country. The school was founded by William R. Davie on lands given to him by the state of North Carolina after his service during the Revolutionary War.
Around the same time that North Carolina ratified the United States Constitution, making it a state, Davie introduced a bill for an institute of higher learning, basing his argument on the education mandate in North Carolina’s state constitution. Many in the legislature felt an institute of higher learning was aristocratic but the bill passed. However, no funding was allotted to start the school. Uncollected state debts and property that had been returned to the state without heirs was used as a way to pay for the school.
On the land chosen for the school, there was an abandoned church, giving the area the name Chapel Hill. It is rumored that the trustees met on the land with Davie under a poplar tree where they determined where the new school would be located. During the Civil War, enrollment fell as 40 percent of the student body joined the Confederate Army. Many of the Chapel Hill students fought in the First Battle of Bull Run near Manassas. Unlike many higher learning institutes during the time that were located in the South, the school remained open throughout the war.
Today, almost 30,000 students attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. U.S. News & World Report lists the school as the fifth best public university in the country while Forbes ranks the school in the top 20 of top college rankings. It has been ranked as the third best public university by the Wall Street Journal.
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Accreditation Details
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredits the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Accreditation confirms that the school has the resources to meet its goals and objectives and that they meet criteria that the Commission has determined indicates excellence in education. In addition to regional accreditation, programs throughout the university are accredited by industry-specific organizations:
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
- American Bar Association
- American Dental Association
- American Occupational Therapy Association
- American Physical Therapy Association
- American Psychological Association
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Accreditation Commission
- Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council on Education for Public Health
- Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
- Liaison Committee on Medical Education
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Application Requirements
In order to apply for the Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a biostatistics concentration, applicants must apply during the second half of their sophomore year or in the first half of their junior year as they must have completed at least 60 credits in general studies courses. They must have completed general math and biology courses as well. They must also have a minimum GPA of 3.0. The application requires official transcripts from high school as well as any colleges or universities attended, two letters of recommendation and a personal statement. One of the recommendations must be from a quantitative or math person.
In order to apply for the Bachelor of Science in Public Health with an environmental health concentration, applicants must have completed at least one course in biology, chemistry, composition, math, and physics. They must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and must provide two academic references. They may apply by the end of their sophomore year or the beginning of their junior year.
In order to apply for the Bachelor of Science in Public Health with health policy and management concentration, applicants must have completed between 52 and 60 undergraduate credits with a “C” or better. They must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Two letters of recommendation are required preferably from a professor or teaching assistant who has worked with the student.
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Tuition and Financial Aid
Undergraduate tuition at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill is $877.38 per credit hour for North Carolina residents and $4,150.25 per credit hour for non-residents. Graduate tuition for Public Health degrees is $1,280.38 per credit hour for both residents and non-residents.
The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill tries to keep the university affordable for all students who qualify for admission. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify. New students must also complete the CSS Profile. Assistance is determined by the family responsibility generated by the FAFSA and CSS Profile. Financial aid packets may include grants, scholarships, loans or work-study program.
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill offers many different public health degrees that are designed to help graduates find leadership roles in the field of study.