Bachelor of Science in Public Health
Bachelor of Science in Public Health
Class of 2015
Improve the Health of Communities With a BS in Public Health
The need for public health professionals to provide guidance and expertise to communities has proven to be more critical than ever. As the pandemic surged, clear challenges were presented that required experts with the unique skills vital to address emerging health concerns.
Students will gain knowledge related to the interactions and interdependencies of health behavior at local, state, national, and international levels, and will develop the skills needed to protect communities ahead of a health crisis.
The program is designed to help prepare entry-level public health professionals to begin careers in a variety of health agencies: governmental health agencies, voluntary health agencies, community-based/non-governmental agencies, medical care services, education agencies, and business and industry. Graduates of the program will be eligible to apply for the Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES) exam through the National Commission on Health Education Credentialing Inc.
Why National University’s Online Bachelor of Public Health Program?
- Ideal for Adult Learners. Online classes allow you the flexibility to study when and where it’s convenient for you, so you don’t have to put your life on hold to pursue your goals. We also offer a unique four-week class format, so you can focus on one subject at a time, one month at a time, and finish your degree faster.
- Faculty With Highly Trained Expertise. You’ll be learning from professors who are also practicing professionals in the field. You’ll have access to the most relevant, up-to-date information, and be gaining applicable skills that can be put into use right away. Professors serve as mentors guiding you through the program to graduation and beyond.
- Real-world Experience. Students engage with communities by sharing opportunities for practice, service, and research through capstone projects. Examples include identifying best practices to increase awareness of colorectal cancer screening (USMBHA), attending events at San Diego Balboa Navy Hospital, attending the Promotoras Conference, participating in Public Health Day and National Public Health Week, and more.
$30 Million in Scholarships
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Eligibility requirements apply.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Explain the core principles of public health and their relationship to the health status of groups, communities, and populations at the local, state, national, and international levels.
- Describe behavioral and non-behavioral variables contributing to morbidity and mortality.
- Describe the contributions of health disparities to morbidity and mortality among specific groups, communities, and societies.
- Assess the need for health promotion programs in response to the characteristics of diverse communities of interest using primary and secondary data.
- Choose appropriate strategies and tactics to influence behavioral, environmental, and public policy change to address the health needs in a given community.
- Evaluate the progress and outcomes of prevention programs in meeting stated goals and objectives and established standards.
Possible careers include:
- Community health workers
- Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
Alumni have gone on to be:
- Health educators
- Public health specialists
- Community health specialists
- Research coordinators
- Research assistants
- Epidemiologists (with the right concentration and certifications)
- Project managers
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, on the internet, at: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-socialservice/health-educators.htm (viewed February 3, 2021) Citations are projections that may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Candidates are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research.
Preparation for the Major
- (14 courses; 54 quarter units)
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| COH 100 | Personal Health |
| PSY 100 | Introduction to Psychology |
| SOC 100 | Principles of Sociology – Prerequisite: ENG 102 |
| BIO 201 | Human Anatomy and Physiol I – Corequisite: BIO 201A; Recommended: Prior completion of BIO 100, BIO 100A, CHE 101, CHE101A |
| BIO 201A | Human Anatomy and Physiol Lab I – Corequisite: BIO 201; Recommended: Prior completion of BIO 100, BIO 100A, CHE 101, CHE101A or equivalent courses. |
| BIO 202 | Human Anatomy and Physiol II – Corequisite: BIO 202A; Prerequisite: BIO 201 and BIO 201A |
| BIO 202A | Human Anatomy and Physiol Lab II – Corequisite: BIO 202; Prerequisite: BIO 201; BIO 201A |
| BIO 203 | Introductory Microbiology – Corequisite: BIO 203A Students should take both lecture and lab courses concurrently and with the same instructor to ensure a consistent learning experience. Students who are retaking one of the two courses or present special circumstances should petition for exception to this requisite.; Recommended: Prior completion of BIO 100 and BIO 100A; CHE 101 and CHE 101A or equivalent courses; BIO 201 and BIO 201A; BIO 202 and BIO 202A |
| BIO 203A | Introductory Microbiology Lab – Corequisite: BIO 203; Recommended: Prior completion of: BIO 100; BIO 100A; CHE 101; CHE101A; BIO 201 and BIO 201A; BIO 202 and BIO 202A |
| HTM 310 | Health Informatics |
| BST 322 | Intro to Biomedical Statistics |
| COH 317 | Public Health Nutrition* – Prerequisite: ENG 102; Recommended Preparation: COH 100 |
| COH 318 | Drug Use and Abuse* – Prerequisite: ENG 102; Recommended Preparation: COH 100 |
| COH 319 | Human Sexuality* – Prerequisite: ENG 102; Recommended Preparation: COH 100 Satisfactory completion of all courses in “Preparation for the Major” is needed prior to enrolling in “Requirements for the Major”. |
Core Requirements
- (4 courses; 18 quarter units)
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| COH 310 | Culture and Health – Prerequisite: ILR 260 |
| COH 315 | Introduction to Epidemiology – Prerequisite: BST 322; ILR 260 |
| COH 320 | Chronic & Communicable Disease – Prerequisite: ILR 260 |
| COH 321 | Health Behavior – Prerequisite: ILR 260 |
Satisfactory completion of all courses in “Core Requirements” is needed prior to enrolling in “Requirements for the Major”
Requirements for the Major
- (10 courses; 45 quarter units)
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| COH 300 | The Ecology of Public Health – Prerequisite: COH 100; PSY 100; SOC 100; BIO 203A |
| COH 380 | HP Program Planning & Eval – Prerequisite: COH 300; COH 315; HTM 310 |
| COH 400 | Environmental Health |
| COH 401 | Health Promotion Concepts – Prerequisite: COH 300; COH 315; COH 400 and HTM 310 |
| COH 416 | PH & Physical Activity |
| COH 422 | Global Health Promotion – Prerequisite: COH 401 |
| COH 430 | HP Strategies & Tactics – Prerequisite: COH 401 |
| COH 435 | PH Communications & Advocacy – Prerequisite: COH 430 |
| COH 440 | Preparedness & Disaster Mgmt – Prerequisite: COH 401 |
| COH 499 | Public Health Field Practicum – Prerequisite: COH 100; COH 300; COH 310; COH 315; COH 317; COH 318; COH 319; COH 320; COH 321; COH 380; COH 400; COH 401; COH 416; COH 422; COH 430; COH 435; COH 440 |
Nick R ., Class of 2019
“The BSPH program at National University allowed me to begin my career in the environmental health and safety field. This program gave me the necessary skills to confidently take on my role as an injury prevention specialist. Not only did the courses aid in my success, but the professors in my cohort were always willing to help out and provide knowledgeable feedback whenever faced with questions.”
Contact Us
Take the first step by starting your application online today.
To speak to an enrollment advisor about this program, please email [email protected].
Public Health Bachelor Degree Program FAQs
Careers In public health are varied and may include: health educator, public health advisor, public health nurse, environmental health scientist, sanitarian, biostatistician, or epidemiologist.
Yes. At National University, you can complete the bachelor’s in public health program completely online, and gain the skills needed to prepare for various roles in health care or social services. There is no substitute for hands-on, real-world experience, which is also a part of the program.
The Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree provides the knowledge and applicable skills for individuals looking to work on the forefront of health and social issues that impact a community in need. The program allows for real-world experience and working with faculty who are professionals in the field for the most relevant insights.
A career in public health includes clinical care, education, and advocacy regarding various health and wellness issues within a community. A variety of roles are available to individuals passionate about protecting the health and wellness of communities through education, research, and prevention.
Why Choose National University?
We’re proud to be a veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners. Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 180,000 alumni worldwide.
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements in a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.
Positions may require additional experience, training and other factors beyond successfully completing this degree program. Depending on where you reside, many positions may also require state licensure, and it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all licensure requirements are met. We encourage you to also review program specific requirements for NU. Any data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee that completion of any degree program will achieve the underlying occupation or commensurate salary.