Compare online bachelor’s in public health programs
Become a leader in the health profession by working to promote positive health, educating communities on disease prevention, and implementing health programs.
Explore online bachelor’s in public health programsWhy earn a bachelor’s in public health online?
Prepare for a career in public health
Work to keep people and communities healthy, safe, and educated.
Gain essential skills and knowledge
Obtain essential public health knowledge in a flexible format that features a blend of live online classes and asynchronous coursework.
Become a health leader
Find a university that best aligns with your values, and help shape research, process, policymaking, and the future of public health.
Browse online bachelor’s in public health programs
What is a bachelor’s degree in public health?
An online bachelor’s in public health degree will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of public health principles and practices. Although the exact course offerings and requirements will vary between schools, those who graduate from these programs are prepared for entry-level positions in public health agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare institutions, and more. While a bachelor’s in public health isn’t a medical degree, students who pursue this line of study will explore biology, epidemiology, statistics, the sociological factors behind disease, and more, in addition to learning about public health sciences, policy, and intervention strategies. Additionally, graduates with a BA in public health can further their education through an advanced degree in public health or a related field.
Admissions requirements for an online public health bachelor’s degree
While different schools will each have specific admission requirements, in general, students who wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree in public health need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, fill out an application, provide test scores like SAT and ACT to the schools that require them, along with letters of recommendation and official transcripts, and typically write an essay.
How to apply
When choosing the program for which to apply, consider your career goals, the time investment you want to make, and the types of jobs you see yourself doing. Browse our programs for more information. .
Online bachelor’s degree in public health curriculum
A bachelor’s program in public health typically requires 120 credits and takes about four years of full-time study to complete. Most programs take an interdisciplinary approach and will cover coursework, including biology, principles of epidemiology, health services administration, statistics for public health professionals, and the sociological factors behind disease. Other coursework will focus on ethical and legal considerations in public health, policy, and intervention strategies. In addition, students will receive training that will equip them for leadership and advocacy roles. Many programs offer the opportunity to concentrate in a specific area or field of public health, including biostatistics, environmental health, health education, community health, and more. Find out more about the different ways you can , explore general , or see how you can build on the foundations of your bachelor’s degree with advanced degrees like an , or a . Alternatively, you can explore programs that offer .
In addition, you can explore a whole set of to make the most of your learning, and to find a community and forge new connections.
Advance your career with an online bachelor of public health degree
Here are some of the entry-level jobs you’ll be able to pursue with an undergraduate degree in public health:
Health educator or community health worker: Work with different communities to promote healthy behaviors through education and individual healthcare access.
Health analyst or data analyst: Identify trends, track disease outbreaks, and support public health research and decision-making by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting health data.
Environmental health specialist: Identify and mitigate environmental factors that can affect public health, such as air and water quality, food safety, and occupational hazards.
Health policy analyst: Analyze and assess public health policies, advocate for policy changes, and contribute to the development of evidence-based healthcare policies.
Occupational health and safety specialist: Promote the health and safety of workers in various industries by identifying and addressing workplace hazards.
Nonprofit health program manager: Oversee public health programs and initiatives, and ensure they are effectively implemented.
Frequently asked questions
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Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Health Education Specialist. (2023). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Community Health Workers. (2023). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians. (2023). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved September 21, 2023.