05/13/2025
Public health professionals often play an important role in promoting wellness, preventing disease, and improving community health. A degree in public health prepares graduates with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to address health challenges on both local and global scales.
Students pursuing a public health degree engage with a wide range of subjects, from environmental health and health policy to behavioral sciences and epidemiology. Alongside core public health courses, programs often require general education classes, electives, and hands-on experiences like internships or research projects.
In this guide, we'll break down typical public health degree requirements, core areas of study, and the skills students develop throughout their education.
Bachelor of Science in Public Health: Program Structure
Most undergraduate public health programs award a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Public Health. A typical bachelor's degree in public health program requires:
- 120–124 total credit hours
- 33 credit hours in public health major coursework
- Core general education classes in subjects like mathematics, science, and writing
- An internship or practical experience to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings
Typical Course and Credit Requirements for a Public Health Degree
Public health degree requirements vary slightly by institution, but most Bachelor of Science in Public Health programs require:
- Completion of 120 to 124 credit hours
- A minimum C- grade or higher in public health core courses
- 33 credit hours dedicated specifically to the public health major
- Successful completion of general education courses in writing, math, social sciences, and natural sciences
- A capstone project, internship, or integrative experience approved by public health faculty
Many programs also encourage students to take public health electives in specialized areas like global health, health promotion, or health care administration to expand their knowledge and skill sets.
Additional Degree Requirements for Public Health Majors
Beyond completing core and elective courses, public health students typically must:
- Maintain a minimum GPA, often with at least a C- grade in key courses
- Complete an internship or field placement to gain real-world experience
- Finish a capstone project or research inquiry that integrates what they have learned across multiple disciplines
Some programs also allow students to pursue graduate coursework early, preparing them for advanced study in Master of Public Health (MPH) programs or other related graduate degrees.
General Education Courses in a Public Health Degree
In addition to major-specific courses, students pursuing a public health degree complete general education requirements, which usually include:
- English composition and writing courses
- Mathematics and basic statistics
- Natural science courses such as biology or chemistry
- Behavioral or social science courses
- Foreign language study (required by some universities)
General education classes ensure that public health graduates have a well-rounded academic foundation, supporting their ability to work across diverse communities and health settings.
Core Areas of Study in Public Health
The public health core curriculum typically includes:
- Introduction to Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Environmental Health Sciences
- Health Policy and Management
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Biostatistics
These courses provide a strong foundation in public health practice and prepare students for more specialized study or fieldwork experiences later in the program.
Global Health in Public Health Education
Understanding health issues on a global scale is a key component of public health education. Global health coursework covers international health systems, disease prevention strategies, and efforts to improve health care access in underserved populations.
Students often have the opportunity to participate in study abroad programs or engage in coursework that builds cultural competencies—skills that are increasingly valuable in today’s interconnected world.
Understanding Health Administration in Public Health
Public health programs frequently offer electives related to health administration. These courses help students understand how health care organizations are managed, how public policies impact health care systems, and how leadership skills can improve service delivery across communities.
Knowledge of health care administration can prepare students for roles that combine public health initiatives with the operational side of health care services.
Environmental Health as a Core Public Health Discipline
Environmental health is one of the five core areas of public health education. Students explore how environmental factors—such as air quality, water safety, and exposure to chemicals—impact population health.
Courses in environmental health sciences equip students with the skills to assess risks, develop intervention strategies, and promote policies that protect community health.
Behavioral Sciences in Public Health Education
Behavioral sciences form a critical part of public health education. Courses in this area focus on how social, cultural, and psychological factors influence health behaviors and outcomes.
Students may study topics such as mental health promotion, health communication, and strategies for designing effective health education programs that encourage positive behavior change across populations.
Planning Your Academic Path in Public Health
Public Health Programs Challenges
Public health programs are academically challenging but manageable for motivated students. Coursework combines elements of science, research, communication, and policy, requiring students to think critically about complex health issues.
The interdisciplinary nature of public health—covering everything from epidemiology to social justice—can make it rigorous, but many students find it rewarding because of its real-world applications and meaningful impact on communities.
Choosing the Right Degree Path in Public Health
For students interested in entering the public health field, a Bachelor of Science in Public Health is often an ideal starting point. It provides broad exposure to core public health concepts while also preparing students for entry-level positions or future graduate study.
Students interested in leadership, research, or policy may choose to continue their education with a Master of Public Health (MPH) or a related graduate program.
Building a Foundation for a Career in Public Health
A degree in public health provides a strong foundation for those passionate about promoting wellness, preventing disease, and improving health outcomes for entire populations. Through a combination of coursework in areas like global health, health policy, behavioral sciences, and environmental health, students may develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills that support contributions to community health initiatives, depending on their academic and experiential engagement.
By completing internships, engaging in hands-on research, and building cultural competencies, public health students are well-prepared to make meaningful contributions across community health programs, health care organizations, and advocacy initiatives—supporting healthier futures both locally and globally.
