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Public Health ,BS

Public Health, BS


Disaster Management, Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Health Science, Epidemics, Epidemiology, Global health, Health Administration, Health Management, Health Policy, International Public Health, Maternal and Child Health, Pandemics, Population Health, Research, biostatistics

Do you want to shape society in order to improve public health? Learn how to prevent the spread of disease and impact community design to cultivate healthier behaviors.

Program description

Public health is the practice of preventing disease and promoting good health within groups of people in communities or countries. The BS in public health is a practical, hands-on program that prepares graduates to make an impact in health care on a local and global scale. Coursework is designed around five pillars of public health:

  • environmental health
  • epidemiology
  • ethics
  • global health
  • rural and urban health

While in the program, students engage in an internship that gives them practical experience in the public health workforce.

The Bachelor of Science in public health pairs well with the health education specialist certificate, the health care policy and delivery certificate, and the hospice and palliative care certificate, each offered by the College of Health Solutions.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: No
  • First required math course: MAT 117 - College Algebra
    or MAT 142 College Mathematics
  • Math intensity: Generalprogram math intensity general

Required courses (Major Map)
Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Global opportunities
Global experience

Study abroad is important for future success in the public health field. Exposure to unique health environments expands students' cultural competencies and worldviews and eliminates bias, and students can enhance their portfolio of experience through hands-on research --- all of which give them an advantage in their field.

With more than 300 options available, Global Education programs allow students to tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, the U.S. or online, students in public health are able to learn about unique health environments and differences in the human condition worldwide. The College of Health Solutions recommends these programs for students majoring in public health.

Career opportunities

Graduates of this program qualify for entry-level positions in public health education, sanitation and environmental control, public health administration, health promotion and similar areas.

Employment opportunities are available within national, state and local health departments and in community clinics, community and private advocacy groups, health education programs and nonprofit organizations.

Popular positions include:

  • community health worker --- liaise with officials to improve the quality and cultural competence of health care service delivery to the community or to vulnerable groups
  • environmental specialist --- investigate environmental health and food risks, advise the community on risk reduction and implement public health projects
  • occupational health and safety specialist --- inspect workplaces for adherence to regulations, and design programs for injury and illness prevention
  • public health educator --- develop and implement strategies to improve the health of individuals and communities
  • sanitarian --- observe facilities to ensure minimal disease spread, develop protocols for hygiene and monitor the handling of waste

The program also provides graduates with the knowledge and skills that enable them to continue their education in graduate programs in public health, population health or community health.

Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.


Career *Growth *Median salary
8.6%
$38,520
31.6%
$98,920
14.1%
$46,190
6.5%
$47,290
6.1%
$76,480
5.8%
$48,380
26.7%
$78,520
13.3%
$78,570
28.4%
$104,830
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Contact information

College of Health Solutions | HLTHN 401AA
CHS@asu.edu
602-496-3300

What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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