Bachelor of Science
Public Health Degree
A flexible online degree path to a career creating healthy communities.
Public Health Degree
A bachelor of public health, tailored to the career you want.
Learn the key skills and knowledge to develop educational initiatives that promote better health within communities. While working on your online public health degree, you can choose from several courses that align with your personal career goals. Select electives from the curriculum in community health, public health disaster management, and school health education..
Explore and promote health education throughout your community.
Explore the trends in healthy practices of people in their communities and what their health service needs are. As a public health professional, you could plan and promote strategies in prevention and assess health policy, programs, and healthcare access.
Earn secondary education certification in Health Education.
You can promote healthy living for students in grade levels 7-12 by becoming a health educator. Earn a BS in Education degree with a Health Education subject endorsement. Check out the requirements for teaching endorsements here.
Take the next step in your public health career. We're ready to help you get there.
Courses
What You’ll Learn
At completion of the Bachelor’s in Public Health, graduates will be prepared to:
- Analyze best practices to assess needs, resources and capacity for Health Education/Promotion in a variety of settings.
- Develop a plan for Health Education/Promotion that uses problem solving to develop innovative strategies and interventions for priority populations, partners.
- Demonstrate the ability to implement and monitor a health education plan that incorporates ethical, legal, and professional standards while supporting principles of diversity and cultural competencies.
- Develop a systematic evaluation plan that incorporates available technology and research methods to draw conclusions and to disseminate findings to stakeholders.
- Demonstrate leadership principles that facilitate strategic and fiscal resources that promote collaboration in order to administer a health education program.
- Research, judge and select appropriate health information and resource materials to promote health literacy.
- Integrate inter and intra personal messages that deploy communication capabilities to promote advocacy and systems change in health education programs.
- Effectively plan health education programs for individuals, schools, communities and stakeholders.
Public Health Degree Courses
Current students please login to BRUIN and select “Academic Progress” for your curriculum requirements.
Requirements (50 credit hours)
(Click a course name below to view course details).
Core (41 credit hours)
This course introduces basic concepts, anatomical terminology, cell structure and function and histology, followed by an in-depth study of the anatomy and physiology of the following organ systems of the human body: Integumentary, arthrology, muscular, cardiovascular and lymphatic systems. A mandatory laboratory component supports and amplifies the lecture material and allows the student to study microscopic anatomy on slides and to perform dissection on representative animal models. An online component allows the student to practice course content with additional exercises. Prerequisites: BI 100 required for Biology and Kinesiology majors, strongly recommended for Health Science majors.
This course consists of an in-depth study of the gross and microscopic anatomy and the physiology of the following organ systems of the human body: The central and peripheral nervous, endocrine, sensory, respiratory, digestive, reproductive, and excretory systems. A mandatory laboratory component will support and amplify the lecture material and allow the student to perform dissection on representative animal models. An online component will allow the student to practice course content with additional exercises. Prerequisites: BI 201 or Instructor permission (3 credit hrs lecture; 1 credit hr lab)
This course consists of the study of the nutrients required by the human body, the foods from which they are obtained, their utilization by the body and their importance for the maintenance of optimal health throughout the life span.
This course examines the theory and practice of health communication. Emphasis is placed on interpersonal relationships, social and cultural issues, and mediated messages concerning health communication.
This course offers an analysis of research, practice, and policies concerning gender, culture and health. Focus will include the examination of the intersections of social categories, such as gender, race / ethnicity, social class, and sexuality, with conceptualizations of health, healthcare delivery, and health-related policies. Students will apply theory to the understanding, critique, and construction of health, explore health- related issues within a global context, evaluate ethical dilemmas in real-world case studies, and critically analyze the impact of power in specific health-related areas.
Public health is a growing discipline that strives to promote health of the community. This course provides an introduction to the history, science, and principles of public health, as well as opportunities to learn about current issues and approaches in the field.
The focus of this course is on the consumption of healthcare research and the application of evidence-based practice for healthcare professionals. This course introduces types of research methodologies, data collection, analysis of data, and the interpretation and application of best practices in healthcare settings.
This course provides an introduction to health behavior as a key construct of the public health role. This course will cover topics in health behavior, culture, communication, as well as perspectives applicable to individuals, groups, and communities. Focus will be to explore emerging trends and theories of health behavior and provide a platform to investigate evidence based interventions.
This course examines relevant, contemporary issues related to health literacy and the role health literacy has on an individual and the public’s ability to obtain, process and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions.
This course is essential for public health educators in a variety of settings. This course focuses on the study of the distribution and determinants of disease, health conditions or events among a population with emphasis on current health problems and issues as it relates to real life application to address public health programs and health policy.
This course is designed to develop the understanding, attitudes, and practices that contribute to better individual and community health.
This course examines relevant definitions and topics of medical ethics and the process of decision making within medical environments.
This course will present the principles of human growth and development from conception to death. Topics to be included in the course are methods of child study, consideration of individual differences, and analysis of patterns and sequences of development.
Choose 3 courses (9 credit hours) from the following list:
This course examines the history and role of health education in today's society. Covers the philosophical principles and models utilized in the delivery of health education.
This course examines management of public health emergencies and disasters at the local, state, federal level in both the private and public sectors.
This course provides students with an in-depth overview of strategies, techniques, and approaches necessary in public health to plan programs, to assist communities in improving health status, and recognize health disparities, all while considering determinants of health.
This course provides students with the theoretical knowledge and skills to design a comprehensive school health education plan through use of collaborative strategies to benefit student learning, families and key stakeholders.
This course provides students with the theoretical background and practical skills required to conduct meaningful school-based, health-focused, student assessments and program evaluations.
This course will provide students with essential knowledge and skills to understand and apply evaluative methods to community health programs. Specifically, students will gain understanding of effective frameworks to improve existing programs, plan public health strategies and demonstrate results of resource investment.
This course provides students with knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage health education programs. Specifically, students will examine leadership, decision making, fiscal, and physical resources necessary to execute health education programming.
Kirkpatrick Signature Series Requirements (9 credit hours)
(In addition to the Major Requirements, all Bellevue University students must complete the Kirkpatrick Signature Series)
This course focuses on the political and philosophical traditions of the American republic, especially as embedded in the ideals, values, traditions, founding documents, and institutions of the United States , and considers how these traditions relate to individual citizenship and global society. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours
This course focuses on the creative tensions that exist between the forces of tradition and change as the country undergoes social, cultural, and political change. It considers the manner in which change can renew the vitality of a republic. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours
This course examines civic engagement in relation to individual freedoms and responsibilities. It fosters engaged citizens, empowered to effect positive change. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours
Integrative General Education Credits
Major Requirements Credits
Elective Credits
= 120 Total Credits*
General Education Courses
Take general education courses that do more than fill a requirement. At Bellevue University, these courses build foundational skills that apply to any career—critical thinking, qualitative reasoning, and ethical leadership. And, you can take courses individually or in course clusters, which connect three courses around one theme, building skills as you go.
Elective Courses
Our broad selection of electives allows you to select courses related to your major or expand your perspective in other areas of interest.
University Accreditation
Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).
Whether a college, university, or program is accredited is important to students with financial aid, employers who provide tuition assistance, donors, and the federal government.
This program is considered a non-licensure degree/certificate program and is not intended for those seeking licensure or the practice of licensed profession. This program may be relevant to multiple occupations that do not require licensure and was not designed to meet educational requirements for any specific professional license or certification.
*Consult with an admissions counselor to determine your eligible credits, as well as to verify minimum graduation requirements for this degree. Transfer credits must be from a regionally accredited college or university. Bellevue University makes no promises to prospective students regarding the acceptance of credit awarded by examination, credit for prior learning, or credit for transfer until an evaluation has been conducted.
Get credit for what you’ve earned.
Accelerate your path to earning a degree.
Thanks to our generous credit transfer policy, you can avoid retaking the classes you’ve already completed, and chip away at the credit requirements you need to complete your degree.
- Already have an associate degree? You could accelerate your bachelor's degree completion. Transfer your full associate degree or even your A.A.S.*
- You may be able to get credit for your military experience and training.
Finish Faster
*Acceptance of transfer credits is always subject to official transfer credit evaluation by Bellevue University.
We work with the experience you bring to the table for your public health degree.
Format
100% Online learning that works for your life and your goals.
Our flexible online courses are designed to bring quality learning into a format that fits your schedule, without sacrificing meaningful faculty feedback and collaboration with peers across the country. Stay on track with the help of your Student Coach — with you from day one to graduation.
See how Bellevue University can make earning a public health degree fit in your life—with an online degree.
Tuition & Financial Aid
It’s more affordable than you think.
Earning a degree is an investment in yourself, and we want to help you make sure it’s a wise one with a generous credit transfer policy and competitive tuition rates.
2024 / 2025 Academic Year
$449 Online Cost Per Credit $250 Military Preferred Cost Per Credit
(Additional fees may apply to individual courses within your major requirements)
Only pay for the credits you need.
Talk to us about our generous credit transfer policy so you can make more of the credits you’ve already earned count toward your degree.
Get help with financial aid.
Our counselors will guide you to find a financial aid plan that works for you. Explore all the ways to help pay for your degree.
Military Preferred (Active Duty and Spouses Only)
Degree-seeking active-duty members of the U.S. Military, National Guard, Reserve, and Coast Guard, and their spouses, with proof of status, are eligible for a special tuition rate of $250 per credit hour for all undergraduate, certificate, and certificate of completion programs as they work towards their degree. Not able to be combined with other special rates, Guild or Campus@Work funding.
You can afford to make your public health degree goals a reality. We'll help make it happen.
Admissions
Removing barriers to the education you deserve.
College is challenging, but getting in shouldn’t be. We have simplified our requirements for admission and we do not require entrance exam scores like the ACT or SAT—so you can get on track to achieving your goals. Here’s how it will go:
To be admitted to Bellevue University, provide proof of high school completion. We accept the following forms of documentation:
- Official high school transcript
- GED certificate
- Homeschool letter of completion
- Certificate demonstrating that the student has passed a state authorized examination recognized by the state in which it is awarded — equivalent to a high school diploma.
- Self-certification on application.
You’ll just need to complete the application and submit the following:
- Official high school transcripts or proof of high school completion
- If applicable, official transcripts from any college or university you previously attended
- A one-time $50 application fee
- Note:
- International students must provide a few extra documents. See international student bachelor admissions details.
- Students applying for a cohort-based major must possess an associate degree or 60 semester hours completed with a grade of "C-" or higher from an accredited institution of higher learning. If you do not meet this requirement, you can build your credits directly with Bellevue University.
Short on time? You can start the application and save your progress as you go. Start your application >
You'll just need to create an account and complete a pre-application to Bellevue University through Guild. Once you receive confirmation that your pre-application to Bellevue University has been approved, you'll need to complete the required steps to get fully accepted and registered. These include:
- Submitting transcripts from past institutions
- Completing the FAFSA, per your employer's benefit requirement
If you’re transferring from another institution of higher education, you must submit an official transcript from each accredited institution you previously attended. Here are a few details to note:
- A transcript can be emailed securely to [email protected] or by mail. It is required to be sent directly from the issuing institution to Bellevue University's Office of the Registrar to be considered an official document. Please check with previous institution for available sending options.
- Applicants who submit an official transcript which reflects a two-year degree from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution are not required to show proof of high school completion.
- Transcripts must be submitted even if credits were not earned at the previous institution or if transfer credit is not granted.
Ready to get started?
Reach out to admissions.
- Get your questions answered about the Public Health Degree
- Understand your financial aid and scholarship options
- Map out a schedule that fits with your priorities
