[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The need for [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/nurses-roles-in-public-health-emergencies/”]qualified public health workers[/hen-ui-link] is on the rise. A bachelor’s in [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/healthcare/public-health/”]public health degree[/hen-ui-link] can prepare you for a career in critically important areas like population health, disease prevention, and emergency response.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can help the people around you make better choices as a health education specialist or [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/nurse-educator/”]health educator[/hen-ui-link]. No matter your goals, the right bachelor’s in public health program is key to ensure you have the skills that employers want.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Check out our ranking of the nation’s best bachelor’s in public health degree programs, as well as a career overview and information on how to choose the right program for you.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Public Health Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Bachelor’s in Public Health Programs and Schools[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Our Methodology”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We use a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best bachelor’s in public health programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How do Bachelor’s in Public Health Degree Programs Work?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Degree seekers can complete a bachelor’s in public health degree entirely online, on campus, or a mix of both. The typical curriculum requires 120-126 credits and includes general education coursework and specialized training. Key concepts covered include biostatistics, health disparities, epidemiology, public health law, and ethics. You can further tailor your education with various elective courses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some schools offer a track such as [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/healthcare/healthcare-administration/”]healthcare administration[/hen-ui-link], or courses designed to prepare enrollees to achieve a specific certification, such as the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nchec.org/ches” target=”_blank”]Certified Health Education Specialist Exam[/hen-ui-link]. Internships and similar projects provide real-world experience and opportunities to network with prospective employers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]How long will it take to finish the degree? That all depends on factors such as program requirements, enrollment status, and any prior credits you may have accrued. (Make sure your program is [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/what-is-accreditation/”]properly accredited[/hen-ui-link]; otherwise, your credits may not be eligible to transfer.)[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Applying to a Bachelor’s in Public Health Degree Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If a bachelor’s in public health degree is right for you, it’s time to send out applications.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The first step is to visit your program’s website to find specific application requirements. Degree completion programs admit transfer students with prior credits and/or prerequisite coursework. Application fee is required at many schools.[/hen-ui-text]

• Admission Materials: Application, official school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores (optional for many programs), personal statement, and essay/writing sample.
• GPA Requirement: 2.5-3.0 high school GPA; 2.0-2.7 for transfer credits

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Is Bachelor’s in Public Health Degree Program Accreditation Important?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]All programs on this ranking hold accreditations that ensure they meet high academic standards. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://ceph.org/” target=”_blank”]Council on Education for Public Health[/hen-ui-link] (CEPH) is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the accrediting body for undergraduate and graduate public health degrees.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some employers, including government agencies, will only hire graduates from CEPH-accredited programs. Others do not require but still prefer these candidates. Getting admitted into a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-online-mph-programs-for-nurses/”]master of public health program[/hen-ui-link] may also require a CEPH-accredited bachelor’s in public health degree.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Review CEPH’s list of [hen-ui-link href=”https://ceph.org/about/org-info/who-we-accredit/accredited/” target=”_blank”]accredited schools and programs[/hen-ui-link] on the organization’s website.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor’s in Public Health Degree Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is a bachelor’s in public health worth it?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, if you believe your skills and interests align with the profession. A bachelor’s in public health degree can give you access to high-growth jobs that make a big impact in communities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), public health careers such as community health worker and health education specialist will grow 14% and 7% between 2022-2032, respectively. ZipRecruiter estimates that the average public health worker’s salary is $79,657 as of May 2024.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the highest-paying job in public health?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]More than a few public health positions pay higher-than-average wages. The highest-earning 10% of epidemiologists and biostatisticians averaged $132,230 and $163,360, respectively, in annual salaries. These and similar fields, however, often require at least a master’s degree. A bachelor’s degree in public health can be a critical step toward more advanced degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is public health a hard degree?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This is a rigorous degree program requiring expertise in subjects like biology, statistics, sociology, and psychology. You’ll also need critical-thinking, analytical, and research skills.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can you make money with a public health degree?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, the public health field offers well-paying jobs for graduates. As of May 2024, ZipRecruiter estimated the average public health worker salary at $79,657. Salaries can increase even further based on experience, education level, work setting, geographic location, and other factors.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]