The Department of Public Health offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Students in the department learn about health issues among diverse populations; factors influencing the health of individuals, families, and communities; health literacy; and cultural competence, with a predominant focus on health promotion.
Academic service-learning provides the framework for the undergraduate program. The program partners with more than 120 local and regional public health agencies, non-profit organizations and other health settings in which our students provide important service work while gaining valuable hands-on experience. Courses with service opportunities begin freshmen year and culminate senior year with the 400 hour Capstone Internship requirement.
Opportunities to participate on research teams led by faculty members exist for undergraduate and graduate students.
Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH)
The 30-credit public health core provides foundational public health knowledge and skills important for entry-level public health practice or post-graduate study. In addition to the public health core, a 15-credit concentration in Addiction Prevention, Community Health Education, Health & Society, or Healthcare Management provides tailored career-related training.
Undergraduate Public Health/Business Dual Degree
Eligible undergraduate students can pursue a dual degree with the Whitman School and prepare for a range of careers in the public and private sector, social organizations, health care leadership, federal and local agencies, non-profit management, consulting and as founders at transnational NGOs.
Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) Dual Degree
In the master of public health (MPH) and master of business administration (MBA) dual degree program with the Whitman School, students prepare to be versatile, multidisciplinary and future-leading thinkers who will meet important challenges related to public health and business.
Master of Public Health (MPH)
The MPH is a 42-credit hour graduate program designed to provide students with core knowledge, research, and practice skills necessary for the advancement of evidence-based public health. The program’s global health concentration emphasizes an evidence-based understanding of complex determinants of population health combined with practice and evidence-based strategies for developing, implementing, and evaluating programs and policies in global settings. These applied competencies are acquired in relevant coursework and reinforced by application during an international practicum placement.
Accelerated Public Health, BSPH/MPH
The 150-credit accelerated B.S. Public Health/MPH program provides students the opportunity to complete a bachelor degree in Public Health (BSPH) and a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in five years, as opposed to six years if the degrees were completed separately. The B.S. Public Health/MPH program substitutes 15 credits of graduate public health coursework for 15 credits of similar undergraduate public health coursework.
Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Addiction Studies – Online
The 12-credit Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Addiction Studies examines the intersectionality of substance use and addictive behaviors with emphasis on prevention, policy, and sustainable recovery. The CAS in Addiction Studies is designed for students from professions and disciplines such as Biology, Chemistry, Communications, Education, Law, Marriage and Family Therapy, Neuroscience, Public Administration, Public Health, Psychology, and Social Work. Internal admits to the Addiction Studies CAS are considered by contacting Dessa K Bergen-Cico and by completing the Graduate School Internal Admission Application Form (PDF)
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Public Health Minor
This minor addresses personal behaviors, environmental factors and social conditions that affect the quality of personal and public health. It is intended to increase the capacity of the individual to adopt health-benefiting behaviors and lifestyles. The minor requires completion of 18 credits, including 12 credits above the 300 level. To be admitted into the minor, a student must submit a Declaration of Minor form to his or her faculty advisor, the Health and Wellness Minor coordinator, and the Dean’s office in his or her home college.
Healthcare Management Minor
The Minor in Healthcare Management provides students experience to understand healthcare delivery in the U.S. and globally. The elective courses allow opportunity to develop broad competencies relevant to health program management. The minor is designed in part for students interested in exploring careers in healthcare management or for post-graduate study in healthcare administration.