Best Online Public Health Degrees
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Public health majors learn how to protect communities from disease while educating people about healthy choices. Earning a bachelor's in public health prepares you for many in-demand public health careers.
While earning an online public health degree, you'll explore topics like community health, epidemiology, and health policy. Many online public health programs also incorporate an internship or practicum to provide hands-on experience.
If public health sounds like a good fit for you, check out our ranking of the best online public health programs.
Featured Online Public Health Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Public Health Programs of 2024
We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Education for Public Health
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $350
Out-of-State | $350
Credits to Graduate: 180
OSU's online BS in public health comes from its College of Health, the first accredited school of its kind in Oregon. The program features two specialization options: health management and policy and health promotion and health behavior. You'll complete a 360-hour internship alongside your core, major, and specialization courses.
At OSU, the public health program offers four start dates per year, and your classes run asynchronously. Regardless of where you live, you pay the same tuition rates as your classmates.
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Education for Public Health
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $525
Out-of-State | $525
Credits to Graduate: 120
Brought to you by the Zuckerman College of Public Health, UofA's online BS in public health is Arizona's only accredited public health program. In this program, you have the choice between three emphases: global health, health systems theory, and practice and public health practice. The program also includes a 250-hour internship.
Most of your online classes run asynchronously in an accelerated 7.5-week format, but you may take some synchronous courses as well. There's also no out-of-state tuition for online students at UofA.
Mercy College of Health Sciences
Des Moines, IA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $722
Out-of-State | $722
Credits to Graduate: 120
One of five online degrees available, MCHS' online BS in public health equips you with the skills to support health initiatives at various levels. The program features courses in health advocacy and promotion, along with a 45-hour practicum and a capstone with a written and presentation component.
The public health program also helps prepare graduates for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam. You have three start dates to choose from, and the program features a mix of asynchronous and synchronous sessions.
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
Kirkland, WA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Five-Credit Course:
In-State | $580
Out-of-State | $2,098
Credits to Graduate: 180
LWTech's BAS in public health (BASPH) is a hybrid program that combines online classes with evening sessions two times per week. In the program, you'll take courses in public health leadership, research, and planning. You'll also complete a 90-hour internship as part of your public health capstone course.
While out-of-state students face a higher tuition rate than in-state students, LWTech offers out-of-state tuition waivers for students from many states to cover the majority of the difference. For admission, you need an associate degree from an accredited institution.
Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Quarterly Tuition Cost:
In-State | $2,789.76
Out-of-State | $8,649.56
Credits to Graduate: 180
CWU's online BS in public health features a specialization in population health that helps prepare you to take on health issues in communities of different sizes. The program includes courses in environmental health and epidemiology, plus a culminating capstone project and presentation.
Along with CWU's flexible online classes, you can participate in internships and practical global opportunities. There's also the public health-run Community Response Lab. CWU charges all online students the same tuition rate, regardless of their state residency.
What to Expect From an Online Public Health Program
A public health program takes an interdisciplinary approach. You'll explore biology, epidemiology, statistics, and the sociological factors behind disease. Coursework also covers public health sciences, policy, and intervention strategies.
In public health programs, you often take part in internships and complete research projects as part of your studies. These requirements can provide valuable experience and a portfolio of work to help you stand out when applying for jobs or graduate programs.
A public health bachelor's program typically requires 120 credits and takes about four years of full-time study. The upper-division classes you take will mainly depend on your area of specialization, but most programs start with foundational public health courses.
Courses You Can Expect to Take in a Public Health Program
Principles of Epidemiology
In this course, you'll receive training in identifying disease patterns and risk factors.
Ethical and Legal Considerations in Public Health
This class covers the role of public health policy in ethical decision-making. Coursework often explores real-world examples and case studies.
Statistics for Public Health Professionals
Public health professionals must be able to interpret data. This course teaches statistical best practices applied to public health response.
Health Promotion, Education, and Communications
In this course, you will prepare for health educator careers by learning to develop intervention strategies to promote health and prevent disease.
Social and Behavioral Health
This course looks at how social and behavioral sciences are tied to community health.
Public Health Specialization Options
Many bachelor's in public health programs offer you the opportunity to concentrate in a specific area or field of public health. Possible options include the following:
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Epidemiology
You will focus on the distribution patterns and determinants of disease in and across different populations. -
Environmental Health
In this concentration, you'll delve into the natural and environmental conditions that affect human individual and population health. -
Health Education
This specialization focuses on tools and best practices for working with communities to prevent disease and injury and promote positive health behaviors and environments. -
Health Services Administration
With this option, you'll receive training in the leadership and management of healthcare infrastructure and facilities. -
Maternal and Child Health
Coursework focuses on the health needs of children and mothers. -
Community Health
Learners will study the conditions and principles of community health and health education. -
Disaster Management
You will gain the knowledge, training, and organizing skills needed to respond to emergent events and crises in public health. -
Health Public Policy
This concentration provides advocacy and leadership training, preparing graduates to shape public policy.
How to Choose an Online Public Health Program
Which online public health program is the best fit for you? When researching online programs, consider the following factors to narrow your choices.
Program Format
Online programs frequently use two distinct delivery methods. Asynchronous programs provide general work deadlines but allow you to complete assignments on your own time. In contrast, synchronous programs meet live at a specific time and follow a more traditional schedule. Many programs feature both types of course delivery.
Additionally, some programs offer part-time study options for working students. And others feature accelerated programs designed for students who need to complete coursework faster than traditional full-time studies.
Cost
Cost is a major factor for many students, but calculating the cost of an online degree can be challenging. In addition to tuition, you'll need to factor in required fees, technology costs, textbooks, and other expenses.
In general, public colleges are more affordable than private schools — especially for in-state students at public schools. However, some online programs offer the same tuition rate to in-state and out-of-state students. Make sure to research the total cost of a program and your financial aid opportunities.
Location
As an online student, you can choose the best program for your needs, regardless of location. However, earning an online bachelor's degree in public health close to home can provide some advantages.
If you live close to campus, you can use the school's network and resources to plan internships and clinical hours and receive on-campus mentoring through student services. Otherwise, you may need to find your own program-approved placements at a location near you.
Accreditation
Accredited institutions meet high standards for academic quality, and online college accreditation is no different. Make sure that you're applying to schools that hold institutional accreditation.
When it comes to public health, it's also a good idea to look for programmatic accreditation. The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accredits undergraduate and graduate public health programs. Check out a list of CEPH-accredited schools on its website.
Student Support
Online students can typically access many types of student services. Some schools offer dedicated support services for online learners, such as mentoring, internship placements, writing support, and career guidance. As an online student, be sure to check that your prospective program offers some form of support.
Featured Online Public Health Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Admission Requirements for an Online Public Health Program
Online bachelor's in public health programs usually maintain similar admission requirements as their on-campus counterparts. In addition to the requirements listed below, some programs may require you to complete an interview.
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Application
Typical online college application forms ask for personal information, as well as information related to academics and extracurriculars. Many schools utilize the Common App or Coalition App, which allows you to apply to multiple colleges with one application. -
Test Scores
While this requirement is becoming less prevalent, many schools still require you to submit standardized test scores. -
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation help give the school a better introduction to your abilities. Former teachers or mentors generally write these letters, but you may also ask for letters from work supervisors. -
Essays
College essays provide a writing sample for admissions departments to look at and give you a chance to stand out. Essay topics are often provided by the university. -
Official Transcripts
Official transcripts detail your academic performance and previous college experience (if you have any). Schools also use college transcripts to determine how much transfer credit to award you.
Is a Bachelor's Degree Enough to Find Work in Public Health?
Yes, many jobs in public health are available to you if you have a bachelor's degree, including health education specialists and medical and health services managers. However, if you want to work in federal positions or leadership roles at large firms such as the World Health Organization, you may need to pursue a master's degree in public health.
Large hospital systems may also require a master's in health administration or a related field. Another important element in advancing your career is work experience. Many master's and doctoral programs in public health require professional experience for admission.
Featured Online Public Health Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Public Health Online Degree Programs
How much can you make with a bachelor's in public health?
Your earning potential with a public health degree depends on several factors, including your job title, industry, and location.
With a bachelor's in public health degree, you can pursue several different career paths, including health education specialist and environmental specialist. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these professionals earned median salaries of about $60,000 and $76,000, respectively, in 2022.
Is a bachelor's in public health worth it?
Earning a bachelor's in public health is worth it for many students. Public health positions like health education specialist and community health worker are projected to grow faster than average from 2022-2032, according to BLS projections.
What can you do with a bachelor's in public health?
With a bachelor's in public health, you can work in public health, education, or the social services field. Popular public health jobs include public health educator, community health worker, and disease prevention specialist. Additionally, with a master's in public health, you can work as an epidemiologist, community health intervention strategist, or health policy analyst.
A public health degree can also prepare you for careers or graduate study in fields like social work, counseling, and advocacy.
Do you need to obtain licensure or certification to work in public health?
Most public health careers do not require a license, but professional certification can be helpful in some career paths. For example, employers often look for health educators who hold the certified health education specialist credential. Similarly, some states require certification for community health workers.
Research the requirements for public health workers in your state to determine if certification will help further your career.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed February 26, 2024.