Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Health Programs of 2024
An online bachelor’s in public health offers students the potential for a thriving career. Learn more about these programs.
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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.
Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Health Programs
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR4 yearCampus + Online
$10,065
$29,456
89%
52%
$13,446
$27,297
87%
33,193
Public
Yes
$10,065
$29,456
Corvallis, OR4 yearCampus + Online
$10,065
$29,456
89%
52%
$13,446
$27,297
87%
33,193
Public
Yes
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ4 yearCampus + Online
$10,990
$33,739
87%
56%
$12,106
$32,290
84%
48,274
Public
Yes
$10,990
$33,739
Tucson, AZ4 yearCampus + Online
$10,990
$33,739
87%
56%
$12,106
$32,290
84%
48,274
Public
Yes
Mercy College of Health Sciences
Des Moines, IA4 yearCampus + Online
$19,754
$19,754
97%
81%
N/A
N/A
44%
951
Private
Yes
$19,754
$19,754
Des Moines, IA4 yearCampus + Online
$19,754
$19,754
97%
81%
N/A
N/A
44%
951
Private
Yes
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
Kirkland, WA4 yearCampus + Online
$3,029
$8,105
N/A
54%
N/A
N/A
N/A
3,240
Public
Yes
$3,029
$8,105
Kirkland, WA4 yearCampus + Online
$3,029
$8,105
N/A
54%
N/A
N/A
N/A
3,240
Public
Yes
Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA4 yearCampus + Online
$6,656
$23,184
88%
72%
$10,098
$23,652
69%
10,176
Public
Yes
$6,656
$23,184
Ellensburg, WA4 yearCampus + Online
$6,656
$23,184
88%
72%
$10,098
$23,652
69%
10,176
Public
Yes
What to Expect From an Online Bachelor’s in 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.
An online bachelor’s in public health 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:
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 bachelor’s in 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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bachelor’s in Public Health Programs
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 $63,000 and $79,000, respectively, in 2023.
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.
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