BS in Public Health

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“I am a better student as a result of the relationships that I have developed with my professors and classmates at Walden.”

Yvette McPheeters, Master of Public Health (MPH) Student

From disaster relief to disease prevention and child-wellness programs, public health professionals facilitate the conditions for a healthy, productive, and safe society. Create a positive effect on local, national, or international communities with Walden’s Bachelor of Science in Public Health.

The BS in Public Health degree may be the ideal tool to help you create meaningful social change in your community and in the world. This program helps prepare you to meet the growing need for formally trained, caring public health professionals who can address critical 21st-century global health challenges to improve the health of populations. Rooted in the principles and competencies of public health, the curriculum prepares students to translate and apply course content into practice. Students learn about a range of issues impacting population health and healthcare systems, including environmental health, disease prevention, health informatics, global health, ethics, health management, and behavioral and cultural issues.

Choose to complete a general program of study (which allows students to apply transfer credit) or select a concentration to deepen the understanding of a pertinent area of public health. Gain “real world” experience by choosing to complete an optional service learning project, field experience, or study abroad opportunity. This program also provides a solid foundation and fast track for individuals who would like to pursue an advanced degree in public health, such as the Master of Public Health (MPH) or doctorate in public health.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this program, students will be able to:

Explain the historical development and contemporary context of public health, including the infrastructure and organization of public health systems.
Critically examine the role of public health in protecting and promoting the health of populations locally and globally.
Analyze social, political, and economical issues, which impact public health and healthcare delivery systems within and outside of the United States.
Explain the biological effects of infectious and chronic disease on the human body as well as basic epidemiological principles used to study patterns of disease and injury among diverse populations.
Interpret research relating to public health.
Analyze how social, behavioral, cultural, and environmental factors impact the health status of individuals and populations.
Apply basic principles related to program planning, health finance, and program evaluation, which are used to develop and implement effective public health programs and services for populations.
Identify ways in which technology can be used to improve the health of populations as well as the practice of public health.
Analyze legal, regulatory, and ethical issues that impact public health practice.
Articulate how public health policy is developed and how individuals and groups influence policy change.
Demonstrate effective communication and problem-solving skills necessary for addressing contemporary global public health issues.

Concentrations

Degree Requirements

181 total quarter credits
General education courses (46 cr.)
Core courses (80 cr.)
Concentration courses (0–30 cr., depending on concentration)
Elective courses (20–50 cr., depending on concentration)
Capstone course (5 cr.)

Curriculum

General Education Courses (46 cr.)

See the general education section of this Walden University Catalog.

Note: At least three general education courses taken must be taken at the 3000 level or higher, including SOCI 4080.

Core Courses (80 cr.)

Concentration Courses (0-30 cr.)

These courses are dependent upon the particular concentration. Please see the course list on each concentration page.

Electives (20-50 cr.)

Electives are dependent upon the particular concentration. Please see the elective requirements on each concentration page.

Capstone Course (5 cr.)

PUBH 4900 - Capstone in Public Health

Program Data

Walden is committed to providing the information you need to make an informed decision about where you pursue your education. Click here to find detailed information for the BS in Public Health program relating to the types of occupations this program may lead to, completion rate, program costs, and median loan debt of students who have graduated from this program.