Earning a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Public Health may help you build the skills and knowledge to pursue a career helping others.1 Public health professionals are essential in improving community health, preventing disease, and promoting wellness. But what exactly will you study in an undergraduate public health program? Every school and program is slightly different. Still, to give you an idea of what to expect, let’s break down a few topics you’ll encounter in our BS in Public Health program.Undergraduate Public Health Program Course Topics
US Healthcare Delivery and Public Health Services
Early in the curriculum, many BS in Public Health programs in the United States, including ours, examine how the healthcare system works in our country. In our program, you’ll learn about the structure and operation of U.S. hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities and the various healthcare professionals they employ. You’ll also discuss how organizations work to improve services for different populations and how public policies shape care. Later, you’ll talk more about the services public health workers provide and the impact of their efforts on population health.
Environmental Health
Our surroundings play a huge role in our health. When you study environmental health, you’ll dive into how air quality, water pollution, and chemical exposure affect communities. At South University, your courses are designed to help prepare you to recognize and evaluate man-made and naturally occurring health hazards in the environment. Your instructors will also introduce you to policies and practices to reduce environmental risks and create healthier spaces for all.
Epidemiology and Disease Control
Epidemiology is the study of how diseases spread and how we can control them. In our program, you’ll explore how researchers investigate health outbreaks, identify patterns of illness, and prepare recommendations for preventative action. You’ll talk about research proposals, methods, ethics, hypothesis testing, and more. Being able to conduct and analyze research is critical for protecting communities from infectious diseases and chronic health issues.
Health Promotion and Wellness
Health isn’t just about avoiding disease. It’s also about having healthy lifestyles. As a Public Health student, you’ll discuss the impact of nutrition, exercise, and mental health. You'll also review how to design policies, programs, and campaigns that motivate people to make healthier choices in their everyday lives.
Health Data and Technology
Data drives public health decisions. Healthcare and public health workers use numerous systems to track disease outbreaks, environmental risks, and other vital health statistics. As a Public Health bachelor’s degree student, you’ll have the opportunity to learn how people use technology and data to monitor health trends, improve patient care, and inform health policies. You'll also receive training on using health information systems and electronic health records. Classes also touch on data integrity and standards, system management and functionality, data privacy and security, and data-driven decision-making.
Global Health
Health challenges aren’t confined to one country or region. Health threats often cross borders and have global effects. Earning a bachelor’s degree in public health can give you a global perspective on everything from infectious diseases to access to clean water and healthcare in developing countries.
At South University, your instructors will discuss how poverty, health beliefs and behaviors, and other factors influence global health. Classes cover monitoring and intervention methods, global health policies, and the agencies, teamwork, and obstacles involved in resolving global health issues. Our coursework features case studies and examples of current global health challenges, with a focus on contributing factors and collaborative solutions.
Health Communication
In your Public Health classes, you have the opportunity to learn about how to use various communication tools to share health information with different audiences—from individuals to communities to policymakers. You’ll focus on strategies for creating clear, impactful health messages that resonate and lead to positive health behaviors. You'll also get experience developing a public health education piece that addresses a health information, prevention, or emergency preparedness issue.
Public Health Planning and Evaluation
It’s not enough to plan public health initiatives. You must also evaluate how well they work. That way, you know whether to continue them as is or make adjustments. Our program is designed to teach you how to create public health programs, set goals, and assess outcomes. As a student, you may gain the tools to design public health interventions that truly make a difference in people’s lives.
Health Disparities and Minority Health
Why do some populations experience different health outcomes than others? In our public health program, you’ll explore the personal, socio-cultural, and institutional factors that contribute to health disparities. These include race/ethnicity/culture, socioeconomic class, migration status, disability, gender, sexual orientation, sexism, place, age, and spirituality. As part of our bachelor’s program, you’ll examine how to design public health interventions to reduce these inequalities and improve health equity.
A Path to Making a Difference
At South University, our Bachelor of Science in Public Health offers a range of courses designed to prepare you to assist in tackling the most pressing health challenges facing communities today. Whether you’re passionate about disease prevention, health education, or eliminating health disparities, this degree may give you the knowledge and skills to protect and improve health on a local, national, and even global scale. Through elective courses, you also dig deeper into areas you’d like to study further. With a solid foundation in public health topics, you’ll be ready to continue your education in the field or pursue entry into a career1 that truly makes a difference in the world!
1South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
