Public Health
![](/-/media/images/south/hero-images-2024/pd_public-health-bs_883x545.jpg?h=545&w=883&hash=5A47710D7C197F2646C7E4CEDE1D24AA)
Request Information
Bachelor of Science in Public Health
![Dr. Claire Stigler - Program Director, Public Health](/-/media/images/south/imported/generic-program-detail/thumbnail_nj6d6o7jlr8.jpg?h=382&w=680&hash=1A5FF2B277D51FE8C552F4B902CAD3DB)
Admission Requirements
General Undergraduate Admission Requirements
Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.
To be admitted to any of the undergraduate programs at South University, the prospective student must provide proof of high school graduation as recognized by the state of residence on the date the degree was earned, or the equivalent (e.g. GED with no single test score below 145 or numeric score equivalent to 2.0 on old version or state-issued certificate designated as the equivalent of a High School Diploma) with a minimum CGPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale within 5 weeks of the start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance). The prospective student must also complete the university administered placement tests prior to the start of the first quarter for campus students and during the first session of attendance for online students. South University accepts the International Baccalaureate Program diploma as meeting the requirement for high school graduation. Credentials earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a NACES or AICE-member credential evaluation service. Please speak with an admissions representative for more information.
Students with less than the minimum CGPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale may meet admissions requirements by submitting a minimum combined SAT (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math) score of 700 or 900 on the old SAT, a combined ACT score of 18, or meet the criteria established for acceptance as a transfer student.
Students with less than the minimum CGPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale may be admitted provisionally for two quarters. Failure to achieve a 1.5 CGPA in the first two quarters of attendance will result in dismissal. Students may appeal the dismissal by following the Procedures for Appealing Academic/Financial Aid Dismissal Policy.
Acceptable verification of high school graduation or the equivalent would include a copy of the high school diploma, high school transcript (official or unofficial), GED certificate, or GED scores and state-authorized examination scores (ex. HiSET, TASC) or a state- issued certificate designated as the equivalent of a high school diploma. In states that maintain a database that serves as an official registry of high school and GED graduates, an excerpt from the official database documenting the student's graduation or GED completion may be used.
Campuses in South Carolina must be provided with official high school transcripts or GED scores or state-issued certificates designated as the equivalent of a high school diploma.
Please see the policy on GPA Calculation for Admission for additional information
Conditional Acceptance
Students may be conditionally accepted by submitting unofficial copies of documentation required for the admission requirements. Conditional acceptance is allowed for 5 weeks beyond the start of the student’s first session. Failure to provide acceptable, official documentation, as stated in the admissions requirements, within 5 weeks from the start date will result in the following:
- Removal from class
- Cancelation of enrollment
- No final course grades
- No transcript
Students who do not provide acceptable documents for full, unconditional acceptance within the 5 week period will not be responsible for tuition and related fees. South University may grant exceptions to the 5 week period for unusual situations or circumstances. All exceptions must be submitted to the Office of the University Registrar for approval.
Admission of Transfer Students
Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.
To be eligible for admission, transfer students must complete the application procedures and satisfy the following criteria:
- Submit a completed application for admission.
- Have earned 24 or more credit hours, or the equivalent (e.g. 16 semester hours), with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 from an acceptable accredited collegiate institution.
- Submit official transcripts (including verifiable faxed transcripts) from all colleges and universities attended.
- Submit self-certification of high school graduation or GED completion.
For transfer of credit practices refer to the applicable section under the Academic Affairs section of this catalog.
To be admitted as a Transfer student into South University the prospective student must have earned 24 or more quarter credit hours or the equivalent (e.g. 16 semester hours), with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 from an acceptable accredited collegiate institution. Official transcripts from the collegiate institution(s) must be received within 5 weeks of the start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance), and who are not required to take ENG0099 and/or MAT0099, will be exempt from taking the UVC1000 Strategies for Success. Students will select another 4 credit course in consultation with their Academic Advisor or Academic Counselor to fulfill the degree requirements.
Students with 24 or more quarter credits with less than a 2.0 GPA may be admitted provisionally for two quarters. Failure to achieve a 1.5 GPA in the first two quarters of attendance will result in dismissal. Students may appeal the dismissal by following the Procedures for Appealing Academic/Financial Aid Dismissal Policy.
Students who are citizens of countries other than the United States should refer to the section entitled International Student Admissions Policy.
Students who are transferring from or to a school within the University of North Carolina or the North Carolina Community College System should be aware of the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement approved by both governing Boards on March 1, 1996 and revised in September of 2008. This agreement may be found in its entirety at the following website.
For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here.
Course Requirements
Choose one additional course from the list below:
(must be taken concurrently)
(must be taken concurrently)
Transfer students may transfer any course to help fulfill the elective pool requirements, provided the course meets the standards of the Credit for Transcripted and Non-transcripted Work policy found in the Academic Affairs section of this catalog.
Non-transfer students, with their advisor's consultation and approval may choose courses from any department recommended and listed course or more broadly from any course offered by South University. Work from other fields must include any required prerequisite courses in the elective field.
A course can be used to meet only one requirement in Area I, Area II, or Area III, but not simultaneously in two areas. Students should work with their academic advisor or counselor to be sure they are making appropriate course choices.
Outcomes
Offered at Austin, Columbia, Montgomery, Online Programs, Orlando, Richmond, Savannah, Tampa, Virginia Beach and West Palm Beach.
Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.
The Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and practical skills required of a public health professional and advocate for population health. The curriculum is designed to provide a broad general education, strong foundation in the human health and disease sciences, and core areas of public health. The curriculum aligns with the competencies expected of a public health practitioner by providing courses in health communication, health disparities, legal and ethical issues, management of public health systems, and policy and research. Students develop the ability to apply core concepts to assess the health needs of diverse populations at the local, national and international levels, plan and evaluate programs, and communicate and advocate health promotion. Graduates are prepared to contribute to delivery of the essential services of public health in health agencies at the government or community-based level and in the private sector, continue to learn throughout their professional careers, and to pursue graduate study in public health and the health sciences.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates should be able to:
- Explain the philosophy and essential services of public health at the local, state, national and global level.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply, evaluate and synthesize public health information including evidence-based practice and approaches.
- Compare governmental and non-governmental healthcare systems and public health initiatives in the United States and globally.
- Demonstrate an understanding of health disparities and determinants of health in both healthcare settings and the community.
- Formulate approaches to planning, assessing, implementing and evaluating public health programs
Career Outlook
After earning your bachelor’s in Public Health online, you’ll be ready to impact and contribute to the delivery of essential public health services in government, community-based, and private sector health agencies. This program can also prepare you to continue your education and pursue graduate studies in public health and the health sciences.Online Classroom
Haven’t experienced online learning before or wondering what it’s like to earn your degree online at South University? While the mode of learning is different from the traditional classroom experience with added convenience and flexibility, we hold the same high standards of academic excellence in the online classroom.
South University’s online programs combine a curriculum designed for student outcomes and a classroom designed for flexibility and engagement. Our online classroom learning platform, Brightspace, provides you with a host of features to enhance your learning experience, including:
- Advanced media content
- Personalized navigation
- Simplified online learning atmosphere
- Access to digital books
- Emailing and instant messaging options
We provide more than just an online classroom, bringing a range of campus experiences and services online. In addition, the online classroom is accessible on the go via mobile devices and with tools like the Pulse App. Pulse helps you stay connected and on track with your course by providing a number of features such as course calendars, readings and assignments, feedback and grades, and announcements.
Read more about online requirements here.
What's New
Latest News and Blogs
![2 women and one male hospital staff standing together](/-/media/images/south/related-articles/medicalassisting-407x220.jpg?h=220&w=405&hash=1575082DEC1B594258A4679DD01A7F21)
Aug 29, 2024
Top Qualities and Skills Employers Seek in Medical Assistants
Discover some of the qualities that employers look for as an ideal medical assistant.
![A nurse enrolled in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program, holding a binder in her arms and wearing a stethoscope.](/-/media/images/south/related-articles/rn-bsn-407x220.jpg?h=221&w=406&hash=55F7925238A85B8744B33E5ACD17FE67)
Aug 21, 2024
Alumni Spotlight: An Impactful BSN Program Experience
Dianah Silvers is a 2023 RN to BSN graduate. Read more about how South University prepared her for her nursing career.
![young lady sitting at her desk looking at her computer with her hand on her forehead](/-/media/images/south/related-articles/mistakes-407x220.jpg?h=222&w=407&hash=80DB888D91F73F762871AB279256F915)
Aug 20, 2024
Top Mistakes New College Students Make and How to Avoid Them
Whether you're starting college for the first time or a returning student, here are some tips to make college easier.
![variety of adults sitting in a class room listening to an instructor give a presentation](/-/media/images/south/related-articles/business-class-407x220.jpg?h=220&w=407&hash=8A91E976C04546C321AE1835EDA98A17)
Aug 14, 2024
Alumni Spotlight: BBA Grad Builds Career as His Own Boss
South University graduate Trevor Salley is an entrepreneur who started his own transportation business. Read more about his journey.
![one woman person of color presenting a graph to several male colleagues](/-/media/images/south/related-articles/public-admin407x220.jpg?h=219&w=407&hash=98CFB96026CA7516C235712612C82825)
Aug 13, 2024
Preparing for a Career in Public Administration
Read about some of the skills needed for a career in public administration.
![female hospital professional speaking with a young boy and his parents in a hallway](/-/media/images/south/related-articles/bradley-fnp-407x220.jpg?h=221&w=407&hash=39659411402DE616753850A23C559BA2)
Jul 31, 2024
Alumni Spotlight: Providing Compassionate Nursing Care
Jennifer Bradley is the founder and director of The Carrington Clinic and a 2024 South University Alumni Award Honorable Mention winner. Learn more how her career progressed in this Alumni Spotlight.
Fill out the form and a representative will contact you today to better understand your academic goals plus answer any questions you may have.
Campuses offer flexible learning formats* including: on-campus, virtual instructions, and online courses.
*Clinical, practicum, and externship requirements exist in certain programs and require field experiences. Learning formats may not be flexible.
Success! Your request was submitted. We'll be in touch soon!
In the meantime, you can view some of our FAQs.
If you want to talk to an admissions representative ASAP, please contact us at 1-888-444-3404.
Outstanding Education for Remarkable Careers
We're committed to helping our graduates make impact in their professional and personal lives. We applaud our nursing alumni and the difference they make. Check out what some of our graduates have to say.