Public Health Major (B.S.)

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) program provides students with a multi-disciplinary understanding of public health and its determinants.  It does this through both core and elective courses examining epidemiology, statistics and data visualization, environmental health, health policy, health communication, and social and behavioral health. The program is designed to prepare students to address public health challenges by examining health equity, disease monitoring and prevention, environmental/planetary health, health policy and promotion and integrative health systems broadly defined.

Throughout the program, students will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to analyze health data, understand the social determinants of health, develop health interventions, and influence health policy and practice. They will engage in coursework that integrates scientific principles with real-world applications in areas such as public health ethics, infectious disease control, and health communication. Coursework will support the core functions of public health: assessment, policy development, and assurance.

Graduates of the BSPH program will be equipped for diverse career opportunities in government agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare systems, and private industry, or for advanced studies in public health, medicine, or related fields. The program emphasizes experiential learning through the capstone project and fosters a hands-on approach to solving multi-sectoral public health issues at local, national, and global levels.

Students have the opportunity to become student members in the American Public Health Association (APHA), and the New Hampshire Public Health Association (NHPHA) to establish a professional network and be informed on current issues within the field.

Degree Requirements

All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

Major Requirements

Students begin the curriculum with preprofessional courses, which include courses in health care systems, public health, health communication epidemiology and statistics. In addition to meeting the University Discovery and Writing Program requirements, students must complete both the core and courses and select electives from each of the interdisciplinary foci in Health Assessment, Policy Development, Health Assurance and Spatial Mapping.

• Majors must obtain a minimum grade of C in all required courses and prerequisite courses.
• Majors must maintain an overall grade-point average of 2.0 to remain in the major.

Sample Degree Plan

This sample degree plan serves as a general guide; students collaborate with their academic advisor to develop a personalized degree plan to meet their academic goals and program requirements.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Apply Core Public Health Principles: Demonstrate a foundational understanding of public health concepts such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health promotion, environmental health, and disease prevention to address population health challenges. Knowledge and skills will support the core functions of public health: assessment, policy development, and assurance.
• Analyze Public Health Data: Use quantitative and qualitative research methods to analyze public health data, identify health trends, and assess the effectiveness of public health interventions.
• Understand Social Determinants and Vital Conditions of Health: Analyze how social, cultural, economic, and environmental factors impact health outcomes and contribute to health disparities within populations.
• Develop and Implement Public Health Interventions: Design and apply evidence-based strategies and interventions that promote health, prevent disease, and improve the well-being of communities.
• Communicate Public Health Information: Effectively communicate public health concepts, research findings, and health policies to diverse audiences, including policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the general public.
• Evaluate Public Health Policies: Critically assess existing public health policies, programs, and laws, and advocate for policy changes that improve population health and health equity.
• Practice Ethical Public Health Leadership: Demonstrate ethical decision-making, both fiduciary and practical, and overall leadership, in public health practice, considering the diverse needs of populations while advocating for justice, equity, and inclusion.
• Collaborate in Multidisciplinary Teams: Work effectively within interdisciplinary teams to address complex public health issues through collaborative problem-solving and community engagement.