Compare online bachelor’s in public health programs
Become a leader in the health profession by working to promote positive health, educating communities on disease prevention, and implementing health programs.
Why earn a bachelor’s in public health online?
Prepare for a career in public health
Work to keep people and communities healthy, safe, and educated.
Gain essential skills and knowledge
Obtain essential public health knowledge in a flexible format that features a blend of live online classes and asynchronous coursework.
Become a health leader
Find a university that best aligns with your values, and help shape research, process, policymaking, and the future of public health.
Browse online bachelor’s in public health programs
What is a bachelor’s degree in public health?
An online bachelor’s in public health degree will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of public health principles and practices. Although the exact course offerings and requirements will vary between schools, those who graduate from these programs are prepared for entry-level positions in public health agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare institutions, and more. While a bachelor’s in public health isn’t a medical degree, students who pursue this line of study will explore biology, epidemiology, statistics, the sociological factors behind disease, and more, in addition to learning about public health sciences, policy, and intervention strategies. Additionally, graduates with a BA in public health can further their education through an advanced degree in public health or a related field.
Admissions requirements for an online public health bachelor’s degree
While different schools will each have specific admission requirements, in general, students who wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree in public health need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, fill out an application, provide test scores like SAT and ACT to the schools that require them, along with letters of recommendation and official transcripts, and typically write an essay.
How to apply
When choosing the program for which to apply, consider your career goals, the time investment you want to make, and the types of jobs you see yourself doing. Browse our programs for more information. Browse all online BSPH programs.
Online bachelor’s degree in public health curriculum
A bachelor’s program in public health typically requires 120 credits and takes about four years of full-time study to complete. Most programs take an interdisciplinary approach and will cover coursework, including biology, principles of epidemiology, health services administration, statistics for public health professionals, and the sociological factors behind disease. Other coursework will focus on ethical and legal considerations in public health, policy, and intervention strategies. In addition, students will receive training that will equip them for leadership and advocacy roles. Many programs offer the opportunity to concentrate in a specific area or field of public health, including biostatistics, environmental health, health education, community health, and more. Find out more about the different ways you can learn public health, explore general online bachelor’s degrees, or see how you can build on the foundations of your bachelor’s degree with advanced degrees like an online master’s in public health, or a doctor of public health online. Alternatively, you can explore programs that offer executive education in healthcare.
In addition, you can explore a whole set of tips for online learning to make the most of your learning, and to find a community and forge new connections.
Advance your career with an online bachelor of public health degree
Here are some of the entry-level jobs you’ll be able to pursue with an undergraduate degree in public health:
Health educator or community health worker: Work with different communities to promote healthy behaviors through education and individual healthcare access.
Health analyst or data analyst: Identify trends, track disease outbreaks, and support public health research and decision-making by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting health data.
Environmental health specialist: Identify and mitigate environmental factors that can affect public health, such as air and water quality, food safety, and occupational hazards.
Health policy analyst: Analyze and assess public health policies, advocate for policy changes, and contribute to the development of evidence-based healthcare policies.
Occupational health and safety specialist: Promote the health and safety of workers in various industries by identifying and addressing workplace hazards.
Nonprofit health program manager: Oversee public health programs and initiatives, and ensure they are effectively implemented.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can complete your bachelor’s in public health almost entirely online. Our programs offer a flexible, self-paced way to earn your degree doing the same coursework that students do at those universities while attending in person. Do keep in mind you’ll rely on more tech and tech support, and the fact that any internships or practicums that are part of the program you enter will likely be in person.
A bachelor’s in public health is an undergraduate degree which will prepare you for a career in the corporate or nonprofit worlds promoting positive health, educating communities on disease prevention, and implementing health programs.
There is a consistent, growing need for qualified public health professionals. The median annual salary for just three of the jobs someone with a BA in public health can pursue, such as health educator,Footnote 1 community health worker,Footnote 2 or occupational health and safety specialist,Footnote 3 will typically have a median annual salary between $46k and $87k. In addition, if you build on your undergraduate degree in public health with work experience and a graduate-level education like a master’s or a doctoral degree, your earning potential could easily grow into the six figures.
A BA and a BS in public health are different in their focus, curriculum, and career prospects. A BA program emphasizes liberal arts and humanities, with subjects like sociology, psychology, and ethics, while also developing research and writing skills. Conversely, a BS in public health features a more science-centered curriculum, including biology, chemistry, statistics, and intensive math requirements, placing a stronger emphasis on quantitative and research-oriented abilities. This makes the degree suitable for those interested in epidemiology, biostatistics, and research roles within public health agencies.
A bachelor’s in public health can open the door to many and varied career opportunities, including environmental health and safety specialist, a dietician or nutritionist, occupational health and safety technician, a community health worker, and more.
Completing a bachelor’s in public health online will typically take four years of full-time study or 120 credit hours. This timeframe can be shortened or lengthened depending on if you are transferring credits from another institution, if you choose to accelerate your study, or if you enroll only part time.
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