Bachelor of Science in Public Health Degree
Bachelor of Science in Public Health Degree
journey today.
Grand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree program can prepare you to work as a public health professional in various health-related settings, including community-based organizations, government agencies, behavioral health agencies, primary care centers and global or domestic nonprofit organizations.
This public health bachelor’s degree provides the knowledge, resources and tools needed to design and implement health promotion programs — including health education interventions and policies for specific populations within the larger community. Public health practitioners focus on the prevention of communicable and chronic diseases, as well as health education and promotion and reducing the impact of environmental hazards.
The Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree can be beneficial for those interested in improving the health and wellness of communities. You will be taught fundamental skills in data collection and analysis, communication, community assessment, program planning, implementation and evaluation. Our BS in Public Health degree program teaches foundational knowledge and universal skills that can prepare you to pursue career opportunities in public health or for further study in public health.
As a Christian university, we offer faith-integrated courses that are based on a Christian worldview. This curriculum promotes the development of personal ethics and servant leadership practices that are relevant to public health practice. This program teaches you to lead with empathy, kindness, compassion and social justice in order to provide an opportunity to make a positive difference in the health of communities.
Earn Your Bachelor’s Online or On Campus
GCU’s bachelor’s in public health online program provides convenience in your schoolwork. You will work through the same courses and curriculum as a traditional on-campus program, but with the added benefit of being able to work from almost anywhere. Applying as an online student follows the same application process as an on-campus student.
By completing your bachelor’s on campus, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in all our campus has to offer. You will be taught in person by our knowledgeable faculty, while interacting and collaborating with fellow peers.
The BS in Public Health coursework is designed to teach you to carry out day-to-day tasks of community health organizations, such as data collection and analysis, program planning, community outreach, communications and program support.
The Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree includes a capstone course that gives you the opportunity to integrate and apply your public health knowledge and skills. You’ll complete either a 30-hour volunteer service-learning opportunity in the field of public health or a research-based project developing a proposal to address a public health issue.
In this program, your instructors will guide you in examining the following topics:
The structure of the U.S. health system and the regulatory dimensions of health policy
Global health, the science of human health and the factors that impact health disparities
Health promotion and disease prevention
Public health data systems and informatics
Community assessment and planning, implementation and evaluation of public health interventions
Community Health Employment Settings
The Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree can be an ideal option if you are interested in a healthcare career focused on advancing strategies that promote and protect health.
Employment settings that undergraduate public health degree graduates may also consider exploring include:
Government (local and state health departments)
Domestic or global community health nonprofit organizations
Social service organizations
Behavioral health organizations
Faith-based organizations
Healthcare coverage/health insurance companies
7%
Estimated job growth for health education specialists from 2023 to 20331
$62,860
Median annual wage for health education specialists as of May 20232
GCU is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an independent organization that upholds rigorous educational standards through thorough institutional evaluations. We have been accredited since 1968, demonstrating our commitment to providing quality education to all our students.
GCU’s bachelor’s in public health program integrates the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) Seven Areas of Responsibility for Health Education Specialists, addressing fundamental skills in community assessment, program planning, implementation and evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
As you consider your healthcare career options, you may find it helpful to explore the following frequently asked questions and answers.
If you are passionate about healthcare in general and public health in particular, then a Bachelor of Science in Public Health can be worth the effort and time. This degree can be a versatile choice, as it may open the door to a variety of different career paths and employment settings. You may also decide that a public health degree will enable you to make a meaningful, positive difference in your community.
While both degrees cover public health topics, there are a few key differences between the two. A public health BS degree will focus on sciences (i.e., natural science, health science and environmental science) to help prepare students for graduate study in public health, research and public health roles in healthcare systems. Students in this program are BSN-education registered nurses working toward a career in public health departments or community health organizations. Nurses who do not yet have a BSN may consider enrolling in a public health nursing MSN bridge pathway to become eligible for the MSN program.
Yes, there are advanced degrees available for those looking to further their education after completing a BS in public health. You may consider enrolling in a Master of Public Health program. This master’s program allows you the opportunity to gain advanced knowledge of public health practices, specialize your studies in a specific area of public health and make a bigger impact in your community.
Start Your Public Health Journey
Make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of your community.
1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Health and Education Specialists, retrieved Nov. 27, 2024.
2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Health and Education Specialists, as of May 2023, retrieved Nov. 27, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as health and education specialists, nor does it reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc., against a pool of candidates.