Bachelor of Science in Public Health Degree
- Campus
- Online
Make a Positive Impact on Your Community
GCU’s Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree program can prepare you to work as a public health professional in various health-related settings. Offered by the College of Nursing and Healthcare Professions, this program will guide you through a modern curriculum that explores emerging health issues, community planning and environmental health and safety competencies. Prepare to design and implement health promotion programs that can make a difference in your community.
As a student in the public health bachelor’s program, you can develop a well-rounded skill set that includes analyzing and interpreting health data, assessing community needs and designing effective health programs. You will be taught to communicate complex health information clearly, promote disease prevention and apply research and epidemiological methods to practical challenges. You can also build an understanding of health systems and policy while emphasizing cultural competency, ethical decision-making and collaborative work.
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
- 16+ years old
- High School Graduate
- 3.0+ Unweighted GPA
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
- ACT: 19
- SAT: 1000*
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
Why Choose GCU for Your Public Health Education?
Our BS in Public Health program is delivered within a mission-driven learning environment that emphasizes service, ethical leadership and community impact. As a private Christian university, we integrate faith and values into the educational experience, encouraging you to approach public health challenges with compassion, integrity and a commitment to serving others.
Students in the program may have opportunities to engage in elective internships, community outreach and service initiatives that connect classroom learning with relevant public health needs. Through these experiences and GCU’s purpose-driven approach to education, students are encouraged to develop the perspective and leadership qualities needed to support healthier communities.
On-campus students can benefit from GCU’s engaging campus community in the heart of Phoenix. Build lasting connections with your peers that can develop into a professional network and meet with your instructors one-on-one. Explore a range of clubs and activities, including health-related clubs like Future Health Care Association and Student Wellness and Health Association.
GCU accommodates the needs of nontraditional students through an interactive online learning experience. Enjoy convenient course access from virtually anywhere and earn your degree in a way that aligns with your lifestyle and other commitments. You’ll receive the same quality of instruction as on-campus students and work through the same curriculum.
GCU is committed to providing affordable tuition and helping students plan for the cost of their education. The university has maintained a tuition freeze for campus-based programs since 2009, reflecting its focus on expanding access to quality education. Explore current tuition information to learn more about costs, financial aid opportunities and scholarships that may be available.
Examine Key Topics in the BS in Public Health Major
The BS in Public Health coursework teaches you to carry out day-to-day tasks of public health initiatives, such as data collection and analysis, program planning, community outreach, communications and program support. You will examine public health policies, interventions, epidemiological research and the fundamentals of health promotion in communities. There is a focus on ethical practices and professionalism.
This undergraduate degree blends didactic instruction with hands-on experiences. You will complete a capstone course that provides 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.
Public health majors explore industry-aligned topics such as:
U.S. health system structure and health policy regulatory dimensions
Global health, human health science and health disparities
Health promotion and disease prevention
Public health data systems and informatics
Community assessment, planning and public health interventions
Elements of environmental and occupational health and safety
What Can You Do With a Public Health Degree?
This public health degree can prepare you to work in a variety of careers in healthcare with a focus on promoting health in your community. You may explore the career of a medical or health service manager, health education specialist or community health worker, for example. After gaining some work experience, you might decide to pursue educational advancement with a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree.
Public health professionals can work in a variety of settings, including:(See disclaimer 1)
Local, state and federal government agencies
Global public health organizations
Colleges and universities
Nonprofit organizations
Private healthcare companies
Median annual salary for medical and health services managers as of May 2024(See disclaimer 2)
Projected job growth rate for medical and health services managers from 2024 through 2034(See disclaimer 3)
Study Public Health at an Accredited University
Since 1968, GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, demonstrating the commitment of each of our colleges to providing quality education to all our students.
BS in Public Health Degree FAQs
As you consider applying to the Bachelor of Science in Public Health program, you may find it helpful to explore the following frequently asked questions and answers.
What is a public health major?
What skills can I develop in a public health degree?
Is this public health degree considered a hard major?
Is a Bachelor of Science in Public Health worth it?
How does a BS in Public Health differ from public health nursing?
How does a public health degree prepare you for graduate study?
Program Curriculum
General Education Requirements
Core Courses
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Make a positive impact on the health and well-being of your community by pursuing an education focused on improving population health and promoting wellness.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 16). See Yourself in a Public Health Career. Retrieved March 10, 2026.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Medical and Health Services Managers as of May 2024, retrieved March 2026. 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 medical and health services managers, nor does it reflect the 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 is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. 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.
- 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 August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical and Health Services Managers, retrieved March 2026.