The Bachelor of Science in public health prepares you to plan, implement and evaluate public health programs for individuals, groups and populations in worksites, schools, communities and beyond. With increasing challenges posed by climate change, altered family dynamics, substance abuse, growing health disparities and rising healthcare costs, training highly skilled public health professionals is becoming increasingly important. Courses in the major will introduce you to the five core public health competency areas: behavioral social sciences, biostatistics, environmental health, epidemiology, and health policy and management. As part of the curriculum, you’ll also complete an internship at a worksite, community group or government public health department.
After completing the Bachelor of Science degree in public health, you will be prepared for a variety of entry-level positions in public health areas. You may also choose to go on to graduate or professional school in public health, nursing, occupational or physical therapy, or medicine.
Career Opportunities
Through the public health major, you can prepare to take your next step in a wide range of careers, from local government to nonprofit organizations and beyond. Below are just a few of the career opportunities available to you upon graduation:
- Chronic disease health educator
- Community health worker
- Health coach for a worksite or community center
- Health communications specialist
- Health education specialist
- Health informatics specialist
- Healthcare navigator
- Infection disease outbreak investigator
- Outreach specialist
- Public health management analyst
- Quality improvement analyst
- Research analyst
- Worksite wellness director
Potential Areas of Advanced Study
- Purdue 5-year accelerated Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Purdue Department of Public Health MPH Degree
- Purdue Department of Public Health MS/PhD Degree
- Purdue Department of Public Health Master of Health Administration (online)
- Healthcare administration
- Health communication
- Environmental science
- Nursing
- Medicine
- Nutrition science
- Occupational health
- Physician assistant
- Statistics
Learning Experiences
- Complete a required 400-hour internship in local, national or global locations.
- Participate in departmental study abroad opportunities to explore public health across cultures.
Program Quick Facts
Degree Type:
Bachelor of Science
Location:
West Lafayette
Department/School:
Department of Public Health
“I chose Purdue because I saw opportunities for me to not only get an outstanding education but also chances to develop my leadership skills and get experience in my career field. I also saw various ways to get involved in my campus community outside of the classroom.”
— Nneka
Nneka
Nneka
Hometown: Farmington Hills, Michigan
Major: Public Health
Why Purdue: I chose Purdue because I saw opportunities for me to not only get an outstanding education but also chances to develop my leadership skills and get experience in my career field. I also saw various ways to get involved in my campus community outside of the classroom.
Favorite Place at Purdue: Hicks Undergraduate Library
Advice for an Incoming Freshman: Don’t be too hard on yourself! College is nothing like high school or anything you’ve done before, and honestly, it takes a long time to adjust and get a hang of things. Also find resources, whether it be fellow students or a professor, when you need help and keep them. You can’t do everything by yourself and you shouldn’t try to.
This is the link to the Women of Color in Healthcare Association. Shameless plug because I am the upcoming president, but it is also an amazing organization on Purdue’s Campus!