2024 Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Public Health (2024)

Overview of Online Public Health Degrees

Public health degrees train individuals to assess, improve, and monitor community well-being on a large scale. Students have the option to study an array of subjects, from nutrition, medicine, and disease to social policy, health services administration, and global pandemics. These degrees are offered at multiple levels, and graduates often go on to work for the private sector, nonprofits, and governmental organizations.

What Will I Learn in a Public Health Program?

Students enrolled in a public health program are exposed to a diverse education, taking courses in political science, sociology, ethics, and biology. Additionally, individuals typically graduate with skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. Learning outcomes will vary based on a student's choice of public health program, as well as the level at which they pursue their degree.

Online Programs

Many schools offer public health degrees that can be earned online. While some programs are completely remote, others mix distance learning with yearly campus visits. In these hybrid programs, students can meet faculty and peers and/or complete required labs. In general, online public health programs are ideal for nontraditional students that work full-time or have other responsibilities, as they allow them to complete coursework asynchronously. For instance, online learners typically have 24/7 access to lectures, assignments, and presentations, which they can view or complete at a pace that matches their schedule.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to an online bachelor's degree program in public health will need to have a high school diploma or GED. Many schools will require applicants to submit transcripts from high school and any transcripts from college courses that a student may have enrolled in. Additionally, some schools will require SAT, ACT, or other standardized test scores, a personal statement, and/or letters of recommendation for the application process. Most online bachelor's degree programs will take about four years to complete.

Curriculum

Online public health bachelor’s programs are available as either a Bachelor of Art (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS).

Both programs draw from a variety of social and natural sciences disciplines. Many require an internship or fieldwork in a community health setting. Like most bachelor’s degree programs, the public health curriculum also contains a broad-based set of general education classes in humanities, arts, and sciences. This major is a good choice for people who are planning to continue their studies at the graduate level or for students hoping to work in entry-level positions in the field of healthcare.

Here is an overview of some of the subjects your coursework in public health would likely cover:

What Careers Can You Get With a Public Health Degree?

According to Burning Glass Technologies, public health graduates often find work in healthcare, public administration, education, and finance, with top employers including Anthem Blue Cross, Universal Health Services, and the U.S. government. Employment opportunities tend to vary based on an individual's level of education. In general, a master's in public health will likely result in a higher salary.

Below is a list of common career paths for public health graduates which require different levels of education, along with salary and job outlook data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). All of these positions are over double the U.S. average in terms of job projection.

Getting Certified in Public Health

Individuals working in public health may choose to take the Certified in Public Health (CPH) exam administered by the National Board of Public Health Examiners. Becoming a CPH professional can serve to bolster one's employment prospects and is an indication that one has knowledge of the fundamental elements of public health. In addition, it shows that an individual has a commitment to public health and public health expertise. The test is administered two times each year. While employers may not specifically require this certification, many view certified job candidates favorably when deciding whom to hire.

Is Majoring in Public Health Worth It?

Career goals, financial circ*mstances, and other obligations are all important factors to consider when determining the value of a degree. While the worth of this credential will ultimately vary from person to person, prospective students may want to consider the following potential advantages and drawbacks of a public health education:

Potential Advantages

• A public health degree can potentially lead to a high-paying job. For instance, higher education credentials in this field may qualify graduates to work as medical and health services managers, who earn a median annual salary of $104,830.

• A degree in this discipline can prepare individuals to serve their communities. For instance, federal employees cite the chance to give back as a gratifying aspect of their jobs, and a public health degree can help graduates secure positions in government organizations. It can also help them find public service-focused roles with other employers that promote community health.

• Pursuing higher education in public health can be a rewarding experience. Students typically find course materials to be both interesting and intellectually stimulating, and many report being satisfied overall with their degree choice.

Potential Disadvantages

• Students may need a graduate degree for some public health positions. While a bachelor's may be enough for entry-level jobs, graduates who want to advance their career in the private sector or work for government organizations will likely need a post-baccalaureate qualification, like a master's degree in public health.

• Public health departments across the country are facing funding cutbacks and restrictive legislation. Graduates may therefore face an uncertain job environment in the future.

Is a Public Health Degree a Good Fit For Me?

A public health degree may be a good fit for individuals who want to promote social justice and equality. Public health professionals work to improve the healthcare system, so this degree will likely suit students interested in working with a diverse group of professionals to solve complex, far-reaching problems in a critical social area.

According to Burning Glass Technologies, a data analytics firm, public health officials typically thrive in an environment where they can build strong relationships and exercise critical thinking skills to promote public safety. In short, a public health degree may be ideal for students who aspire to use education, research, and advocacy to help their societies and communities.

FAQs About Online Public Health Degrees

What Else Should You Consider?

It's important to weigh several factors when deciding which public health degree to pursue. Due to the broad, interdisciplinary nature of the health field, online degree programs are available in multiple areas of study and often in different learning formats. Below are some factors students should consider when choosing their public health degree:

Accreditation - Regardless of their degree choice, public health students should ensure they enroll in a program accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). A CEPH-accredited degree has been judged to meet the standards for academic excellence in this discipline.

Cost - To pursue a public health degree that is affordable, students should consider applying for financial aid. They should also evaluate whether their degree offers a favorable return on investment by comparing the annual cost for a program with the potential mid-career salaries alumni earn.

Online or in-person - As online learning programs can be challenging to complete, prospective online students may also want to determine whether they will receive adequate support from faculty to earn their degrees. Learning on campus may be a better option for those who hope to collaborate in person with peers and faculty.

Specialization - Many public health degrees focus on a particular area, such as global health, infectious diseases, or behavioral science. These specialized degrees in public health are ideal for students who hope to pursue a career in one of these sub-fields. On the other hand, those who want to keep their career opportunities more open are better suited to a general public health degree.

Resources for Public Health Students

Below is a list of resources students can use to obtain for further information on public health careers, education, and research:

• The American Public Health Association (APHA) seeks to advance the health and wellness of communities in the U.S. by publishing research and advocating for better public health policies. Student members gain access to a network of professionals as well as various career development opportunities.
• The Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) represents accredited schools and programs in the field of public health. It provides prospective and current students with tools, learning resources, and information on public health programs.
• The American College of Epidemiology (ACE) is a professional network that advances best practices in the field of epidemiology. In addition to helping epidemiologists meet professional standards and advance their careers, ACE holds an annual conference where students, faculty, and practitioners can meet and share research.
• World Health Organization (WHO) is the largest health organization in the world. WHO works on a global scale to improve the health of populations by tracking potential health threats, conducting outreach among those who are vulnerable to certain diseases, and advocating for improved universal health.