Why This Matters

  • 73% OF HEALTH AND SAFETY SPECIALISTS HAVE BACHELOR’S DEGREES

    Around 73% of occupational health and safety specialists (a common role for public health majors) hold a bachelor’s degree.

  • THE U.S. NEEDS 127,100 MORE COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS BY 2029

    The evolution of healthcare has contributed to a greater need for forward-thinking public health officials. The field is expected to undergo a 13% increase in employment by 2029.

  • EARN $21,060 MORE PER YEAR WITH A BACHELOR’S DEGREE

    Health educators and community health workers with a bachelor’s earn an average of $48,140 per year, compared to $27,080 per year for high school diploma positions.

Our Research

This list reviews some of the best U.S. bachelor’s degree programs in public health. As a health and science-related field, most programs grant a Bachelor of Science degree. The majority of these programs are offered online, but some provide hybrid formats.

We guaranteed the quality of each of these programs by limiting our selections to accredited institutions. Many of these institutions are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), an independent agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education. The CEPH measures the quality of public health programs by evaluating integrity, innovation, performance, and effectiveness.

  • 53 hours to write this article
  • 48 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 53 education programs we compared

The Top 50 Online Bachelor’s in Public Health Programs

Best Online Bachelors in Public Health Programs Badge
01
Intelligent Pick
Northern Arizona University
01
Best in the Northeast
Northeastern University
01
Best in the West
San Diego State University
01
Best for Global Health
University Of Arizona
01
Best in the Midwest
University of Missouri
01
Best for Allied Health
Kent State University
01
Best in the South
University of South Florida
01
Best Christian Option
California Baptist University Online
01
Best for Transfer Students
Southern New Hampshire University
01
Best for Vets
National University
01
Best Study Abroad Option
Arizona State University
01
Most Affordable
Brigham Young University - Idaho
01
Best Cohort Option
UNC Greensboro
01
Best Pathways
University Of South Dakota
01
Best for Exam Prep
Youngstown State University
01
Best for Working Professionals
University of West Florida
01
Best Hybrid Option
Oakland University
01
Best for Emergency Management
American Public University
01
Best for Population Health
Central Washington University
01
Best for Environmental Health
Missouri Southern State University
01
Best for Health Coaching
Bellevue University
01
Best for Adult Learners
Excelsior University
01
Best for Nursing
Mississippi University For Women
01
Best 3+2 Option
St. Catherine University

What You Should Know About This Degree

Those interested in a career in healthcare should understand the difference between nursing and public health degree programs. Nurses tend to patients in a medical setting, directly manage medication, and collaborate with physicians. Public health officials work with communities to reduce factors that lead to hospitalizations.

While applying to institutions, students should look for any national or regional accreditations that validate the quality of the school. A widely recognized accreditor for public health programs is the CEPH.

A rising desire to promote health and wellness while reducing hospitalizations has contributed to a 13% increase in employment for public health officials and community health workers. This translates to 127,100 more jobs by 2029.

Although there are no formal certifications required for public health workers, many students go on to become Certified in Public Health (CPH). This certification provides the qualifications needed to work in more advanced roles in nutrition, healthcare, and social work.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching online bachelor’s in public health programs:

  • Am I eligible for this program? To qualify for a public health program, you must receive a high school diploma. Some programs may require students to have a certain grade point average (GPA), but others might expect some work experience related to healthcare.
  • Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? Online students can usually choose between synchronous and asynchronous learning formats. Synchronous courses enforce a specific schedule that students must comply with. Asynchronous courses may have deadlines, but students can set their own schedule and complete coursework at times convenient to them.

As you prepare for higher education, keep track of application deadlines and make sure to obtain any materials you’ll have to submit. This information is usually available on the school’s website or at their admissions department. You should also consider how you plan to fund your education. Research potential sources of funding, such as scholarships, grants, and loans.