Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH)
The Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) curriculum is designed with the Core Competencies of Public Health professionals as its foundation. A BSPH student at Baylor couples the necessary and foundational coursework with 18 hours of electives; as such, students have the freedom to choose courses that align with their interests, passions, and/or other academic pursuits. The degree program culminates with an internship that allows students to participate in a community health setting, apply their knowledge, gain real-world experience, and develop networks with potential employers.
Baylor's program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). Learn more at ceph.org.
Curriculum
Course requirements for Baylor’s BSPH include a well-rounded foundation of:
- General workforce skills (social science, psychology, computers, etc.)
- Health knowledge (stress management, human disease, nutrition, etc.)
- Skills-based courses that focus on the nationally recognized competencies of the health education profession.
An internship in a community health setting allows students to apply what they've learned, gain real-world experience, and develop support networks with potential employers. Program graduates are eligible to take a national exam to become a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES).
The Public Health Profession
Receiving your Bachelor of Science in Public Health is the first step in your pursuit of a public health career that serves to enhance and advance healthcare quality, availability, and equity for all. The public health discipline comprises a vast array of fields and subfields, but all strive toward a common goal: to prevent disease, promote health, and prolong life within the communities and populations they serve. Across these varying fields, healthcare careers range from biostatistics, policy consulting, epidemiology research, healthcare administration, non-profit advocacy and leadership, to health education and others.
Career Opportunities
Public health professionals work in a variety of settings, including health care facilities, voluntary health agencies, community organizations, pharmaceutical companies, educational institutions, and government agencies.
Examples of job titles for public health professionals include:
- Health educator
- Health promotion specialist
- Public or clinical health educator
- Health information specialist
- Program director
- Outreach coordinator
- Patient or treatment adherence educator
- Health program manager
- Community organizer
- Health intervention specialist
- Health Education Specialists
For more information about the Bachelor of Science in Public Health at Baylor University, please contact Margo Shanks, Undergraduate Program Director, at Margo_Shanks@baylor.edu.