A Bachelor’s degree in Public Health (BPH) prepares students for careers in public health, medical and health services, health education, community health, health administration, environmental health, nutrition, epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, and more. A bachelor’s degree in Public Health can also prepare students for a follow-on degree in public health, like a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) or an online Doctorate in Public Health (DrPH).
The demand for public health professionals will continue to rise based on growing populations and the need for disease prevention and education. Jobs for public health educators and community health workers are estimated to increase more than 20 % from 2012 to 2022. The Association of Schools of Public Health estimates that by the year 2020, more than 250,000 additional public health professionals will be needed to meet the needs of our growing population. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts similarly strong growth in these fields. Employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 23 percent through 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Featured Programs
Today there are many choices for online Bachelor’s in Public Health degree programs. Earning a Bachelor’s in Public Health online can be a flexible and cost-effective way for working adults to earn a public health degree. We’ve profiled and ranked twenty of the best online Bachelor of Public Health programs based on academic reputation, online education quality, degree return on investment (ROI), and overall value.
*all images sourced from institution’s website*
#1 American Public University
Established in 2002 as an online training provider to public service and military personnel, American Public University (APU) has over one hundred and ninety degree programs. The university, headquartered in Charlestown, West Virginia, educates over eighty thousand students with an average age of thirty-three. Eighty-eight percent of APU’s students are working adults, and seventy-seven percent have a military background. APU has been recognized and awarded for exceptional involvement in environmentally conscious initiatives and is a leader in the online education industry. U.S. News and World Report ranked APU #92 in “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs” in 2016 and the Military Times gave APU the distinction of “Best for Vets” award for 2015 and 2016.
Online Bachelors in Public Health Details
The American Public University offers a Bachelor of Science in Public Health focusing on research, health, finance, public health, health services, epidemiology, risk communication, and emergency management. Courses in public policy, chemistry, biology, and healthcare administration are other areas of concentration. The fully online degree can be completed with one hundred and twenty-one credit hours.
Accreditation
American Public University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Cost per Credit: $270, $250 with military grant
#2 University of Arizona
Established in 2000 the Zuckerman College of Public Health was the first nationally accredited college of public health in the Southwest and remains the only accredited college of public health in the State of Arizona. The college has campuses in Tucson and Phoenix and enrolls more than 1,100 students a year in its bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs. Through research, education and community engagement, it continues to find solutions to public health problems in Arizona, the Southwest and globally.
Online Bachelors in Public Health Details
The University of Arizona Zuckerman College of Public Health offers a Bachelor of Science in Public Health that prepares students to work in public health to improve the quality of life of individuals and communities. The program is based on public health principles and designed to provide students with general public health knowledge, principles, and practice. The fieldwork component of the program prepares students for future employment with experience that incorporates classroom learning with public health practice.
Accreditation
The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Cost per credit: $515
#3 University of Missouri
The University of Missouri, nicknamed “Mizzou”, was founded in 1839 in Columbia, Missouri. The first public university west of the Mississippi River, the school is now Missouri’s largest university with over 300 degree programs and more than 33,000 students. Mizzou Online is the online learning platform for the University of Missouri and is a national leader in offering online education. U.S.News and World Report ranked the University of Missouri – Columbia No. 156 in “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.”
Online Bachelors in Public Health Details
The University of Missouri School of Health Professions offers a Bachelor Health Science (BHS) designed for students who want to work in health and wellness related professions. Coursework covers public health principles and practice, clinical ethics, health care leadership, and an introduction to research. This program can be completed online with the completion of the required 120 semester credit hours.
Accreditation
The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Cost per credit: $460.00
#4 Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a non-profit, private, coeducational, and nonsectarian university. The college was founded in 1932 and went by many names until it became Southern New Hampshire University in July 2001. The main campus of SNHU is located in Manchester, New Hampshire with one Regional Center in Brunswick and, Maine. SNHU was ranked by U.S. News and World Report at #101 in “Regional Universities North,” and #1 in “Most Innovative Schools.” Southern New Hampshire University has three schools – the School of Business, the School of Education, and the School of Arts and Sciences and offers over 120 Bachelor’s and Associate’s degrees and more than 80 graduate degrees. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,029.
Online Bachelors in Public Health Details
Southern New Hampshire University offers a Bachelor of Science in Public Health designed to prepare students for careers as community health workers, medical and health services managers, and health educators. The degree provides a strong foundation in biological and social sciences with courses in anatomy, physiology, and statistics. The major core courses provide students with an understanding of public health, healthcare administration, and delivery systems.The B.S. in Public Health degree can be earned fully online with the completion of one hundred and twenty semester credit hours.
Accreditation
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Cost per credit: $320
#5 Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU) is a public research university with the main campus located in Tempe, Arizona and additional locations throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area and Arizona. With approximately 72,000 students enrolled in fall 2016, ASU is one of the largest public universities in the United States. ASU is known as a school of innovation and continually offers degrees in emerging fields. U.S. News and World Report ranked Arizona State #1 on “Most Innovative Schools” list for 2015 and 2016 and #4 online undergraduate degree program in the nation.
Online Bachelors in Public Health Details
The Arizona State College of Nursing and Health Innovation offers an online Bachelor of Science in Community Health. The degree is designed for students who want to create healthy, sustainable communities with an emphasis on working with specific populations. The degree can be completed online with 120 semester credit hours.
Accreditation
Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Cost per credit: $545
#6 National University
Founded in 1971 in La Jolla, California, National University is a leader in providing higher education to a vast number of minority students and has received several awards from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education Circle of Excellence. National University was also recognized as an educational leader by The Chronicle of Higher Education in 2010. National was ranked #119 in “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs” by U.S. News and World Report.
Online Bachelors in Public Health Details
The National University School of Health and Human Services offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health. The degree focuses on community health and the national, state, and local public health regulatory processes. The B.S. in Public Health degree can be earned fully online with the completion of one hundred and eighty quarter credit hours.
Accreditation
National University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Cost Per Credit: $362 (quarter credit)
#7 Northeastern University
Northeastern University was established in 1898 in Boston, Massachusetts and is one of the top 100 research universities in the United States. Northeastern is known as a pioneer in cooperative education. By partnering with businesses and nonprofits in co-ops, students experience an enhanced educational experience. Northeastern University’s nine schools and colleges offer a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs online and at NU campuses in Boston, Charlotte, and Seattle. The Princeton Review placed Northeastern University at the top of the list of “Best Internships and Career Services” for 2013.
Online Bachelors in Public Health Details
The Northeastern University College of Professional Studies offers a Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a specialization in health and social issues. The program focuses on current public health challenges for specific groups of society and public health in crisis situations. The curriculum prepares students to work as a public health professional or to pursue graduate work in counseling, psychology, or social work. Program courses include psychology, public health, sociology, counseling, and human services. Additionally, students are required to work a practicum at a human services agency. The degree consists of one hundred and twenty semester hours and coursework for the B.S. degree can be completed online in four years for full-time students and up to seven years for part-time students.
Accreditation
Northeastern University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Cost per credit: $504
#8 Brigham Young University – Idaho
Brigham Young University–Idaho is a private liberal arts university owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormon Church. The school is located in Rexburg, Idaho and was founded in 1888 as the Bannock Stake Academy. The school changed names in 1903 to Ricks Academy, and then in 2001 changed names again to BYU – Idaho. Now a four-year college, BYU-Idaho has approximately 32,000 on campus students and 33,000 online students from 50 states and 80 countries. They offer over 100 Bachelor’s degrees, eleven of which are offered online. BYU-Idaho offers stackable degrees for students, a smart approach to education that improves employability at each step. Students choose from several different online programs and earn a certificate, an associate degree, and then a bachelor’s degree. The academic year has three, 14-week semesters in the Fall, Winter, and Spring, and one, 7-week Summer Session. U.S. News and World Report ranked BYU – Idaho #10 in “Regional Colleges West” in the 2017 edition of Best Colleges.
Online Bachelors in Public Health Details
BYU-Idaho offers a Bachelor’s of Science in Public Health with a Health Education and Promotion Emphasis. The degree prepares students for careers in public health, health education, and health research. The program also prepares students to take the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) examination that is offered by the National Committee on Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC). The Bachelor’s degree can be earned online with the completion of 120 credit hours.
Accreditation
Brigham Young University – Idaho is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Cost per credit: $327
#9 Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University (NAU) is a public university in Flagstaff, Arizona founded in 1899. NAU offers over 150 degrees at the historic Flagstaff campus, online, and at over twenty satellite campuses throughout Arizona. NAU was ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.” NAU’s School of Public Health offers on campus and online programs and has a history of being in high demand for healthcare professionals looking to advance their careers.
Online Bachelors in Public Health Details
Northern Arizona University offers a Bachelor’s of Science in Health Sciences: Public Health. The degree focuses on essential Public Health subject matter and procedures that can be utilized within multiple health-related fields. Students may transfer as many as 60 lower classification credits from other institutions. The NAU program requires completion of one hundred and twenty semester credit hours.
Accreditation
Northern Arizona University is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.
Cost per credit: $455
#10 California Baptist University
California Baptist University is a private, liberal arts, Christian university located in Riverside, California. Founded in 1950 the school has a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,630 and utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. U.S. News and World Report ranked California Baptist University #37 in “Best Colleges is Regional Universities West” for 2017.
Online Bachelors in Public Health Details
California Baptist University offers a Bachelors of Science in Public Health degree that prepares students to be health care leaders. The degree curriculum focuses on core disciplines within public health practice with concentrations in biostatistics, behavioral science, environmental and occupational health, epidemiology, and curriculum design in health education. Students will develop specific knowledge and employment skills such as disaster preparedness, emergency services, NIH grant writing, program planning and evaluation, academic and applied research methods.
Accreditation
California Baptist University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Cost per credit: $566
#11 Drexel University
Drexel University was established in 1891 in Philadelphia and is ranked in the top 100 research universities in the nation. With over 24,000 students, Drexel is one of America’s 15 largest private universities and is well-known as an innovative institution of higher education. In 1983, Drexel became the nation’s first university to require all undergraduates to have personal access to a microcomputer for coursework, and in 2000 was the first university to operate a fully wireless campus. More recently, Drexel was ranked a top-10 ‘Most Innovative’ institution by U.S. News & World Report.
Online Bachelors in Public Health Details
Drexel University offers a Bachelor’s of Science in Health Services Administration that can be completed fully online. The Bachelor’s degree can be finished in 4 years with 180 quarter credits and is designed for students who have already completed some college coursework. Students with no college experience are encouraged to apply, but applications will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Drexel offers special tuition plans for employees of health system partners and community colleges. Additionally, some certificate in Medical Billing and Coding credits may be applied as free electives toward the degree.
Accreditation
The Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health is accredited as a school of public health by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
Cost Per Credit: $814
**A tuition discount is offered for the 2017-2018 academic year at $489 Per Credit, a 40% discount from Drexel’s regular tuition rate of $814 per credit.
#12 University of South Dakota
Founded in 1862, the University of South Dakota (USD) is the oldest university in the South Dakota. The only liberal arts school in South Dakota, the public university is located in Vermillion and enrolls a little over 10,000 students. The school has innovatively extended their academic reach with online degree programs and by opening three off-campus centers in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Pierre. U.S. News and World Report ranked the University of South Dakota #202 in the 2017 edition of Best Colleges in “Best National Universities.” It has been listed in this category every year 1992-2017.
Online Bachelors in Public Health Details
The University of South Dakota School of Health Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a concentration in Public Health. The flexible degree prepares students for careers in many different health settings including public health, health education, community health, or human services. All coursework can be completed online. The classes can also be taken on campus at Vermillion. Some courses offered in Sioux Falls and Rapid City locations. The USD online tuition rate that is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. The Bachelor’s degree can be earned online with the completion of 120 credit hours.
Accreditation
The University of South Dakota is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
Cost per credit: $355.00
#13 University of West Florida
Formed in 1963 in Pensacola, the University of West Florida is a mid-sized public research university with five academic colleges. The University of West Florida (UWF) offers degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate level and is part of the State University System of Florida. In fall 2016 UWF student enrollment totaled 12,979, with thirty percent of the student body enrolled in online programs. Recently the Princeton Review ranked UWF a “Best Regional College – Southeastern” (2018), and it was named a 2017 “Best Online College in Florida” by College Choice.
Online Bachelors in Public Health Details
The University of West Florida offers a offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences designed for undergraduate students interested in working in healthcare and public health. The degree consists of 120 semester credit hours with a minimum of 48 specified upper-division hours (3000/4000 level) at UWF. Some states do not yet recognize UWF’s online programs, so non-Florida residents should check the status of their state before applying to the program. (http://uwf.edu/online/out-of-state-students/state-authorization/ )
Accreditation
The University of West Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Cost per credit: $409.00
#14 University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Established 1891 as a women’s college, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) is a public, liberal arts university located in Greensboro, North Carolina. The university enrolled 19,653 students in 2016 and offered more than 100 undergraduate degree programs, including eight online bachelor’s degrees. UNCG is unique among public schools with its pricing of online degrees, which are priced lower than face-to-face classroom courses. The undergraduate “In-State” tuition rate for N.C. residents is $165.06 per credit hour, “Out-of State” tuition for non-N.C. residents is $677.19 per credit hour, and the “Outside NC” tuition rate for online learners is $314.34 per credit hour. UNCG has consistently ranked as one of the top public universities in the nation and offers many online degrees. For the 19th straight year, UNCG was named by the Princeton Review list for excellence in undergraduate education as one of “The Best 382 Colleges”.
Online Bachelors in Public Health Details
The UNC Greensboro Department of Public Health offers an online Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a concentration in Health Studies which features a focus on wellness and disease prevention. This online program is a degree completion track, designed for students already holding an associates degree or greater. The degree confers with 122 total semester credit hours.
Accreditation
UNCG is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Cost per credit: $314.00
#15 Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University (WKU), a public institution established in 1906 and located in Bowling Green, Kentucky. With a student enrollment over 24,000, WKU is the third largest university in Kentucky. Western Kentucky began offering online bachelor’s degree programs in 1998-1999 and ranked No. 5 by U.S. News and World Report in “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.”
Online Bachelors in Public Health Details
Western Kentucky University offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a concentration in Health and Social Welfare for students interested in working in public health, psychology, and health care administration. The degree can be completed entirely online and confers with the completion of 120 credit hours.
Accreditation
Western Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The B.S. in Public Health program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
Cost per credit: $510.00
#16 Oakland University
Oakland University (OU) is a public university located in Rochester City, Michigan. Founded in 1959 as Michigan State University at Oakland, it became known as Oakland University in 1963. A forerunner in online education, Oakland University has been offering online bachelor’s degree programs since 2002. Oakland University was ranked No.156 in “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs” by U.S. News and World Report.
Online Bachelors in Public Health Details
Oakland University offers a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health and Safety that is available online or on campus. This niche area of public health is unique and is an expected area of future job growth. The Environmental Health and Safety health profession focuses on protecting workers and the general public from injuries and illness by an emphasis on the interface between workers and their environment. The degree confers with the completion of 125 semester credits.
Accreditation
Oakland University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Cost per credit: $796.00 ($424.25) **The online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health and Safety is approved for in-state tuition rates.
#17 Kent State University
Kent State University (KSU) is a large, public research university located in Kent, Ohio. Founded in 1910 as a teachers college, Kent State University is now a globally recognized major research institution. The school includes seven regional campuses in northeast Ohio and additional facilities in the region and internationally. U.S News and World Report ranked Kent State No. 188 in the 2017 edition of Best Colleges in “Best National Universities.”
Online Bachelors in Public Health Details
The Kent State University College of Public Health was established in 2009 and was the first college of public health in Ohio to offer a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. It is one of two colleges of public health in Ohio. The KSU college offers an online Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree with a choice of one of four concentrations in Clinical Trials Research, Allied Health, Health Promotion and Education, or Health Services Administration.
Accreditation
Kent State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Cost per credit: $818.00
#18 University of South Florida
The University of South Florida (USF) is a public research institution that was founded in 1956. The school is based in Tampa with additional campus locations in St. Petersburg and Sarasota. The University of South Florida was ranked No. 159 by U.S. News and World Report in the 2017 Best Colleges for “National Universities.” USF also offers an online DrPH Program.
Online Bachelors in Public Health Details
The University of South Florida offers a Bachelor of Science in Applied Sciences (BSAS) with a concentration in Public Health. The BSAS degree program is designed specifically students who have already completed two years of college and hold an Associates Degree or higher. The degree confers with the completion of 120 total undergraduate semester credit hours.
Accreditation
The University of South Florida is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of College and Schools (SACS).
Cost per credit: $605.00
#19 University of Southern Indiana
Located in Evansville, Indiana, the University of Southern Indiana (USI) offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and has over 10,000 enrolled students. USI was founded in 1965 and began offering online bachelor’s degree programs in the 1994-1995 academic year.
Online Bachelors in Public Health Details
The University of Southern Indiana College of Nursing and Health Professions offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Services. The degree program offers a broad generalist option, as well as five career-oriented specialties in Health Administration, Gerontology, Long-Term Care Administration, Health Promotion and Worksite Wellness, or Public Health. The program is designed as a degree completion for students who have already completed two years of college and hold an Associates degree or higher.
Accreditation
The University of Southern Indiana is approved by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education to offer degree programs via the online learning delivery option.
Cost Per Credit: $602.00
#20 University of Maryland University College
The University of Maryland University College (UMUC) is a public institution founded in 1947. It is located in Adelphi, Maryland and is a member of the University System of Maryland. UMCU has over 37,000 students and offers more than ninety certificates and degrees. UMCU is an important education provider to the U.S military with a presence on more than twenty military installations worldwide.
Online Bachelors in Public Health Details
The University of Maryland University College offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management that prepares students for careers in public health and health services management. The program is designed for mid career professionals who are working to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Accreditation
UMUC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Cost Per Credit: $499.00 out of state, $289.00 in-state, $250 Military