Bachelor of Science in Public Health
Health is not a solo act. It reflects how we live, how we eat and drink, work and play. Public health makes the world around us a healthier and safer place to live. Poor sanitation in faraway countries ultimately affects the health of Americans. Disease threats can even come from other species.
The College of Public Health has faculty, staff, students, alumni and partners who work on problems like this and other challenges of worldwide significance. Our leadership in research, education and service contributes to understanding the forces that affect human health.
Effective Autumn 2012 semester, Ohio State’s College of Public Health in collaboration with The College of Arts and Sciences is offering a new Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) degree.
The BSPH degree at The Ohio State University College of Public Health focuses on public health issues in the US and internationally. The program will expand learners’ knowledge and comprehension of issues affecting humans worldwide.
BSPH students will select one of two interdisciplinary specializations:
Career Potential
Graduates will be qualified for early career, entry-level positions in public health agencies and other public or private organizations. However, an additional outcome is to prepare students for advanced study via graduate and professional degree programs.
The new degree program was developed in response, in part, to an increased need and demand for highly educated and trained public health professionals. The Association of Schools of Public Health reports that:
- 250,000 more public health workers will be needed by 2020.
- 23% of the current workforce – almost 110,000 workers – are eligible to retire by 2012.
- There are documented and forecasted shortages of public health workers.
- Without enough public health workers protecting us where we live, work and play, we all are vulnerable to serious health risks.
- To replenish the workforce and avert the crisis, accredited schools of public health will have to train three times the current number of graduates.
Core Competencies
All graduates of the BSPH degree program will be prepared to:
- Summarize the historic milestones in public health.
- Compare and contrast examples of major domestic and international public health issues.
Discuss various approaches/strategies for identification, response and intervention to address and attempt to resolve common public health issues.
- Identify political, cultural, behavioral and socioeconomic factors related to global public health issues.
- Apply the fundamental principles of the five core disciplines of public health (biostatistics; environmental health; epidemiology; health administration; health behavior/promotion) to domestic and international population issues.
- Write and communicate applicable case summaries.
- Seek employment for entry-level position and/or apply for advanced education and training in public health or related discipline.
Questions about the BSPH Major or the Global Public Health Minor
If you are interested in finding out more about the Public Health major (BSPH) call (614) 292-8350 to set up an appointment with a College of Public Health undergraduate academic advisor. Appointments are scheduled for 30 minutes per meeting but can be longer if requested. Phone appointments are also an option. The undergraduate advising offices are located in Cunz Hall Room 100. Appointments are not made by email.
