Bachelor of Science in Public Health

Immerse yourself in an education and career preparation that helps you create meaningful change in people’s lives.

Public health is about helping people live their best lives. As a professional, you are crucial to preventing illness and early, avoidable death. You are in a position to dismantle inequities, to find and eliminate stbarriers that hold many people back. You are a part of a community that strives to create and sustain a healthier, stronger world by improving both individual well-being and the quality of the environment and systems in which people live.

At Ohio State, our nationally accredited program will broaden your perspectives in the health of individuals and communities. Your career development at Ohio State will allow you to explore the expansive possibilities in public health. And you will be bolstered by faculty and advisors excited to see you succeed and eager to help you pursue your passions.

Specializations

Public Health Sociology

The public health sociology specialization study teaches how social factors impact health in order to improve the health of communities. The curriculum blends select courses from sociology with public health providing a unique interdisciplinary education.

Environmental Public Health

The environmental public health specialization is for students who have an interest in both the environment and health, how environments impact health and a desire to find solutions to the challenges of environmental effects on the health of communities. The curriculum provides students with an interdisciplinary education in public health and environmental science.

Curriculum

The BSPH degree requires 121 credit hours for both specializations. Learn more about the required course and electives along with a four-year plan to complete the degree.

See the curriculum

Capstone experience

Students engage in internships, research projects or education abroad to apply what they have learned in the BSPH program. The capstone experience is essential to refining skills and exploring various public health fields. Honors options also are available.

Learn about the capstone

Student outcomes

Graduates are qualified for early career, entry-level positions in public health agencies and public or private organizations. The curriculum and experiences also prepare students for advanced graduate and professional studies.

See jobs our students land

Degree requirements

Minimum credit hours: 121
Program start: Autumn semester
Course requirements: General education courses, prerequisite courses, foundation and interdisciplinary courses, capstone experience

2025/2026 deadlines to apply

AUG

1
Common App opens

NOV

1
Early action deadline

DEC

15
BSPH application opens for current Ohio State students

FEB

1
Priority date for financial aid consideration

Meet our students

From the tight-knit community of the college to the expansive access to opportunities at Ohio State, our Public Health Buckeyes have incredible experiences pursuing their public health degrees. Read their stories and the advice they share to make the most of your undergraduate experience.

Lindsey Long, BSPH, Environmental Public Health

BSPH student Lindsey Long inspired by community involvement

Snehil Pulluri, BSPH, Public Health Sociology

Undergrad aspires to be a ‘changemaker’ in health care

Angela Falconi poses with Cunz Hall in the background

Angela Falconi, BSPH, Environmental Public Health

BSPH student combines passions for health care, policy

Resources

We have your back. Whether you're looking to expand your Ohio State experience or get help to advance in your degree, these resources are a great start to find what you need to succeed.

Student organizations
Student organizations provide the opportunity for leadership, community involvement, service, education, fellowship, diversity, growth and a healthier lifestyle.
Student support
Academic advisors, career development and preparation, and dedicated counseling services are just a few of the ways the College of Public Health supports its students to help them succeed in college.
Financial aid
Every student is highly encouraged to file the FAFSA to be considered for the most financial aid, including scholarships, grants, loans and federal work-study.

Take your next step

The BSPH major is competitive and requires an application. Pre-public health students and those who change majors should apply now for Autumn 2025 admission. Future Public Health Buckeyes should apply to Ohio State and indicate public health as their desired major.

Prepare your application