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Bachelor of Science in Public Health

Prevent illness and build healthy, resilient communities with a public health education that prepares you for a meaningful career.

A public health education at Ohio State is your springboard to tackling health inequities and improving lives of people in your community and throughout the world.

As a Public Health Buckeye, you will become an expert in understanding how individual health isn’t the whole picture — gaining a deep understanding about how the environment, government policies, access to resources and other factors affect the quality of life for whole communities.

You’ll learn how public health helps people live their best lives, why disease happens in the first place, what it takes to identify and eliminate inequities, and why public health is crucial to preventing illness and early, avoidable death.

In our nationally accredited Bachelor of Science in Public Health, you’ll gain a broad foundation in data analysis, environmental health, epidemiology, health behavior and health policy, all of which are essential to becoming a versatile public health professional.

We’ve built a program at Ohio State that will prepare you for a vast array of careers, whether you are heading straight into the workforce or continuing on to a Master of Public Health or aim for a career in medicine, dentistry or another healthcare field.

Learn about the BSPH

Learn how you can become a Public Health Buckeye! Save your spot for an upcoming virtual information session to get your questions about the Bachelor of Science in Public Health answered. 

Meet our students

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

 

Curriculum

The BSPH degree is a science- and skills-based education with courses covering all public health disciplines, preparing graduates for success in many careers. Courses include:

See full curriculum

PUBHLTH 2010 – Critical Issues in Global Public Health

Public health concepts examining the philosophy, purpose, history, organization, functions and results of public health practices domestically and internationally.

PUBHLTH 3060 – Technology, Innovation and Public Health

Explore how technological innovation shapes public health practice, policy and research. Trace key milestones (e.g. vaccines, sanitation systems, electronic health records) and examine how emerging tools, particularly artificial intelligence, are transforming the field.

PUBHHBP 3510 – Role of Behavior in Public Health

Introduction to concepts of health behavior and its role in public health, social determinants of health, applications to selected community health problems and issues.

PUBHLTH 4060 – U.S. and International Health Policy

Learn the fundamental aspects of U.S. health policy and the processes it has made, implemented and changed. Additionally, examine the health policies of other nations and understand the role of global health organizations in the policies set by the United States and other countries.

PUBHLTH 5050 – Public Health Foundations of Maternal and Child Health

A comprehensive introduction to the field of maternal and child health in the public health context, with primary focus on the United States.

Capstone Experience

Students gain hands-on experience in internships, research projects or education abroad and apply what they’ve learned to current challenges facing communities. In the capstone experience, students refine their skills and have an opportunity to explore potential career paths. Honors options also are available.
Learn about the capstone

Student support

Personalized support from academic advisors, attentive mentorship, career preparation and dedicated mental health counseling services are some of the ways the College of Public Health supports your success.
Support for your success

Career outcomes

Graduates are ready to succeed in careers across public health disciplines at public agencies, nonprofits or private organizations. The course work and experiences built into the BSPH also prepare students for advanced graduate and professional healthcare paths.
See jobs our students land

Degree Overview

  • Minimum credit hours: 121
  • Course requirements: 34-41 major core credits; 15-16 specialization credits; 32-37 general education credits; 6-12 major elective credits; 18-25 open elective/supporting science credits; 3 prerequisite credits
  • Specializations: Environmental public health (STEM-designated), public health methods, public health sociology

Take your next step

Future Public Health Buckeyes should apply to Ohio State and indicate public health as their desired major. Learn more about the requirements and deadlines to apply to the public health major at Ohio State.

Prepare your application

Current students should contact our advising office to inquire about changing to the public health major.

Schedule an advising appointment
 

Resources

We’re here for you, and can’t wait to see you succeed. Whether you're looking to expand your Ohio State experience or need help to advance in your degree, these resources are a great start.

  • Student organizations
    Student organizations provide the opportunity for leadership, community involvement, service, education, fellowship, growth and a healthier lifestyle.
  • 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.
  • Career guidance and support
    The College of Public Health provides each student with the professional support for your career growth and readiness so you can be a part of building healthier communities.
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