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Public Health
Bachelor of Science in Public Health
Pursue your vision for a healthier world and help create positive change for individuals and communities. The Bachelor of Science in Public Health at Capella is designed to establish your foundational knowledge in key areas of the field, from biostatistics and epidemiology to environmental determinants and public policy. You’ll develop skills that can help you solve public health challenges, address structural barriers to wellness and collaborate with communities to make a real impact on health outcomes.
Classes start December 2
Apply today with no application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- 8–14 General education courses
- 14 Core courses
- 9–17 Elective courses
- 1 Capstone
- 180 Total quarter credits
- 135 Maximum transfer credits
Reduce your tuition by $15,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $15K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your bachelor’s degree.
Explore public health courses
- This degree requires a total of 180 program credits
- You’ll need to complete 8–14 general education courses, 14 core courses, 9–17 elective courses and one capstone
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PUBH4003
Introduction to Theories of Social and Behavioral Change
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course gain fundamental knowledge of the theories of social and behavioral change that guide public health professionals in understanding health behaviors in the contexts in which they occur. Learners analyze the theories that influence health behaviors and public engagement activities as well as gain perspectives of why and how people behave the way they do. In addition, learners examine the structural and social barriers to better health and determine the ways in which they can design comprehensive solutions to eliminate those barriers. Learners who have received credit for MPH5506 may not take PUBH4003.
4 quarter credits
PUBH4009
Introduction to Biostatistics
4 quarter credits
This course introduces learners to fundamental statistical data analysis for individual and community health. Throughout the course, learners examine basic statistics and how they are applied in public health. Learners also develop and demonstrate an awareness of the statistical software tools used for analysis and explore the major methodologies used in public health to determine policy and practice.
4 quarter credits
PUBH4012
Introduction to Epidemiology
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners examine core principles of epidemiology, including the prevention of chronic diseases, how disease spreads across populations, and how public health interventions can help control or reduce that spread. In addition, learners gain an understanding of patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions; statistical evaluation, analysis, and interpretation; and the impact of health and disease social determinants on the health of individuals and the community. Learners also explore epidemiology as a social science, by reviewing the social causes and consequences of health.
4 quarter credits
PUBH4018
Introduction to Public Health Policy and Management
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners build and demonstrate a broad understanding of how public health and policy intersect in the United States and how public health services, programs, and policies are developed, managed, and funded. Throughout the course, learners analyze the key drivers of policies, laws, and legislation that impact public health, private health care systems, individuals, and the overall population.
4 quarter credits
PUBH4024
Introduction to Environmental Health
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course investigate the relationships between people and their environment, and the promotion of environmentally healthy and safe communities. Learners also examine the effects of climate change on public health and how to identify and prevent hazardous agents in air, water, soil, and food and in occupations from adversely affecting human health on a short or long term basis. Learners who have received credit for MPH5503 may not take PUBH4024. Prerequisite(s): PUBH4009 and PUBH4012.
4 quarter credits
What you’ll learn
The online Bachelor of Science in Public Health program equips you with foundational knowledge in the core areas of biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, social determinants, and public health policy and management. The curriculum emphasizes theories of social and behavioral change that guide public health professionals in a wide range of contexts. You’ll learn how to understand health behaviors in the environments where they occur; address structural and social barriers to better health; interpret and evaluate statistical data; use evidence-based practices for disease prevention; and develop a collaborative community approach to the planning and evaluation of public health initiatives.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Apply knowledge of history, theory and practice to advance prevention and wellness
- Identify, interpret, evaluate and synthesize public health information, data and evidence
- Apply independent, teamwork and leadership skills to address public health concerns
- Apply ethical considerations working with diverse populations
- Communicate public health information to diverse audiences in oral and written forms and through a variety of media
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
How much does the BS in Public Health cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
$17,460
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS
$30,810
AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$67,571
NO TRANSFER CREDITS
$365 per 1000-2000 level credit $388 per 3000-4000 level credit, $125 resource kit, 180 total quarter credits, 135 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 8, 2024, and is subject to change. Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances, such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. This estimate does not include the cost of books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer. New or recently revised program tuition estimates are based on comparable programs.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include travel expenses and practicum costs. You will be charged $50-$200 each quarter or billing session for your resource kit, which includes required books, software and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023
“The day after my capstone ended, I started a new role at a company I had been eyeing for a while. I'm not saying it was my degree that landed me that job, but I was more confident in taking the leap!”
Stephen Ryan* – BS Public Health AMP graduate and MHA student
*Actual Capella graduate who agreed to appear in promotional materials.
Are there scholarships available for bachelor’s degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
See all our accreditations and recognitions.
What are the BS in Public Health admission requirements?
Applicants to the BS in Public Health program must provide the following information for admission:
- Admission application – no application fee required
- High school diploma or equivalent
- A transcript of any reported GED
- 4.5 credits eligible for transfer. See Sophia Admissions Pathways as an option to obtain credits.
- Applicants under the age of 24 must also submit a high school transcript verifying graduation
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
SAT and ACT are not required for admission.
Accelerated Master’s Pathway (AMP) admission requirements
- To qualify for an AMP option, you must submit transcripts from all previous higher education institutions, have received a minimum 2.8 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on all previous college coursework and have no fewer than 24 total eligible transfer credits.
- Once enrolled in a GuidedPath AMP option, you must maintain an overall cumulative GPA of 2.8 and receive no more than one grade of C in any master’s-level course to remain enrolled in the AMP option.
- Once enrolled in a FlexPath AMP option, you must earn a minimum Proficient evaluation on all competencies in your program to remain enrolled in the AMP option. If you fall below this threshold you’ll be automatically changed into the associated non-AMP undergraduate offering.
- When you have successfully completed the requirements for your bachelor’s degree program and your degree has been awarded, you may apply to the master’s degree program that corresponds with your chosen AMP option. You’re not guaranteed admission into a corresponding master’s degree program and you must complete a separate application for admission to the program.
International student requirements
If you live outside the U.S. or aren’t a U.S. citizen, you may be considered an international student.
To meet the requirements for Capella admission, you must:
- Earn the minimum score on an acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Attend an internationally recognized institution
- Provide transcripts for evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What can you do with a BS in Public Health degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health.
Job titles to explore
- Health manager
- Business analyst
- Project manager
- Social and community services manager
- Safety specialist
- Policy analyst
Employment settings to explore
- Healthcare organization (e.g., hospital or clinic)
- Community health center
- Public health agency
- Health insurance company
- Nonprofit organization
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