Why study public health at BGSU in Ohio?
- Quality curriculum. The BGSU public health curriculum follows the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) baccalaureate accreditation criteria for public health programs. Graduates of the environmental health concentration are qualified to take the Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Sanitarian examination for professional licensure.
- Faculty expertise. Our faculty have significant field experience. Many are engaged in pioneering public health research. Small class sizes enable meaningful mentorship opportunities.
- A leader in community health and wellness. BGSU promotes basic and applied research and education about health and wellness for disease prevention, health communication, improved quality of life and related economic benefits through our Center of Excellence for Health and Wellness Across the Lifespan.
- Focus on practical learning experience. We are one of the top colleges for public health in Ohio and prioritize practical experience through:
- A mandatory 180-hour internship with a public health organization
- Field practicums to apply classroom learning in real settings
- Service-learning opportunities that are part of coursework.
- Undergraduate research opportunities in the field and our laboratories
- Professional networking. The BGSU public health program maintains strong relationships with local and state health departments, environmental protection agencies, healthcare systems and nonprofit health organizations. Our students have a leg up in landing competitive internships and public health jobs after graduation.
- On-campus connections. Join health and wellness organizations such as ConnectFit, the BGSU Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Student Wellness Network.
Job opportunities for both environmental scientists and specialists and health education specialists are expected to grow 7% faster than the national average over the next decade.
– Bureau of Labor Statistics
#1 university in Ohio for career preparation
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Career - what can you do with a public health degree?
The Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) prepares future leaders to protect community well-being and promote positive health change.
The two concentrations we offer lead to distinct career paths for our graduates:
- Environmental health concentration. Focus on protecting communities from environmental hazards through investigation and management of air and water quality, food safety, waste disposal and emergency response coordination. Graduates qualify to take the Registered Environmental Health Specialist examination – opening doors to careers in government agencies, consulting firms and healthcare systems.
- Health promotion concentration. Become an architect of positive health change by designing interventions that empower individuals and communities to improve their well-being. Develop expertise in behavioral change strategies, program development and health communication that addresses today’s leading health issues – from mental health to nutrition.
This degree is also ideal for those who plan to pursue advanced degrees in public health, epidemiology, health administration, environmental science and other health-related fields.
No matter your ultimate path, our undergraduate public health degree program offers:
- Hands-on experience
- Critical thinking skills
- A systems-level understanding of health promotion
All of these prepare you to tackle pressing health problems and facilitate greater well-being in classrooms and communities throughout the world.
Career paths
- Chronic disease prevention coordinator
- Community health worker
- Environmental health specialist
- Epidemiology assistant
- Health communications specialist
- Health educator
- Maternal and child health advocate
- Occupational health and safety coordinator
- Public health inspector
- Sanitarian
- School health program coordinator
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Curriculum
The comprehensive curriculum follows Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accreditation criteria for public health programs.
Concentrations
Public health degree majors at BGSU choose a concentration that best aligns with their personal interests and career goals.
Environmental health. Gear up for careers in environmental health, safety, sanitation and hygiene by focusing on investigation and prevention of community health problems caused by environmental factors.
This 21- to 22-credit hour concentration includes focused coursework:
- Geology
- Environmental studies
- Environmental justice
Students receive training in scientific and policy aspects of environmental health. Graduates are qualified to take the Registered Environmental Health Specialist examination.
Health promotion. Develop expertise in addressing top public health problems, such as poor access to health services, nutrition, physical activity, mental health supports and clean, safe living and working environments.
The 21-credit curriculum includes classes in:
- Health and wellness
- Substance abuse prevention
- Human behavior instruction
- Community health
- Sexually-transmitted diseases
Take electives on topics like nutrition, medical ethics and human sexuality. Students graduate ready to assess health needs, implement programs and evaluate outcomes for individuals, families and communities.
Sample courses
- Community Health Planning and Evaluation
- Emerging Infectious Diseases
- Environmental Justice
- Environmental Politics and Policies
- Epidemiology
- Introduction to Human Diseases
- Introduction to Public Administration
- Introduction to Public Health
- Issues in Health Care Administration
- Public Health and Sanitation
#1 public university in the Midwest students would choose again
The Wall Street Journal
The public health program is part of the Department of Public and Allied Health in the BGSU College of Health and Human Services.
Updated: 05/29/2025 02:00PM