Offered at South University, Austin; South University, Cleveland; South University, Columbia; South University, High Point; South University, Montgomery; South University, Novi;  South University, Online Programs; South University, Richmond; South University, Savannah; South University, Tampa; South University, Virginia, Beach; and South University, West Palm Beach.

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and practical skills required of a public health professional and advocate for population health.  The curriculum is designed to provide a broad general education, strong foundation in the human health and disease sciences, and core areas of public health.  The curriculum aligns with the competencies expected of a public health practitioner by providing courses in health communication, health disparities, legal and ethical issues, management of public health systems, and policy and research.  Students develop the ability to apply core concepts to assess the health needs of diverse populations at the local, national and international levels, plan and evaluate programs, and communicate and advocate health promotion.  Graduates are prepared to contribute to delivery of the essential services of public health in health agencies at the government or community-based level and in the private sector, continue to learn throughout their professional careers, and to pursue graduate study in public health and the health sciences.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates should be able to:

1. Explain and apply the basic concepts of public health including an historical perspective to the practice of public health at the local, national and global level.
2. Recognize the biological and chemical basis of human health and disease and utilize that knowledge as a foundation for promoting health and wellness across the lifespan.
3. Relate the interconnectedness among physical, social, biological and environmental factors to their impact on the health of individuals and communities and reasons for health disparities.
4. Evaluate the collection methods, source and quality of health information and data as it relates to individual and community health and the evidence based practice of public health at the local, national and global levels.
5. Compare and contrast various governmental and non-governmental healthcare agencies, organizations and systems in the United States and around the world and their role in individual and public health.
6. Describe how legislation, ethics and economics impact public health policy and the effects on both individual and population health.
7. Discuss the role of public health professionals in the health of populations by identifying the needs of a community and the development and evaluation of health education programs.
8. Identify and assess methods and communication strategies including social media and electronic technology for health education and promotion campaigns and develop plans for communicating public health specific information to a diverse population.
9. Apply the skills required to assess public health needs of a community or population at the local and global levels and plan, implement, and evaluate programs to meet those needs.