BA in Public Health

As a multidisciplinary, practiced-oriented major, the BA in Public Health program is designed to build knowledge across a broad array of domains to prepare students for entry-level public health jobs, graduate work, or lifelong learning. Foundational domains include:

• Scientific knowledge in biological, life, social and behavioral sciences
• Basic concepts of human health and disease
• History, philosophy, values, and functions of public health
• Determinants of health and health disparities
• Role of data and application of quantitative reasoning
• Health systems in the U.S. and abroad
• Identifying and addressing population health problems
• Project planning, implementation, and evaluation
• Health policy, law, ethics, and economics
• Health communications and professionalism

Students who complete the BA in Public Health program will be able to:

• Discuss the history, characteristics, roles, functions, structures, and core concepts of public health and the U.S. health system
• Debate the socioeconomic, behavioral, biological, and environmental factors that influence human health and disease and perpetuate health disparities
• Describe the legal, regulatory, ethical, and economic dimensions shaping public health policy and practice
• Locate, use, evaluate, and synthesize public health information
• Use basic statistics and and understand public health biostatistics to identify and describe populations’ health concerns
• Communicate public health information, in both oral and written forms, through a variety of media and to diverse audiences
• Identify the basic tools for project management as well as population health assessment, planning, and evaluation
• Advocate for health equity, especially on behalf of vulnerable and marginalized populations
• Take a stand on a controversial public health issue and support it with evidence
• Craft evidence-based solutions that take account of the community dynamics and cultural contexts in which public health practitioners work
• Engage in sound ethical practice while exhibiting a high degree of professionalism

The BA in Public Health program seeks to instill and reinforce the public health profession’s core values:

• An obligation to promote health and prevent harm
• A commitment to social justice
• A focus on communities and community-wide outcomes
• A belief in evidence-based practice underpinned by scientific reason
• An adherence to the highest standards of professionalism
• A celebration of diversity and respect for the rights, dignity and worth of individuals
• A preference for cooperation and collaboration
• A drive toward solutions

The Bachelor of Arts in Public Health (BAPH) builds on the strong foundation of our Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) and expands student pathways into public health careers. The 72-credit BAPH is a pragmatic, career-ready pathway grounded in the liberal arts.

The four-year BAPH program requires 72 credit hours towards the 120 credits needed for graduation. Students complete remaining credits in the University Core, minors, and general electives. Several Knowledge Areas within the University Core are waived for BAPH students as they are already included in the major.

Public Health courses include:

• Introduction to Public Health
• Environmental Health
• Introduction to Epidemiology
• Health Behavior and Health Promotion
• Public Health Communication
• Critical Thinking in Public Health
• Foundations of Public Health Policy
• Intro to Biostatistical Methods for Public Health
• Community Assessment and Program Planning
• Global Public Health
• Public Health Advocacy
• Public Health Internship

For more information on the BSPH Program policies, procedures, and services, please see the 2025-2026 Parkinson School Undergraduate Student Handbook.

• Keith Kramer, MS, Undergraduate Public Health Programs, Senior Program Advisor
• Julie Darnell, PhD, Undergraduate Public Health Programs, Director

The BSPH is designed to meet the needs of pre-health and STEM-focused students, emphasizing rigorous quantitative coursework, including Calculus I and II, Biology with labs, Biostatistics, SAS Programming, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The BSPH is most compatible for pre-health students.

While retaining the essential elements of basic science and statistics, the BAPH leans more heavily into the social and behavioral sciences, equipping students with a deep understanding of how historical, social, psychological, and political forces shape community health outcomes. See a sample BAPH Curriculum 2025-2026 plan.

For more information on program policies, procedures, etc., see the Parkinson Undergraduate Student Handbook 2025-2026.