Top 10 Online Bachelor’s Degree Public Health Programs

Masters in Public Health Degrees - Top Online Programs

Click here for high resolution badge
Are you interested in contributing to the advancement of quality of life for people in your community, country or world? Earning an online bachelor’s degree in public health can give you the tools you need to make the impact you want. This article provides a list of ten programs that offer online public health bachelor’s degrees. Earning your bachelor’s degree does not have to take place in a traditional classroom setting. The public health online option provides a lot of flexibility.  When pursuing an online degree, you can work from home, and the location of the school does not need to be a factor. Also, you are able to continue with your current job and lifestyle, while at the same time doing the work to earn a degree.  A bachelor’s in public health online degree can prepare you for a career in a variety of settings. Graduates may work in public health agencies, research, public health education or program planning, to name a few. Students can develop a strong foundation in public health. This will prepare them for work as a public health professional, or  to go on to further their education in graduate school. Do you want to start earning your degree to make a difference in public health and you need a flexible format?  If so, then one of these ten online bachelor’s programs in public health may be a good fit for you.

  • #1 University of Arizona
  • #2 Kent State University at Kent
  • #3 California Baptist University
  • #4 Rivier University
  • #5 Brigham Young University-Idaho
  • #6 Southern New Hampshire University
  • #7 Monroe University
  • #8 University of North Carolina at Greensboro
  • #9 Northern Arizona University
  • #10 Delaware State University

The methodology for ranking these online programs was based on graduation rates, retention rates, and CEPH accreditation. The initial pool of programs was developed from the college navigator website. All data for rates and accreditation was gathered from the college navigator website.  Reported tuition costs were taken from there, as well. Prospective students should communicate with a program of interest in to confirm current tuition costs.

#10 Delaware State University
Online Public Health, BS

In State Tuition $7,868
Out of State Tuition $16,904

School Profile

Students can earn a bachelor degree in public health online through Delaware State University. Students have the opportunity to gain many important skills.  These include program planning, implementation and evaluation, policy analysis, research, and management. Students who engage in learning these skills in school are being prepared for careers in the public health field. Graduates may be eligible for careers in public health agencies, worksite health promotion offices, and HIV prevention, among other opportunities. Students in the DSU online public health BS program will take part in a senior capstone project. They will also complete a twelve credit practicum experience in the public health field. The Delaware State University online public health BS program provides students the opportunity to gain practical skills for future careers in the public health field.

#9 Northern Arizona University
Online Public Health, Bachelor of Science

In State Tuition $11,059
Out of State Tuition $24,841

School Profile

Northern Arizona University offers an online option for students who want to earn a bachelor of science in public health. The NAU public health online program gives students the opportunity to prepare for various job options in the public health. They will also be well prepared for graduate school, if they choose to go that route. The program curriculum has a focus on community health promotion. It also maintains a broad public health education that students can apply to a variety of areas within the realm of public health. Students can prepare for career opportunities as a health educator, prevention program coordinator, researcher or emergency response planner by earning a public health online degree at NAU. Graduates who wish to pursue graduate school can earn a solid public health education at NAU. Students in the NAU public health program will have the chance to show their public health knowledge and apply many concepts and principles specified by the program into the public health field. Students can earn a public health education online and contribute to the public health field in many ways. Check out their website to learn more.

#8 University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Online Public Health, BS

In State Tuition $7,250
Out of S

tate Tuition $22,409

School Profile

UNCG provides students with an opportunity to earn a bachelor of science in public health.  This can be done while learning in an online format. A public health professional work in a variety of areas to promote health and prevent disease. The UNCG online public health program offers students a basic education in the core areas of public health. The program has a focus on educating students on addressing health disparities. The professors are not only skilled educators, but are also recognized in their workplace. This practical connection between education and the workplace brings real world elements to the courses. The same professors who teach on campus are also the professors who teach the online courses. This program is a great fit for those who are looking to be an influence in the area of public health in their communities. Earning a BS in public health at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro can prepare you for influential public health opportunities.  It can also prepare you for graduate school, if you so choose.

#7 Monroe College
Online Bachelor’s in Public Health Degree

Tuition $14,976

School Profile

Monroe College provides an affordable online bachelor’s in public health program. This online program gives students an opportunity to gain public health skills.  They will also have the opportunity to have a positive impact on their community. Public health professionals often collaborate with other health care workers to make a difference when it comes to issues important to the community.  These might be issues such as chronic disease, environmental hazards and substance abuse. The online public health program at Monroe College educates students to develop public health skills. This includes data collection, as well as analyzing and program implementation and evaluation. The public health program at Monroe College is project-based. This unique approach gives students a practical hands-on education. Students who have graduated from the public health program at Monroe College have gone on to work as health educators, patient advocates, researchers, consultants and more. Check out their website to learn more about the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in public health online at Monroe College.

#6 Southern New Hampshire University
Online Bachelor of Public Health Degree

Tuition $31,136

School Profile

If you have a personal mission to protect the health of populations and improve quality of life, earning your public health degree may give you the tools to do that. SNMU provides an excellent online bachelor’s of health degree.   This online degree offers students convenience, efficiency, flexibility and affordability. SNHU offers flexibility for students looking to transfer in some previously earned credits.  Additionally, online students may qualify for financial aid. SNHU offers U.S. service members and their spouses significant financial discounts. The SNHU online public health program provides a solid education in biological and social sciences.  This includes various courses in anatomy, physiology, as well as statistics. The SNHU public health program also emphasizes program planning, assessment and evaluation.  This is all done with an evidence-based approach. The online public health program includes courses that educate students to be able to understand public health, healthcare administration and healthcare delivery. Students can expect to take courses in epidemiology, research, program planning, and healthcare law, to name a few. Career opportunities vary and may include hospitals, non-profit organizations, and health departments. With an anticipated need for public health professionals in the future, earning your bachelor’s degree in public health from SNHU can prepare you for great employment opportunities. It can also give you the tools you need to make a positive impact. Check out the SNHU website for more information about admissions, curriculum, tuition, career opportunities and program expectations.

#5 Brigham Young University-Idaho
Online Public Health, BS

Tuition $4,018

School Profile

BYU Idaho can help students gain the skills needed to impact the public health field. Students can earn a bachelor of science in public health at Brigham Young University.  This 120-credit program can be completed entirely online. The program teaches students to plan, put in place, administer and manage health education. The online public health degree also prepares students to assess health education needs, assets and capacity for health education. The National Committee on Health Education Credentialing, Inc. offers a Certified Health Education Specialist examination that students can sit for with program completion. Graduates of the BYU Idaho online public health program can pursue careers in health education. They also have options to work as research coordinators, epidemiologists or international health specialists, to name a few. Online and on-campus courses are both based on the same learning objectives.  The online courses allow for frequent interaction between students and the instructor.  This  makes the online option just as attractive as the in-person option. Prospective students can check out the admissions requirements and apply for the next available semester on the website.  They are then ready to begin pursuing the online bachelor’s in public health degree.

#4 Rivier University
Online Public Health, BS

Tuition $31,090

School Profile

Earning a B.S. in public health online from Rivier University can give you the tools to impact public health issues at a variety of different levels. It also gives you the option to go on to pursue graduate school. Rivier University is a Catholic institution that values education for the whole person, including mind, body and spirit. Rivier University is committed to helping students reach academic and professional goals. The online program is flexible, convenient and works with students’ individual schedules. Career opportunities can include public health services, environmental services, social and public policy, government agencies or nonprofit organizations. Rivier University reports statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics that there is growing needs for community health educators. Students have the option to enter the program at multiple starting dates each year.  Additionally, Rivier University offers great options for credit transfer. Program completion is estimated to take between two and four years.  You can begin your Rivier University application on their website today.

#3 California Baptist University
Online Bachelor of Science in Public Health

Tuition $32,256

School Profile

CBU has a clear mission for the bachelor of science in public health program. Their mission is to prepare students as they develop professionally into effective, innovative and ethical health care leaders. The online CBU public health program curriculum teaches the core public health disciplines.  These include epidemiology, biostatistics, behavioral science, environmental and occupational health, and health education. A public health professional is often involved in a variety of challenges. These can include chronic conditions, infectious disease, aging populations, disaster preparedness and tobacco and substance abuse. Earning an online public health degree from CBU can prepare graduates with all the skills and knowledge needed for employment opportunities. Public health employment can involve grant writing, program planning and evaluation, research, and disaster preparedness. Graduates will also have a foundation for graduate studies. They will also be eligible to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist exam. The CBU public health program clearly states an understanding of the relationship between environment, physical, psychological, economic, social and spiritual elements as contributors to public health.  California Baptist University prioritizes integrating a Christian perspective into health and wellness.

#2 Kent State University at Kent
Online Public Health, BS

In State Tuition $10,012
Out of State Tuition $18,544

School Profile

Kent State University offers one of the top online degrees in public health. Prospective students can plan to gain knowledge and skills in the five core public health disciplines in the Kent State online undergraduate public health degree. Education involves learning about healthcare systems, public health concerns, and environmental threats. Public health careers may involve public health departments, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, insurance companies, wellness centers, and family planning clinics.  Kent State is a great option, as it offers several public health degree options online. There are four bachelor of science in public health programs available. These include health services administration, health promotion and education, allied health and clinical trials research. Each of these can be completed online.  The College of Public Health at Kent State also has study abroad opportunities. Learning about public health overseas will give students a unique perspective.  It gives the opportunity to see the impact of public health from a global perspective. The Kent State program is CEPH-accredited.

#1 University of Arizona
Online Public Health, BS

In State Tuition $11,877
Out of State Tuition $35,307

School Profile

The University of Arizona provides a bachelor of science in public health program that students can complete in an entirely online format. The program uses the principles of public health to help students understand health and disease.  It also provides foundational education on public health principles and practice. Students participate in a field experience which provides a practical connection between the classroom and the necessary skills for the field. The online program offers the same education from the on-campus professors in a more flexible format. An online public health degree  from the University of Arizona can give you the tools to impact quality of life for all types of people. The UA online BS in public health has the advantage of being CEPH-accredited. UA is committed to helping students reach their goals, whether on-campus and online students. Online students have resources to help them succeed. These include tutoring support, enrollment team, student liaison, orientation to the online classroom, librarian support and more. Students can pursue their goals with flexibility, support and resources in University of Arizona’s bachelor of public health degree program.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) for Online Public Health Degrees

What is public health?

The American Public Health Association defines public health as something that “promotes and protects the health of people and the communities where they live, learn, work and play.” Public health workers are involved in the quality of life, disease prevention and health promotion.  When pursuing a career in public health, it is good to realize that your options are broad and varied.  There are many choices when it comes to who you work with, as well as the kind of work that you do. Public health professionals can work on a community and local level or a national and global level. Public health jobs can be found in small companies and corporations,  but can also be found in almost any government, from local to federal. Jobs in the public health field involve education, research and program implementation and evaluation. Public health impacts everyone, and its professionals work to protect and promote the well being of everyone. 

What kind of person would do well in the public health field?

Even though your job description as a public health worker can vary greatly, there are some qualities that are good for anyone who hopes to have a successful career in the public health field.  First of all, a public health worker needs to have good communication skills. So much of their job involves working with other people, as well as getting through their ideas and plans to the public at large. To succeed in implementing good public health policies, people need to be able understand clearly what the message is that you want to get across. They also need to want to follow you.  Clear communication will take you a long way when it comes to these goals.  It is also important to be able to easily adapt to different cultures.  Different people groups face different challenges. With that in mind, adaptability is important so as to understand the public health challenges facing a particular people group.  When you understand this well, you will then be able to help come up with a lasting solution.  It is also very important to have strong analytical skills.  Public health officials must observe, analyze, and respond with an appropriate solution. Problem solving skills will be in advantage for any public health official who is working to better the quality of life for the people around them. 

How is the job outlook for the public health field?

Pursuing a job in public health is a wise choice, as the job outlook is arguably one of the best for any field. Improving the health of individuals and communities remains one of the top priorities for everyone – both for the public and for those in leadership. It will continue to be necessary to have educated, prepared professionals to help lead the way.  No matter where you look, you will find the projection for jobs in the field of public health to be quite good. It’s important to note that the higher education you receive, the more opportunities there will be. Be sure to check out some of the best masters in biostatistics online programs if you’re interested in continuing your education post graduation.

How do prospective students know what degree to pursue?

It can be difficult for prospective students to choose a degree. One of the most helpful ways to learn about a career is to shadow someone already in the field. Reaching out to a local health agency or community center may put you in contact with a public health professional who can let you shadow them. Another great way to learn about a field is to meet professors and current students in the program you are interested in. If you are interested in online programs, you can reach out to the school and talk with a professor who can answer questions about the program. Some universities and colleges also have student representatives who can talk with prospective students. This will give the opportunity for more insight into the program from firsthand experience. Thinking about your own areas of interest, as well as your personal strengths and weaknesses can, aid you as you choose a specific lane of public health to pursue.

What is CEPH accreditation?

The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) is a private agency that has a vision to ‘’assure excellence in public health education for a healthier world.” CEPH is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and “assures quality in public health education and training”. Choosing to study at a school with a CEPH accreditation can be an important step in finding the perfect public health job for you. 

How long will a public health program take to complete?

Program length varies and depends on how many courses students take at a time. Full time programs will be completed considerably quicker than part time programs. Typically, bachelor’s degree programs can be completed within four years, but some of the online programs can be completed faster. If you have any previous credits that can be transferred in, that will also decrease the amount of time needed to complete a degree. Contact your school of interest for timelines and plans of study that match your needed timeline. 

How much will a bachelor’s degree in public health cost?

Tuition costs listed above are the figures posted on College Navigator and are posted for comparison purposes. Schools may offer financial aid opportunities, even for online students.  There are also scholarships and benefits for those in the military. There are also often significant discounts if you choose a school located within your state of residence. The flexibility of online education may create an opportunity for students to work while taking classes. Additionally, studying online eliminates the need to spend money on room and board.  This expense can often be one of the most expensive elements of a college education. 

What career opportunities are available after graduation?

Graduates may be eligible for employment in health agencies, research or public health education. Most of the program websites provide information about career opportunities students can expect after graduation. Some programs require a capstone project or field experience prior to graduation. These projects and experiences can help students gain insight into their public health career.  They also give them the opportunity to network and build professional relationships.  Many jobs like their candidates to have some experience in the field. They may need to deal with issues like disaster response, educational programs related to health or public health outcomes. With that in mind, it is a good idea to keep your eyes open for opportunities to gain experience working in public health.  This can often be done while at the same time studying and earning a degree.

How long will the program take?

The length of online bachelor’s degree programs varies and depends on how many courses students take at a time. Typically bachelor’s programs can be completed within four years, but some of the online programs can be completed faster. Contact your school of interest for timelines and plans of study that match your needed timeline.

How much will a bachelor’s in public health degree cost?

Tuition costs listed above are the figures posted on College Navigator and are posted for comparison purposes. Schools may offer financial aid opportunities, scholarships and benefits for those in the military. The flexibility of online education may create an opportunity for students to work while taking classes.

By Erin Padden RN, BSN.

Erin graduated from Cedarville University in 2012 with a BSN. She currently works in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania while pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice at Thomas Jefferson University (an online/hybrid program).

Other public health degree rankings:

This concludes our ranking of the best online bachelor’s in public health degrees.