Bachelor's in

Public Health
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Bachelor's in Public Health

About the Public Health Program

Public health is the science and art of promoting health, preventing disease, and prolonging lives of individuals and communities through organized efforts. SRU’s Public Health program emphasizes healthy lifestyles; multicultural health needs; research and advances in health; service learning; and use of the latest health-related computer technology. In this program, you’ll learn how to combine science skills and behavioral theories to maintain and improve the health of people in our current society. The dynamic and progressive public health curriculum at SRU gives you the knowledge and skills to meet the growing demand for competent health professionals. This program provides you with hands-on learning experiences, internship opportunities and the ability to be involved in health education activities through classwork and student organizations.

What Can I Do With a Public Health Degree?

You can help people choose healthy lifestyles, promote disease prevention, advocate for a healthy environment, or pursue a clinical career in a health care setting. Public health is a fast-growing field that constantly needs new professionals. You can go on to become a health and wellness promotion specialist, public health officer in a nonprofit or government agency, epidemiologist in a health department, health coach for a major insurance company, biostatistician, or a director of environmental health. The degree program also prepares students for professional studies to become a physician assistant, physical therapist, occupational therapist, nurse, or medical doctor. You will also be well-prepared to pursue advanced graduate degrees in public health, such as a Master of Public Health, a Doctor of Public Health or a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health.

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Why Choose a Public Health Degree?

  • Student-Centered Faculty
    You will be taught by full-time faculty members who truly value teaching and provide real-life examples of public health practice to enhance your learning experience.
  • Professional Networking Opportunities
    All public health majors are encouraged to join the SRU Collegiate Chapter of the Pennsylvania Public Health Association and attend monthly meetings that feature SRU alumni employed in a variety of health settings. The students have the opportunity to attend local, national and international conferences providing the invaluable opportunities for professional development, networking and exposure to the latest research and trends in the public health field.
  • Faculty-Student Research
    Faculty offer opportunities for students to collaborate on research and conduct presentations at professional conferences.
  • Community Service Learning
    Faculty have assignments for students to work in the community in a variety of settings to present at health fairs, host an Earth Day festival, and conduct presentations at local health agencies.
  • High Quality Internships
    At the conclusion of formal studies, public health majors complete a challenging internship that allows students to work on-site with leaders in public health agencies, including nonprofits, government, business and health care settings.
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Choosing the Public Health major was one of the best decisions I could have made. The major allowed me to learn about a broad scope of topics that I am passionate about. The faculty are very supportive and students in the major work hard and help each other succeed.

Kylie Feldbauer ‘23, Graduate Student
Physician Assistant Program, Marietta College

Public Health BS and Concentrations

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Health Science - Public Health, Bachelor of Science (BS)

Perfect for students looking for a degree that prepares them for a career that will allow them to make a difference in their community or graduate program. Public Health is more than just working in a doctor's office or hospital. Through this program, students discover the importance of staying healthy and how to relay that message to others.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Rehabilitation assistance

Health Science - Public Health, BS / Pre-Occupational Therapy (SRU) (3+3)

Provides a fast track for students to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and a Doctor of Occupational Therapy in just six years. The curriculum builds your professional competency by teaching you to assess, plan, and implement health promotion for individuals and communities while developing effective communication skills for interacting with clients and colleagues.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Rehabilitation assistance

Health Science - Public Health, BS / Pre-Occupational Therapy (SRU) (Traditional)

Provides a comprehensive four-year Bachelor of Science in Public Health, allowing you to build a deep and thorough foundation for your future career. The curriculum is designed to build your professional competency in assessing and implementing health promotion for communities, while honing your communication skills for effective interaction with both clients and other health professionals.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Physical therapist taping shoulder

Health Science - Public Health, BS / Pre-Physical Therapy (SRU) (3+3)

Provides a direct pathway to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and a Doctor of Physical Therapy in just six years. The curriculum builds your professional competency by teaching you to assess and implement health promotion for diverse communities while developing the effective communication skills needed to interact with patients and healthcare teams.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Physical therapist taping shoulder

Health Science - Public Health, BS / Pre-Physical Therapy (SRU) (Traditional)

Gives you a full four-year Bachelor of Science in Public Health, letting you build a deep foundation before applying to doctoral programs. You'll build your professional competency by learning to assess and implement health promotion for communities, while sharpening your communication skills for effective interaction with patients and colleagues.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Students in classroom

Health Science - Public Health, BS / Pre-Physician Assistant (SRU) (3+2)

Provides a direct pathway to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies in just five years. The curriculum builds your professional competency in assessing and implementing health promotion for diverse communities while developing the effective communication skills needed to interact with patients and healthcare teams.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Students in classroom

Health Science - Public Health, BS / Pre-Physician Assistant (SRU) (Traditional)

Provides a comprehensive four-year Bachelor of Science in Public Health, allowing you to build a deep and thorough foundation before applying to graduate school. The curriculum is designed to build your professional competency in assessing and implementing health promotion for diverse communities, while also developing the effective communication skills needed to interact with both patients and other healthcare professionals.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Students in lecture hall

Health Science - Public Health, BS / Public Health (SRU) (3+2)

Seamlessly connects the Bachelor of Health Science in Public Health with the Master of Public Health (MPH), enabling students to complete both degrees in five years, one year less than the traditional pathway. This innovative approach aligns with national workforce trends and enhances our institution’s academic offerings by equipping students with the multidisciplinary expertise demanded by today’s public health sector. Graduates will earn an MPH from our CEPH-accredited SRU program, opening doors to expanded career opportunities.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide


Career Outcomes

While many students will continue their education after earning their bachelor’s degree, graduates of the department have secured careers in the following areas:

  • Public Health Policy Specialist, Allegheny County Health Department
  • Public Health Educator, Pennsylvania Department of Health
  • Associate Fraud Analyst, Highmark, Inc.
  • Physical Therapist, Wise Physical Therapy, Inc.
  • Epidemiologist, Ohio Department of Health
  • CEO, Concordia Lutheran Services
  • Occupational Therapist, Akron Children’s Hospital
  • Physician Assistant, VA Long Beach Health Care System
  • Researcher, University of Pittsburgh Diabetes Institute
  • Professor of Kinesiology, Marshall University

Internship Opportunities

Our students have completed internships at various locations including:

  • Keystone Wellness Programs, Evans City, PA
  • Pennsylvania Department of Health, Harrisburg, PA
  • UPMC Children’s Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA
  • UPMC Magee-Women’s Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA
  • Special Supplement Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, available throughout Pennsylvania
  • Allegheny County Health Department, Pittsburgh, PA
  • Highmark, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA
  • Beaver County Heart and Cancer Association, Monaca, PA
  • Fayette County Community Action Agency, Uniontown, PA

Clubs & Organizations

  • SRU Collegiate Chapter of the Pennsylvania Public Health Association
  • Public Health Student Advisory Board
  • Pre-Physician Assistant Club
  • Pre-Occupational Therapy Association
  • Pre-Physical Therapy Club

Resources

From application tips to academic information and support, we provide the guidance and tools you need to start strong and stay on track. Our resources are here to help you make the most of your SRU experience.

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