Public Health (B.S.)

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Public Health is the field of study focused on preventing illness and promoting health in individuals, communities and society as a whole. The Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree is designed to be flexible, and yet provide disciplinary breadth for students interested in an entry-level career or graduate studies in  public health. Students will take courses from a core program, and are suggested to select electives which best complement their specific area of interest in Public Health. Additionally, a minor might be recommended for students based on their specific area of interest.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Public Health major is to promote the health of populations locally, nationally and globally through an interdisciplinary education program. This program will ensure that the next generation of public health practitioners, researchers and leaders possess the diverse range of knowledge, skills and values necessary to advance the field the public health.  

Learning Outcomes

  1. Gain factual knowledge, analyze, and apply concepts in systems and services, biological and environment influences, promotion and protection of health, and policies and legislation.

  2. Apply the basic concepts of public health communication, including effective interpersonal, written, and oral presentation skills.

  3. Apply knowledge and ethical decision making in an appropriately supervised organizational setting.

  4. Engage in diverse and inclusive conversations that demonstrate knowledge of the intersectionality of environmental, social, cultural, economic, behavioral, biological and political factors influencing human health and identify opportunities for change.

  5. Demonstrate purpose and contribution in their personal, professional, and civic lives.

 

3+2 Accelerated Public Health Program

NWU and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Public Health have partnered to offer an accelerated path to a Master of Public Health (MPH). Through the 3+2 Undergraduate-to-MPH (U2MPH) program, students earn both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in five years, saving time and gaining a competitive edge in the public health field.

How the U2MPH Program Works

NWU undergraduate public health majors may apply to the U2MPH program after completing at least 81 undergraduate credits and earning a minimum GPA of 3.3.

Once admitted, students take up to 18 credit hours of graduate-level MPH courses online during their senior year. These credits apply toward both their NWU bachelor’s degree and the 42-credit MPH program.

MPH Concentration Areas

Choose from seven in-demand specialties:

  • Biostatistics
  • Emergency Preparedness
  • Epidemiology
  • Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Health Promotion
  • Maternal and Child Health
  • Public Health Administration and Policy

Public Health Major (50-54 hours)
Public Health Core17 hours
HHP 1320 Introduction to Allied Health1 hour
HHP 2250 The History of Public Health3 hours
HHP 3250 Health Services3 hours
HHP 4350 Public Health Studies I: Current Topics and Politics3 hours
HHP 4450 Public Health Studies II: Demographics, Geo-Spatial Mapping, Qualitative Research3 hours
HHP 3990 Professional Engagement1 hour
HHP 4970 Internship3 hours
HHP 4990 Senior Capstone1 hour
Statistics3-4 hours

Choose one:

 

 

3-4 hours

STEM Area15 hours
CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I/CHEM 1110L4 hours
BIO 1400FYW Introduction to Biological Inquiry4 hours
Additional natural science courses7  hours
Public Health Electives15 hours
Minimum of 3 hours must come from each area. Remaining elective may come from any area, with a minimum of 6 elective/supporting area credits taken at a 3000/4000 level. 

Area A: Policies and Systems (select from the following):

3 hours

Area B: Social and Environmental Health (select from the following):

3 hours

Area C: Health Promotion and Communication (select from the following):

3 hours
Additional Electives:
Select 5 hours of additional courses from the list above which may include IDS 1500 Introduction to Global Human Health; HHP 1260 Human Health and Wellness; HHP 2040 Stress and Disease Management; and/or HHP 2500 Basic Human Nutrition		5 hours