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A female bachelor's in public health degree student standing on the University of the Cumberlands campus smiling.

Bachelor's Degree in Public Health

For you, it’s not enough to eat healthily and exercise. You feel called to help others improve and maintain their fitness – to educate, facilitate and motivate your friends, family, and community to a healthier lifestyle. A degree in public health can help you pursue that future.

 
 

Mission and Goals

The mission of the Public Health degree program at University of the Cumberlands is the improvement of health (physical, mental, emotional, social, occupational, and spiritual) through education. Public Health majors build strong academic foundations as they learn a variety of skills necessary to help others live healthier lives. Toward this purpose, emphasis is placed on preparing two types of professional personnel: competent teachers of health and competent health specialist in the public health field.

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Pursuing Your Public Health Degree

Fortunately, it’s a very good time – career-wise – to get into public health. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of health care occupations is projected to grow 16 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 2.3 million new jobs.

As you pursue your public health degree, you’ll study with caring, experienced faculty members who can help you tailor a program of study unique to your interests. You’ll learn the skills you need to help others live healthier lives, including the use of technology and communication skills. There are also on-site internship opportunities to help you further your skills in a specific field of interest.

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WHAT CAN I DO WITH A PUBLIC HEALTH DEGREE?

After earning your bachelor’s degree in Public Health, you’ll be prepared to pursue a number of public health occupations in local health departments, hospitals, health agencies, and more.

HEALTH EDUCATOR1

If your desire is to help people lead better, healthier lives, a public health degree can set you up for a number of careers serving the health and wellness needs of your community. And there’s a growing need for these professionals. In fact, jobs for health educators are expected to grow 11 percent over the next several years. Currently, the median annual salary for these public service health professionals is $48,860.

HUMAN SERVICE ASSISTANT2

Just want to get your foot in the door? From nursing homes to fitness training, a public service degree could also open doors to other related careers, including that of a caseworker or community coordinator. Job openings for Social and Human Service Assistants are projected to grow 17 percent by 2030 with a median salary of $37,610.

Or you could pursue a career outside of health or human services altogether. The insights you’ll gain will help you prepare for any job that requires critical thinking and people skills as well as a professional demeanor – from business to customer service to office work.

Or you could continue your studies in graduate school or for certification in a specific field. Career options include*: 

  • Public Health Educator
  • Community Health Worker
  • Health or Patient Educator
  • Nursing Home Activities Director
  • Nursing Home Administrator
  • Epidemiologist
  • Medical Transcriptionist
  • Medical Records Technician
  • Health and Safety Educator
  • Massage Therapist
  • Medical Equipment and Supply Representative
  • Pharmaceutical Sales
  • Tobacco Prevention Director
  • Environmentalist for Local Health Department
  • Substance Abuse Counselor
  • Health Promotion Specialist
  • Wellness Program Director
  • Worksite Health Promotion Manager

"17 Percent" Projected Growth Rate for Health Educators by 20301

1Health Educators
2Human Service Assistants

* Certification or additional training may be necessary for some positions.

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Publuc Health Degree Requirements 

Bachelor of Science with a Major in Public Health 

REQUIREMENTS FOR A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE WITH A MAJOR IN PUBLIC HEALTH – 33 semester hours as follows: 

Track 1: Internship Option 

Three hours of upper-level HLTH and/or HESS electives 

Track 2: Non-Internship Option 

Nine hours of upper-level HLTH, HESS and/or electives, or those approved by the Department Chair.

Note: If someone is double majoring (Public Health and Exercise and Sport Science), only the core classes can be duplicated between the majors. There should not be overlapped in elective class hours. 

Bachelor of Arts in Public Health 

Completion of the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree plus a world language through the intermediate level.

Minor in Public Health 

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN PUBLIC HEALTH – 24 semester hours as follows: 

Associate of Science in Public Health

REQUIREMENTS FOR AN ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN PUBLIC HEALTH – 18 semester hours as follows:

Three hours of upper-level HLTH and/or HESS electives, or those approved by the Department Chair.

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More Information on Public Health Major

TUITION

Costs for programs of study at University of the Cumberlands are competitive and affordable. Click here to view tuition rates and fees. 

ACCREDITATION 

Click here to view University of the Cumberlands' accreditation information. 

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Whatever future you choose to pursue, make sure you’re equipped to pursue it with a Public Health degree. Fill out the form on this page for more information about our public health major. Let’s talk about our test-optional college admissions process, scholarship opportunities, and more! 

Admissions Office

Contact Us

Phone:  606.539.4240
Toll-Free:  877.713.8767
Fax:  606.539.4303
Email:  admissions@ucumberlands.edu

Visit Us In Person

6178 College Station Drive
Williamsburg, KY 40769

Career Path

A University of the Cumberlands degree prepares you for the rigors of the professional world.  Click the button to learn more about the exciting career opportunities you can pursue with this program.