Online Associate's Degree in Public Health

Want to make a real difference in the lives of the people you care about? Your family and friends? Your community? At University of the Cumberlands, our award-winning Associate of Science in Public Health can give you the comprehensive education you need to get your foot in the door of a community service or public health organization … and be the difference!

• Mission and Goals
• What can I do with a Online Public Health Degree?
• Degree Requirements for Online Associate of Public Health Degree
• More Information on Online Associate of Public Degree

Mission and Goals 

The Online Associate of Science in Public Health degree program is designed to give students the tools they need to pursue a wide variety of careers in community service and health-related fields, from recreation centers to public health facilities. The purpose of the Health, Exercise and Sport Science (HESS) Department is to develop competent professionals who are able to integrate content knowledge and practical application skills appropriate to the setting. These professionals will learn effective analytical, evaluative, management, and communication skills to successfully navigate diverse situations.

Upon completion of this online entry-level public health degree program, graduates will be able to:

• Further your studies with a four-year degree program
• Meet requirements for professional positions in the field of public health
• Effectively communicate competence related to HESS content

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WHAT CAN I DO WITH A Online PUBLIC HEALTH DEGREE?

Your Associate Degree in Public Health, coupled with relevant experience and a solid foundation of communication and professional skills, should give you the foundation you need to pursue a number of careers in relevant health and community service areas, including:

HEALTH EDUCATORS²

This public health degree program will give you the skills you need to help others adopt healthy behaviors in their lives. In 2019, its median annual pay came in at a healthy $46,910 per year. Recently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) merged growth projections for this field along with Community Health Workers (see below) for an overall demand of 11 percent by 2028 for these qualified professionals.

COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS³

Take that same skill set to a neighborhood level in social service as a Community Health Consultant or a Public Health Educator. These professionals provide informal health counseling, advocate for health needs for the community and even offer first aid or blood pressure screening. As of 2019, these professionals earned a median salary of $40,360 per year.

CAREERS

Coupled with relevant experience and a solid foundation of communication and professional skills, an Online Associate Degree in Public Health from University of the Cumberlands should give you the foundation you need to pursue a number of careers, including:

• Health Promotion Specialist
• Public Health Educator
• Community Health Education Coordinator
• Education Coordinator
• Nutrition Director
• Community Nutrition Educator
• Director of Wellness Programs

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of health educators and community health workers is projected to add more than 21,100 new jobs by 2030.

Degree Requirements in Online Associate of Public Health Degree

The curriculum for this specialized degree program covers essential Public Health issues, including:

• Nutrition
• Substance Abuse
• Public Health Administration
• Community Health
• And more

Plus, you’ll study with a caring faculty of industry experts who know how to help you tailor the best online associate’s degree program to fit your interests and career goals. As you build a strong academic foundation through your community-oriented degree, you will learn a variety of skills necessary to help individuals live healthier lives, including the use of technology and communication skills.

General Education Areas 

• Christian Faith
• Writing Competence
• Mathematics
• Science
• History
• Culture
• Aesthetic Appreciation
• Social and Professional Awareness

Bachelor Core Requirements 

The following concentration core coursework totaling 18 semester hours is also required:

• HESS333 Nutrition
• HESS430 Substance Abuse
• HLTH130 Foundations of Health Science
• HLTH335 Introduction to the Study of Disease
• HLTH431 Public Health Administration
• HLTH432 Community and Environmental Health

Elective Courses 

Elective courses will make up the remainder of the degree program’s requirements for a total of 61 credit hours. Students may choose from any of the courses offered within UCumberlands Online for their electives. If a course has a pre-requisite, as long as the student meets the requirements and has not previously taken it, the class may be taken for credit. Elective choices are vast and not limited to the degree.

As part of the University of the Cumberlands’ associate degree requirements, each student must complete at least 61 semester hours, including those within the public health major and the coursework required to fulfill the degree requirements.

• 31 semester hours required in the sections of General Education
• 18 semester hours required in Bachelor Core Requirements
• 12 semester hours required from Elective Courses

A minimum grade of “C” is required for all courses in the major. 

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More Information on Online Associate in Public Health Degree 

Admission Requirements 

If you're wanting to learn more about the admission requirements for an Associate in Public Health Degree, check out our admission requirements page. 

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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When you’re ready to be the difference, make sure you’re equipped to be successful with an Online Public Health Degree. Discover why University of the Cumberlands is one of the best test-optional colleges in KY for your degree-seeking educational dreams. Fill out the form on this page for more information about this online associate’s degree program.