Online Bachelor of Science in
Applied Science in Public Health

Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Public Health

Program Overview

Create a Healthier World With a Public Health Degree

Build communities that cultivate healthy habits. Prevent disease and sickness before they happen. Shape safe workplace environments.  Discover the power of a Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Public Health from Youngstown State University. Our four-year online public health degree is designed to build a broad-based understanding of key areas in the field.  As a Public Health major, you’ll gain expertise in in the five fundamental areas of public health, including epidemiology biostatistics, health services administration, environmental health, and behavioral science/health education. This diverse knowledge will empower you to make a significant impact on health outcomes and create a healthier world for all.  You’ll also have the option to specialize your career by choosing one of three concentrations. Additionally, you can earn your Master of Public Health—which includes an optional nutritional specialization—with just one extra year of study through our accelerated 4+1 program. 

Environmental Health Concentration

Our Environmental Health Concentration focuses on the concept of health protection, including the control of biological, chemical, and physical hazards to aid in disease prevention. You’ll learn to examine, analyze, and manage environmental hazards that negatively impact public health. By scrutinizing air, soil, and water quality, you’ll play an instrumental role in mitigating risks and crafting healthier environments for future generations. 

Generalist Concentration

Our Generalist Concentration provides a well-rounded public health degree—allowing you the flexibility to select a combination of courses from both the Health Education and Environmental Health tracks. You’ll be empowered to create an experience that best fits your interests and schedule while meeting all of the program requirements. 

Health Education Concentration

Our Health Education Concentration gives you the knowledge, tools, and skills to promote health and prevent disease within communities. As a health education professional, you’ll develop, implement, and evaluate programs across diverse populations—focusing on improving public health through knowledge, health behaviors, and community efforts. Our online public health degree program provides the flexibility to learn anywhere, anytime—placing a premium education experience at your fingertips.  

Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s in Public Health 

Seamlessly transition your undergraduate public health degree to a Master of Public Health with our accelerated 4+1 program. Begin your master’s coursework while completing your Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Public Health, reducing the overall time and cost spent on your education. Whether you want to educate communities on healthy behaviors or safeguard environmental health, this program will pave the way to advanced career opportunities in public health. 

Your Journey Starts at Youngstown State University

Accelerate your goals with our online Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Public Health. Leader in affordability and employed quality, Youngstown State University invites you to broaden your reach in public health, shaping healthier communities. Contact us today. Your journey towards a rewarding public health career starts here.

Speak to a Faculty Member
Lauren Iagulli
Program Director
lmiagulli01@ysu.edu

“The Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Public Health degree helped me explore various career options in the field and allowed me to have the flexibility of working while completing the program online. The program also prepared me for working in the social service field and for my current role as an ongoing caseworker for Columbiana County Job and Family Services in the Children Services Department.”
Alexis Smith
Alumni, 2021

Why Earn Your Public Health Degree at YSU?

Whether you’re pursuing a healthcare career for the first time, building advanced knowledge and skills, or venturing into a new career path, YSU’s Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Public Health provides you with the tools, techniques, and flexibility to thrive. As a Public Health major, you’ll benefit from: 

  • Hands-on experiences during your studies. You’ll complete an internship during your senior year with a local health department or agency. 
  • Faculty with strong connections in the community. The expert instructors in our online public health degree program frequently work with local health departments, bringing diverse expertise to the classroom from areas such as healthcare, nonprofits, emergency management services, and environmental health. 
  • Preparation to become a certified professional. Our Public Health major can help you become a Certified Health Education Specialist. This certification, provided by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, is awarded to individuals who meet the requirements and pass the certification exam. 

What can you do with a public health degree?

Academic, public, private, or nonprofit sectors, wherever they go, our Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Public Health graduates are well-equipped to make significant contributions in numerous roles. 

This includes Certified Health Education Specialists, who can expect to find opportunities in community health organizations, government, healthcare facilities, and sanitarians, who commonly work in government agencies, conducting crucial health inspections to promote public health. 

Our public health degree alumni are now working with: 

  • Businesses and corporations 
  • Local, state, and federal governments 
  • Nonprofit organizations 
  • Schools and universities 

Many of our graduates also go on to pursue master’s degrees in public health or health and human services. No matter your path, know that you’re entering an ever-growing profession. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of health educators is projected to grow 7 percent over the next decade, solidifying the demand for these specialized skills. 

Public Health Major: What You'll Study

Start Your Public Health Journey at YSU

YSU’s public health degree program readies you for a successful career assessing individual and community public health needs, managing health education and promotion programs, conducting health inspections, and more. As a Public Health major, you’ll take coursework in subjects such as: 

  • Agents of Mass Casualty 
  • Crisis Management in Public Health 
  • Topics in Public Health  

 

Explore Our Public Health Curriculum

Learn how to build healthy and happy communities with YSU’s Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Public Health. You’ll gain the broad-based expertise to thrive in an ever-growing profession. Begin your path today toward a rewarding career in public health.  

Scholarships Available

Each year, thousands of dollars in scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in the Bitonte College of Health and Human Services (BCHHS). Scholarships come from a variety of sources, vary in amount, and are available to both incoming and current students.