Online Bachelor of Science in
Applied Science in Public Health

Why Study Public Health at YSU?

100% Online Program:  Balance Your Education with Real-Life Responsibilities

Accelerated 4+1 MPH Option: Earn Your Master’s in Just One Extra Year

Choose Your Concentration: Health Education, Environmental Health, or Generalist

Program Overview

Youngstown State University’s Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Public Health equips students to promote wellness, prevent disease, and protect communities through a flexible, fully online format. Designed for students balancing school with work and life responsibilities, the program combines convenience with a comprehensive public health education grounded in real-world application.

As a Public Health major, you’ll explore the five core areas of the fieldEpidemiology, Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Health Services Administration, and Behavioral Science/Health Education—developing the skills to understand, prevent, and respond to public health challenges in diverse settings. You’ll also have the opportunity to tailor your degree by selecting one of three concentrations:

  • Health Education: Design, implement, and evaluate programs that empower individuals and communities to adopt healthier behaviors.
  • Environmental Health: Investigate how environmental hazards can impact where we live and work and learn how to assess and manage environmental risks.
  • Generalist: Build a flexible, interdisciplinary experience by combining courses from both tracks to fit your unique interests and goals.

YSU also offers an accelerated 4+1 option, allowing students to complete their Master of Public Health (MPH) with just one additional year of study. This pathway helps you save time and money while preparing for leadership roles in public health practice, research, and policy.

Graduates of the program are well-prepared for a variety of entry-level roles in public health departments, nonprofit organizations, schools, wellness programs, research institutions, and environmental agencies. Whether your passion lies in community education, environmental protection, or shaping public health policy, this degree provides a strong foundation for creating healthier communities—and a healthier world.

Lauren Iagulli, Youngstown State University BSAS Public Health Program Director

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.