The Palmetto College Online Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health is issued by USC Beaufort, one of USC'S senior campuses.
Overview
Palmetto College's Bachelor of Science in Public Health prepares students for the multidisciplinary field of practice concerned with designing, implementing, and evaluating interventions that enable individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, to play active roles in achieving, protecting and sustaining the public's health.
The National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC), Inc. identifies seven areas of responsibility for health educators. The program is grounded in these seven areas and students will be prepared to sit for this optional certification exam.
Difference between B.A. and B.S. in Public Health
Students interested in the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree program receive more natural sciences in their curriculum which aims to prepare those students for further study of natural and environmental public health sciences, other clinical professions and entry-level public health professional positions.
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree emphasizes more cognates and minors outside of natural science to include areas such as Psychology, Nutrition, Anthropology, Sociology, Business, Computer Science, Education or Human Services as a few examples. Students have increased flexibility to build minors in their particular area of interest. The B.A. degree situates students for entry into social science-based graduate programs and entry-level public health professional positions.
Click here to view the curriculum.
Why should I complete a bachelor's degree in public health?
A variety of career paths for those holding a bachelor's degree in public health are available, including applying skills in schools, hospitals, health care facilities work places, communities, government and non-profit organizations worldwide. Graduates can also become health educators or community education specialists. As society continues to recognize the benefits of maintaining health, career opportunities are expected to grow.
Strategies to gain a career in Public Health
1. Develop strong public speaking and presentation skills.
2. Becoming familiar with grant writing techniques and submissions
3. Get credentialed as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)
4. Learn one or more languages
5. Study, volunteer or intern domestically and abroad
6. Participate in service learning projects, trips or missions domestically or
abroad
For more information on occupations and salary visit: www.bls.gov/ooh
Prerequisites & Requirements
In order for a student to be admitted to Palmetto College’s BS in Public Health degree program, students must have completed at least 45 credit hours and have a cumulative GPA of over 2.0. In addition:
- Both BIOL 243 and BIOL 244 (4 hours with lab) - Anatomy and Physiology I and II - must be successfully completed as per USCB requirements.
- At least 2 of the following courses must be successfully completed: ENGL 1101, ENGL 1102 and Lab Science (4 hours with lab; obviously not including BIOL 243 and BIOL 244).
- If 1 of ENGL 1101, ENGL 1102 and Lab Science is not successfully completed, only 1 other course (2 total) can be outstanding in the necessary coursework (not including free electives) in the first 2 years of the curriculum.
- If all 3 of ENGL 1101, ENGL 1102 and Lab Science are completed, then 3 courses can be outstanding in the necessary coursework (not including free electives) in the first 2 years of the curriculum.
If you haven't earned your hours or taken the program specific prerequisite courses yet, you can do so at any of our Palmetto College campuses statewide, or at any technical college. To find out if you're qualified to apply for this program, please contact a Palmetto College representative.
Program Length
If you’re a full-time student, the program should take about two years—the same as if you were attending class in-person. If you work, you may need to take a lighter course load. Talk to an advisor about how to balance Palmetto College classes with your schedule.
Ready to get started?
New terms begin six times per year. Follow the application instructions for this degree to start the enrollment process.
If you have questions or would like an unofficial pre-evaluation of your college work before applying please call, chat, or email us today! Our trained representatives can create a plan that takes into account your earned credits and your unique circumstances.