Bachelor of Science, Undergraduate Certificate

Public Health

Nursing & Healthcare
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Online Option

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Tuition Cost per Credit

Average Completion*

Improve Health. Strengthen Communities. Make an Impact.

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health at Athens State University prepares you to understand the factors that influence health and well-being across individuals, communities, and populations. You’ll develop knowledge in health promotion, disease prevention, community health, research, and health education while building the communication and critical-thinking skills needed to address today’s public health challenges.

Whether you want to promote healthier communities, support disease prevention initiatives, work in public health organizations, or continue your education in a health-related field, the Bachelor of Science in Public Health provides a versatile foundation for making a meaningful difference.

At Athens State, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to turn your interest in health into action that benefits others.

Program Overview

Public health is about looking beyond individual patients to understand the larger factors that shape the health of communities and populations. It focuses on preventing illness, promoting healthy behaviors, reducing health disparities, and creating conditions that help people live healthier lives.

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health provides an interdisciplinary approach to understanding these challenges. You’ll explore the biological, behavioral, social, environmental, and organizational factors that influence health while learning how public health professionals use research and evidence to develop effective solutions. The program prepares you to understand public health issues from both individual and community perspectives. You’ll learn how to communicate health information, evaluate data and research, develop health promotion strategies, and work with communities and organizations to address health needs.

With opportunities across government, healthcare, nonprofit organizations, community agencies, education, and other settings, public health offers a career path where your work can have an impact well beyond a single patient or workplace.

Your Career Advantage Starts Here

Public health professionals work in many different environments, helping individuals and communities prevent disease, promote wellness, and address the conditions that influence health.

Explore your career pathways with the Bachelor of Science in Public Health, including anticipated salaries, annual job growth, and even active job listings through the Career Concourse portal.

Related Careers

$72k

Health Services Manager Estimated Entry Salary

$101k

Health Services Manager Estimated Median Salary

Estimated salary and employment information based on labor market data provided by Career Concourse and is intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries and employment outcomes vary based on factors such as experience, location, industry, and employer and are not guaranteed upon degree completion.

Admissions & Aid

Athens State University provides an affordable and accessible path to a bachelor’s degree for transfer students, working adults, and others ready to advance their education.

Whether you’re transferring after completing an associate degree, returning to college to complete your bachelor’s degree, or already working in healthcare and looking to advance your career, Athens State can help you navigate the path forward.

Our Admissions & Aid team can help you understand admission requirements, transfer credit, financial aid, scholarships, and other resources available to help make your education more affordable.

Ready to take the next step? Explore your admission and financial aid options and discover how Athens State can help you reach your goals.

Why Choose This Program at Athens State?

Life doesn’t stop while you’re earning your degree. That’s why the Bachelor of Science in Public Health is offered entirely online, allowing you to complete coursework when it fits your schedule without sacrificing academic quality.

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Built for Today’s Professionals

You shouldn’t have to choose between advancing your education and advancing your career. Athens State’s degree programs are designed with working professionals in mind. Flexible learning options allow you to pursue your bachelor’s degree while continuing to meet your professional and personal commitments.

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Invest in Your Future The Smart Way

Athens State University is committed to providing an affordable, high-quality education. As Alabama’s most affordable public, state university, we give you the opportunity to earn a college degree while making a smart investment in your future, without unnecessary debt. Plus, our learning partnerships make a degree from Athens Sate even more accessible.

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Learn from Experienced Faculty

Our faculty combine academic excellence with real-world experience, bringing current industry practices into every course. At Athens State, you’re not facing the journey alone — our dedicated, knowledgeable faculty and staff walk alongside you each step of the way, providing personalized guidance and support.

Additional Information

Meet Jonathan

Student Stories

Meet Jonathan Owsley, a 2021 graduate from the College of Business. Owsley earned his Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management from Athens State University and has continued his education […]

– Jonathan Owsley

Meet Katelyn

Student Stories

Meet Katelyn Dooley, a 2023 graduate from the Athens State University Behavioral Science program and recipient of the Athena Scholarship Award. Dooley says through her studies she was strengthened personally […]

– Katelyn Dooley

Meet Rosalind

Student Stories

Meet Rosalind Powell, a graduate of the Athens State BEAR Program! Powell chose the Individualized Degree Program with an emphasis on Health Care Management and graduated in the Summer of […]

– Rosalind Powell

Meet Jodie

Student Stories

Meet Jodie Gray, whose story is wrought by courage, determination, and a refusal to let circumstances define her future. Growing up in government housing and facing hardships children shouldn’t have […]

– Jodie Gray

Our Faculty

Dr. Michael Behring Photo
Michael Behring, PhD
Assistant Professor of Public Health
College of Arts and Sciences
Founders Hall, Room F330

Michael Behring, PhD


*Average completion time varies by student and depends on prior credits
transferred to Athens State and the number of courses taken per semester.
Please consult with your Student Success Coach and faculty advisor for your personalized plan of study.