Public Health

Public Health at Slippery Rock University offers students a comprehensive education designed to prepare them for diverse careers in health promotion, disease prevention, health policy, and community health initiatives. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, analytical skills, and a broad understanding of factors that influence health outcomes across populations. Students will engage in coursework that covers topics such as epidemiology, environmental health, health education, health policy and management, biostatistics, and community health assessment. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical application through fieldwork, internships, and research projects, enabling students to gain real-world experience in various public health settings.

The program aims to foster a strong foundation in the core concepts of public health while encouraging students to become proactive health advocates and leaders within their communities. Emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration, the degree prepares graduates to work effectively with diverse populations, policymakers, healthcare providers, and public health organizations. The degree also offers pathways for students interested in graduate study or professional certifications, providing a well-rounded education aligned with industry standards and best practices.

Students in the program will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including faculty who are experts in their fields and are dedicated to mentoring students both academically and professionally. Graduates of the Public Health program at Slippery Rock University will be equipped to pursue careers in local, state, and federal health agencies, non-profit organizations, research institutions, and healthcare providers. Whether aiming to improve health outcomes through policy development, community engagement, or program implementation, students will graduate with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to make a significant impact on public health.

Detailed Course Facts

• English

Course Content

• MATH 152 - Elementary Statistics I Credits: 3
• BIOL 216 - Anatomy and Physiology/Lab Credits: 3
• BIOL 217 - Anatomy and Physiology/Lab Credits: 3
• CHEM 104 - Introduction Chemistry I Credits: 3

• or CHEM107, General Chemistry I Credits / Units: 3

Requirements for the Major

Major Requirements

• BIOL 210 - Medical Microbiology/Lab Credits: 3
• HLTH 103 - Health and Behavior Change Credits: 3
• HLTH 210 - Introduction to Public Health Credits: 3
• HLTH 301 - Introduction to Health Education Credits: 3
• HLTH 309 - Introduction to the Study of Disease Credits: 3
• HLTH 310 - Environmental Health Credits: 3
• HLTH 311 - International Health Credits: 3
• HLTH 312 - Data Management for Health Science Credits: 3
• HLTH 313 - Biostatistics Credits: 3
• HLTH 314 - Nutrition and Health Credits: 3
• HLTH 406 - Program Planning and Evaluation Credits: 3
• HLTH 410 - Epidemiology Credits: 3
• HLTH 440 - Public Health Seminar Credits: 3
• HLTH 450 - Internship Credits: Up to 12

Internship Required:

Cumulative GPA of 2.500 and program GPA of 2.500 required for internship assignments, which are during the summer.
Internship requirements are available from the Department of Public Health and Social Work.

Choose 3 Courses from the following:

• COMM 307 - Social Media Credits: 3
• HLTH 211 - Women's Health Issues Credits: 3
• HLTH 316 - Human Sexuality Credits: 3
• GERO 414 - Death and Dying Credits: 3
• HLTH 424 - Nutrition and Exercise Credits: 3
• HCAM 230 - The US Healthcare System Credits: 3
• HCAM 335 - Current Topics in Health Care Credits: 3
• PSYC 276 - Introduction to Abnormal Psychology Credits: 3
• PSYC 344 - Developmental Psychology Credits: 3

Students in the Public Health program are subject to the University retention criteria.

Requirements

Slippery Rock University has a strong commitment to student success, and we thoroughly research the academic background of the students who tend to succeed at SRU. We use this information to establish admission guidelines for first year students (new freshmen). We are seeking students who have attained at least a 3.0 GPA at the time of admission, have demonstrated proficiency in college preparatory coursework, and who have average to above average scores on the SAT or ACT. We will accept either test and use the best scores available. Offers of admission for new freshmen from high school may be made as soon as August following their junior year in high school. High school admitted students are required to submit proof of high school graduation in the form of Official Transcripts upon high school graduation.

In order to apply for admission, the following credentials are required:

• Official High School Transcripts, including a 12th Grade class schedule if applicable

• SAT or ACT Scores

• $30.00 application fee

WAIT LIST: Applicants who do not meet the admission guidelines are still encouraged to apply for admission if they are close to our admission guidelines. Such applicants may be placed on a wait list for admission consideration. Students who are placed on a wait list need to understand it is not the same as being denied admission. Wait list status simply means that an applicant's credentials may require a closer review beyond just the quantitative numbers. Offers of admission will be made to wait listed applicants on regular intervals.

Wait listed applicants should strive to improve their grades and/or test scores and re-submit them to the Office of Admissions as soon as is practical after the next marking period or re-test. Periodic review of the wait list will likely begin in November and offers of admission made on a rolling basis. Our goal is to have most of the wait list offers of admission made in March or April. A final round of wait list offers may be made in mid-May on a space available basis. We encourage students to submit additional information if it improves the academic record.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Slippery Rock University.

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health at Slippery Rock University is designed to prepare students for careers in various health-related fields by providing a comprehensive understanding of health sciences, community health, epidemiology, health promotion, and health policy. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating concepts from biology, sociology, psychology, and environmental health to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve health outcomes and promote healthy behaviors within diverse populations. Students in the program have opportunities for experiential learning through internships, service projects, and community engagement activities, which enable them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. The curriculum typically includes courses in health education, health administration, research methods, and public health ethics, ensuring students gain both theoretical understanding and practical expertise. The program aims to develop competencies in health communication, program planning and evaluation, and cultural competence, preparing graduates for roles in health departments, non-profit organizations, healthcare facilities, and private sectors. Furthermore, the program may offer pathways for students interested in pursuing graduate studies in public health, health administration, or related fields. Slippery Rock University’s location and its partnerships with local health agencies provide students with unique opportunities for networking and professional development. Faculty members are experts in their respective fields, committed to mentoring students and fostering an environment of learning and innovation. Overall, the public health program at Slippery Rock University seeks to produce competent, compassionate, and socially responsible health professionals dedicated to making a positive impact on community health and well-being across diverse populations.