Public Health

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health at Purdue University West Lafayette is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for diverse careers in health promotion, disease prevention, health policy, and community health initiatives. This program offers a multidisciplinary curriculum that combines foundational sciences, social sciences, and practical applications to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex health issues at local, national, and global levels. Students will engage in coursework covering topics such as epidemiology, environmental health, health behavior, health policy and management, and social determinants of health, fostering a well-rounded understanding of public health challenges and solutions.

Throughout the program, students have opportunities to participate in hands-on learning experiences, including internships, research projects, and community outreach programs, which enhance their practical skills and professional development. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of cultural competence, ethical considerations, and evidence-based practice in developing effective public health interventions. Faculty members are committed to mentoring students and providing guidance tailored to individual interests and career aspirations, whether in health education, policy analysis, or healthcare administration.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Public Health program are prepared for entry-level positions within government agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare institutions, and private sector companies, or for graduate studies in public health, healthcare administration, and related fields. The program also fosters critical thinking, communication skills, and a commitment to health equity and social justice, empowering students to make meaningful contributions to improving population health and addressing health disparities worldwide. With a strong foundation in public health principles and a focus on practical application, this program aims to develop proactive, informed, and adaptable public health professionals ready to meet the evolving health needs of diverse communities.

Total Credits: 42

• 18 Core Credits
• 15 Concentration Credits
• 3 Practicum Credits
• 3 Elective Credits
• 3 Culminating Project Credits

MPH CORE COURSES

• STAT 503 – Statistical Methods for Biology
• HSCI 547 – Fundamentals of Epidemiology
• HSCI 575 – Introduction to Environmental Health
• HK 57601 - Theoretical Foundations of Health Behavior
• CSR 590 - Public Health Administration
• HK 621 - Introduction to Public Health

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CONCENTRATION COURSES

HEALTH STATISTICS CONCENTRATION COURSES

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY HEALTH CONCENTRATION COURSES

• Three letters of recommendation (at least two from academic sources)
• Personal goal statement
• GRE test scores (>290 combined, >3.5 analytical writing), MCAT (>504), or GMAT (>580)
• Official grade transcripts from previous educational institution(s)
• WES evaluations for all international transcripts is highly recommended
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 for students applying to the standalone and dual-degree tracks
• TOEFL scores (international students only) (>100 combined, >22 on all subscales; writing, speaking, reading, and listening)
• The application fee is $60 for domestic students and $75 for international students. Application fees can be paid via credit card online.

Scholarships

• HHS Outstanding Master’s Student Award
• Compton Graduate Student Research Travel Award
• CETA Award for Excellence in Teaching
• Graduate School Excellence in Teaching Award
• MAGS Distinguished Master's Thesis Award

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health at Purdue University is designed to prepare students for diverse careers in health promotion, disease prevention, health education, and healthcare management. The program emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of public health principles, including epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy and management, and social and behavioral sciences. Students gain foundational knowledge in examining health issues affecting populations and learn to develop, implement, and evaluate public health interventions.

The curriculum incorporates both theoretical and practical learning, with opportunities for internships, research projects, and community engagement. Purdue’s strong emphasis on experiential learning aims to equip students with real-world skills to address public health challenges effectively. The program also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating sciences, social sciences, and humanities to foster a holistic approach to health.

Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in government agencies, healthcare organizations, non-profit sectors, and private industry. Many alumni pursue advanced degrees in public health, medicine, or related fields. The program benefits from Purdue University’s extensive resources, including dedicated faculty members involved in public health research, and partnerships with local and national health organizations.

Students are encouraged to participate in various student organizations related to public health to enhance networking and professional development. The program also emphasizes the importance of ethical practice and cultural competence in public health work, preparing students to serve diverse populations responsibly and effectively.

Overall, Purdue’s Bachelor of Science in Public Health offers a rigorous academic experience combined with practical training. It aims to produce well-rounded graduates ready to make a positive impact on community health and contribute to the development of sustainable health solutions locally and globally.