Public Health

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health at Virginia Tech is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for a wide range of careers dedicated to improving the health and well-being of communities. This program offers students a robust foundation in the core disciplines of public health, including epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy and management, and social and behavioral sciences. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, practical experiences, and research opportunities, students develop essential skills to analyze health issues, design effective interventions, and promote health equity across diverse populations. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, critical thinking, and evidence-based practices to equip graduates with the knowledge necessary to address complex public health challenges. Students have access to cutting-edge laboratories, community engagement projects, internships, and collaborations with health agencies, providing real-world exposure and professional networking opportunities. Additionally, Virginia Tech’s public health program fosters a global perspective, preparing students to work in diverse settings and contribute to international health initiatives. Graduates of the program are well-positioned for careers in public health agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare systems, research institutions, and policy development, or to continue their education in graduate or professional schools. The program also emphasizes ethical practices, cultural competence, and leadership skills, ensuring students are prepared to become effective advocates and innovators in the field of public health. With a dedicated faculty committed to student success and community impact, the Bachelor of Science in Public Health at Virginia Tech offers an engaging and transformative educational experience for aspiring public health professionals.

The Master of Public Health degree program is a 42-credit professional program grounded in a set of competencies in five core discipline areas (Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Health Administration, and Health Behavior) as well as a set of professional interdisciplinary cross-cutting competency domains. Students enroll in one of two concentrations: Public Health Education and Infectious Disease.

Concentrations

• Public Health Education Concentration
• Infectious Disease Concentration

Courses

• PHS 5004 (VM 5004) - Fundamentals Public Health
• PHS 5014 (VM 7014) - Environmental Health
• PHS 5024 - Epidemiology
• PHS 5025 - Epi & Quant Meth Publ Hlth
• PHS 5026 - Epi & Quant Meth Publ Hlth
• PHS 5034 - Health Behavior and Health Education
• PHS 5044 (HNFE 5694) - Public Health Administration
• PHS 5204 - Principles of Community Health Education
• PHS 5214 (HNFE 5684) - Program Development in Health Education
• PHS 5244 (HD 5244) (WGS 5244) - Sexual Health and Human Rights
• PHS 5254 - Social Epidemiology and Health Inequities
• PHS 5304 (VM 7304) - Zoonoses and Infectious Diseases Common to Humans and Animals
• PHS 5314 (VM 7314) - Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• PHS 5324 - Pub Hlth Infect Contrl & Prev
• PHS 5334 - Principles of Infectious Diseases
• PHS 5354 - Modeling Infectious Diseases
• PHS 5504 - Epidemiolgy and Biostatistics in Public Health for Veterinarians
• PHS 5644 (HD 5644) - Program Evaluation
• PHS 5714 - Health of the Elderly
• PHS 5834 - Public Health Seminar
• PHS 5904 - Project and Report
• PHS 5914 - Practicum in Public Health
• PHS 5924 - Capstone in Public Health
• PHS 5934 - MPH Professional Preparation
• PHS 5974 - Independent Study
• PHS 5984 - Special Study

• Transcripts. Include a scanned copy of your college transcripts with your online application, then arrange for an official copy to be sent to us after you receive an offer of admission.
• Letters of Recommendation. Check to see whether your department requires letters of recommendation from references. If so, you can include their email addresses in your online application, or have them send paper copies directly to your program’s department.
• Application Fees. Degree-seeking students must include a $75 fee with their application, though check to see if you qualify for a waiver or reduced fee.
• TOEFL Paper 550.0, Computer 213.0, iBT 80.0
• GRE General Test 
• Minimum GPA: 3.0
• Institution code: 5859

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

• University Scholarships
• Global Education
• Assistantships

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health at Virginia Tech is designed to prepare students for diverse careers in the field of public health, engaging them in a comprehensive curriculum that covers fundamental concepts of health promotion, disease prevention, epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, and health policy. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, combining principles from social sciences, biological sciences, and policy analysis to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex health issues at local, national, and global levels. Students have the opportunity to explore various specialization areas such as community health, environmental health, and health policy and administration, allowing for tailored academic experiences aligned with individual career goals.

The program includes coursework that fosters critical thinking, data analysis, and effective communication, which are essential for successful public health practice. In addition to classroom learning, students are encouraged to participate in internships, service learning projects, and research initiatives. These practical experiences enable students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, collaborate with health organizations, and develop professional networks. The curriculum is periodically reviewed and updated to reflect current public health challenges and emerging trends, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to improving population health outcomes.

Virginia Tech also provides numerous resources for public health students, including access to cutting-edge laboratories, partnerships with health agencies, and involvement in student organizations dedicated to health advocacy and community service. The university’s strategic location in Virginia offers proximity to various health departments and organizations, creating additional opportunities for experiential learning. Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to pursue advanced studies in public health or related fields such as medicine, epidemiology, or public policy. They can seek employment in government agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare providers, research institutes, or private sector companies focused on health promotion and disease prevention initiatives. The program’s goal is to develop competent, ethical, and innovative public health professionals committed to making a positive impact on society.