Public Health

The Bachelor of Public Health degree at the American University of Beirut is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to equip students with a solid foundation in the core principles and practices of public health. This multidisciplinary program emphasizes the importance of understanding the determinants of health, disease prevention, health promotion, and the promotion of overall well-being within diverse populations. Students will gain valuable insights into epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy and management, social and behavioral sciences, and global health issues. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing graduates to work effectively in a variety of health-related settings, including governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, healthcare institutions, and research organizations. The program also emphasizes critical thinking, research competencies, and ethical considerations in health practice, ensuring graduates are capable of addressing complex health challenges in Lebanon and the broader Middle East region, as well as globally. Through a combination of coursework, fieldwork, internships, and collaborative projects, students will develop a multidisciplinary understanding of how social, economic, environmental, and behavioral factors influence health outcomes. The program fosters leadership, communication, and analytical skills necessary for designing, implementing, and evaluating public health initiatives. Graduates of the Bachelor of Public Health program will be well-prepared to pursue advanced studies or careers dedicated to improving health equity, promoting healthy lifestyles, and developing evidence-based policies to reduce health disparities and improve public health systems. The university's diverse faculty, modern facilities, and strong connections with local and international health organizations provide an enriching environment for learning and professional development. This program ultimately aims to cultivate future public health leaders who are committed to advancing health and well-being in their communities and beyond.

The MPH curriculum includes three principal elements:
A. Core 
Core courses emphasize critical public health competencies. The specific core competency areas include: biostatistics, epidemiology, social and behavioral sciences, environmental health, health management and policy, research design and communication.

B. Concentration 
Concentration courses provide students with an opportunity to specialize in a chosen discipline of public health. 

An applicant is considered for admission to the MPH program if he/she meets the following minimum requirements, as defined in the AUB University Catalogue:

• Good academic record in undergraduate and graduate education.  
• Proficiency in English demonstrated by passing the University English Entrance Examination (EEE), or by achieving the minimum required score for TOEFL examination or IELTS.

Applicants to the program may be admitted under the following categories:

• Regular admission: if his or her average is at least 80, or its equivalent in the major field of study. When only a cumulative average is available, the applicant will qualify for regular admission if that average is 80 or more. 
• Admission on probation: if the major and cumulative average are between 75 and 80. When only a cumulative average is available, the applicant will qualify for this category if that average is between 75 and 80.

Opportunities for financial aid are available for qualified graduate students at FHS in the form of Graduate Assistantships (GA) and Graduate Scholarships, and other sources of funding such as research grants (when available).

The AUB Graduate Assistantship (GA)

Graduate assistantships cover partial or full tuition of the student in return for a specific number of work hours per week.  Recipients are selected on the basis of their academic record and departmental needs.FHS Graduate Scholarship.

FHS Graduate Scholarship

A limited number of partial or full scholarships are available for students from Lebanon and the Arab region interested in the MPH and MS programs at the Faculty of Health Sciences.  Full scholarships cover tuition and related academic expenses, travel to and from country of residence, and basic living expenses. Partial scholarships provide financial support for a range of these expenses.

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health at the American University of Beirut is designed to prepare students for careers in health promotion, disease prevention, health policy, and management within diverse communities. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers core areas such as epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy and administration, and behavioral sciences. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking and analytical skills necessary for assessing health issues and designing effective interventions. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating knowledge from social sciences, natural sciences, and health sciences to address complex public health challenges. Practical experience is a key component, with opportunities for internships, research projects, and collaborations with local health organizations. The faculty comprises experienced professionals and researchers dedicated to advancing public health knowledge and practice. Graduates of the program are equipped to work in governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, international health institutions, healthcare facilities, and research institutions. They can pursue careers in health education, policy analysis, program planning and evaluation, and health advocacy. The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect current trends and emerging issues in global and regional health. Students also have access to state-of-the-art facilities, libraries, and online resources to support their learning and research activities. The program aims to develop not only technical expertise but also to foster leadership, ethical responsibility, and cultural competence among students, preparing them to contribute effectively to public health initiatives locally and globally.