How to choose a bachelor's in public health

Do you want to change your community (or the nation) by getting involved in public health? Pursuing a bachelor's degree in public health could be your first step toward a rewarding career.

Learn about what kinds of factors you should consider when trying to choose a bachelor's in public health program so that you can make the choice that works best for you.

Guide to choosing a bachelor's in public health degree program

Where you decide to attend school will greatly impact your learning experience and professional journey. When choosing a bachelor's in public health program, you should focus on several aspects.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a critical factor when choosing any degree program. Look for a school that's regionally accredited. You may also want to prioritize programs that are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Regional accreditation is vital, but the CEPH accreditation can be a nice bonus as long as the school checks all of your other boxes.

Accreditation ensures the program meets rigorous academic standards. Employers and graduate programs recognize accredited schools.

Cost and financial aid

Public health degree costs can vary widely. Compare tuition rates and make sure you consider additional fees like books, lodging, and food.

Online programs tend to be more affordable because you may have a lower tuition rate (often due to in-state tuition rates) and waived fees (such as campus fees). Additionally, public universities are usually cheaper than private institutions.

Once you determine how much your tuition will be, it's time to figure out how you'll pay for your program. Scholarships and grants can offset some of your expenses. You may also need to take out student loans to cover the remaining balance.

Program length and flexibility

A typical bachelor's degree in public health takes four years to complete if you are a brand-new college student. If you have transfer credits, you may be able to finish sooner.

There are some accelerated programs out there, but the course load is more rigorous. Make sure you have plenty of time to spend on your studies if you go the accelerated route.

If you are pressed for time or have to work through school, you should look for part-time or flexible programs. In this case, 100% online programs can be a great option, as they allow you to plan your study time and coursework around your schedule.

Student/teacher ratio

Student/teacher ratio is an important consideration if you plan on attending school in person. Smaller class sizes mean more personalized instruction and could lead to additional hands-on learning opportunities. On the other hand, if there are dozens of people in your class, it might be tougher to get one-on-one help with your studies.

If you are attending online classes, the student/teacher ratio may be able to get a little bigger before it becomes concerning. However, it still matters. If your instructor has 50+ students, they may be less responsive when replying to emails, answering questions, or grading assignments.

Extracurriculars, internships, and future education opportunities

If you want to attend school in person, it may be important to choose a university that offers certain extracurriculars. You want the full college experience, after all. Think about what interests you and check out each prospective program's list of extracurriculars. Some options you may encounter include intramural sports, clubs, and internship programs.

Internships in particular can play a large role in helping you get a foot in the door in your chosen field, from building experience to networking with helpful industry professionals. So may sure you check out your options for these opportunities to build real-world experience that can really help you break into your desired career.

Additionally, keep in mind that learning how to choose a bachelor's in public health also involves examining factors like prestige, the competitiveness of the admissions process, and future education opportunities. Especially if you eventually plan to attend graduate school as well, consider how the bachelor's program you enroll in can affect your path toward pursuing master's, doctorate, and other potential future degrees.

Explore bachelor's degrees in public health

Are you ready to begin your journey toward becoming a public health professional? Then check out edX's bachelor's in public health programs and get started today.