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Degree Overview

Bachelor of Science in Public Health

Dr. Claire Stigler - Program Director, Public Health
Dr. Claire Stigler, Program Director for Public Health.

Learn the practical skills needed for a public health professional* with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from South University. As part of the public health courses students take, the curriculum provides a broad general education, strong foundation in the human health and disease sciences, and core areas of public health. Students of the Public Health bachelor’s degree have an opportunity to develop the ability to apply core concepts to assess the health needs of diverse populations at the local, national and international levels, plan and evaluate programs, and communicate and advocate health promotion.

*South University does not promise or guarantee employment.

Please note: While you may be able to take some general education courses at this campus, all other courses, including specialized courses, will be taken online.

Admission Requirements

General Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

To be admitted to any of the undergraduate programs at South University, the prospective student must provide proof of high school graduation as recognized by the state of residence on the date the degree was earned, or the equivalent (e.g. GED with no single test score below 145 or numeric score equivalent to 2.0 on old version or state-issued certificate designated as the equivalent of a High School Diploma) with a minimum CGPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. The prospective student must also complete the university administered placement tests prior to the start of the first quarter for campus students and during the first session of attendance for online students. South University accepts the International Baccalaureate Program diploma as meeting the requirement for high school graduation. Credentials earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a NACES or AICE-member credential evaluation service. Please speak with an admissions representative for more information.

Students with less than the minimum CGPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale may meet admissions requirements by submitting a minimum combined SAT (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math) score of 700 or 900 on the old SAT, a combined ACT score of 18, or a satisfactory score on the university-administered admissions examination (see the Admissions Office) or meet the criteria established for acceptance as a transfer student.

Students with less than the minimum CGPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale may be admitted provisionally for two quarters. Failure to achieve a 1.5 CGPA in the first two quarters of attendance will result in dismissal. Students may appeal the dismissal by following the Procedures for Appealing Academic/Financial Aid Dismissal Policy.

To facilitate the admissions process, unofficial documentation, such as copies of transcripts or grade reports, may be used to determine admission status. Transfer status cannot be designated, however, without some verifying documentation. Admissions test scores on university administered entrance exams will not be accepted from other universities. Prospective students must take a University administered admission exam, like the Accuplacer, at South University.

A student’s failure to provide acceptable verification of proof of high school graduation within 5 weeks from the start date will result in the following:

  • Removal from class
  • Cancellation of enrollment
  • No final course grades
  • No transcript

NOTES: Students who do not provide proof of high school graduation within the 5 week period will not be responsible for any tuition and related fees.

South University may grant exceptions to the 5 week period for unusual situations or circumstances. All exceptions must be submitted to the office of the University Registrar for approval.

Please see the policy on GPA Calculation for Admission for additional information

Admission of Transfer Students

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

To be eligible for admission, transfer students must complete the application procedures and satisfy the following criteria:

  1. Submit a completed application for admission.
  2. Have earned 24 or more credit hours, or the equivalent (e.g. 16 semester hours), with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 from an acceptable accredited collegiate institution.
  3. Submit official transcripts (including verifiable faxed transcripts) from all colleges and universities attended.
  4. Submit self-certification of high school graduation or GED completion.

For transfer of credit practices refer to the applicable section under the Academic Affairs section of this catalog.

Transfer students accepted into South University who have earned 24 or more quarter credit hours or the equivalent (e.g. 16 semester hours), with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 from an acceptable accredited collegiate institution, and who are not required to take ENG0099 and/or MAT0099, will be exempt from taking the UVC1000 Strategies for Success. Students will select another 4 credit course in consultation with their Academic Advisor or Academic Counselor to fulfill the degree requirements.

Transfer students will be exempted from developmental courses on the basis of grades earned in credit bearing English or mathematics courses transferred to South University, if applicable, or SAT or ACT, or scores on the University administered entrance exam only if the exam was taken at South University.

Students with 24 or more quarter credits with less than a 2.0 GPA may be admitted provisionally for two quarters. Failure to achieve a 1.5 GPA in the first two quarters of attendance will result in dismissal. Students may appeal the dismissal by following the Procedures for Appealing Academic/Financial Aid Dismissal Policy.

Students who are citizens of countries other than the United States should refer to the section entitled International Student Admissions Policy.

Students who are transferring from or to a school within the University of North Carolina or the North Carolina Community College System should be aware of the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement approved by both governing Boards on March 1, 1996 and revised in September of 2008. This agreement may be found in its entirety at the following website.

For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here.

Career Outlook

Graduates are prepared to contribute to delivery of the essential services of public health in health agencies at the government or community-based level and in the private sector, continue to learn throughout their professional careers, and to pursue graduate study in public health and the health sciences.

Course Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Public Health: 182 Credits
Area I General Education Requirements: 68 Credits
Professional Development
Basic Communications
ENG1100 Composition I 4.0 Credit Hours
ENG1200 Composition II 4.0 Credit Hours
ENG1300 Composition III 4.0 Credit Hours

Choose one additional course from the list below:

Mathematics and Statistics
MAT1001 College Algebra I 4.0 Credit Hours
MAT1005 College Algebra II 4.0 Credit Hours
MAT2058 Statistics 4.0 Credit Hours
Natural Sciences

(must be taken concurrently)

(must be taken concurrently)

Social and Behavioral Sciences
Area II Major Foundation Requirements: 16 Credits
AHS1001 Medical Terminology 4.0 Credit Hours
CHM1010 General Chemistry 4.0 Credit Hours
NTR2050 Nutrition 4.0 Credit Hours
Area III Major Requirements: 98 Credits
Core
BIO1020 Biology I 4.0 Credit Hours

(BIO2070 and BIO2071 must be taken concurrently)

BIO1020 4.0 Credits
BIO2015 4.0 Credits
BIO3344 4.0 Credits
HCM2005 4.0 Credits
HSC2010 4.0 Credits
HSC3002 4.0 Credits
HSC4010 4.0 Credits
HSC4021 4.0 Credits
PHE2001 4.0 Credits
PHE3001 4.0 Credits
PHE3025 4.0 Credits
PHE3050 4.0 Credits
PHE3070 4.0 Credits
PHE4015 4.0 Credits
PHE4030 4.0 Credits
PHE4055 4.0 Credits
PHE4070 4.0 Credits
PHE4120 4.0 Credits
PHE4200 4.0 Credits
HSC2010 Medical Sociology 4.0 Credit Hours
HSC3002 Environmental Health 4.0 Credit Hours
PHE3050 Public Health Policy 4.0 Credit Hours
Elective Pool (16 credits):

Transfer students may transfer any course to help fulfill the elective pool requirements, provided the course meets the standards of the Credit for Transcripted and Non-transcripted Work policy found in the Academic Affairs section of this catalog.

Non-transfer students, with their advisor's consultation and approval may choose courses from any department recommended and listed course or more broadly from any course offered by South University. Work from other fields must include any required prerequisite courses in the elective field.

A course can be used to meet only one requirement in Area I, Area II, or Area III, but not simultaneously in two areas. Students should work with their academic advisor or counselor to be sure they are making appropriate course choices.

Outcomes

Offered at Austin, Columbia, Montgomery, Online Programs, Orlando, Richmond, Savannah, Tampa, Virginia Beach and West Palm Beach.

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and practical skills required of a public health professional and advocate for population health. The curriculum is designed to provide a broad general education, strong foundation in the human health and disease sciences, and core areas of public health. The curriculum aligns with the competencies expected of a public health practitioner by providing courses in health communication, health disparities, legal and ethical issues, management of public health systems, and policy and research. Students develop the ability to apply core concepts to assess the health needs of diverse populations at the local, national and international levels, plan and evaluate programs, and communicate and advocate health promotion. Graduates are prepared to contribute to delivery of the essential services of public health in health agencies at the government or community-based level and in the private sector, continue to learn throughout their professional careers, and to pursue graduate study in public health and the health sciences.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates should be able to:

  1. Explain the philosophy and essential services of public health at the local, state, national and global level.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to apply, evaluate and synthesize public health information including evidence-based practice and approaches.
  3. Compare governmental and non-governmental healthcare systems and public health initiatives in the United States and globally.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of health disparities and determinants of health in both healthcare settings and the community.
  5. Formulate approaches to planning, assessing, implementing and evaluating public health programs
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Campuses offer flexible learning formats* including: on-campus, virtual instructions, and online courses.

*Clinical, practicum, and externship requirements exist in certain programs and require field experiences. Learning formats may not be flexible.

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success stories

Outstanding Education for Remarkable Careers

We're committed to helping our graduates make impact in their professional and personal lives. We applaud our nursing alumni and the difference they make. Check out what some of our graduates have to say.

South University Public Health Alumni, David Robertson
David Robertson Grad Alumni
Class of '18
Bachelor of Science in Public Health-South University, Columbia

“Having a college degree has opened doors for me to not only have a stable job but to also obtain a career that I enjoy. I am proud to be able to work for communities in need and address health disparities. Read more ”

SU Master of Public Health Class of '20 Alumni Justin Jones
Justin Jones Grad Alumni
Class of '20
Master of Public Health-South University, Online Programs

“If you are looking for a program that allows you to balance a professional and family life while preparing you to be a leader in the Public Health field, then this is the program for you! ”

SU Class of '21 Master of Public Health Alumni Takishia Harper
Takishia Harper Grad Alumni
Class of '21
Master of Public Health-South University, Online Programs

“My experience was personalized and detailed to accommodate my lifestyle and needs. I am proud that I chose an educational facility that cared about me growing as a person and not only finishing my education but excelling. ”

SU Class of '20 ASAHS, BSPH and MPH Alumni Dedra Simmons
Dedra Simmons  Grad Alumni
Class of '20
Associate of Science in Allied Health Science, Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Master of Public Health-South University, Online Programs

“Being at South University has helped me establish professional connections and achieve my goals as a public health professional. I love public health because it allows me to help strengthen health facilities and organizations by promoting and protecting health equity for all. ”