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Online Degree Overview

Bachelor of Science in Public Health

Dr. Claire Stigler - Program Director, Public Health
Dr. Claire Stigler, Program Director for Public Health.
At South University, our Online Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree program can help you build the knowledge and practical skills to bolster the health of entire communities, regions, and even countries. In this online BS in Public Health program, you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to assess the health needs of diverse populations at the local, national, and international levels, to plan and evaluate programs, and to advocate health promotion. Your Public Health bachelor’s degree online courses will cover topics like health communication, health disparities, legal and ethical issues, public health system management, and policy and research.

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 in which a diploma was earned, with a minimum CGPA of 1.5 on a 4.0 scale within 5 weeks of the start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance). Students providing a GED must meet the minimum required test score deemed as passing in each section as required at the time of testing.

The prospective student must also complete the university administered placement tests within the first quarter of attendance. 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 1.49 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 SAT requiring an essay portion, a combined ACT score of 18, or meet the criteria established for acceptance as a transfer student.

Students with a CGPA between 1.49 to 1.0 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.

Students with less than a 1.0 on a 4.0 scale do not meet the admissions requirements for South University.

Acceptable verification of high school graduation or the equivalent would include a high school transcript (official or unofficial), or GED scores and state-authorized examination scores (ex. HiSET, TASC). In states that maintain a database that serves as an official registry of high school and GED graduates, an excerpt from the official database documenting the student's graduation or GED completion may be used.

Campuses in South Carolina must be provided with official high school transcripts or GED scores.

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

Conditional Acceptance

Students may be conditionally accepted by submitting unofficial copies of documentation required for the admission requirements. Conditional acceptance is allowed for 5 weeks beyond the start of the student’s first session. Failure to provide acceptable, official documentation, as stated in the admissions requirements, within 5 weeks from the start date will result in the following:

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

Students who do not provide acceptable documents for full, unconditional acceptance within the 5 week period will not be responsible for 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.

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 1.5 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.

To be admitted as a Transfer student into South University the prospective student must have earned 24 or more quarter credit hours or the equivalent (e.g. 16 semester hours), with a cumulative GPA of 1.5 from an acceptable accredited collegiate institution. Official transcripts from the collegiate institution(s) must be received within 5 weeks of the start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance), 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.

Students with 24 or more quarter credits with a CGPA of between 1.49 to 1.0 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.

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

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)

Arts and Humanities
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
Elective Pool (16 credits):

Choose four courses from the suggested electives:

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

Career Outlook

These are some of the career options* you can explore when you have earned your degree:

  • Medical and Health Services Supervisors/Managers
  • Community Health Workers
  • Medical Administrative or Office Staff

*South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.

Online Classroom

Haven’t experienced online learning before or wondering what it’s like to earn your degree online at South University? While the mode of learning is different from the traditional classroom experience with added convenience and flexibility, we hold the same high standards of academic excellence in the online classroom. 

South University’s online programs combine a curriculum designed for student outcomes and a classroom designed for flexibility and engagement. Our online classroom learning platform, Brightspace, provides you with a host of features to enhance your learning experience, including:

  • Advanced media content
  • Personalized navigation
  • Simplified online learning atmosphere
  • Access to digital books
  • Emailing and instant messaging options

We provide more than just an online classroom, bringing a range of campus experiences and services online. In addition, the online classroom is accessible on the go via mobile devices and with tools like the Pulse App. Pulse helps you stay connected and on track with your course by providing a number of features such as course calendars, readings and assignments, feedback and grades, and announcements.

Read more about online requirements here. 

Request Information

Fill out the form and a representative will contact you today to better understand your academic goals plus answer any questions you may have.

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.

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.”

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 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 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! ”

Gina Lugo
Gina Lugo Grad Alumni
Class of ’21 & ‘23
Bachelor of Science in Public Health & Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Healthcare Administration, South University, Tampa

“The teachers pushed me towards completion. They never doubted me on any level and accommodated my learning style.”