If you already have your associate’s or bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college and are interested in studying the principles and practice of public health, our Advanced Start Bachelor of Science in Public Health program is for you. It may also help you pursue graduate studies* sooner by allowing you to complete your Bachelor of Science in Public Health in as little as two years.†

Protecting and improving the health and wellness of people—particularly the most vulnerable, such as children and seniors—could be a rewarding, opportunity-rich career path. America’s public health system has an increasing need‡ for educated professionals with the knowledge and skills to confront community health issues, collect and analyze health data, and create plans that promote healthier lifestyles and environments.

Program Highlights

The Kaplan University Advanced Start Bachelor of Science in Public Health could help prepare you to serve as a public health professional or as an advocate for the development of healthy individuals, organizations, and communities. The program is designed to help you:

• Understand the principles and practice of public health, including pathophysiology (how diseases alter normal body functions), microbiology, epidemiology (the study of infectious diseases), biostatistics, and health variations among population groups.
• Conduct research and inquiries in public health settings using the scientific method, critical thinking, and problem solving.
• Study to gain skills and knowledge to impart the principles of healthy living to individuals and groups.
• Design public health education programs for a variety of populations.
• Study the forces that impact the health delivery system and learn effective health care management techniques.
• Achieve the professional, ethical, and legal standards necessary for leadership in the public health industry.

A Fast Track to a Master’s Degree

Students enrolled in Kaplan University’s Bachelor of Science in Public Health can choose to complete the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Public Health-to-Master of Public Health option. Designed for high-potential undergraduate students interested in earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree, the accelerated option allows you to work toward your Bachelor of Science in Public Health while simultaneously completing up to two core courses in the Master of Public Health. If you successfully complete these courses with a minimum course grade, and have applied and been accepted to the Kaplan University Master of Public Health, you will have an additional three graduate courses waived and enter a shortened version of the master’s degree program.

The accelerated option allows you to earn your Kaplan University Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Master of Public Health at a faster pace and lower cost than completing each degree separately.

Qualification for the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Public Health-to-Master of Public Health option is subject to eligibility requirements. Please contact an Admissions Advisor for more information.

Associate's/Bachelor's Degree Requirements Prerequisite Requirements Core Requirements Major Requirements Open Elective Requirements Total Program Requirements

Courses Credits Comparable Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree* 90 *Comparability is determined by a course-by-course examination of the prior associate’s or bachelor’s degree against the core requirements of a Kaplan University associate’s degree. Courses Credits Health Care Administration Introduction to Public Health Health Disparity Courses Credits Arts and Humanities Course 6 Physical Science Course 6 Social Science Course 6 Courses Credits Research Methods for Health Sciences 6 Epidemiology and Biostatistics 6 Microbiology 6 Environmental Health 6 Finance for Health Care 6 Public Health Law 6 Introduction to Disaster Management and Emergency Preparedness 6 Major Electives 12 Bachelor’s Capstone in Public Health 6 Courses Credits Open Electives* 12 *Eligible students who choose to complete the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Public Health-to-Master of Public Health option will take up to two graduate-level courses in addition to selected undergraduate electives. Total Program Requirements 90

With an Advanced Start Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Kaplan University, you may be prepared to pursue a wide range of health care positions such as public health program specialist and coordinator, emergency response coordinator, policy analyst, information specialist, community outreach worker, educator, researcher, patient advocate, and more.§ You may also have a solid foundation for the pursuit of graduate-level degrees.*

*While many of Kaplan University's degree programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue continued graduate- or doctorate-level education, the University cannot guarantee that students will be granted admission to any graduate or doctoral programs.

†Speak to an Admissions Advisor or refer to our University Catalog for our Transfer of Credit policy.

‡Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Medical and Health Services Managers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos014.htm. These employment projections are provided for informational purposes only. Long-term projections are not intended to predict short-term changes in employment demand due to the current economy.

§This program is designed to prepare graduates to pursue employment in the field, or for jobs in related fields, the specific job titles of which may not be represented in the program title. Although the University will assist students with job placement, finding a job is the individual responsibility of the student. The University does not guarantee that any student will be placed in any particular job, or at all.