public health students in discussion

Public Health Education Degree

Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education (B.S.P.H.E.)

Educate the public about healthy practices to improve wellness and quality of life.

Study at North Dakota's only Public Health degree program. Graduate qualified to serve the public in community health clinics, hospitals, government agencies, schools, and other organizations.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
120

Why earn a public health degree?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

The Public Health Education program is based on a strong foundation in the health sciences, social sciences and psychology. You'll think critically and scientifically, while enhancing communication skills and leadership experiences with a focus on social justice. You will be exposed to the ethical principles of public health practice in your work with diverse populations.

Public health students experience:

  • Applied learning. All students complete a 12-credit internship, engage in service-learning projects, and are encouraged to participate in public health study abroad opportunities.
  • Flexibility and convenience. Earn your public health degree online or on-campus.
  • Opportunities for advancement. Earn both your undergraduate and graduate degrees at UND in just five years.

You'll study core areas of public health including:

  • Epidemiology
  • Biostatistics
  • Social and behavioral sciences
  • Health policy and management

You'll have the option to choose a path that allows you to serve the broader public or one that prepares you to teach health education in schools. Advanced skills in health communication may also prove beneficial to students with graduate and professional interests in medicine, nursing and allied health.

UND's Public Health Education Degree

  • Learn the principles of evidence-based public health and key elements such as health communications, health policy, law, and ethics.

  • Understand how community health programs are developed and implemented.

  • Apply skills and knowledge in a supervised internship and service-learning projects.

  • The major accommodates pre-professional students in areas such as pharmacy, optometry, medicine, and dentistry.

  • 100% of our graduates who apply to graduate school are accepted. 

  • Become eligible to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) Exam after completing the program. 

What can you do with a public health degree?

78K

Median salary for epidemiologists, 2021

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

27%

Job growth outlook for health educators and community health workers through 2032

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The value of public health educators to society has been highlighted significantly with the COVID-19 pandemic. As researchers and educators, we play a critical role in preparing the next generation of public health problem solvers. 

The B.S. in Public Health Education will allow you to pursue careers in:

  • Community, rural and global health
  • Environmental health
  • Epidemiology
  • Health informatics, economics and biostatistics
  • Health policy and health planning and assessment
  • Health promotion
  • Health services research
  • Maternal and child health
  • Nutrition
  • Public health education, including teaching health in schools
  • Wellness program management

Public health practitioners work in a variety of settings such as community health clinics, hospitals, community centers and nonprofit organizations. They also work in corporate and work site wellness programs.

Another career option is local or state health departments, or local parks and recreation departments that run health and wellness programs.

Public Health Degree Jobs

UND Public Health Education graduates have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • 2u, Inc.
  • Altru Health System
  • Centura Health Corporation
  • District Health Department
  • Essentia Health

Public Health Degree Skills

A Public Health Education degree gives you the strategic skills you need, including:

  • CPR
  • Data Collection and Analysis
  • Grant Writing
  • Project Management

Public Health Education Degree Courses

PHE 304. Health Program Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to prepare public health educators to plan, implement, and evaluate health education programs that are context sensitive, culturally relevant, and technologically appropriate to the setting, the population of potential learners, and the resources available. Additionally, concepts and theories essential to program evaluation are highlighted. Prerequisite: Public Health Education Major, PHE 101, and PHE 301. S.

PHE 307. Methods and Materials of Health Education. 3 Credits.

Principles and application of methodology for educating about health; learning styles; development of computer-generated learning materials; selection, utilization, and evaluation of resources. Prerequisite: PHE 101. F.

PHE 303. Organization and Administration of Community Health Programs. 3 Credits.

The purpose of this course is to provide the students with the basic principles of the organization and administration of health programs; leadership skills; grant writing. Prerequisite: PHE 101. S.

PHE 305. Research Methods in Kinesiology & Public Health Education. 3 Credits.

This course will engage students to understand and evaluate research in kinesiology and public health education. Quantitative and qualitative research methodology will be discussed. Prerequisite: Public Health Education or Kinesiology Major, PHE 101, and PHE 102. S.

PHE 415. Public Health Internship. 1-12 Credits.

A supervised practical experience designed to provide the student the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills learned through their public health coursework. Prerequisite: Public Health Education major, PHE 301,PHE 302, PHE 303, PHE 304, PHE 305, PHE 306, and PHE 307. Repeatable to 12.00 credits. S/U grading. F,S,SS.

PHE 306. Epidemiology and Biostatistics. 3 Credits.

An introduction to epidemiology and biostatistics in public health. Prerequisite: Public Health Education Major, PHE 101, PHE 102 and MATH 103. S.

Online Public Health Degree

9#

best online university in the nation

EDsmart

160+

online programs

Earn your Public Health Education degree from UND while you continue to live and work in your own community. The entire degree program is offered online. You’re not required to come to campus at any time.

Plus, all online Public Health Education students pay the same affordable online tuition rate regardless of their residency. This makes UND’s online Public Health degree one of the most affordable accredited programs in the nation.

UND is ranked as #16 for the Best Online Bachelor's Degree in Public Health by University HQ.

Flexible Online Public Health Degree Courses

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family, and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls, and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Top-Tier Online Public Health Education 

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on-campus student.

  • Same degree. All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes. You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction. You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor. As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring. We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching. Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access. Dig into virtual research from the Chester Fritz Library. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support. UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.

Best Online College

Reportedly high alumni salaries and job placement rates, coupled with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other non-profit universities in the upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Paysacle.com)

Leaders in Public Health

Madison Wahlen is a graduate from the Public Health Education program at UND, and is currently completing the requirements for a dual M.D. and Ph.D.

Read Madison's Story

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