Bachelor of Science in Public Health

Public health is an exciting, diverse major that prepares you for work in fields that help individuals, communities and entire populations become healthier and safer.

You may choose to concentrate your studies in one of four focus areas:

  • Health Administration: Focuses on interpersonal and analytical skills, as well as business and health knowledge necessary for work as a health care or public health professional.
  • Environment and Health: Provides a strong background in biological and physical sciences and the ability to analyze complex situations.
  • Health Promotion: Focuses on communication skills and specialized training in techniques to promote healthy lifestyles, policies and environmental changes. This emphasis prepares you for work as a community health educator.
  • General Public Health: Provides a broad foundation in public health, while you also pursue a minor outside the program.

Extensive coursework and hands-on experience will give you the public health planning and information handling skills necessary for this diverse and ever-changing field. You’ll also be prepared to pursue graduate work.

Career opportunities are plentiful and include roles in hospitals, health care management organizations, local and state health departments, nursing homes, health care accrediting agencies and non-profit organizations. Our alumni work in a variety of capacities to:

  • Improve access to health care
  • Clean up environmentally contaminated sites
  • Make our streets and homes safe from violence
  • Advocate health programs for communities, including oral and respiratory health
  • Prevent and treat substance abuse
  • Assure the safety of our food supply
  • Plan quality health care for our elders
  • Manage the delivery of health services
  • Help clients change their health behaviors

Student Highlight

Meet Michael Amaya, who recently earned his a B.S. in Public Health and was highlighted in the NIU undergraduate commencement address.

Contact Us

Public Health
Wirtz Hall 209
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-1384
shs@niu.edu

We Are CHHS (PDF)

Back to top