Public health professionals focus on social determinants of health (SDOH), which are factors (e.g., policies, healthcare access, education, employment, income, race/ethnicity, gender, food availability, biological factors, etc.) that impact individual and community health. Public health professionals work with various communities partners (e.g, health departments, hospitals, community clinics, non-profit organizations, policy makers, etc.) to research diseases (epidemiology), investigate air and water quality (environmental health), evaluate healthcare policies and programs (policy evaluator), and analyze data (biostatistics) just to name a few possibilities. Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) will possess knowledge and skills necessary to prevent disease, prolong life, and promote health. Graduates will also have the skills to be leaders in their community where they can showcase their ability to describe data related to social determinants of health, determine interventions needed for various communities, and demonstrate the ability to collect, manage, and analyze data.
Program Highlights
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The program provides a flexible and challenging curriculum, providing students with different courses and assignments to explore and research their interest area in public health.
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The curriculum for the Public Health major incorporates rigorous coursework in epidemiology and biostatistics, social and behavioral aspects of health, the United states healthcare delivery system, healthcare ethics, the natural sciences, health policy, and environmental health issues, among other areas.
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The program provides students with courses in basic research methods necessary for assessment, analysis, communication, research, problem solving and critical thinking abilities in the emerging emphasis on evidence-based health care and public health.
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The program provides students with courses in basic research methods necessary for assessment, analysis, communication, research, problem solving and critical thinking abilities in the emerging emphasis on evidence-based health care and public health.
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Students will have the opportunity to gain practical public health exposure and mentoring in clinical, research, or community settings.
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Graduates may consider furthering their education with a Master of Public Health while others may pursue clinical programs (e.g., medicine, nursing, or physician assistant), occupational therapy, physical therapy, dental hygiene, etc.)
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Environmental/Health Scientists & Specialists
Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.
Social and Community Service Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.
Health Education Specialists
Provide and manage health education programs that help individuals, families, and their communities maximize and maintain healthy lifestyles. Use data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, and environments. May link health systems, health providers, insurers, and patients to address individual and population health needs. May serve as resource to assist individuals, other health professionals, or the community, and may administer fiscal resources for health education programs.
Requirements
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Students entering the Bachelor of Science in Public Health program in Public Health should meet the minimum university admission requirements Undergraduate Admission.
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ODU students who have completed all prerequisite courses with a C or better and meet the minimum cumulative GPA (2.00) requirement are admitted to the Bachelor of Science in Public Health Program. Transfer students may complete the prerequisite courses at another college or university but are responsible for having a transfer credit evaluation completed by the transfer evaluation unit in the Office of Admissions to determine that transfer courses are equivalent and acceptable to Old Dominion University requirements. Admission is conducted on a rolling basis.
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Students who have met all program admissions requirements will be referred by their advisor in the Health Sciences Advising Center/ODU Online Health Sciences advisor to the program director for major declaration, program admission, and assignment to a program advisor. For additional information on the curriculum or admission requirements, please contact: Program Director (bsph@odu.edu) or College of Health Sciences Advising Center (hsadvising@odu.edu).
Transfer
At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...
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Cost
Estimated rates for the 2024-25 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Ways to Save
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial Aid.
Scholarships
Dr. Deanne Shuman Endowed Scholarship in Public Health
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