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Appalachian State University

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Public Health (BS)

About

The Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health is designed to prepare students to work in diverse public health settings and/or to matriculate into graduate programs for public health or health sciences. Our students are trained to help populations and communities improve their health through behavior change. They are also prepared to lead interventions and social action through community and coalition building, the promotion of environmental and systems change, and advocacy for inclusion of health in all public policies.

Certifications available to students completing this degree include the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing Inc., the Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist certification from the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Physical Activity Society, and Health Coaching (offered through numerous organizations).

More information

After Graduation

Employment: Students earning this degree will have the competencies needed to provide leadership in local and state public health agencies, nonprofit agencies, worksite health promotion and wellness programs, college and university student wellness departments, and in health education within fitness, medical, and hospital settings.

Graduate School: Students can pursue graduate degrees in public health, public administration and policy, nursing and numerous other fields.

Career Exploration website

People

  • Student Profile: Emma Swarts
    Student Profile: Emma Swarts

    “The faculty and staff in the Department of Public Health… have all been great mentors and supportive throughout my entire academic career.”

    – Emma Swarts ’21, who is attending Emory University for her Master of Public Health degree

  • Student Profile: Caroline Pruitt
    Student Profile: Caroline Pruitt

    As a wellness peer educator on campus, senior public health major Caroline Pruitt works to spread the good news about wellness and how fellow students can take better care of themselves.

  • Alumna Profile: Morgan Ledford ’17
    Alumna Profile: Morgan Ledford ’17

    "There are so many great things that I can say about the Public Health program at App State. The most valuable experience was completing an internship at the end of the coursework.”

    – Morgan Ledford, positive parenting implementation coordinator at AppHealthCare

  • Faculty Profile: Dr. Adam Hege
    Faculty Profile: Dr. Adam Hege

    “Each and every class session, I seek to come in with enthusiasm about the day’s topic, and I really want to inspire (students) on their journey…as they transition into their future occupation or graduate studies.” 

    – Dr. Adam Hege

    Meet more faculty

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide

    – click on the pdf for your major

  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Minors

A minor or series of Guided Electives is required.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

Public Health Club - a student organization open to Public Health majors and other students interested in promoting health in society; it focuses on health-related services to the university and the surrounding community, professional development and camaraderie among members.

AMWHO Club - Appalachian chapter of the American Mock World Health Organization.

Admission Requirements

A cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required for both declaration of this major and for graduation.

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Why Appalachian?

  • Appalachian’s Public Health students learn to understand human health from a socioecological framework, identify health-related needs of communities and implement interventions to improve the health and well-being of populations.
  • The student-run Public Health Club focuses on health-related services to the university and the surrounding community, professional development and camaraderie among members.
  • A required internship further enhances academic preparation and practical experience. The most common sites are public health departments, followed by community health agencies, hospitals or other worksites. The internship is often a stepping stone to full-time employment.
  • Students have opportunities to conduct research alongside their professors and contribute to finding innovative solutions for regional and national problems. They also publish in academic journals and present their findings at professional conferences.
  • Faculty in the Public Health program and in the Department of Public Health and Exercise Science are nationally and internationally known researchers who are also expert teachers.

Location

Boone and Hickory*

*The Hickory Campus location is pending accreditation from SACSCOC for this program. Accreditation is expected in summer 2023.

Careers

* Graduate training required

  • Health Educator
  • Health Director/Administrator
  • Biostatistician
  • Epidemiologist
  • Program Coordinator/Manager
  • Program Evaluator
  • Environmental Health Specialist
  • Policy Analyst
  • Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
  • Health Risk Evaluator
  • Hospital Administrator*
  • Infection Control Practitioner
  • Public Health Social Worker*
  • Public Health Nutritionist*
  • Program Coordinator/Manager
  • Program Evaluator
  • Public Health Nurse or Physician*

View other career possibilities

Contacts

Beaver College of Health Sciences

Department of Public Health and Exercise Science

Dr. Adam Hege
Program Director
hegeba@appstate.edu
828-262-7102

  • Department of Public Health and Exercise Science

    The Department of Public Health and Exercise Science in Appalachian State University’s Beaver College of Health Sciences delivers student-centered education that is accentuated by quality teaching, scholarly activity and service. The department includes two undergraduate academic disciplines: exercise science and public health. The department also offers two master’s degrees: athletic training, which leads to professional licensure, and exercise science, which prepares students for advanced study in a variety of related fields as well as research. Learn more at phes.appstate.edu.

  • Beaver College of Health Sciences

    The Beaver College of Health Sciences opened in 2010 as the result of an Appalachian commitment to significantly enhance the health and quality of life for individuals, families and communities in North Carolina and beyond.

    Exciting, Growing Career Fields

    • Nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs are in fields recognized as growing “faster than average for all occupations” by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics
    • Currently over 3,700 students pursue degrees in 16 undergraduate and graduate programs
    • Students who graduate are successfully prepared for a variety of general and advanced careers in health care

    Real-World Training and Experience

    • Programs emphasize coursework, research and clinical outreach with a dedication to cultivating life-long learners and practical skills for the field
    • Internships, field experiences and clinical placements in real-world settings in the community and surrounding areas ensure students are prepared to meet existing and future health-related workforce needs, particularly in rural areas
    • Interprofessional and collaborative research between students and faculty gives students unparalleled experience in working together with other health and wellness professionals
    • Research opportunities alongside over 150 nationally and internationally trained faculty mean students have opportunities to contribute to finding innovative solutions to regional and national problems in their field

    Advanced Laboratories and Facilities

    • Over 20 laboratories and additional locations for simulated research and applied laboratory training experience
    • Partnerships and opportunities with the Wake Forest Physician Assistant Program
    • The new Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences that opened in the fall 2018 with innovative classrooms and state-of-the-art labs
    • Continued main campus connection through the Holmes Convocation Center, which houses the RMPE Department and the Advising Satellite Office

Appalachian Cares

It's up to me|us

Appalachian Cares is a place to find resources and support available for our students faculty and staff regarding student health and safety.

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