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).
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.
People
Minors
A minor or series of Guided Electives is required.
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.
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