Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Health

An online bachelor’s in public health can help students prepare for careers focused on disease prevention, health education, community wellness, health policy, environmental health, epidemiology, and population health. Unlike a clinical degree, a public health degree usually focuses on improving health outcomes across communities rather than diagnosing or treating individual patients.

This guide ranks U.S. online bachelor’s-level public health programs that are clearly offered online and lead to a bachelor’s degree in public health, a public health major, or a closely aligned public health-focused bachelor’s degree. School websites were used to verify program details.

Ranking Methodology

Programs were ranked using a combination of public health relevance, online flexibility, institutional profile, affordability signals, transfer-friendliness, curriculum depth, and usefulness for students who may want to work in public health or continue into graduate study.

Factors considered include:

Whether the program is available online
Whether the degree is clearly focused on public health
Coursework in epidemiology, health behavior, environmental health, health policy, health promotion, and public health practice
Applied learning, internship, practicum, or capstone requirements
Suitability for transfer students and working adults
Public, nonprofit, or mission-driven institutional structure where relevant
Cost transparency and affordability signals
Usefulness as preparation for entry-level public health roles or graduate study

Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Health Programs

Rank	School	Degree	Format	Best For
1	Oregon State University	B.S. in Public Health	Online	Students who want a public university program with strong applied public health coursework
2	Western Governors University	B.S. in Public Health	Online	Working adults who want a competency-based online public health degree
3	Arizona State University	B.S. in Public Health	Online	Students who want a large online university with broad student support
4	University of Arizona	B.S. in Public Health	Online	Students interested in prevention, population health, and public health science
5	University of Cincinnati	B.S. in Public Health	Online	Students who want a structured online public health major from a public research university
6	Kent State University	B.S. in Public Health	Online	Students who want a public health degree from a university with a college of public health
7	Old Dominion University	B.S. in Public Health	Online	Transfer students and working adults who want a public university option
8	University of West Florida	B.S. in Public Health	Online	Students seeking a public university option with public health-focused coursework
9	Eastern Kentucky University	B.S. in Public Health	Online	Students who want a career-focused online public health program from a public university
10	Northern Arizona University	B.S. in Public Health	Online	Students looking for a flexible public university pathway
11	Excelsior University	B.S. in Public Health	Online	Adult learners and transfer students who want a flexible completion pathway
12	National University	B.S. in Public Health	Online	Adult learners who want accelerated course formats
13	Southern New Hampshire University	B.S. in Public Health	Online	Students who want flexible terms, transfer-friendly policies, and broad online support
14	Purdue Global	B.S. in Public Health	Online	Career-focused adult learners who want an applied online public health program
15	Walden University	B.S. in Public Health	Online	Students who want flexible online study with public health-focused coursework
16	American Public University	B.S. in Public Health	Online	Military-affiliated students and working adults seeking a fully online program
17	Grand Canyon University	B.S. in Public Health	Online and campus	Students who want a Christian university with an online public health option
18	Liberty University	B.S. in Public Health	Online	Students who want a Christian online university with a public health focus

1. Oregon State University

Oregon State University earns the top spot because its online B.S. in Public Health offers a strong combination of public university credibility, applied learning, and broad public health coursework. The program is designed for students who want to study population health, prevention, health promotion, environmental health, health systems, and community health.

This public health major is a strong fit for students who want a traditional Bachelor of Science in Public Health rather than a broader health sciences degree. Students can use the degree to prepare for entry-level public health work, community health roles, nonprofit health programs, health education, or future graduate study.

Oregon State is especially appealing for students who want an online public health degree that still feels connected to a traditional public university academic environment.

2. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is one of the strongest options for working adults who want an online bachelor’s in public health. WGU uses a competency-based model, which means students progress by demonstrating mastery of course material rather than only following a traditional semester-by-semester schedule.

This can be a major advantage for students who already have healthcare, public service, military, nonprofit, or community health experience. The program may also be attractive to students who want predictable tuition and the ability to move faster when they already understand a topic.

WGU’s B.S. in Public Health is a practical choice for students who want a flexible degree in public health with coursework connected to population health, prevention, health systems, public health practice, and community wellness.

3. Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers one of the most visible online Bachelor of Science in Public Health programs in the country. ASU Online is known for serving a large online student population and offering broad academic support for distance learners.

The program is a good option for students who want to study public health through a large public research university. Coursework is designed to help students understand disease prevention, health behavior, environmental factors, public health systems, and population-level health challenges.

ASU is a strong choice for students who want a recognizable university name and a well-developed online learning platform.

4. University of Arizona

The University of Arizona offers an online B.S. in Public Health for students interested in prevention, population health, health promotion, and public health science. The program is a good match for students who want an online public health major connected to a major public university.

Students can expect to study topics such as community health, environmental health, health behavior, epidemiology, and public health systems. This public health degree may also serve as a strong foundation for graduate study in public health, healthcare administration, health policy, or related fields.

5. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati offers an online B.S. in Public Health that can work well for students who want a structured online program from a public research university. The curriculum is designed to introduce students to public health systems, disease prevention, health education, and population health.

This program may be especially useful for students who want a public health degree connected to a university with a large health sciences environment. It can also be a practical option for transfer students and working adults who want to complete their bachelor’s degree online.

6. Kent State University

Kent State University offers an online B.S. in Public Health through a university with an established public health academic identity. The program gives students exposure to public health practice, health policy, epidemiology, prevention, and community health.

Kent State is a strong fit for students who want an undergraduate public health program that is clearly connected to the public health field. It may appeal to students interested in public health departments, nonprofit health programs, health education, or graduate public health programs.

7. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University offers an online B.S. in Public Health that is especially attractive for transfer students and working adults. ODU has a long history of serving online learners, and its public university status can make it a practical option for students who want a recognizable institution.

The program is a good match for students who want to study health promotion, community health, public health systems, policy, and prevention while completing their bachelor’s degree online.

8. University of West Florida

The University of West Florida offers an online public health-focused bachelor’s option for students who want a public university pathway. This program may be a good fit for students interested in population health, health promotion, community health, and health-related program planning.

UWF is particularly worth considering for students who want a public institution with online flexibility and a curriculum that can support entry-level health education, public health, or graduate study goals.

9. Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University offers an online public health bachelor’s pathway that can appeal to students who want a career-focused public university program. EKU’s online programs are often designed with working adults and transfer students in mind.

This degree may be useful for students who want to study public health practice, health promotion, community health, and prevention while preparing for public health-related roles or future graduate education.

10. Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University offers an online public health bachelor’s option for students who want a flexible public university program. NAU may be a good fit for students interested in public health education, prevention, health promotion, and community-based health work.

Students comparing public health programs should consider NAU if they want a public university option with online delivery and a curriculum that connects health science with population-level wellness.

11. Excelsior University

Excelsior University offers an online B.S. in Public Health that is designed for adult learners and transfer students. This can be a strong option for students who already have college credit and want a flexible path to finishing a public health degree.

The program may appeal to students who want to connect previous healthcare, military, community service, or college experience with a bachelor’s-level public health credential.

12. National University

National University offers a B.S. in Public Health for students who want a flexible online program with accelerated course formats. This structure can work well for adult learners balancing school with work, family, or military responsibilities.

The program is a good choice for students who want focused coursework in public health, health behavior, epidemiology, health communication, community wellness, and prevention.

13. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers an online B.S. in Public Health with flexible terms and broad online student support. SNHU is often a good fit for students who want straightforward admissions, transfer-friendly policies, and a clear online learning structure.

The program includes public health coursework related to epidemiology, program planning, health communication, research, healthcare ethics, and population health. It is a practical option for students who want a flexible public health degree from a large online university.

14. Purdue Global

Purdue Global offers an online B.S. in Public Health designed for career-focused adult learners. The program can help students study public health programming, health education, disease prevention, community health, and health systems.

This degree may be a good fit for students who want a practical online format and coursework that supports entry-level public health roles or continued graduate education.

15. Walden University

Walden University offers an online B.S. in Public Health for students who want flexibility and a curriculum focused on health promotion, public health practice, health policy, community health, and prevention.

Walden may be a fit for adult learners who want a fully online degree in public health and are interested in nonprofit health work, wellness programs, community health education, or healthcare-related graduate study.

16. American Public University

American Public University offers an online B.S. in Public Health. The program is a practical option for military-affiliated students, public service professionals, and working adults who want to study public health through a fully online format.

Students may find coursework related to health education, environmental health, emergency preparedness, public health systems, and disease prevention. This can be useful for students interested in government, nonprofit, healthcare, or community health settings.

17. Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University offers a B.S. in Public Health in an online format. The program may appeal to students who want a private Christian university environment while studying population health, health promotion, prevention, and public health practice.

GCU can be a reasonable option for students who want a public health major with a faith-based institutional context and flexible online coursework.

18. Liberty University

Liberty University offers an online B.S. in Public Health for students who want a Christian university with a fully online format. The program is designed for students interested in health promotion, community health, global health, nonprofit work, and public health practice.

This degree may be a fit for students who value faith integration and want an online public health degree from a large Christian university.

How to Choose an Online Public Health Degree

Choosing an online bachelor’s in public health is not just about finding the cheapest or fastest program. Students should compare the curriculum, transfer policy, field experience requirements, total cost, and how well the program matches their career goals.

Look for Core Public Health Coursework

A strong public health program should include several of the following subjects:

Epidemiology
Biostatistics or health data
Environmental health
Social and behavioral health
Health policy
Health education
Program planning and evaluation
Community health
Health communication
Public health ethics
Capstone, internship, practicum, or applied project

Check Whether the Program Is Fully Online

Some online public health programs still require an internship, practicum, capstone, or field placement. These requirements can be valuable, but students should ask whether they can complete them locally or remotely.

Compare Public Health With Health Sciences

Some schools offer a health sciences degree with a public health concentration. Others offer a dedicated public health major. A dedicated degree in public health may be the better choice for students who specifically want to work in population health, public health education, health policy, epidemiology support, or community health programs.

Consider Transfer Credit

Many students who choose online public health programs already have some college credit. Transfer policies can significantly affect total cost and time to graduation. Students with an associate degree, healthcare certificate, military training, or prior college coursework should ask each school for a transfer evaluation before enrolling.

Think About Graduate School

A bachelor’s in public health can be a strong foundation for a Master of Public Health, Master of Healthcare Administration, physician assistant program, nursing program, occupational therapy program, health law program, or another graduate pathway. Students who plan to attend graduate school should make sure their bachelor’s program includes enough science, statistics, research, and writing preparation.

What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in Public Health?

A public health degree can prepare students for entry-level work in health education, community health, nonprofit programs, healthcare outreach, public health departments, wellness programs, and research support. Public health graduates often work in roles that help communities prevent disease, improve access to care, understand health risks, and build healthier environments.

Possible job titles include:

Health education specialist
Community health worker
Public health program assistant
Health promotion coordinator
Wellness coordinator
Research assistant
Outreach coordinator
Public health data assistant
Environmental health assistant
Nonprofit program coordinator

Some public health careers require graduate education. For example, epidemiologists typically need at least a master’s degree. However, a bachelor’s in public health can be a strong first step toward graduate study and can also support entry-level roles in health education, community outreach, and public health programming.

Public Health Salary and Job Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that health education specialists had a median annual wage of $63,000 in May 2024. The BLS also reports that health education specialists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree, and employment for health education specialists is projected to grow 4% from 2024 to 2034.

For students considering long-term graduate study, epidemiology is another common public health career path. The BLS reports that epidemiologists typically need a master’s degree. That means a bachelor’s degree in public health can be useful preparation, but students who want to become epidemiologists should plan for graduate education.

Public health salaries vary by role, location, employer, experience level, and education. Government agencies, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, insurance companies, schools, research organizations, and healthcare systems may all employ public health graduates, but higher-level roles often require experience, certification, or a graduate degree.

Is an Online Bachelor’s in Public Health Worth It?

An online bachelor’s in public health can be worth it for students who want a flexible path into health-related work without pursuing a clinical degree. It can also be a smart undergraduate major for students who want to continue into an MPH, healthcare administration, epidemiology, environmental health, health policy, health law, or another graduate program.

The best online public health programs help students understand how health is shaped by behavior, environment, policy, access to care, culture, data, and social conditions. For students who want to improve health at the community or population level, a public health major can be both practical and meaningful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best online bachelor’s in public health?

Oregon State University ranks first on this list because it offers a strong online B.S. in Public Health through a public university and includes a well-rounded public health curriculum. Western Governors University ranks second because of its competency-based format, online flexibility, and strong fit for working adults.

Can you earn a public health degree online?

Yes. Many U.S. schools offer an online public health degree at the bachelor’s level. Some programs are fully online, while others may require local fieldwork, an internship, or a capstone project.

Is public health a good major?

Public health can be a good major for students interested in prevention, health education, community health, health equity, epidemiology, health policy, research, or graduate study. It is not the same as a clinical degree, so students who want to become nurses, doctors, therapists, or physician assistants should review the additional education and licensure requirements for those careers.

What is the difference between a B.A. and a B.S. in Public Health?

A B.S. in Public Health usually includes more science, statistics, research, and technical coursework. A B.A. may include more social science, policy, communication, or liberal arts coursework. Both can be useful, depending on the student’s career goals.

What is a bachelor’s in science in public health?

A bachelor’s in science in public health, more commonly called a Bachelor of Science in Public Health or B.S. in Public Health, is an undergraduate degree focused on population health, disease prevention, health behavior, epidemiology, environmental health, health systems, and public health practice.

Do I need a master’s degree for public health?

Not always. Some entry-level public health jobs are available with a bachelor’s degree. However, many advanced roles in epidemiology, biostatistics, public health leadership, research, and health policy require a master’s degree, such as a Master of Public Health.