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Public Health Major (Bachelor of Science)

Learn how to make a difference on a large scale. The Bachelor of Science in Public Health equips students to look beyond individual health needs to the needs of a broader population. If you find yourself wondering how we might shift resources from treating disease to preventing it, then you will find the courses in the public health major both interesting and helpful.

True to Creighton’s Jesuit, Catholic values, the coursework is designed to educate and inspire students to work toward a more equitable and just distribution of health in society. You’ll find a focus on health promotion, reducing health disparities and the social/cultural determinants of health.

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Program Details

Public health is an interdisciplinary career field, so students in this major will take courses from faculty with a variety of areas of expertise, including anthropology, sociology, biology, history and philosophy. There are two tracks:

  • The professional track for those preparing for advance training in epidemiology or public health
  • A traditional track for students pursuing a variety of other health-related careers

The flexibility of the Public Health major allows you to easily combine it with other majors, minors and pre-health tracks.

As a public health major, you’ll explore:  

  • Public Health Science
  • Data Analytics and Assessment
  • Policy Development and Program Planning
  • Communication
  • Management and Finance
  • Health Equity
  • Community Partnerships  
  • Leadership and Systems Thinking

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Within the professional track, public health majors will complete 3 credit hours of internship experience. Students work with preceptors in organizations involved in population health.

Students have interned at organizations, such as:

  • AllCare Community Health Center
  • Building Health Futures
  • Centers for Disease Control (Washington, DC)
  • Douglas County Health Department
  • Down Syndrome Alliance of the Midlands
  • Global Partners in Hope
  • Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
  • Nebraska Diabetes Association
  • One World Community Health Center
  • Pottawattamie County Health Department

Curriculum

The public health major requires different credits depending on the track you choose: 

Total Credits for General Track: 43-45
Total Credits for Professional Track: 49-52

You’ll take classes such as:

  • Introduction to Public Health
  • Global Health: A Biosocial and Justice-Oriented Approach
  • Essentials of Epidemiology
  • Probability and Statistics in Health Sciences
  • Healthcare, Society and Culture
  • Health Communication

Admissions Requirements

Creighton admissions are based upon:

  • High school GPA
  • ACT or SAT scores*
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Personal statement to demonstrate creative abilities not reflected in your transcripts
  • Recommendation from high school counselor
  • Honors sections and advanced placement courses will enhance a candidate’s application
*For students who are choosing to apply test-optional, ACT/SAT exam scores are not required at the time of application for admission.

Dates & Deadlines

Applications for the fall semester open on Aug. 1 of the prior year. For scholarship consideration, the earlier you complete your undergraduate application, the better. For up-to-date deadlines, visit our admissions page.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition rates are updated each year. Visit our financial aid site to learn more about the cost of attendance.

Financial Aid

Creighton University’s Financial Aid Office administers over $200,000,000 in student aid each year from federal, state, institutional and private sources.

To help make your undergraduate studies at Creighton University more affordable, we encourage you to file the FAFSA to apply for financial assistance. A variety of scholarships are also available.

You'll have the opportunity to be involved in organizations such as:

Health Administration & Policy and Public Health Student Association (HAPPHSA)

  • Creighton HAPPHSA provides students a platform to learn about public health and healthcare by providing industry-specific education, networking and career guidance. The program director works with the HAPPHSA executive team to bring in speakers to discuss current topics and provide career/industry advice.

American Public Health Association (APHA)

  • The American Public Health Association is a broad-based member community of more than 25,000 that champions the health of all people and communities. They work with members to influence policy to improve the public's health. Student memberships are available for a minimal annual fee. Membership provides resources to expand expertise and network with other public health students and professionals. The Student Assembly, a membership benefit, is the nation's largest student-led organization (7,000+ members) dedicated to furthering the development of the next generation of professionals in public health, building a stronger public health workforce.

Public Health Association of Nebraska (PHAN)

  • The Public Health Association of Nebraska is a state affiliate of APHA. PHAN members contribute Nebraska's perspective to public health discussions. PHAN is a member-driven organization, with no staff, who create opportunities to connect and learn from each other. Student memberships are inexpensive and provide a meaningful platform to network, collaborate, advocate and address current public health challenges. PHAN hosts Zoom Cafes to provide education about hot topics, and they hold an annual state-wide conference. During that conference, they give an Outstanding Student of Public Health Award. Scholarships are also available.

Career Options

The United States government recently pledged a $4.7 billion investment aimed at recruiting public health professionals as well as supporting the expansion of state and local public health departments. This funding is poised to create tens of thousands of jobs. Career opportunities include:

  • Biostatistics and Informatics
  • Communications
  • Community Health
  • Emergency Management
  • Environmental Health
  • Epidemiology and Research
  • Global Health
  • Healthcare Practitioner (such as doctor, dentist or nurse)
  • Public Policy and Administration
  • Public Health Education
  • Regulatory Affairs

Still have questions?

Reach out to an admissions counselor.

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