Public Health, B.S.

Public Health

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Public Health, B.S.

The Public Health Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) offers a flexible and impactful degree for students passionate about improving health outcomes and promoting well-being in communities. With a proactive, interdisciplinary approach to health, public health focuses on preventing illness, promoting wellness, and ensuring equitable access to health services. 

Our program is designed to meet the diverse goals of students, whether you’re interested in pursuing a public health career or need a strong foundation for pre-med, pre-PA, or pre-nursing pathways. 

For students looking to work in public health, this degree equips you with the skills needed to tackle complex health challenges. Graduates are prepared for roles as a health educator, community outreach worker, prevention coordinator, or community engagement specialist. Through courses such as Methods of Marketing and Communication in Health, Environmental Health, and Health Program Planning, you'll gain the knowledge necessary to improve community health, promote disease prevention, and shape health policy. 

For those on a pre-med, pre-PA, or pre-nursing track, a Public Health degree provides a solid foundation in core areas like Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Human Health and Disease, and Bioethical Issues. Our graduates successfully use this degree to advance into medical school, PA programs, or nursing school, making it a versatile choice for those aiming to enter clinical healthcare fields.  

Additionally, students who wish to continue their education in public health can take advantage of our Accelerated Bachelor’s-to-Master’s (ABM) program, which allows you to begin working on your Master of Public Health (MPH) while completing your undergraduate degree. MTSU also offers a Ph.D. in Health, providing a pathway for those interested in advanced research and leadership roles in the public health field, right here on campus. 

MTSU Public Health Program Values 

  • Health Equity: Commitment to address disparities that contribute to health inequity. 
  • Collaboration: Commitment to educate and practice public health through collaboration. 
  • Evidence-Based: Commitment to use an evidence-based approach in public education and practice. 
  • Right-To-Health: Commitment to the concept that good health is a fundamental right. 

Accreditation

MTSU’s Community and Public Health program is accredited through the Council on Education for Public Health.Middle Tennessee State University’s (MTSU) Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Public Health program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH); the nationally recognized accrediting body for public health (https://ceph.org).

You may request a copy of the program’s CEPH Accreditation Report and the Final Self-Study Report by sending a request to [email protected].

 

Careers
Requirements
Faculty
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Careers
Requirements
Faculty
Information

News Briefs

Phamily dinner 2024 promo

MTSU Public Health ‘PHamily Dinner’ celebrates career achievements of alumni

Over 60 Middle Tennessee State University Public Health Program alumni and students attended the second annual “PHamily Dinner Reception” and awards ceremony held Oct. 9 at the MT Center on campus.[ Read More ]

MTSU Public Health students poll people to gauge stigma of drug addiction

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University Public Health program students, in partnership with the MTSU Center for Health and Human Services, recently completed a three-year analysis of drug use stigma among people in rural communities.[ Read More ]

News Briefs

Phamily dinner 2024 promo

MTSU Public Health ‘PHamily Dinner’ celebrates career achievements of alumni

Over 60 Middle Tennessee State University Public Health Program alumni and students attended the second annual “PHamily Dinner Reception” and awards ceremony held Oct. 9 at the MT Center on campus.[ Read More ]

MTSU Public Health students poll people to gauge stigma of drug addiction

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University Public Health program students, in partnership with the MTSU Center for Health and Human Services, recently completed a three-year analysis of drug use stigma among people in rural communities.[ Read More ]

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CAREERS

Public Health, B.S.


Graduates of the Public Health Bachelor of Science program at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) have diverse and rewarding career opportunities across multiple sectors. Public health professionals are in demand in areas like schools (elementary and high schools), healthcare systems, business and industry, colleges and universities, and at federal, state, county, and local government levels. Public health careers are vital in addressing health challenges and promoting wellness in communities, and our graduates are well-positioned to pursue roles such as Community Health Workers, Health Services Managers, Environmental Specialists, and more.

 

Career Opportunities  Sectors 
Community Health Worker  Schools, Government, Healthcare, Nonprofits 
Environmental Specialist  Government, Industries, Environmental Agencies 
Health Education Specialist  Schools, Healthcare, Nonprofits 
Health Promotion Specialist  Colleges, Universities, Government 
Health Services Manager  Healthcare, Businesses, Government 
Lifestyle Coach  Healthcare, Wellness Centers, Private Practice 
Policy Advisor  Government, Nonprofits, Advocacy Organizations 
Program Analyst  Government, Nonprofits, Businesses 
Program Evaluator  Government, Healthcare, Nonprofits 
Program Planner  Schools, Government, Healthcare 
Project Coordinator  Healthcare, Nonprofits, Industries 
Public Health/Program Analyst  Government, Nonprofits, Healthcare 
School Health Coordinator  Elementary and High Schools, Local Government 
Teacher  Schools, Colleges, Universities 
Wellness Coordinator  Schools, Businesses, Universities, Healthcare 

Employers of MTSU alumni include, but are not limited to:

Notable Employers of MTSU Alumni  Sector 
American Diabetes Association  Nonprofit/Healthcare 
BlueCross BlueShield  Insurance/Healthcare 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  Federal Government 
Foundation for Wellness Professions  Wellness/Healthcare 
Golden Living Center  Nursing Home/Assisted Living 
HCA  Healthcare/Hospital Systems 
Healthways Inc.  Wellness/Health Management 
Human Resources/Health Benefits Departments  Corporate/Private Sector 
Middle Tennessee Medical Center  Healthcare 
National Institutes of Health (NIH)  Federal Government/Research 
Onlife Health  Wellness/Health Management 
RMS Spectrum Services  Healthcare 
Rutherford County Department of Health  Local Government/Public Health 
Southeast Michigan Beacon Community  Community Health/Nonprofit 
Special Olympics Arizona  Nonprofit/Community Health 
Sports 4 All Foundation  Nonprofit/Community Health 
Tennessee Cancer Coalition  State Government/Public Health 
Tennessee Department of Health  State Government/Public Health 
Unique Medical, Inc.  Healthcare/Medical Supplies 
Vanderbilt General Pediatrics  Healthcare/Academic Medicine 
Vanderbilt University Medical Center  Healthcare/Hospital Systems 
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center  Healthcare/Cancer Research 
York VA Medical Center  Federal Government/Veterans' Health 
MTSU Career Development Center

MTSU’s Career Development Center

MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.  

Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career

Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called Handshake

Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our What Can I Do with A Major In guides. 

REQUIREMENTS

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Student Testimonies

public health major Gracie“The ultimate goal of public health is to improve the quality of life worldwide by creating healthier communities and environments. I am working to pursue a career in dentistry, and knowledge about public health will one day help me understand and meet the needs of the patients in my community. Public Health offers knowledge of disease prevention, statistics, and the community’s overall health.”
- Gracie Jacoway, Current Student

public health major Kayla

“Public Health is not treating the symptoms of life, it’s getting to the to the cause of the symptoms and rerouting the outcome. Basically, it is the backbone of the medical field or healthcare in general. The shift from nursing to public health has reignited my passion for preventive care and has motivated me to engage in initiatives that promote health on a larger scale. Public health is a dynamic and rewarding career that allows all of us to make that meaningful contribution to society.”
- Kayla Cameron, Current Student

public health major GabiralThe time that I spent in the Public Health Program opened up doors for me that I had no idea existed. Like most, substance use disorder has touched my life personally and I had no idea how to make an impact. I happened to end up in the Drugs and Violence course and the professor that taught the class changed my life. He may not know the hand that he played in the roles I hold now, but I thank him everyday for the impact that he has made.”
- Gabiral Cathey, Class of 2020

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Current Students

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