Bachelor of Science in Public Health

Program Overview

---

Belmont University's Public Health major equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the field, preparing them for careers addressing public health challenges at local, national, and global levels. The program emphasizes social justice, health equity, and practical experience through internships and fieldwork. Graduates are well-prepared for a wide range of careers in public health, including epidemiology, biostatistics, and health policy.

Program Outline

---

Degree Overview:

---

Objectives:

• To prepare students for careers in public health through a comprehensive understanding of the field.
• To equip students with the knowledge and skills to address public health challenges at the local, national, and global levels.
• To foster a commitment to social justice and health equity in students.

---

Program Description:

• The Public Health major at Belmont University is a 128-credit hour program that provides students with a strong foundation in science, public health principles, and research methods.
• The curriculum includes courses in biology, chemistry, environmental health, global health, health policy, epidemiology, biostatistics, and social determinants of health.
• Students also have the opportunity to choose up to 21 hours of electives to explore specific areas of interest, such as philosophy, international politics, or medical school preparation.
• The program culminates in a 400-hour internship that allows students to gain practical experience in the field and apply their knowledge to real-world public health challenges.

---

Outline:

• BELL core requirements: 51 hours
• Major requirements: 48 hours
• Major fieldwork: 9 hours
• General electives: 20 hours

---

Major Requirements:

• CEM 1010 Chemistry: Explores the chemistry behind societal issues and the consequences of actions aimed at addressing them.
• BPH 1010 Foundations of Public Health: Introduces students to the field of public health, including its history, current practices, and Public Health Core Functions and Essential Services.
• BPH 2010 Social Determinants of Health: Examines the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health outcomes.
• BPH 2100 Current Issues in Public Health: Discusses existing and emerging public health issues.
• BPH 2240 Health Communications: Explores the communication processes that shape beliefs, decisions, and behavior regarding health and healthcare.
• SWK 2250 Human Behavior and Social Environment I: Examines the biological, psychological, and social development of individuals across the lifespan.
• BPH 3010 Global Health: Provides an understanding of key concepts, tools, and frameworks for studying global health with a focus on global disease burden, health determinants and disparities, health policy and stakeholders, and challenges of global health interventions.
• BPH 3020 Population Health: Examines the way health care delivery systems, public health agencies, community-based organizations, and other elements work together to develop, deliver, and evaluate interventions to improve health outcomes at local, national, and global levels.
• BPH 3100 Introduction to Epidemiology: Introduces students to principles of epidemiology and their application to disease surveillance, control of infectious and chronic diseases, and health services/health policy.
• BPH 3200 Fundamentals of Environmental Health: Explores the relationship between people and their environment, how it affects physical and mental well-being, and what they can do to influence the quality of the environment and enhance the protection of their health.
• BPH 3210 Scientific Inquiry: Provides a basic introduction to research, including theoretical foundations and fundamental protocols.
• BPH 4015 Capstone: Allows students to integrate, synthesize, and apply knowledge developed throughout the academic program through a public service internship, independent research project, or study abroad experience.
• BPH 4300 Program Planning and Evaluation: Provides students with a basic understanding of public health programming, including assessment, design, planning, implementation, and evaluation.

---

Major Fieldwork:

• BPH 2000, BPH 3000, BPH 4000: These courses provide students with hands-on public health practice opportunities to develop and improve communication skills, project management and problem-solving skills, and explore career options.

---

Assessment:

• Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including exams, assignments, presentations, and participation.
• The capstone project is a major component of the assessment process, allowing students to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world public health problem.

---

Teaching:

• The Public Health program at Belmont University features small class sizes and faculty who are dedicated to student success.
• The faculty are experienced public health professionals with a wide range of expertise.
• The program also offers a variety of opportunities for students to engage in research and service-learning.

---

Careers:

• Graduates of the Public Health program at Belmont University are prepared for a wide range of careers in public health, including:
• Epidemiology
• Biostatistics and informatics
• Communications
• Community health
• Health education and promotion
• Environmental health
• Global health
• Health policy
• Health care administration
• The program offers a variety of study abroad opportunities, allowing students to gain experience in different cultures and public health systems.
• The program also has a strong alumni network, which provides students with access to mentors and career opportunities.