Academic Catalog

Public Health, BS

Contact

Maureen Thompson, Undergraduate Program Director

444B White Hall
315-443-9815
mlthomps@syr.edu

Description

The Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health (BSPH) prepares students for health-related careers in government, private and non-profit organizations that address health promotion and illness prevention in individuals, families and communities.  Service learning and community engagement are key in this major - beginning freshman year and extending through the senior capstone internship, students are working with community partners to improve health in the Syracuse University and regional community.  The 30-credit public health core provides foundational public health knowledge and skills important for entry level public health practice or post-graduate study.  In addition to the public health core, a 15-credit concentration in Addiction Prevention, Health & Society, Healthcare Management, or Community Health Education provides further career-related training.  Students who complete either the Addiction Prevention concentration or Community Health Education concentration are eligible for initial professional credentialing in corresponding careers.  The public health major also provides a pathway to advanced studies in medicine, dentistry, physician assistant, nursing, occupational therapy, or physical therapy.

Intra-University Transfers

The Public Health, BS accepts transfers into the program on a rolling admissions basis who meet the following criteria:

  • Students with a cumulative GPA 2.7 or higher, in good academic standing at the university and with interest in public health are considered for transfer to the major. 
    • Students with cumulative GPAs of 2.5 - 2.69 will be considered based on factors influencing the GPA and grades of B or better earned in public health courses previously completed. 
  • Students must have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours at Syracuse University.
  • In order to complete the public health degree requirements within a 4 year plan of study, students must have a minimum of 4 remaining semesters of study.
  • An appointment must be made with the Undergraduate Program Director to discuss the major and to outline a plan for degree completion.

Transferring from the combined accelerated degree programs (BS/MS or BS/MPH):

Students may transfer from a public health dual degree program to the single degree B.S. in public health program under these conditions:

  • The transfer is completed prior to the fall semester of the senior year.
  • An appointment is made with the Undergraduate Program Director to outline a plan for degree completion.

To make an appointment, contact Dr. Thompson, the undergraduate program director via email:  mlthomps@syr.edu