Bachelor of Science in Public Health

Earn your BSPH online and gain the knowledge and skills needed to positively impact the health of entire populations.

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Bachelor of Science in Public Health

8 Weeks

8-week terms allow for start dates throughout the year

40 Months

Earn your BSPH degree in as few as 40 months at the Accelerated program pace

Up to 90 Transfer Credits1

WCU evaluates transfer credits for acceptance

Online BSPH Program Highlights

Flame

Comprehensive curriculum covering epidemiology, biostatistics, research methods, health policy, and more

24/7 access to your virtual classroom with mobile-friendly content, including LinkedIn Learning

Your Success

Experienced faculty readily available to provide one-on-one mentoring

BSPH bridge program that lets you earn credits towards your MPH degree

Why Choose an Online BSPH Program?

Whether your goal is conducting epidemiological research, educating the public about current health topics, or becoming an environmental health specialist, our BSPH program gives you the foundation to make a difference!

Study the behavioral, societal, cultural, and environmental factors that affect population health. Our curriculum helps prepare you to work assess needs, educate communities, implement programs, and advocate for better health policies. With online coursework that is available to you 24/7, you can study on a more flexible schedule!

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Explore the BSPH program at WCU!

Overview: Online Bachelor of Science in Public Health Program

 

Program Details

Accelerated Pace

Distance Education/Online

120 Credits

40 Months

10 Trimesters

Working Professional Pace

Distance Education/Online

120 Credits

80 Months

20 Trimesters

Curriculum

To achieve the graduation requirement of 120 credits, all students must complete 39 credits of general education courses. Students may request to satisfy general education credit requirements through transfer credit per university policy.

General Education Requirements

Prior to Spring I 2024

Category and RequirementsWCU Course RequirementsTransferable / Options
A1- Written Communication
(5 Semester Credits and 2 Courses Minimum)
Written communication courses cover the use of writing as a means of conveying information. In these courses, students will utilize discussions, papers, essays, research, etc. to examine, analyze, and transmit information in an appropriate academic or professional manner. (Transferable courses will generally have ENG, JRN, or COM prefix)Any course that meets the General Education category and requirements.
A2. Oral Communication

(2.5 Semester Credits Minimum)

Oral communication courses cover the use of language and speech as a means of conveying information. In these courses, students will utilize language and speech to disseminate information to audiences as appropriate.
(Transferable courses will generally have SPE, COM, JRN, ENG, or BUS prefix)
Any course that meets the General Education category and requirements.
A3. Critical Thinking
(5.0 Semester Credits 2 Minimum)
Critical thinking courses provide the skills necessary to make complex decisions. In these courses, students will utilize complex thinking, logic, and other skills to analyze decision making processes. (Transferable courses will generally have PHI, LOG, or COM prefixes)Any course that meets the General Education category and requirements.
A4. Quantitative Reasoning
(5 Semester Credits and 2 Courses Minimum)
Quantitative reasoning courses provide the skills to process, analyze, and interpret data. In these courses students will utilize math to solve problems. (Transferable courses generally have MAT or STAT prefixes)Any course that meets the General Education category and requirements.
B1– Social and Behavioral Sciences / Cultural Diversity, Tradition
(8 Semester Credits and 3 Courses Minimum)
Social and behavioral science, cultural diversity, and tradition courses cover a broad range of humanities disciplines. Courses in this competency may cover social interactions, human behavior, cultural diversity, aesthetic awareness, art appreciation and creation, history, civic duty, and other areas in the field. (Transferable courses generally have SOC, SSC, PSY, ART, HIS, LIB, ENG, ANT, REL, POL, LNG, CRJ, or related prefixes)Any course that meets the General Education category and requirements.
B2. Life and Physical Sciences
(2.5 Semester Credits and 1 Courses Minimum)
Life and Physical Science courses cover vary disciplines within the scientific field. Courses in this field may cover any scientific discipline within life and physical sciences. (Transferable courses generally have BIO, CHEM, PHYS, ENV, NRM, or SCI prefixes)Any course that meets the General Education category and requirements.
B3. General Education Capstone
(3 Semester Credits)
CAPS 402(3): General Education CapstoneNon-transferable
In addition to the courses above, all students must complete FYS 002(3): Foundations of Success (Non-transferable). A minimum of 39 credits is required for graduation

Effective Spring I 2024

A complete list of General Education Competency Outcome requirements and a complete list of WCU General Education Course Offerings are available on the General Education Page.

Category and RequirementsWCU Course RequirementsTransferable / Options
A. Written Communications (5 semester credits and 2 courses minimum)Any competency area A WCU courseAny college level course meeting competency area A outcomes
B. Oral and Interpersonal Communications (2.5 semester credits minimum and 1 course minimum)Any competency area B WCU courseAny college level course meeting competency area B outcomes
C. Critical Thinking and Ethical Reasoning (5 semester credits and 2 courses minimum)Any competency area C WCU courseAny college level course meeting competency area C outcomes
D. Quantitative Literacy (5 semester credits and 2 courses minimum)Any competency area D courseAny college level course meeting competency area D outcomes
E. Social and Behavioral Sciences Awareness (5 semester credits and 2 courses minimum)Any competency area E WCU courseAny college level course meeting competency area E outcomes
F. Historical, Cultural, and Aesthetic Recognition (5 semester credits and 2 courses minimum)Any competency area F WCU courseAny college level course meeting competency area F outcomes
G. Scientific Reasoning (2.5 semester credits minimum and 1 course minimum)Any competency area G WCU courseAny college level course meeting competency area G outcomes
NoneFoundations of SuccessNon-Transferable, requirement met by taking FYS 002 (3 credits)

Effective Spring I 2024

A complete list of General Education Competency Outcome requirements and a complete list of WCU General Education Course Offerings are available on the General Education Page.

Category and RequirementsWCU Course RequirementsTransferable / Options
A. Written Communications (5 semester credits and 2 courses minimum)Any competency area A WCU courseAny college level course meeting competency area A outcomes
B. Oral and Interpersonal Communications (2.5 semester credits minimum and 1 course minimum)Any competency area B WCU courseAny college level course meeting competency area B outcomes
C. Critical Thinking and Ethical Reasoning (5 semester credits and 2 courses minimum)Any competency area C WCU courseAny college level course meeting competency area C outcomes
D. Quantitative Literacy (5 semester credits and 2 courses minimum)Any competency area D courseAny college level course meeting competency area D outcomes
E. Social and Behavioral Sciences Awareness (5 semester credits and 2 courses minimum)Any competency area E WCU courseAny college level course meeting competency area E outcomes
F. Historical, Cultural, and Aesthetic Recognition (5 semester credits and 2 courses minimum)Any competency area F WCU courseAny college level course meeting competency area F outcomes
G. Scientific Reasoning (2.5 semester credits minimum and 1 course minimum)Any competency area G WCU courseAny college level course meeting competency area G outcomes
NoneFoundations of SuccessNon-Transferable, requirement met by taking FYS 002(3 credits)

Elective Requirements:

To achieve the graduation requirement of 120 credits, all students must complete 30 credits of electives. Students may request to satisfy all or a portion of the elective credit requirements through transfer credit for previous education. Additionally, students may complete available online course offered by the university to satisfy elective credit (some restrictions apply).Unless otherwise requested, students will take the following university courses to meet the elective requirements:

BUS 250Project Management3
HA 110Introduction to Healthcare Management3
HA 320Healthcare Policy and Economics3
HA 330Healthcare Regulatory Compliance and Accreditation3
HA 420Quality Performance Management in Healthcare3
HA 430Risk Management in Healthcare3
PH 200Software Applications3
PHIL 435Methods of Conflict Resolution3
PSYC 200Emotional Intelligence3
SCI 210Survey of Science and Technology3

Total Elective Credit Hour Requirement: 30

Bridge Courses:

Students who have completed at least thirty-nine (39) credits of coursework with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 may also satisfy up to nine (9) credits of elective coursework through the completion of three (3) credit graduate level courses in-residence. All in-residence three (3) credit graduate level courses completed as part of an undergraduate program may be used to satisfy graduate requirements.

Public Health Bridge

PH 500Foundations of Public Health3
PH 515Cultural Diversity and Health Disparities in Public Health3
PH 536Environmental and Occupational Health3
Total Credit Hours: 9

Track courses (12) Credits:

HA 450Leadership in Healthcare3
PH 400Public Health Communication3
PH 410Professional Writing in Public Health3
PH 430Planning Public Health Programs3
Total Credit Hours:12

To achieve the graduation requirement of 120 credits, all students must complete 51 credits of core and track courses. Core courses provide students with the specific discipline experience required for the degree. Tracks allow students to create interdisciplinary degrees based on personal career goals. All students will complete at least 39 core course credits as detailed below. The remaining 12 credits are based on the program track the student is enrolled in.

A minimum grade of a “C-” (70%) will be required to receive course credit in the BSPH program. Should a student receive a “D+” (<70%) grade or lower, it will not be considered a passing grade for the BSPH program and the student will be required to retake the course. The earned grade will be counted into the student’s CGPA and will be replaced once the course is repeated with a passing grade. The student will be placed on an academic action plan to repeat the course and meet with the program Chair.

Core Courses (39) Credits:

HA 220Global Perspectives in Healthcare3
HA 400Principles of Epidemiology3
HA 410Research Methods in Healthcare3
PH 100Introduction to Public Health3
PH 300Public Health Cultural Competency3
PH 310Health Policy and Management3
PH 320Social Determinants of Health3
PH 330Nutrition3
PH 340Health Promotion/Health Psychology and Human Behavior3
PH 420Environmental Health3
PH 440Biostatistics3
PH 450Capstone3
PHIL 350Organizational Law and Ethics3
Total Credit Hours:39
Tuition & Financial Aid

How Much Does the Online Bachelor of Science in Public Health Program Cost?

We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.

Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of BSPH tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the BSPH online program costs at West Coast University.

We offer several financial aid options — including scholarships, grants, and loan access — to help support you through your studies. For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.

 

Bachelor of Science in Public Health

Admission Requirements

Applicants for the BSPH program must:

  1. Complete an online application for admission.
  2. Participate in an interview with a university advisor.
  3. Complete an enrollment agreement, consisting of program policies, costs, completion requirements, and other student obligations.  If the applicant is under the age of 18, enrollment documents must be signed by a parent or guardian.
  4. Submit documentation of high school graduation or equivalent.
  5. Individuals with 15 or more college-level credits are required to have a 2.25 GPA in post-secondary education.
    1. Applicants with 15 or more college-level credits and a GPA of 2.0-2.24 may be considered for probationary admission after meeting the following admissions requirements:
      1. The applicant must provide a letter of intent.
      2. The applicant must be approved for admission following an interview with Program Dean/Director.
      3. The applicant must satisfy program prerequisites.
      4. A student admitted under the probationary admissions pathway must achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.0 on all coursework attempted over the first trimester (two terms). Students who meet this standard will be converted to a full admit status and will be subject to the standard Satisfactory Academic Progress requirement for the duration of their program. Students failing to meet these requirements following the first trimester (two terms) will be withdrawn from the university.
      5. Students accepted under the probationary admissions pathway will be considered regular students and eligible for Title IV, if the student otherwise qualifies for funding, for the first trimester of their program of study while completing the requirements for full admission to their program.
  6. Bachelor of Science in Public Health Transfer Credit Evaluation:  Only undergraduate level courses in which a grade of C- (70%) or better was received will be evaluated for transfer credit.  A maximum of ninety (90) total credits may be considered for transfer, subject to the following criteria:
    1. A maximum of thirty (60) credits may be accepted from alternative credit options, such as CLEP/AP/IB/ACE, etc.
    2. A maximum of thirty (30) credits may be accepted from military training or work experience
    3. All undergraduate students must complete at least thirty (30) credits in-residence at West Coast University
    4. At least twenty-four (24) of the in-residence credits must come from core program courses

For more information on our admission requirements and transfer credit policies, please visit our catalog.

Academic Calendar

New academic terms usually start every eight weeks. Review our Academic Calendar for term start and completion dates.

Career Services & Placement

Career Services Public Health

Our support for our students extends beyond graduation day. As a BSPH graduate, you will have ongoing access to professional development workshops and guidance offered by our Career Services department.2 We provide coaching and workshops on the following and more:

  • Resume writing
  • Interview skills
  • Dressing for success
  • Career planning and research

 

To help students with their job searches, we offer career fairs and scheduled visits with industry recruiters, and we also help students track down job leads that are relevant to their professional interests.

LinkedIn Learning

Complimentary Access to LinkedIn Learning

Our BSPH students have no-cost access to LinkedIn Learning’s extensive library of educational video content. For every course you take in your BSPH program, you will be able to select a LinkedIn Learning module and earn a certificate that you can post on your LinkedIn profile, helping build your professional presence and attract potential employers.

LinkedIn Learning is a valuable tool that allows you to explore relevant topics and learn directly from leading industry experts.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Analyze health care systems and policies, considering their legal, ethical, cultural, economic, and regulatory dimensions, and the roles, influences and responsibilities of the different agencies and branches of government.
  • Apply principles of population health, including the science of human health and disease, to identify health-related needs, determinants of health disparities, and opportunities for promoting and protecting health across the life course.
  • Incorporate existing knowledge in public health analyses, in recognition of the discipline’s focus on evidence-based practice.
  • Demonstrate project planning skills, including needs assessment, goal setting, program design/development, implementation, and evaluation.
  • Communicate public health messages effectively among diverse populations.
  • Explain the history of public health, its philosophy, core values, concepts, and functions across the globe and in society.

Featured Faculty

Michele Mouttapa, PhD, MA

Michele Mouttapa, PhD, MA

Dean, Master of Public Health

Dr. Michele Mouttapa is the Dean of Public Health at West Coast University. She arrived at WCU from California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) in 2022 after 16 years of service as a Professor of Public Health. Dean Mouttapa has taught statistics and research methods for both undergraduate and graduate students. She has also been the faculty chair for dozens of MPH culminating research projects and theses, many of which have resulted in peer-reviewed publications.

As MPH Coordinator at CSUF, Dean Mouttapa led the Council on Education for Public Health self-study and site visit in 2013, which resulted in a seven-year accreditation. She is utilizing this experience to seek accreditation for the WCU MPH program. Her own research examines psychosocial factors in underserved communities that contribute to a variety of outcomes including substance use, cancer, and obesity.

From 2008 to 2015, Dean Mouttapa was Editor of the Californian Journal of Health Promotion, which is an indexed, open-access peer-reviewed journal. She also has years of experience helping students interested in any health profession to gain acceptance into post-graduate health professional schools, including medical school. Dean Mouttapa earned her B.S. in psychology from University of California, Davis; her M.A. in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton; and her Ph.D. in preventive medicine, health behavior research from the University of Southern California.

In her time outside of academics, Dean Mouttapa is an avid tennis player who captains league tennis teams and competes at the local and national levels. Her husband is a tennis coach, and her two children are tennis enthusiasts as well. She also enjoys gardening and sharing her citrus fruits with others.

Alex-Auslander

Alexandra Auslander, PhD, MPH, MS

Assistant Professor, Master of Public Health Program

Dr. Alexandra Auslander is an Associate Professor for West Coast University’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program. Prior to joining WCU, Dr. Auslander was a lecturer for the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, as well as an adjunct professor for the Department of Physical Education at Fullerton College and Cypress College.

In addition to teaching public health courses at WCU, Dr. Auslander is working for a research team in community public health as a physical activity subject matter expert. Her team’s focus is on reducing the risk of chronic disease in underserved and vulnerable populations in Southern California. The project, which focuses on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress, is being funded by a grant from the Surgeon General of California.

Dr. Auslander earned her PhD in health promotion with a concentration in public health from Claremont Graduate University, which is where she also earned her Master of Public Health (MPH) in with a focus on biostatistics and epidemiology. She additionally has a master’s degree in kinesiology from California Polytechnic University, Pomona and a bachelor’s degree in biology from San Francisco State University.

From 2015 to 2019, Dr. Auslander completed a Community and Global Health Fellowship at Claremont Graduate University. Her academic and professional honors include the 2015-2016 Cal Poly Pomona Intercollegiate Athletics Recognition of Appreciation, the 2016 Travel Award from Claremont Graduate University, and acceptance into the 2016 Chancellor’s Doctoral Incentive Program from the California University Chancellor’s Office. Dr. Auslander has also been awarded grants, fellowships, contracts, and research opportunities from the 2016 Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health.

With a passion for public health research, Dr. Auslander has had her work published in various health journals, and she has presented her research papers at the conventions of regional and national industry associations.

Dr. Auslander is married with two young children and a lab dog. She loves to cook, exercise, travel, and eat great food. One of her favorite sayings is “Cook with Love and Eat with Passion.”

No-Cost Access to LinkedIn Learning for WCU BSPH Students

FAQs

Can I get a BSPH degree online?

Yes. At WCU, you can earn your Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) degree 100% online.

Can I transfer credits from previous coursework?

We can evaluate your previous coursework for transfer credit for the BSPH program. We accept a total of up to 90 credits, which can include up to 33 general education credits, up to 30 elective course credits, and up to 27 credits of core and track courses. Consult with your advisor to determine which credits can be applied to your new degree.

Can I get credit for professional certification and experience?

We can review your industry certifications and/or previous work experience to determine if it can be transferred into credits that apply toward your degree. If it does, you may be able to shorten your time to completion for your BSPH program.

Can I complete my degree if I’m working?

Yes, our online BSPH program is designed to give working adults the flexibility they need. Because there are no set class times and you have around-the-clock access to your schoolwork, you can choose when and where to complete your assignments. While we do set due dates to keep you on track, you generally have control over your day-to-day study schedule. You can also take fewer classes each term so you can better balance school and work.

How long does it take to complete a BSPH degree online?

WCU offers two different program paces for our BSPH program. You can earn your degree in as little as 40 months at the Accelerated pace or as little as 80 months at the Working Professional pace.

What are the goals of the BSPH program?

The goals of the online Bachelor of Science in Public Health program include (but are not limited to) teaching students how to effectively communicate public health messages, analyze healthcare systems and policies, and apply principles of population health to identify health-related needs. The public health bachelor degree program should also help students develop their project planning and implementation skills.

Do I have to complete my general education classes before I can start my core public health courses?

No. You can start taking core classes right away as we intermix general education and core classes throughout the program.

What is the BSPH bridge program?

If you’re planning to pursue your Master of Public Health (MPH) degree after earning your public health bachelor’s degree, consider signing up for our BSPH bridge program. This program allows you to take three courses at the graduate level, which can be applied to both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees. This can lower your time to completion in your graduate program.

Can I get financial aid?

You may be able to qualify for financial aid, scholarships, and/or grants, if you meet the eligibility requirements. A few of the scholarships and grants that are available include the Alumni Pathway Grant (covers up to 20% of tuition), the WCU Health Services Grant (covers up to 10% of tuition), and the WCU Performance Scholarship (covers up to 15% of tuition).To learn more, please visit our scholarships and grants page.

What kind of support will I get as a WCU online student?

We believe in supporting our students every step of the way through their educational journeys. As an online student, you’ll be able to access your online coursework, online library, and tech support 24/7. You’ll be assigned a Student Success advisor, have access to no-cost tutoring, and will be able to choose a faculty mentor. You can even message your dean and instructors directly through the Remind App.

After graduation, you’ll get support from our Career Services department, with the ability to take professional development workshops, receive one-on-one guidance, and help with finding a job.

West Coast University is accredited by WASC Senior College of University Commission (WSCUC), an institutional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). 1001 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 402 Alameda, CA 94501, (510) 748- 9001/ https://www.wscuc.org/

1 WCU evaluates transfer credits for acceptance. For the BSPH program, we can accept a total of up to 90 transfer credits (up to 33 general education course credits, up to 30 elective course credits, and up to 27 core and track course credits).

2 WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.

Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.