Public Health
Bachelor of Science in Public Health
Help shape a healthier future for individuals and communities with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Capella. The competency-based curriculum provides a strong foundation in key areas of the field, from biostatistics and epidemiology to social determinants and public policy. You’ll develop the skills to help tackle public health challenges, dismantle barriers to well-being and partner with communities to support meaningful health improvements.
At a glance
- Online
- 8–14 General education courses
- 14 Core courses
- 9–17 Elective courses
- 1 Capstone
- 180 Total quarter credits
- 135 Maximum transfer credits
Reduce your tuition up to $15,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $15K Capella Progress Reward scholarship to help fund your bachelor's degree.
Explore public health courses
- This degree requires a total of 180 program credits
- You’ll need to complete 8–14 general education courses, 14 core courses, 9–17 elective courses and one capstone
What you’ll learn
The online Bachelor of Science in Public Health program equips you with foundational knowledge in the core areas of biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, social determinants, and public health policy and management. The curriculum emphasizes theories of social and behavioral change that guide public health professionals in a wide range of contexts. You’ll learn how to understand health behaviors in the environments where they occur; address structural and social barriers to better health; interpret and evaluate statistical data; use evidence-based practices for disease prevention; and develop a collaborative community approach to the planning and evaluation of public health initiatives.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Apply knowledge of history, theory and practice to advance prevention and wellness
- Identify, interpret, evaluate and synthesize public health information, data and evidence
- Apply independent, teamwork and leadership skills to address public health concerns
- Apply ethical considerations working with all populations
- Communicate public health information to all audiences in oral and written forms and through a variety of media
How much does the BS in Public Health cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
- $375 per 1000-2000 level credit $400 per 3000-4000 level credit
- $125 resource kit
- 180 total quarter credits
- 135 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 7, 2025, and is subject to change.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include your resource kit, travel expenses and practicum costs.
Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses are not included. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer.
New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Get the details
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education.
Connect with an enrollment specialist to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Are there scholarships available for bachelor’s degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
See all our accreditations and recognitions.
What are the BS in Public Health admission requirements?
Applicants to the BS in Public Health program must provide the following information for admission:
- Admission application – no application fee required
- High school diploma or equivalent
- A transcript of any reported GED
- 4.5 credits eligible for transfer. See Sophia Admissions Pathways as an option to obtain credits.
- Applicants under age 24, as well as those over age 24 who have no transfer credits, may be required to submit a high school transcript verifying graduation
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
SAT and ACT are not required for admission.
Accelerated Master’s Pathway (AMP) admission requirements
- To qualify for an AMP option, you must submit transcripts from all previous higher education institutions, have received a minimum 2.8 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on all previous college coursework and have no fewer than 24 total eligible transfer credits.
- Once enrolled in a GuidedPath AMP option, you must maintain an overall cumulative GPA of 2.8 and receive no more than one grade of C in any master’s-level course to remain enrolled in the AMP option.
- Once enrolled in a FlexPath AMP option, you must earn a minimum Proficient evaluation on all competencies in your program to remain enrolled in the AMP option. If you fall below this threshold you’ll be automatically changed into the associated non-AMP undergraduate offering.
- When you have successfully completed the requirements for your bachelor’s degree program and your degree has been awarded, you may apply to the master’s degree program that corresponds with your chosen AMP option. You’re not guaranteed admission into a corresponding master’s degree program and you must complete a separate application for admission to the program.
International student requirements
If you live outside the U.S. or aren’t a U.S. citizen, you may be considered an international student.
To meet the requirements for Capella admission, you must:
- Earn the minimum score on an acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Attend an internationally recognized institution
- Provide transcripts for evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What can you do with a BS in Public Health degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health.
Job titles to explore*
- Health manager
- Business analyst
- Project manager
- Social and community services manager
- Safety specialist
- Policy analyst
Employment settings to explore*
- Healthcare organization (e.g., hospital or clinic)
- Community health center
- Public health agency
- Health insurance company
- Nonprofit organization
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.
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