The focus of this degree is to broadly prepare graduates in Public Health content and processes that can be applied within multi-disciplinary health-related fields and in graduate study. This degree plan focuses on promoting population health by teaching students to identify and address social, structural, environmental, and political determinants of health.
Are you looking for a career that protects and improves the health of individuals, families, and communities? Are you interested in understanding the impact of social and behavioral determinants of health, such as income, environment, and access to health care? If so, our program might be perfect for you. You will be prepared in basic public health concepts and processes that can be applied within multiple health-related disciplines and in graduate study. Our program can provide a convenient, flexible way for students and working professionals to complete their bachelor degree, giving you an avenue to success. We will prepare you for employment in hospitals, schools, government health agencies, private industry, and nongovernmental organizations.
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the general studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Major GPA | 2.5 |
| Highest Mathematics Required | STA 270 |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Optional |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Purpose Statement
The mission of the Public Health Program is to prepare students for careers that promote and protect the health of the public using evidence-based processes, concepts, and principles. We accomplish this mission through innovative teaching and mentoring, opportunities for research, diverse community partnerships, and a strong focus on health equity.Student Learning Outcomes
This major requires 71 - 80 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 71 - 83 units:
The following coursework must be completed with a Grade of "C" or better in each course, and a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Health Sciences Coursework (16 units)
Public Health Coursework (43 - 46 units)
*Students completing the Occupational Therapy Track must take PSY 101 and PSY 230. Students completing the Internship or Coursework Track would benefit from taking STA 270 to fulfill the Public Health Major.
Track Requirement - Select one (12 - 18 units)
Occupational Therapy Track (18 units)
Choose this track in order to complete the required prerequisites for NAU's Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program. Qualified graduates from NAU's BS in Public Health, Occupational Therapy Track receive a guaranteed interview to NAU's OTD program and priority admission.
Internship Track (12 units)
Choose this track if you'd like to complete a 6-unit internship working at a public health agency.
Coursework Track (12 units)
Choose this track if you'd like to complete public health electives without an internship.
Public Health Electives
If you choose to complete a minor, the Coursework Track requirements will be satisfied.
Students enrolled in this plan may not enroll in or pursue the following due to the number of overlapping units:
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or General Studies Requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.