The focus of this degree is to broadly prepare graduates in basic Public Health content and processes that can be applied within multiple health related disciplines and in graduate study. This degree plan focuses on community health promotion within the broad umbrella of public health. This academic plan is offered at NAU-Flagstaff and via the Internet. Acceptance into the Internet program requires a separate initial admission process; see the Distance Learning in Health Sciences website for further information.
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 liberal 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 | Required |
| 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 to promote and protect the health of the public using appropriate processes, concepts, and principles.
Public health protects and improves the health of individuals, families, communities, and populations, locally, regionally, and globally. Public health professionals focus on preventing disease and injury by promoting healthy lifestyles. They confront global health issues, such as improving equitable access to health care, controlling infectious disease, and reducing environmental hazards, violence, substance abuse, and injury. Our graduates are prepared to plan, implement, and evaluate educational programs; act as a resource person; administer services; and communicate and advocate for health equity. They pursue graduate degrees in health-related fields and obtain employment in a variety of settings, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, hospitals, schools, and research institutions.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of their degree in Health Sciences - Public Health, students will be able to:
Program Outcome 1: Overview of Public Health:
Take the following 71 - 72 units with a Grade of "C" or better in each course and a minimum GPA of 2.5:
Health Sciences core (19 units)
You may not pursue the Community Health Minor in conjunction with this degree.
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 liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.
Program fees are established by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR). A program fee of $30 per semester in students' Junior and Senior years has been approved for this program.