A primary goal of the public health bachelor’s degree program is to prepare students for advanced (master’s) training in the health professions and in public health specifically, considered the entry level degree for the field. Students interested in a specific area of public health have the opportunity to organize some of their electives around a cohesive public health topic. In addition, interested students have the opportunity to explore a combination-degree program in public health.
Upon successful completion of the public health program, students receive the Bachelor of Public Health degree. While the majority of students pursue graduate or professional training in public health or a related field, some students seek employment in not-for-profit and for-profit agencies, or related community health organizations after completing the B.P.H.
Course Sequence
The public health program is designed primarily for students who want to pursue advanced degree work in public health or a related field. It is also appropriate for those who want to acquire foundational public health knowledge before continuing to graduate or professional school or who will work in a health-care setting after graduation. In order to be on track for pre-public health at the junior level, students must meet the critical-tracking criteria listed below, beginning with their first fall or spring term.
To be considered for admission at the junior level, students must:
- Complete these prerequisites:
Course List Code Title Credits BSC 2005 Biological Sciences 3 or BSC 2010 Integrated Principles of Biology 1 STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1 3 Select 6 credits of social and behavioral sciences, including the following as the state core: 6 PSY 2012General Psychology ENC 1101 Expository and Argumentative Writing 3 ENC 1102 Argument and Persuasion 3 ENC 2210 Technical Writing 3 or ENC 3453 Writing in the Health Professions - 3.0 overall GPA and 3.0 prerequisite GPA
- AA degree or 60 transferable college level credits
- Completion of all general education and university writing requirements
- Apply formally to the college by February 1. The college application packet is available online. Transfer students must apply separately to UF and to the college so they must submit two different applications.
Off-track UF freshmen and sophomores must speak with a college advisor before registering for the next semester and prior to applying for junior-year admission consideration.
AP, IB, or AICE credit is accepted for any prerequisite course. Students must earn a minimum of C in any BPH prerequisite course that is not satisfied by AP/IB/AICE credit. NOTE: While students can use AP/IB/AICE credit to satisfy BPH prerequisites, students should be aware that graduate/professional programs may not accept AP/IB/AICE credits in lieu of letter grades for their respective prerequisites. Students should consult a college advisor if they need assistance or have questions about a specific course schedule.
Students must apply by February 1 for Summer B and fall admission. All prerequisites must be completed by the end of Summer.

