Preprofessional health studies: Preparing students for a future in healthcare

Beginning in June 2025, the Bachelor of Science in public health will become a Bachelor of Science in public health: preprofessional health studies.

“This change is paramount to our students’ success in preparing for their future application to a variety of healthcare based programs,” said Steele Morris, program director and instructor of public health. “It also demonstrates the versatility of a public health degree in all areas of population health.”

The biggest change is the public health: preprofessional health studies program will require students to complete two lab science courses (Anatomy and Physiology I and Chemistry I) and then allows students to choose the remaining five lab science courses needed to complete the degree.

Morris said, “This change allows students the flexibility to choose the lab-based science courses they need to prepare for the specific graduate program of their choice, while also growing a deeper understanding of the patients they will care for in their future career.”

While some individuals will move into other areas of study after completing this degree, the students who this change benefits most are those preparing for specific graduate programs including:

• Physician Assistant

• Physical Therapy

• Physician (MD/DO)

• Pharmacy

• Dentistry

• Dietetics/Nutritionist

• Veterinary Medicine

• Occupational Therapy (BA or BS)

• Speech Language Pathology (BA or BS)

The rapidly growing public health profession can lead to careers in many of the fastest growing professions throughout the country. The rise of lifestyle-related illnesses, an unsustainable increase in healthcare costs, and the need for preventive medicine combine to create a pivotal and exciting time to become a public health professional. 

The field of public health will position you to make a difference in the well-being of our communities, schools, and workplaces.

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