Introduction
Overview
The School of Public Health and Information Sciences (SPHIS) offers two undergraduate degree options: Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) for students focused on public health practice and Bachelor of Arts in Public Health (BAPH) for liberal studies. SPHIS is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). A degree in public health provides students with the skills they need to improve the health of populations and communities, as well as alleviate the suffering caused by disease, injuries and health disparities. Public Health majors learn how to inquire, challenge and explore options that promote the health and well-being of the community.
Residence Life - A Public Health Living Learning Community (PHLLC) brings together students wishing to pursue a career in public health. This residential community fosters exploration of this career path through courses, programming, services, and connections to campus and community resources. The PHLLC resides in Community Park and accommodates up to 16 slots. To participate, students must complete an application for housing and a PHLLC Application.
What can I do with a degree in Public Health?
A BS or BA in Public Health prepares students for positions in specific sectors of public health, health services, and public policy, with career opportunities in health education, health care administration, health research, environmental health, and more. Examples of job settings could include colleges and universities, federal and state health agencies, and community and international organizations. Both degrees prepare students for advanced degrees in public health, law, and clinical health professions (ie: PA, PT, Nursing, Pharmacy, Medicine, and Dentistry).
Admissions
Admission requirements depend on a student’s educational and public health experience, described in the following table.
Category
Required Credent
ials
Matriculation
Status
Criteria
Entering first‐year student
Application and fee
High school transcript
ACT/SAT scores
TOEFL/IELTS (International Students)
Good standing
One of:
Graduation from accredited high school
Successful completion of General Education Development (GED) tests
High school GPA of 2.5 or higher
ACT/SAT score of 19/940 or higher
TOEFL/IELTS score of 79/6.5 or higher
Transfer student with fewer than 24 credit hours
Application and fee
High school transcript
ACT/SAT scores
College transcripts
Good standing
College GPA of 2.0 or higher
One of:
Graduation from accredited high school
Successful completion of General Education Development (GED) tests
High school GPA of 2.5 or higher
ACT/SAT score of 19/940 or higher
Transfer student with 24 credit hours or more
Application and fee
College transcripts
Good standing
College GPA of 2.0 or higher
Post‐baccalaureate student
Application and fee
College transcripts
Good standing
Degree posted
Curriculum Requirements
UofL Cardinal Core Requirements
31 hours
Public Health Core Requirements
42 hours
Programmatic Courses/Electives
47 hours
Total Credit Hours
120
Accelerated Master in Public Health (MPH) Program
Undergraduates interested in pursuing the Accelerated Master of Public Health (MPH) program option must be enrolled in our Bachelor of Arts (BA) in the public health program. Applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.25. The accelerated curriculum allows students to take up to 15 graduate credit hours of the MPH core course work during their undergraduate studies. The 15 credit hours will count towards the completion of both the BA and MPH degrees.
