What is public health?
Public Health at Mizzou is all about improving health at the community level. From vaccination campaigns and health education to policy development and disease prevention, public health focuses on creating solutions that make a lasting impact. You’ll explore how social, environmental and behavioral factors shape health, with key areas of study including epidemiology, health policy, and environmental health.
What classes will I take?
Public Health students learn about the activities needed to promote and protect the health of people and the communities that they live in. A core curriculum of health education, epidemiology, environmental health, communication, diversity and culture help prepare students for a multitude of public health career paths. This includes classes such as:
- Introduction to Public Health
- Public Health Promotion and Program Planning
- Principals of Environmental Health
- Introduction to Epidemiology
View a full list of required courses.
Are there experiential learning opportunities?
YES! The University of Missouri believes in learning by doing.
The bachelor’s degree in Public Health doesn’t require hands-on learning, but students can choose to get involved in internships, volunteering, or studying abroad. Watch the video below to see how our students have taken part in exciting opportunities like traveling Greece to learn how public health programs work in different cultures and communities.
Frequently asked questions
A major in public health is perfect for students who are passionate about promoting healthier communities and addressing pressing health challenges at a population level. Public health is ideal for those who thrive in collaboration, think critically, and seek innovative solutions to complex problems. Whether your goals include a career in healthcare, policy, research, education, or advocacy, public health equips you with the tools to create meaningful and lasting change in the world.
A bachelor’s degree in public health enables you to start your career in a setting such as a local public health agency, state department of health, community clinic, governmental unit or non-governmental organization. You’ll be prepared to address issues such as health promotion and health education, environmental health, health literacy, disaster preparedness, water quality, workplace health coordination, nutrition, health communication, injury and violence prevention, and a variety of other prevention issues.
Graduates also pursue advanced degrees in public health (MPH), health care administration (MHA), epidemiology, medicine, veterinary medicine, and nursing, and prepare for roles in health policy, program management, and research.
Mizzou’s Public Health degree prepares you for your future by offering customizable pathways that let you tailor your studies to match your career goals, whether in health promotion, global health, or community health. The program’s interdisciplinary approach integrates knowledge from fields like epidemiology, social sciences, and health policy, equipping you to tackle complex public health challenges with a well-rounded perspective.
Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) is the national credential for health educators. These specialists work in a variety of settings, including: universities, public schools, local and state health departments, non-profits, hospitals, corporations, and more. Learn more about CHES.
No, this degree is direct admit. If you are admitted to the University of Missouri, you will be admitted to the Public Health degree program.
Yes, the University of Missouri Public Health program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). Learn more about Mizzou’s CEPH accreditation.
Become a public health major
You can declare Public Health as your major at any point during your career at MU without a separate application.
- New students: Apply to MU and choose Public Health as your major.
- Current students: Declare or change your major.
Admission and application
Are you ready to become a Tiger? Don’t wait any longer.
Cost and financial aid
Learn more about tuition costs, scholarship opportunities and financial aid at Mizzou.
Advising
Academic advisors are located in the CHS Student Services Office. Current Mizzou students can schedule an appointment with their adviser through MU Connect.
Advising worksheet
Students may use the Public Health advising worksheet as a guide, but they should also meet with their advisor to ensure they are on track to graduate.