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Turn Data into Action
What does it cost?

Learn more about the cost of a bachelor’s degree, or use Georgia State’s Cost Calculator to get an idea of the investment required for your path of study. For information on how to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and to determine eligibility, visit the FAFSA tips page.

Georgia State is dedicated to making our programs affordable and accessible to all prospective students because we value the investment each student makes in their education. We understand that the path to a student's future shouldn’t be blocked due to finances and we pride ourselves on offering financial assistance and scholarships that can support students through their education.

How long will it take?

Full-time students can complete the program in four years.

Where will I take classes?
Atlanta Campus, Online

Some classes will be online or hybrid—meaning some days you would meet in the classroom, some days online—but the entire program will not be online.

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

Students may enter the program in the fall, spring or summer.

VIEW APPLICATION DEADLINES

Population Health Sciences Concentration, Public Health, B.S.

Georgia State University's Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a concentration in Population Health Sciences provides foundational knowledge and skills that enable students to collect and analyze data on the social, behavioral, biological and environmental factors that influence human health. The concentration helps students turn data into action by strengthening their ability to advocate for the protection and promotion of the public’s health at all levels of society, think critically and creatively, make ethical and evidence-based decisions, and understand the cultural contexts in which public health professionals work.

The Population Health Sciences concentration draws on a variety of disciplines such as math, the social, behavioral, and biological sciences, and chemistry to explore a range of health-related topics. The concentration prepares students for entry level careers in biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, public health emergency preparedness and response, and workplace safety and health, among others. The Population Health Sciences concentration also provides a strong foundation for graduate education and an accelerated path to earning a Master of Public Health degree in just one additional year through the 4+1 BS/MPH program. A dedicated pre-med track includes the pre-requisite courses students need to apply to medical school.

About the School of Public Health

Located in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia State’s School of Public Health provides a practice-based education in a thriving global city, creating leaders who are prepared to advance health equity and address urgent challenges.

Public Health students have opportunities to engage in hands-on learning experiences throughout greater Atlanta’s vibrant public health community in places such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, local government agencies and international non-governmental organizations.

Learn more about the School of Public Health

Program Highlights

What makes the School of Public Health distinctive?

  • Located in a global hub of public health expertise
  • Study abroad and community engagement opportunities
  • Hands-on research opportunities
  • Faculty with research and public health practice expertise
  • Mentoring programs
  • “Meet and Talk” networking events for students, alumni and faculty
  • Dedicated to advancing health equity

One of the Most Diverse Programs in the Nation

We have an extraordinarily diverse student body that reflects the diversity of our nation and also includes a significant number of international students who are drawn to Georgia State from more than 40 countries.

  • More than 70% of all students are members of a minority group
  • 6% are from countries outside the U.S.
  • Students represent more than 40 countries
  • More than 100 international Fulbright Scholar recipients

Career Outlook

Female looking at small device in front of tree

The Population Health Sciences concentration prepares students for a range of entry-level careers in biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, public health emergency preparedness and response, and workplace safety and health, among others. Below are some common job titles for people who hold a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and median salaries.

Biostatistician*
$104,000 median salary, 30% growth
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
*typically requires a master’s degree

Emergency Management Director
$76,000 median salary
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Environmental Scientists and Specialists
$78,000 median salary, 6% growth
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Epidemiologist*
$81,000 median salary, 27% growth
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
*typically requires master’s degree

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
$81,000 median salary, 9% growth
Source: O*Net Online

Learn more about public health careers

Signature Capstone Experience

Research Experiences, Service-Learning, Internships

Through the signature capstone experience component of the curriculum, students synthesize and apply their public health knowledge through local and global engagement, research experiences, service-learning or internships. As the culminating component of a Georgia State School of Public Health bachelor’s degree, the Signature Capstone Experience provides a foundation for launching a career or continuing on to graduate or professional school.

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Program Details

High School Seniors and Recent Graduates
If you’re a senior in high school or if you graduated from high school within the last two years, you’ll apply to begin your bachelor’s degree program using Georgia State’s Common Application.

Find out more about applying

International students
International applicants are those students who are in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa (B-1, H-1, J-1, etc.), students who are living outside the U.S. and who will require an F-1 visa to study in the United States, students who are in the process of applying for Permanent Residency status but have not yet received the Permanent Residency card or students who have been educated outside the U.S.

Learn more about the application process

Transfer students
If you’re already in college but need a change, transferring to Georgia State can provide you with the opportunities you need to succeed — in school and after graduation.

View the details

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health gives students the ability to choose between a concentration in Health Policy and Behavioral Sciences or a concentration in Population Health Sciences. A Pre-Med track is available as well, for students who select the Population Health Sciences concentration.

Each curriculum includes elements of the life and biological sciences, social sciences and humanities to provide students with an understanding of public health from a broad spectrum of approaches. Through the Accelerated 4+1 BS/MPH program, students have the opportunity to earn both degrees in five years or fewer.

For details on coursework and degree requirements, visit the Georgia State University catalog.

Use Georgia State’s Cost Calculator to get an idea of the investment required for your path of study. For information on how to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and to determine eligibility, visit the FAFSA tips page.

Georgia State works to ensure affordability and accessibility to all prospective students because we value the investment each student makes in their education. We understand that the path to a student's future shouldn’t be blocked due to finances and we pride ourselves on offering financial assistance and scholarships that can support students through their education.

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health provides a foundation of knowledge and skills that prepares students to make a positive impact on the health of populations. Students are introduced to the history and philosophy of public health as well as its core values, concepts and functions in societies around the globe. The BSPH program examines the underlying science of human health and disease as well as opportunities for promoting and protecting health across the life course.

View Learning Objectives

Contacts

Office of Academic Assistance
404-413-1452
[email protected]

School of Public Health LogoUrban Life Building
140 Decatur St.
Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30303