Bachelor of Science
Public Health
Build Healthier Communities
At JWU Providence, our focus on public health involves delivering patient-centered and humanistic healthcare to diverse populations. In our B.S. in Public Health degree, you will learn to assess and plan for community needs by taking a holistic approach that includes courses in nutrition, exercise science, public health, psychology, sociology and economics. Our students also gain insight into global health issues and develop solutions for challenges faced by different populations around the world.
Graduates of JWU’s Public Health program can choose to apply for our Master of Public Health degree, which provides a more in-depth training and prepares them to become future leaders in public health. Many of our B.S. in Public Health graduates have continued their education by pursuing M.P.H. degrees at prestigious institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, New York University and George Washington University.
By participating in our small classes and receiving personalized guidance, you’ll work closely with faculty who truly care about your future in public health. Our faculty have also fostered strong connections with local organizations, offering students networking opportunities and preparing them for internships with local and state health departments.
Request Information
Gaining Experience Through Research
“I was given the opportunity to be a part of JWU’s Center for Student Research and Interdisciplinary Collaboration as a research fellow, which has provided me with valuable experience for my future in public health. As a research fellow, I have had the opportunity to work with real-life data and collaborate with faculty mentors to produce various research products, as well as present at state-wide conferences.”
- Lilly Oliveira ’25, CSRIC Managing Research Fellow, Health Equity Club President
Building Public Health Skills
At JWU, we support our students in becoming public health advocates, with mentorship from faculty who are well-versed in research and have real-world industry experience. Students can make a difference in health, whether through research and education, providing data analysis for local health initiatives or conducting surveys to investigate the links between smartphone addiction and mental health, or the relationship between social media use and depression in college students.
In this program, you’ll:
- Become prepared for a career in healthcare or for graduate studies in public health
- Learn how to evaluate, present and analyze data and develop policies and interventions
- Obtain the intervention skills set to evaluate global health systems, identifying problems and developing solutions
- Identify and complete a full-year research project, presenting your findings to fellow researchers and to the public
- Apply free elective credit to options ranging from Directed Experiential Education (DEE) to internships to study abroad
View this post on Instagram
Sample Courses
- Introduction to Global Health
- Health Policy, Ethics and the Law
- Health Education and Program Planning
- Mindfulness for Health & Wellbeing
- Comparative Healthcare Systems
- Data and Evidence in Health: Research Capstone
In addition to classes, free elective credits can be applied to a number of options such as Directed Experiential Education (DEE), internship, minor or study abroad. You are encouraged to contact an advisor before scheduling free elective credits.
View the full JWU Catalog course listing:
Career Possibilities
- Public health specialist
- Policy analyst
- Grants coordinator
- Research associate
- Data analyst
- Project coordinator
Some professions may require additional study, background checks, certifications, licenses, exams and/or experience as required qualifications for employment. Students are responsible for verifying that they can meet the employment requirements of potential employers.
Featured Faculty
Our professors and instructors are dedicated to the success of our students. Learn more about our expert faculty members.
Professor + Department Chair
Sammartino is a health services investigator with experience in developing/analyzing program evaluation data, building analytical models, analyzing state legislation and research effective policy solutions.
Associate Professor
Rosenthal worked on pharmaceutical and vaccine development as a chemical engineer and developed novel medical devices and prostheses as a biomedical engineer.
Professor
Swanberg is an internationally known scholar dedicated to improving the quality of work life and well-being of vulnerable working populations through research and policy interventions.
Related Programs
