University of Southern Maine

Public Health, B.S.

Public health is defined as the science of protecting and improving the health and well-being of diverse populations. Public health draws upon theory and evidence from multiple disciplines to identify the causes of poor health and address those causes through organized community efforts. It includes a strong emphasis on preventing illness, addressing health disparities, and using health data. Studying public health will provide you with an understanding of the individual, social, organizational, and structural determinants of health, and give you tools to intervene at different system levels to help people and communities become healthier.

The BSPH introduces students to the history and core concepts of public health and its role in U.S. and international health systems. Students will gain knowledge of public health theory and approaches, as well as the skills necessary to apply this knowledge in entry-level professional public health roles across Maine. Through the culminating 120-hour field experience, students will work on public health projects within their communities that integrate their learning and provide valuable experience in public health planning and program delivery.

The BS in public health will prepare you for early career, entry-level positions at local health departments, businesses, social service agencies, health systems, nonprofit community organizations, hospitals and more. The degree also provides a strong foundation for graduate programs in multiple fields, including USM’s Master of Public Health (MPH), other graduate health training programs, public policy, and law.