Public Health

Simmons University’s nationally recognized Public Health bachelor's degree gives you the conceptual and empirical foundation for understanding the interplay between health, science, and society.

Throughout the program, you’ll explore the field from multiple angles to find your unique niche that best matches your interests, skills, and passion for making an impact — setting you up for a rewarding career.

What will you learn with a bachelor’s degree in Public Health?

As a Public Health major, you’ll learn how to interpret public health data, frame a public health issue, review and apply scientific literature, and present your findings. Through interdisciplinary coursework, you’ll study emerging research, trends, and solutions that serve as long-term prevention of issues on a widespread scale, like the eradication of disease.

Through the curriculum and hands-on learning, you will become confident, skilled advocates capable of influencing a healthier, more educated public.

You'll complete 12 core courses to establish a strong foundation in human development, health communications, microbiology, global health, environmental science, and epidemiology. The program culminates in a capstone project of either an internship or research experience, providing you with a rewarding, hands-on learning experience. 

You also can add a Public Health minor to science, pre-med, health profession studies, or social work for a broadened perspective of the reach of your field.

What can you do with a Public Health degree?

The field of public health touches many aspects of our lives. The work done in this field reflects the tireless efforts of its practitioners to continuously strive for improvement and innovation to solve pressing health challenges facing the world.

There is a rising demand for public health professionals due to increased global concerns regarding health inequities, infectious and chronic disease epidemiology, food and water safety, sanitation, and environmental health issues.

With this demand, our graduates are making a difference every day. The interdisciplinary curriculum allows you the flexibility to carve out a specialization that best matches your interests and goals. You’ll enter public health careers in a wide range of in-demand roles, such as emergency management specialists, health educators, epidemiologists, community health workers, researchers, and public health communicators — all seeking to identify and solve important issues in public health.

The Public Health program also prepares you to continue your education and increase specialization through an advanced degree program like Simmons’ online Master of Public Health (MPH), 3+1 BS to MPH Program, or Public Health + MS in Nutrition 4+1 degree.

Simmons also maintains matriculation agreements for master’s programs in public health with Boston University School of Public Health (Select Scholars Program) and The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. 

Engage in hands-on learning with a BA in Public Health

We offer access to Boston’s world-class, vibrant public health and medical community. There are many prestigious teaching hospitals and research labs within walking distance of the Simmons campus. 

You’ll enrich your academic experience by attending talks, pursuing research and internships, and interacting directly with leading experts in public health research and policy through guest lectures.

Internship and research opportunities are essential elements of the Public Health degree, enhancing the in-class experience for deeper understanding of course concepts. They allow you to explore specialized interests, build career-ready skills, and establish strong connections with dedicated mentors in the field. Our students have interned in prominent locations, such as the Boston Public Health Commission and Boston Children’s Hospital.