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Bachelor of Science in Public Health

Program Overview

Prepare to address evolving health challenges by designing and implementing disease prevention, health promotion, and protection strategies for individuals, communities, and populations.

Program Format

On-Campus

Degree Options

Four-Year BS Program

Time to Complete

  • Full Time: 4 Years 
  • Transfer Pathways: 2 Years

Why Major in Health Science at AIC?

With a Public Health degree from American International College, you can be part of the solution to today’s most pressing health challenges. Students benefit from supportive faculty, and real-world experiences that prepare them for rewarding careers. Graduates are well-positioned for opportunities in healthcare, community organizations, government, and public health leadership roles.

What to Expect

  • Career-ready curriculum: Graduates gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact across healthcare, community organizations, government, and nonprofit settings, while coursework can be tailored to individual career aspirations.
  • Supportive faculty: Student-centered instructors provide guidance and mentorship to develop leadership skills and promote healthier communities.
  • Access to public health leaders: Engage with public health professionals during the annual Archbishop Desmond Tutu Lecture, gaining insights on current challenges and emerging opportunities.

The Public Health major prepares students for any number of satisfying careers helping Americans live longer, more fulfilling lives. It’s a great choice for students who want to put their intellect—and compassion—to work.

Dr. Fred Hooven
Director and Associate Professor, Public Health Program

Program Details

The Bachelor’s in Public Health at American International College provides a pathway to community wellness positions across healthcare, nonprofit, community, and government settings. The program also offers a strong foundation for graduate study in public health and related fields, supporting students as they pursue advanced training and expanded career opportunities.

  • Demonstrate a foundational knowledge of public health in the U.S. and the world.
  • Use data to understand public health problems and assess interventions.
  • Integrate the concepts of population health assessment and public health interventions.
  • Identify opportunities for promoting and protecting health across the life course based on an understanding of the underlying science of human health and disease.
  • Critically examine and recognize the socio-economic, behavioral, biological, environmental, and other factors that impact human health and contribute to health disparities.
  • Apply project implementation skills, including planning, assessment, and evaluation, toward public health problems.
  • Compare and contrast the effects of different health policies in the U.S and elsewhere, in terms of both the economic impacts and effects on the public’s health.
  • Explain the roles of various agencies of government and private sector organizations in the regulatory, health care delivery, and health care financing systems.
  • Apply communication skills, including those in oral presentation, technical and professional writing, and use of mass media and technology to public health issues.

Major Courses: In addition to AIC Plan for Excellence (APEX) requirements, students must complete all courses listed here to receive a Bachelor of Science in Public Health:

  • PCH1030 Introduction to Public Health Practice 
  • PCH2030 Global Health 
  • PCH3250 Environmental Health 
  • INT2040 Disease Detectives and Epidemiology 
  • PCH3630 Community Health Promotion 
  • PCH3632 Program Planning & Evaluation 
  • PCH4100 Research Methods in Public Health 
  • PCH4430 Seminar in Public Health 
  • PCH4899 Capstone in Public Health

9 credits must be selected from any of the following:

  • 152 HCM2200 American Healthcare System 
  • HCM3230 Ethical and Legal Issues in Healthcare 
  • HCM4240 Healthcare Economics & Finance 
  • INT2540 Health Psychology 
  • PCH3800 Special Topics in Public Health 
  • SOC3440 Sociology of Health and Illness 
  • Any biology or chemistry course at the 2000 level or above

Please reference the current catalog for all course descriptions. 

The minor in Public Health consists of 12 credit hours of courses in public health and 6 credit hours from other courses. The courses selected must include:

  • PCH1030 Introduction to Public Health Practice 
  • INT2040 Disease Detectives and Epidemiology

Plus 6 credits from any of the following:

  • HCM2200 American Health Care System 
  • HCM3230 Ethical and Legal Issues in Health Care 
  • HCM4240 Health Care Economics and Finance 
  • SOC3440 Sociology of Health and Illness 
  • PSY2540 Health Psychology 

Please reference the current catalog for all course descriptions. 

Individuals interested in studying Public Health at AIC—or exploring related studies in The Health Promotion, Research, and Management Hive—will apply for admission as a first-year, transfer, or international student. 

Review tuition rates and fees for the upcoming academic year. 

Undergraduate Tuition and Costs

Scholarships

Grants and scholarships are awarded based on both need and merit.

All Undergraduate Scholarships

AIC’s transfer partnerships with Holyoke Community College (HCC) and Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) provide an uninterrupted path from community college to our bachelor’s in Criminal Justice program, as well as a $4,000 per year joint admissions scholarship.

If you have questions on transferring from one of our partner schools, please contact the admissions office at 413.205.3201.

Encouraging holistic involvement, AIC’s campus culture allows everyone to find their place to build connections and fuel their passions:

  • Engage with experts and alumni working in the field: Students are provided opportunities to network and learn from community leaders making a difference in public health. In 2025, several alumni, including Aumani Harris ‘17, Public Health Research and Evaluation Fellow at the CDC, shared their insight and experiences with students during the Archbishop Desmond Tutu Lecture in Public Health.   
  • All student groups: Pursue a hobby or embrace your identity while managing a club’s resources, funds, and goals. Browse all student organizations. 
  • Leadership development: Through groups, athletics, service, and outreach, Yellow Jackets explore the art of taking charge and how objectives are achieved through motivation, engagement, and vision. Learn more about leadership development.

Have a Question?

Contact Public Health Program Director and Associate Professor Frederick Hooven, PhD or email admissions@aic.edu for general college admission requirements.

Academic and Career Support

AIC gives you the space to explore your interest while preparing you for life after college. Throughout, you’ll work with advisors and mentors to define your academic and professional goals and the ways to achieve them.

An AIC student talks course selection for the Psychology major with their academic advisor.

Student Success Advising

Saremi Center for Career Development

Accessibility Services and Academic Accommodations (CASAA)

What Can You Do with a Public Health Degree?

Job Titles

AIC Public Health majors begin careers as:

  • Health Education Specialist
  • Community Health Worker
  • Public Health Policy Coordinator

Salary Expectations

Employment in community and social service occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2034. About 313,700 openings are projected each year, on average with salaries higher than the median, including:

Where Our Graduates Work

AIC students find their Bachelor’s degree in Public Health gives them an edge for careers in:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Municipal Health Offices
  • Community Health Organizations
  • Institutions of Higher Education

Related Programs 

Whatever type of healthcare role you want to pursue, AIC’s programs offer real-world experience to set you on your path:

Health Sciences students work on a project in one of AIC's performance labs

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AIC Health Science students collaborate on an assignment in a classroom.

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Ready to Take the Next Step?

Follow generations of graduates who make an impact in our community and across the globe.

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