Start Here. Go Anywhere with a Bachelor's of Public Health Degree.
Earn your Bachelor of Public Health (BSPH) degree at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee — one of the top colleges that offer public health degrees in Tennessee.
Through this undergraduate public health program, you’ll study topics like disease prevention, health policy and community wellness while learning from expert faculty who care about your success. You’ll also gain hands-on experience through a 400-hour internship tailored to your goals.
By graduation, you’ll be ready to advance to graduate school or begin a meaningful career improving health outcomes in your community and beyond.
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Public Health Programs in Tennessee: Study in the Heart of Nashville
Experience one of the nation’s top health care hubs while pursuing your Bachelor of Public Health degree at Belmont. As one of the leading public health programs in Tennessee, Belmont connects classroom learning with real-world experience right in the center of Nashville.
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Home to 500+ healthcare organizations, including HCA Healthcare, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Community Health Systems — offering unmatched opportunities for internships and careers.
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Collaborate with the Tennessee Department of Health, Metro Public Health Department and local nonprofits to apply your classroom knowledge in real-world settings.
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Gain exposure to diverse communities across the Nashville metro area — urban, suburban and rural — to understand the complex factors shaping population health.
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Engage in professional growth through statewide and national events such as the Tennessee Public Health Association (TPHA) Conference.
What You'll Learn in Belmont's Public Health Program
As a public health major at Belmont University, you’ll build a strong scientific foundation through courses in biology, chemistry and environmental health — paired with specialized public health courses in global health, epidemiology, health policy and biostatistics.
Through this Bachelor of Public Health degree, you’ll examine the social and environmental factors that influence population health and explore how policy, prevention and education shape healthier communities.
You’ll also have the flexibility to choose up to 21 hours of electives across Belmont’s curriculum — allowing you to study subjects like international politics, philosophy or additional sciences to prepare for graduate study or medical school.
Program Details
Curriculum
To major in public health, you will complete a total of 128 credit hours:
- BELL core requirements: 51 hours
- Major requirements: 48 hours
- Major fieldwork: 9 hours
- General electives: 20 hours
Courses You'll Take
- CEM 1010 Chemistry
The goal of the course is to help students understand the chemistry behind important societal issues and the consequences of actions aimed at addressing the issues. After laying the necessary chemical foundation, the course will focus on topics such as foods, fuels, consumer goods, environmental materials and the physical materials of our bodies - BPH 1010 Foundations of Public Health
This course familiarizes students with the field of public health, including the history and current practices. Major cultural, social, economic, organizational and environmental factors influencing public health issues and practices at the local, state, national and international levels will be presented. Public health Core Functions and Essential Services will be explored, and students will gain an understanding of public health as a broad area of work that applies the benefits of current biomedical, environmental, social and behavioral knowledge to promote the health status of populations. - BPH 2010 Social Determinants of Health
This 1-3 hour, seminar course is designed to introduce and stimulate discussion about existing and emerging public health issues. This course may be taken at any time but may be particularly useful early in the curriculum for students interested in exploring career alternatives in core areas of public health practice and research. - BPH 2100 Current Issues in Public Health
This 1-3 hour, seminar course is designed to introduce and stimulate discussion about existing and emerging public health issues. This course may be taken at any time but may be particularly useful early in the curriculum for students interested in exploring career alternatives in core areas of public health practice and research. - BPH 2240 Health Communications
This course explores the interpersonal, group, organizational and public communication processes that shape beliefs, decisions and behavior regarding health, sickness and health care. Attitudes and actions of various participants in health communication, including citizens, health professionals and those engaged in the public debate of health issues will be explored. - SWK 2250 Human Behavior and Social Environment I
This course examines the biological, psychological and social development of the individual at different lifespan stages. Students learn about human behavior from the perspective of developmental milestones as well as environmental, societal and cultural issues and contexts. - BPH 3010 Global Health
Students in this course will develop an understanding of key concepts, tools and frameworks for studying global health with a focus on global disease burden, health determinants and disparities, health policy and stakeholders and challenges of global health interventions. The importance of understanding and addressing global health through multidisciplinary frameworks of the natural sciences, social-behavioral sciences, humanities and policy will be explored. - BPH 3020 Population Health
This course examines the way health care delivery systems, public health agencies, community-based organizations and other elements work together to develop, deliver and evaluate effectiveness of interventions to improve health outcomes at local, national and global levels. Three broad content areas will be explored: infectious disease, chronic disease and environmental health. - BPH 3100 Introduction to Epidemiology
This course introduces the student to principles of epidemiology and their application to disease surveillance, control of infectious and chronic diseases and health services/health policy. Students will learn about basic research designs and tools used by epidemiologists to explore relationships between cause and effect and effectiveness of interventions to prevent, contain or cure disease. - BPH 3200 Fundamentals of Environmental Health
This course explores the relationship of people and their environment, how it affects physical and mental well-being and what they can do to influence the quality of the environment and to enhance the protection of their health. Environmental factors that influence transmission of communicable diseases and hazards due to exposure to chemical and physical materials in our environment will be examined. - BPH 3210 Scientific Inquiry
This course provides a basic introduction to research including theoretical foundations and fundamental protocols. The course enrolls students majoring in health professions, the social sciences, humanities and natural and physical sciences. Students will explore research methodologies and learn how to write a research proposal including identification of a study topic, generation of a hypothesis, formulation of inquiry questions, organizing a literature review and selecting a research design. Practical use of the proposal as a plan to facilitate a research project and dissemination of findings will be examined. - BPH 4015 Capstone
This course is designed as a culminating experience to allow students to integrate, synthesize and apply knowledge developed throughout the academic program. Options for completing this experience may include a public service internship, working directly with a faculty member to complete an independent research project and paper or an approved study abroad experience in a public health practice setting. - BPH 4100 Introduction to Health Policy
This course provides a framework for understanding the social, political and economic dimensions of health policy and offers the student an opportunity to explore various ways in which the government impacts health and the provision of health care. Issues of accessibility, cost and quality of health care; food, water and environmental safety; and the right to make decisions about our health and health care will be explored. Topical areas may include the Affordable Care Act and policies governing environmental health, pharmaceutical, injury prevention, aging, long-term care, etc. - BPH 4200 Fundamentals of Health Economics
This course will guide students to understand how economic principles apply to the market for health care. Topics of study will include cost-benefit analysis, the market for insurance, the pharmaceutical industry, the private markets for physicians and hospital services, and the potential roles for government in healthcare. The course will include a brief survey of alternate healthcare delivery systems and models for reform. - BPH 4300 Program Planning and Evaluation
Students will gain a basic understanding of public health programming including assessment, design, planning, implementation and evaluation. Given the importance of public health planning and evaluation occurring within the context of interdisciplinary teams, students in this course will also discuss and practice skills for building effective teams and accomplishing individual and group objectives through team work - Public Health Fieldwork I, II & III (BPH 2000, BPH 3000, BPH 4000)
Fieldwork experience connects skills and knowledge acquired in the classroom with public health practice. Fieldwork can enable the student to develop and improve communication skills, develop and practice project management and problem-solving skills using public health methods, principles and techniques. Using hands-on public health practice opportunities, students can explore career options and create their own networks with other public health professionals. Complete 9 credit hours of Fieldwork.
In Belmont's public health program, you have the opportunity to get involved and explore your passions beyond the classroom.
- Travel abroad to work with practicing professionals, learn about cultural differences and explore the impact of health policies on individuals and communities.
- Join the Public Health Student Association and get to know classmates who share your interests.
- Voice your opinions in monthly meetings of the Public Health Book Club.
- Hear from distinguished guest speakers as part of our Coffee and Careers Series.
Outcomes & Alumni Success
Graduates of Belmont’s Department of Public Health are making an impact in diverse health care and public health settings.
Alumni have secured roles as epidemiologists with state health departments, consultants for healthcare organizations and analysts in nonprofit and policy sectors.
Many public health majors pursue the pre-health track and have continued into medical school, physician assistant (PA) programs and accelerated MSN programs at top institutions.
Whether entering the workforce or continuing their education, our graduates are equipped with the skills and experience to improve health outcomes and advance public health initiatives.
Career Preparation and Professional Support in Public Health
At Belmont University, we’re committed to your success — in the classroom, in your community and in your career. As a student in our Bachelor of Public Health program, you’ll receive personalized guidance, mentorship and hands-on opportunities designed to help you thrive in one of the fastest-growing health fields.
Students in Belmont’s public health degree program benefit from:
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Career development support through Belmont’s Office of Career & Professional Development (OCPD), including resume workshops, job fairs and networking events.
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Mentorship from faculty and guest lecturers with extensive public health experience, offering real-world insights into today’s most pressing health challenges.
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Professional engagement opportunities such as field trips to public health organizations and attendance at the Tennessee Public Health Association (TPHA) Conference, where students often present their research and connect with professionals statewide.
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A department led by faculty with deep connections to the Tennessee public health community — including a department chair who is a former TPHA President.
Through these experiences, you’ll graduate from Belmont’s public health program in Tennessee ready to step confidently into graduate school or a meaningful public health career.
97% of College of Pharmacy & Health Science graduates are employed, pursuing continuing education, or enlisted in the military within 6 months of graduation and 97% of employed graduates are in positions that align with their short or long term career goals.
Learn more about Career & Professional Development at Belmont
Public Health Student & Alumni Testimonials
Octavia Forrest
Public Health
Fellow | Tennessee Department of Health
“The Public Health department here at Belmont University is one of the best communities I could have ever asked for. From mentor-mentee relationships to community-building activities, this program has helped me gain an immense amount of knowledge and secure several credible positions, both during and post-undergraduate. Public Health is everything we see and do, the possibilities for impact are endless. As an intern and now a fellow with the Tennessee Department of Health I have consistently used concepts and skills learned in Population Health, Scientific Inquiry, Current Issues, Program Planning and Evaluation, Epidemiology, and many more. I would highly recommend a major or minor in Public Health, but if you are set to major/minor in something else, I definitely recommend taking a Public Health course. It will truly be an eye-opener and so much fun!”
Aly Powers
Public Health
Doctor of Medicine and Master of Public Health Student | James H. Quillen College of Medicine and College of Public Health at East Tennessee State University
“Belmont equipped me with invaluable public health skills to promote health for all as a future physician. My public health education, research and field experience at Belmont unveiled my passion for the intersection of public health and medicine to reduce health inequities through personalized care. This foundation has enabled me to address the broad sociocultural contexts impacting individual and population health in my medical career. I will forever cherish my time at Belmont for fostering my resilience and drive that will carry me through the rest of my life and medical career. As a Bruin for Life, I strive to use the gifts I gained from Belmont to serve as a guiding light for others in the same way that Belmont was a guiding light for me.”
Alex Hamm
Public Health Major with Pre-Health Emphasis
Hershey, PA
“Being a public health major has given me incredible opportunities to explore diverse fields within public health, engage in meaningful research, and give back to the community. The supportive faculty genuinely care about each student's success, both academically and personally. Through hands-on experiences and coursework, I have been able to discover my passions and develop skills that will help me make a real impact in the world. Belmont's public health program has truly prepared me for the future, and I am grateful for the knowledge and connections I've gained.”
Claire Stephens
Public Health Major with Pre-Health Emphasis
San Diego, CA
“Belmont's public health program has been transformative in my life. I have known that I wanted to be a physician assistant for a long time but had many hesitations about majoring in something like biology or chemistry. While those disciplines are wonderful, I knew that Belmont's public health department would equip me with the skills to be a population health-focused practitioner once a day who could truly listen to and understand patients. Studying public health has been the greatest way I've prepared for PA school, and the faculty in our program has empowered me to achieve those goals and given me opportunities surrounding what I am passionate about. The dedication of the faculty and the broad scope of public health has been my favorite part of my pre-health journey.”
Tanner Smalling
Public Health Major
Pursuing Master of Public Health at Emory University
“Belmont University has provided me with excellent support and opportunities. From the experience of the professors in the public health program to the diverse opportunities afforded to me. My time here is characterized by immense growth intellectually, professionally, and spiritually. The public health curriculum prepared me to excel academically at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The faculty were always there to guide, expand my horizons, and prepared me to succeed. By pushing me to reach out to get an internship created at Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Infectious Disease Division and helping conduct important research, applying to graduate programs, or finding connections in the public health workforce. During my tenure, I was blessed to be extremely involved in student life and the community. Whether the community was the local Nashville area or a rural county in East Tennessee that needed a community health assessment. The public health program has provided me with knowledge, skills, and lifelong mentorship that prepared me to succeed in every endeavor that I have set my mind to. From getting my Master in Public Health at Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health to whatever comes next!”
Public Health Career Possibilities
A public health degree opens doors to diverse career opportunities in health care, government, nonprofit organizations and research institutions. Graduates find opportunities in diverse settings, including public health agencies, hospitals, consulting firms and nonprofit organizations. Many also choose to further their education by pursuing advanced degrees in medicine, nursing or health administration.
Manages health care organizations, ensuring effective operations and quality patient care.
Conducts research on disease patterns, outbreaks and public health trends.
Evaluates health policies, programs and data to inform decision-making.
Works with hospitals, insurance companies and organizations to improve healthcare delivery.
Analyzes and advocates for policies that promote public health initiatives.
Monitors environmental factors affecting public health and safety.
Designs and implements educational programs to promote health and wellness.
Learn from the Best
The Department of Public Health offers students the opportunity to learn from faculty with extensive experience in epidemiology, community and behavioral health, biostatistics and public health policy.
The faculty in the public health program bring backgrounds in governmental public health, military health research and nonprofit leadership, equipping students with both academic knowledge and real-world application.
With expertise in areas such as infectious disease surveillance, health disparities and program evaluation, our faculty ensure students are prepared to tackle today’s most pressing public health challenges.
Emmanuel Akowuah
Email: emmanuel.akowuah@belmont.edu
Office Location: JCM 437
Laurie Gavilo-Lane
Email: laurie.gavilolane@belmont.edu
Office Location: Jack C. Massey Center 439
Frecia Gonzalez
Office Location: JMC 450
Marquinta Harvey
Email: marquinta.harvey@belmont.edu
Office Location: FCOM 6104
Halle Smith
Email: halle.smith@belmont.edu
Office Location: JMC 440
Christian Williams
Email: christian.williams@belmont.edu
Office Location: JCM 438
Common Questions About Belmont's Bachelor of Public Health
With a degree in public health, you will be prepared for diverse careers in health care, government agencies, nonprofits and research institutions.
Graduates work as epidemiologists, health educators, policy analysts, health care consultants, health educators and more. Many also pursue advanced degrees in medicine, nursing, public health or health care administration.
There are many hands-on opportunities for students in Belmont's public health program, including internships, service-learning projects and research.
The program also offers field trips to public health agencies, guest lectures from nationally renowned experts and opportunities to attend professional conferences like the Tennessee Public Health Association (TPHA) Conference, where students can network and present their work.
Yes, Belmont's public health program prepares students for graduate school! Many students in the program follow a pre-health track and successfully continue into medical school and PA programs.
Others pursue MPH degrees at some of the top programs in the nation. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in population health, health care systems and disease prevention, making students competitive applicants for advanced degrees.
If you’re passionate about direct patient care in clinical settings like hospitals and clinics, nursing might be a great fit.
However, if you're interested in preventing diseases, improving community health and shaping health policies, Public Health offers a broader approach to health care that impacts populations rather than individual patients.
Many students who start with an interest in health care but aren't sure about nursing find Public Health to be a fulfilling path that still allows them to make a meaningful impact. Additionally, some Public Health graduates go on to pursue accelerated nursing programs (MSN) or careers in healthcare administration, blending both fields. Faculty advisors can help you explore your interests and find the best path for your career goals.
Students interested in First-Year or Transfer admissions can apply through the University’s admissions website. Students have the option to apply through the Belmont Application, Common Application or Apply Coalition with SCOIR. Students will also need to submit official transcripts, a school counselor recommendation/school report and a $50 application fee. Belmont is test optional, so applicants can submit their ACT or SAT scores if they’d like them considered.
Learn more about applying as a First-Year Student
Yes, financial aid is available to public health students! Belmont University offers scholarships, grants, loans and work-study opportunities to help students finance their education. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by Belmont's Feb. 15 priority deadline to maximize their potential financial aid.
Learn more about First-Year Tuition & Financial Aid
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College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Linda Arce
Senior Admissions Coordinator
615.460.5193
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