Ball State University’s College of Health is expanding its programming to address a significant growth in the number of public health occupations nationwide.
Ball State’s Bachelor’s in Public Health program will begin enrolling classes in the Fall of 2023, while its Online Master’s in Health Science program will be offered starting in Fall 2023 or Spring 2024.
“At Ball State University, we are rising to the opportunity during a time of transformation in healthcare education,” said Dr. Scott Rutledge, College of Health dean. “We know that public health improves quality of life, helps children thrive, reduces human suffering, and saves money. With the potential for millions of new jobs in public health-related fields over the next several years, it is critical that our University serves as an advocate for the protection and promotion of the public’s health at all levels of society. We are excited that our students will enter the workforce prepared to lead the way in these public health initiatives.”
The Bachelor’s in Public Health program at Ball State focuses on the prevention, impact, equity, and justice of people and communities, with a specific focus on addressing the root of health disparities. The program dives into population health, environmental health, epidemiology, research, and global well-being.
A 75-credit major—which includes an internship requirement that will allow students to gain hands-on, real-world experience—the Public Health degree program enables students to be well-prepared and distinctive applicants for entry-level public health positions with state and local public health departments, nonprofit agencies, worksite health promotion programs, health companies, and healthcare settings, or to begin an advanced program of study.
The online Master’s in Health Science degree with a concentration in biostatistics and epidemiology provides students with the necessary and competitive quantitative, analytical, and data-forward skills to prepare them for health careers in high demand. Offered through Ball State’s Graduate School and Ball State Online, the Master’s in Health Science also serves as a natural extension of the Bachelor’s in Public Health program, though that focus is not required to pursue the new graduate offering.
Ball State’s College of Health opened in 2016, combining multiple health-related disciplines. In the Fall of 2019, the college finished construction on a $62.5 million Health Professions Building, bringing faculty, students, and staff together in a state-of-the-art learning environment.
The College of Health prepares students for fulfilling and extraordinary careers in healthcare. Through interprofessional education and practice— in its simulation, research, and skill labs—the college provides a safe environment for its students to become leaders in collaborating across disciplines in patient-centered healthcare and social services. Ultimately, College of Health graduates improve patients’ and families’ experiences to maximize outcomes, reduce health disparities within communities, increase provider well-being, and make healthcare affordable.
For more information about the programs offered by the College of Health, call 765-285-5818 or email coh@bsu.edu.