BSPH in Community Health

Improving the health of our communities

Do you want to work with groups of people to improve their health and the health of their communities? A Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) in Community Health will train you do this and prepare you to enter the public health or healthcare workforce.

Many groups of people face significant challenges to living healthy lives. These challenges are influenced not only by individual choices but also by where we live, work and play. Through the BSPH in Community Health, students gain knowledge, skills and hands-on experience that prepares them to tackle these real world problems.

It is an exciting time to be part of the Social and Behavioral Sciences department at the IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health. Join us and be part of our efforts to address the social determinants of health and advocate for better health, while also advancing research to understand and solve emerging issues.

When I found the community health major, I knew that this is how I can make an impact.

John Coberg, BSPH Community Health Alumnus

Curriculum

To complete this degree, you will take a minimum of 35 credit hours of general education courses, 69 credit hours of coursework in the major, and 16 credit hours of general electives that together total at least 120 credits. Major requirements can be mapped to fulfill requirements for pre-med and other pre-professional plans.

Community Health Curriculum

Competencies

The BSPH major in Community Health will prepare students to work in entry-level positions in public health agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), hospitals and health care centers, and other organizations focused on the health and well-being of groups of individuals. It also provides excellent preparation for the Master's in Public Health degree program. Students will have opportunities to develop research skills, cultivate team work and leadership skills, and have international health experiences through additional coursework and practical opportunities. Specific program outcomes (numbered for reference, not to communicate importance) include:

  1. Recognize the social determinants of health that impact individuals and communities.
  2. Explain and apply the principles of epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health care systems, and health policy in public and community health.
  3. Describe the historical role of public health nationally and globally, and identify and understand current and future public health challenges faced by the U.S. and the world.
  4. Select, collect, correctly interpret, and apply quality data for assessment and planning in individual and public health.
  5. Plan, administer, manage, and evaluate community health promotion interventions and programs.
  6. Implement community health promotion interventions and programs.
  7. Conduct evaluation and research related to community health promotion.
  8. Communicate effectively while serving as a resource person to individuals, communities and stakeholders.
  9. Based on evidence and data, advocate for practices, programming, and policies that address health issues.
  10. Demonstrate an understanding of cultural competency and ethical decision making.
  11. Communicate the role of fairness and justice in health equity.

Admission criteria

Ready to get started? You must first apply to IU Fort Wayne. 

If you are currently attending IU Fort Wayne and want to pursue one of our majors, please meet with Julianna Hagler (juhagler@iu.edu) to declare or change your major. Minimum admission criteria to the school and program:

  • 12 credit hours completed
  • 2.5 prior term GPA
  • 2.5 cumulative IU GPA
  • Completion of English 13100 with a grade of "C" or higher

Apply to the Fairbanks School of Public Health

Please note you will be leaving the IU Fort Wayne website to complete the application on an IUPUI hosted site. You will be redirected back to our IUFW page upon submitting your application to the school.

Direct Admission Criteria

Once you’ve been admitted to IU Fort Wayne, you are eligible for direct admission to the IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health if you meet the following minimums:

  • 2.8 high school GPA and 1,000 on the SAT (19 on the ACT)

or

  • 3.0 high school GPA without submission of SAT or ACT scores

If you are admitted to IU Fort Wayne but are not admissible directly to the school of public health, you can be admitted as a pre-public health student until the following minimum criteria are met:

  • 12 credit hours completed
  • 2.5 previous term GPA
  • 2.5 cumulative GPA
  • Completion of ENGL 13100 with a grade of “C” or higher

Students in the school of public health must maintain at least a 2.5 semester and cumulative GPA to remain in good academic standing and graduate from this program.

Questions? Contact our Admissions Counselor.

Intercampus Transfer

If you are transferring to IU Fort Wayne from another IU campus, you may pursue one of our majors if you meet the following minimum criteria:

  • 2.5 previous term GPA
  • 2.5 cumulative GPA

Students in the school of public health must maintain at least a 2.5 semester and cumulative GPA to remain in good academic standing and graduate from this program.

External Transfers

If you are transferring to IU Fort Wayne from another university, please e-mail Julianna Hagler (juhagler@iu.edu) for more information.

Career options

The BSPH in Community Health will position you for many different career paths. Upon completion of the degree, you can pursue careers in health promotion or pursue additional training in medical schools, accelerated nursing programs, or other healthcare-oriented fields.

Employment opportunities for BSPH graduates with a major in Community Health are projected to grow 13% between now and 2024, faster than the average for all occupations according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Prospective employers, including insurance companies, local and state health departments, healthcare systems, health-related agencies, colleges, and corporations, are working to find ways to improve the quality of care and health outcomes, while reducing costs. They hire health educators and community health workers to teach people how to make healthier choices, obtain life-saving health screenings, and how to prevent diseases, medical procedures and injury. They explain how lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of developing many preventable diseases, such as lung cancer, HIV, heart disease, and skin cancer. Health educators and community health workers also help people better manage chronic conditions.

Possible career opportunities for graduates of the BSPH in Community Health include:

  • Disease Prevention Specialist
  • Health Advocate
  • Health Coach
  • Health Educator
  • Program Coordinator
  • Worksite Wellness Educator
  • Community Outreach Coordinator

Kisha Manns
Fairbanks School of Public Health Pre-program Advisor
260-257-6768
krmanns@iu.edu

Let's connect

Tell us about yourself, and we’ll tell you more about IU Fort Wayne. We will also share important information about applying, invite you to special events, remind you of upcoming deadlines, and more. 

Take the next steps