Arnold School of Public Health

Public health is about more than treating illness. It is about understanding why health problems happen, who is affected and how we can prevent them before they start. 

The Bachelor of Science (B.S) in Public Health at the University of South Carolina prepares students to explore the science behind health, disease, prevention and community well-being. 

What You’ll Learn 

With coursework in biology, chemistry, physics and the core areas of public health, this degree is designed for students who want a strong science foundation with the flexibility to pursue careers or graduate study in public health, medicine, environmental health, clinical professions and other health-related fields. 

View the full B.S. in Public Health curriculum.

Why Study Public Health at USC?

While majors like biology, neuroscience and psychology often focus on the body, brain or individual behavior, public health asks bigger questions: Why are some communities healthier than others? What policies, environments and resources influence health? How can we prevent problems before they begin? See more reasons why public health is a great major to study.

“The curriculum encompasses so many different areas that affect health, and you really get to see all sides of our health care system. I genuinely think that public health is one of the main reasons I got into medical school, and it has shaped my views of health care for the better.”

 

Career Pathways 

There is no single path for a public health graduate! A degree in public health prepares you for many career options and helps you understand how to improve health for entire communities, across all areas of health. Learn more about what you can do with a degree in public health.

 

Should I choose the B.S. or B.A. in Public Health ?

You might choose the B.S. if you want a stronger science foundation for health-related graduate programs. Alternatively, you might pursue the B.A. if you want a path focused on people, communities, policy and social factors that shape health.

Expand All

• B.A. in Public Health

  The B.A. in Public Health starts with courses in the humanities and an introduction to public health. From there, students explore the major areas of public health, including environmental health sciences, epidemiology, health services policy and management, communication sciences and disorders, exercise science, and health promotion, education, and behavior. 

  Students also have flexibility to choose related courses that match their interests and career goals. 

• B.S. in Public Health

  The B.S. in Public Health starts with an introduction to public health, along with foundational science courses in biology, chemistry and physics. Students then study the major areas of public health, including environmental health sciences, epidemiology, health services policy and management, communication sciences and disorders, exercise science, and health promotion, education, and behavior. 

  The B.S. also includes advanced science coursework, such as organic chemistry, anatomy and physiology. This gives students flexibility to complete prerequisites for health-related graduate or professional programs. For full curriculum details, visit the Academic Bulletin. 

My experience at USC has been the best four years of my life. This community is very supportive and welcoming, which makes it easy for freshmen to get involved, and the city of Columbia has so much to offer and is always filled with Gamecock pride.

 

Did you Know?  

Public Health students are assigned one advisor for the four years of their undergraduate degree, so you’ll get to build a relationship with someone who understands your goals, your progress and your path to graduation. 

Benefits include: 

• Personalized guidance from someone who gets to know you over time. 

• Help choosing classes that fit your interests and career goals. 

• Support staying on track for graduation. 

• Guidance if you are considering graduate school, medical school or another health-related pathway. 

• Help finding opportunities like research, internships, student organizations and campus resources. 

• A consistent person to turn to when you have questions. 

 

• Information Sessions

  Join a prospective student information session to learn more about the B.S. in Public Health at USC and ask questions from program faculty and advisors.

• Campus Tours

  There’s so much more to a Public Health degree at USC. Join us on our 400+ acre campus and see for yourself!