Public Health is the field invested in the protection and improvement of the health of people and the communities they belong to. The goals of the field are to promote and support healthy lifestyles, understand disease, educate about injury prevention, and detect, prevent, and respond to the threat of infectious diseases. Overall, it is concerned with the health of population groups, from small neighborhoods to large countries or entire regions of the world. WSU’s Public Health faculty is engaged in research with numerous foci including epidemiology, women’s health, vector-borne disease, and HIV. Public Health sponsors the Bachelor of Science degree at the undergraduate level.

The undergraduate program for majors is designed for students interested in preparing for a career in the broad realm of public health, including medicine and other healthcare professions, health education, environmental health monitoring, health policy and administration, and more.  Graduates earning the BS degree in Public Health are well prepared to enter the workforce in the public health arena of their choice, or attend graduate or professional school, pursuing an MPH, PhD, or a professional health degree such as MD, DVM, or PharmD.

The infectious disease option leverages the expertise of the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and the Paul G. Allen School for Global Health on the Pullman campus. In addition to core courses in population health, health systems, methods, biostatistics, health communications, environmental health administration, and community health development, students in the infectious disease option will be educated in epidemiology, infectious disease testing, vaccinology/vaccine development, data management, statistical analysis, and bioinformatics.  Similarly, the behavioral health option with its emphasis on addiction science would leverage existing expertise at WSU Spokane and WSU Vancouver. In addition to the core curriculum as described above, students will be educated in fundamental tenants of behavioral health, the theoretical underpinnings of substance use disorder, the complex interactions between physical and mental health, and the behavioral antecedents and correlates of chronic health conditions.ed pre-PT/OT or pre-PA specialist in the HPSC. 

Student Learning Outcomes

• Locate, use, evaluate, and synthesize public health information to inform evidence-based decision making and drive impactful interventions. 
• Effectively communicate public health information, in both oral and written forms and through a variety of media, to diverse audiences.
• Analyze the various cultural contexts in which Public Health professionals operate including factors that influence public health-related practices, beliefs, and behaviors within diverse communities. 
• Develop proficiency in navigating ethical decision making within the realm of Public Health to benefit the well-being of both individuals and communities. 
• Advocate effectively for protection and promotion of the public’s health, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of strategies and policies essential for promoting the well-being of communities.

Transfer Students

Transfer students must satisfy all of the program requirements for graduation. Courses taken at other institutions will be evaluated and credits accepted where possible. Students who are planning to transfer to the Public Health program at Washington State University from other institutions should review their academic plans with a Public Health program advisor to establish a schedule of studies leading to the bachelor’s degree prior to transfer in order to minimize the time required at Washington State University to complete bachelor’s degree requirements. This is desirable because equivalent coursework to the required PUBHLTH courses is not available at many other institutions. Inquiries concerning specific questions are welcomed. Transfer students are strongly encouraged to enroll in math and chemistry classes at the appropriate level to meet the program requirements prior to transferring. Inquiries should be directed to the Interim Director.