Public Health, B.S.
Preparing students to improve health outcomes, advance health equity, and create positive change in communities through public health practice and leadership.
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The Bachelor of Science in Public Health prepares students to promote and protect the health of individuals, families, and communities. Through a combination of classroom learning, field experiences, research, and community engagement, you'll develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to address today's most pressing public health challenges.
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Public University Price, Private University Experience
A Lifetime of Value
I feel I’m actively working toward the change I want to be in the world and in my community.
Public Health, B.S.
The Public Health program is designed to help students:
Build a Strong Foundation in Public Health
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the biological, social, environmental, and policy factors that influence health and well-being.
Learn Through Community Engagement
Apply classroom knowledge through field experiences, community partnerships, and service-learning opportunities that address real-world health challenges.
Develop Leadership and Collaboration Skills
Learn how to work across disciplines and organizations to create effective solutions that improve community health outcomes.
Practice Ethical and Inclusive Public Health
Explore the ethical responsibilities of public health professionals while developing culturally responsive approaches to serving diverse populations.
Use Data to Improve Health Outcomes
Gain experience analyzing health information, understanding epidemiological trends, and evaluating programs that support healthier communities.
For more information, please visit the Program Catalog
In order to graduate, you will also need to complete your General Education and University Requirements.
Complete all of the following Foundational courses:
- PH 207 - Introduction to Public Health Units: 3
- BIO 204 - Introduction to Life Science Units: 3
- SW 205 - Introduction to Social Work Units: 3
- CHHS 302 - Professional Communication for the Health & Human Services Professions Units: 3
- CHHS 330 - Collaborative Leadership & Community Building Units: 3
- CHHS 350 - Professional Ethics Units: 3
- CHHS 450 - Introduction to Policy Analysis Units: 3
Complete all of the following Public Health Core courses:
- PANM 422 - Program Planning and Evaluation Units: 3
- PH 407 - Multicultural Health Education Units: 3
- PH 408 - Principles of Epidemiology Units: 3
- PH 417 - Global Women’s Health and Social Issues Units: 3
- PH 457 - Health Systems & Policy Units: 3
- PH 477 - Diseases of Poverty & Wealth Units: 3
Complete all of the following Field and Capstone courses:
- CHHS 396S - Junior Field Practicum Seminar SL Units: 3
- CHHS 496A - Senior Field Practicum Seminar-A Units: 3
- CHHS 411 - Community Engaged Research Units: 3
- CHHS 496B - Senior Field Practicum Seminar-B Units: 3
- CHHS 401 - Senior Capstone Units: 3
Located on California's Central Coast, Cal State Monterey Bay provides a unique setting for studying public health. Students examine health issues affecting local communities while engaging with organizations throughout Monterey County and the broader region.
The area's diverse populations, healthcare systems, agricultural communities, and environmental resources create meaningful opportunities to explore public health in action and contribute to solutions that improve quality of life.
Public health is fundamentally about improving lives. Through community-engaged learning and three semesters of professional field experiences, you'll work with local health and human services organizations to address issues such as health equity, access to care, disease prevention, community wellness and environmental health.
These experiences help you build a professional network while making a meaningful impact in the communities you serve. More than 70% of our students receive job offers in health and human services before they graduate.
Faculty & Staff
Our experienced faculty and practitioners provide the knowledge, mentorship and real-world perspective to help you become a leader in public health and community well-being.
Daramola Cabral
Professor
Kim Judson
Professor
Jim Raines
Professor, Summer Session - State Support
Zuleima Lee Arevalo
Lecturer
Valencia Cameron
Lecturer
Andrea Ibessaine
Lecturer
Stephanie McMurtrie
Lecturer
Thomas Rogers
Lecturer
Adrienne Saxton
Lecturer, Field Practice Program Coordinator
William Shelby
Lecturer
Barbara Silverthorne
Lecturer
Caitlin Stinneford
Lecturer
Haven Brearton
Administrative Support Coordinator
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What has been a concentration in the collaborative health and human services program is now its own major.
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Desiree Kua and Gerson Orellana Prudencio are the President's Award winners for 2026.
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Phillip Post says he is seeking community input and support for expanding programs.
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Questions? We’re Here to Help!
Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you have about the Public Health program.
Our experienced and supportive admissions staff is here to provide all the individualized guidance you need.
Study Public Health in an inspiring coastal environment where we are truly committed to mentorship and an engaging student experience.
Find out more about the Public Health program and other degrees offered in the College of Health Sciences and Human Services.