Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health
Make a Difference in Your Community
4-Year* Bachelor of Science (BS) in Public Health Program in White Plains, NY
Turn Your Passion for Health & Wellness into Meaningful Change
When you care about the health and wellness of your community, you have the power to make a difference.
With a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from The College of Westchester, you can prepare for a career focused on helping people live healthier lives. You’ll learn how to identify health needs, promote healthy lifestyles, prevent illness, expand access to health information and services, and develop programs that can improve the well-being of individuals and communities.
Whether you see yourself working in a hospital, healthcare organization, public health agency, school, nonprofit, government agency, or community organization, your Public Health degree can help you turn your interest in health and wellness into a career with purpose.
Your Career Can Help Build a Healthier Community
Public health goes beyond caring for one person at a time. It looks at the bigger picture: How can you help an entire community become healthier?
At CW, you’ll develop an understanding of the factors that influence health and wellness and learn how public health professionals use education, research, data, outreach, prevention, and policy to create positive change.
You’ll explore areas such as:
- Community health and wellness
- Health promotion and disease prevention
- Epidemiology
- Environmental health
- Public health policy
- Health education
- Research and biostatistics
- Public health program planning
- Health disparities and access to care
As you build your knowledge, you’ll also develop practical skills you can use to understand health trends, identify community needs, evaluate programs, communicate health information, and support initiatives designed to improve health outcomes.
The best way to see if The College of Westchester is the right fit for you is to attend an online or in-person information session. You’ll get a true feel for what it’s like to be a part of the CW community. Schedule an information session now or Get more info.
Program Learning Objectives – Public Health
- Analyze and apply core public health principles—including epidemiology, health policy, and the structure and function of health organizations—to address the health needs of diverse populations.
- Design, implement, and evaluate public health programs that promote wellness, reduce disparities, and improve community health outcomes.
- Use biostatistics and research methods to interpret and report public health data accurately and responsibly, supporting data-driven decision-making.
- Demonstrate ethical awareness in public health practice by recognizing the impact of decisions on individuals, communities, and populations, and upholding professional standards of conduct.
- Apply knowledge of legal and regulatory frameworks to ensure compliance with public health laws, policies, and professional standards in both public and nonprofit settings.
What Can You Do with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health?
A Public Health degree can prepare you for career opportunities in healthcare organizations, hospitals, public health departments, government agencies, schools, nonprofits, community organizations, wellness programs, and other organizations focused on improving health.
Depending on the position and employer requirements, potential career paths may include:
- Community Health Worker — Connect people with health information, programs, services, and community resources.
- Health Education Specialist — Develop programs and educational initiatives that encourage healthier behaviors and lifestyles.
- Health & Wellness Advocate — Help individuals and communities understand the importance of prevention, wellness, and healthy living.
- Community Health Specialist — Help identify community health needs and support programs designed to address them.
- Public Health Program Coordinator — Help plan, coordinate, implement, and evaluate public health initiatives.
- Health Promotion Coordinator — Develop outreach and wellness initiatives that encourage healthier choices.
- Community Outreach Worker — Connect organizations with the people and communities they serve through education, outreach, events, and public awareness.
- Patient Advocate — Help individuals and families navigate healthcare services, resources, and information.
- Outreach & Prevention Specialist — Support programs focused on disease prevention, education, screening, and early intervention.
- Public Health Data Analyst — Help collect, interpret, and communicate data used to understand health trends and community needs.
- Disease Surveillance Specialist — Help track and analyze information about diseases and other public health concerns.
- Program Evaluation Coordinator — Help determine whether health programs are reaching their goals and making an impact.
- Public Health Policy Assistant — Support research and initiatives related to policies that affect health and healthcare.
- Healthcare Quality Coordinator — Help healthcare organizations evaluate and improve the quality of services and patient outcomes.
- Environmental Health Specialist — Help identify and address environmental factors that can affect the health and safety of communities.
Note: Some positions may require additional education, certification, experience, or other qualifications.
Is a Career in Public Health Right for You? Take the CW “Public Health College and Career Readiness Quiz”
This fun, online quiz takes 3-minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for. Get Your Online College and Career Readiness Score Now >>
Public Health Courses
| Course No. | Course Title | Semester Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MED103 | Medical Terminology » | 3 |
| Students will be introduced to the foundation of medical terminology through a thorough study of the roots, prefixes, and suffixes which form medical language. Students will also learn the vocabulary used in various medical specialties. Spelling, definitions, and pronunciation are stressed.
Number: MED103 Credits: 3.00 Type: Health Professions |
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| MED208 | Administrative Medical Practices » | 3 |
| This course will provide the groundwork for understanding the rules and responsibilities of allied health care providers in an administrative role. The course will cover topics such as electronic health records management, written and oral communication skills, understanding the complexity of the health insurance industry, scheduling and monitoring patient appointments, and the overall administrative duties that impact a health care facility.
Prerequisite: MED103 Students must receive a minimum grade of a “C” (70%) to continue. Students may receive a grade of D (60-69%) but will be required to repeat the course. Number: MED208 Credits: 3.00 Type: Health Professions |
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| PHL101 | Introduction to Public Health » | 3 |
| This course provides an introduction to the field of public health. Students will learn about the history, principles, and practices of public health, including the role of public health in disease prevention and health promotion. Topics will include epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy, and global health.
Number: PHL101 Credits: 3.00 Type:Public Health |
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| PHL110 | Environmental Health » | 3 |
| This course introduces the principles and practices of environmental health. Topics include the impact of environmental factors on human health, methods for assessing and controlling environmental hazards, and the role of public health in environmental protection.
Number: PHL110 Credits: 3.00 Type:Public Health |
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| PHL200 | Community Health » | 3 |
| This course provides an introduction to the field of community health. Students will learn about the role of community health workers, health and disease, aspects of aging, and health care, ethics, and professionalism. Topics will include health equity, social determinants of health, environmental impact on health, and the CHW profession.
Number: PHL200 Credits: 3.00 Type: Public Health |
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| PHL301 | Public Health & Society » | 3 |
| This course explores the intersection of public health and societal issues. Students will examine the social determinants of health, the impact of the climate crisis, environmental health, and the emergence and reemergence of diseases. The course will also cover topics such as drug use, tobacco, vaping, alcohol use, gun violence, suicide, mental health, chronic diseases, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prerequisites: Junior-level standing Number: PHL301 Credits: 3.00 Type: Public Health |
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| PHL310 | Epidemiology » | 3 |
| This course provides an introduction to the field of epidemiology. Students will learn about the approach and evolution of epidemiology, measures of disease frequency, sources of public health data, and various epidemiologic study designs. The course will also cover topics such as bias, confounding, random error, effect measure modification, and the epidemiologic approach to causation.
Prerequisites: Junior-level standing Number: PHL310 Credits: 3.00 Type: Public Health |
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| PHL330 | Health Policy and Management » | 3 |
| This course provides an introduction to health policy and management. Students will learn about the policy-making process, federal legislation, patient protection policies, and the U.S. healthcare delivery system. The course will also cover government-funded programs, access to care, and critical issues in health policy.
Prerequisites: Junior-level standing Number: PHL330 Credits: 3.00 Type: Public Health |
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| PHL410 | Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health » | 3 |
| This course provides an introduction to the social and behavioral sciences in the context of public health. Students will learn about health behavior theories, behavior change theories, communication and messaging, and the practical application of theory to public health practice.
Prerequisites: Junior-level standing Number: PHL410 Credits: 3.00 Type: Public Health |
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| PHL420 | Health Informatics & Surveillance » | 3 |
| This course provides an in-depth understanding of health informatics and surveillance systems. It covers the fundamentals of health information systems (HIS), strategic planning, management, and the adoption of new technologies in the healthcare environment.
Prerequisites: Junior-level standing Number: PHL420 Credits: 3.00 Type: Public Health |
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| PHL430 | Biostatistics » | 3 |
| This course provides an in-depth understanding of biostatistical methods and their applications in public health. Students will learn about study designs, data summarization, probability, hypothesis testing, and more. The course will also cover advanced topics such as multivariable methods, nonparametric tests, survival analysis, and data visualization. Additionally, students will explore career opportunities in biostatistics.
Prerequisites: GEN157 Number: PHL430 Credits: 3.00 Type: Public Health |
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| PHL470* | Public Health Internship » OR | |
| The Internship course for the BS in Public Health program will provide students with an opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge in a real-world setting. The course integrates coursework, knowledge, skills, and practical learning to enable students to demonstrate a broad mastery of learning across the curriculum for future employability and career advancement.
Prerequisites: The internship course must be taken in the final two semesters of a student’s degree program. Number: PHL470 Credits: 3.00 Type: Public Health |
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| PHL480 | Public Health Capstone » | 3 |
| The capstone course for the BS in Public Health degree will require students to apply skills and knowledge learned in the program to a typical project they may encounter in actual employment. Using the criteria outlined below, students will identify a specific topic and prepare a one-page description for review and discussion with their faculty advisor. Then they will provide a written proposal outlining recommendations with supporting research, data, and documentation. Students will be expected to defend proposals and make final amendments based on feedback and challenges by either an instructor or a review committee. The purpose of this class is to reflect upon learning experiences, demonstrate the ability to organize thoughts, ideas, and materials for written proposals, receive and offer support to fellow students, accept and handle criticism, and gain greater self-awareness of one’s preparation and readiness for work using a project management skill set.
Note: Fulfills capstone requirement for Online students and Evening students with permission of Department Chairperson Number: PHL480 Credits: 3.00 Type: Public Health |
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| HCA310 | US Healthcare » | 3 |
| This course looks at the US healthcare system and the services needed to care for the United States population. This course explores the history, development, structure and current forces that have transformed the healthcare delivery system. Topics may include health insurance, physician practice and payment, ambulatory care and alternative delivery systems, mental health and long term care, hospital services and DRGs, doctor-patient relationship, medical technology, and the future of the US healthcare system.
Prerequisites: MED103 or permission of the Chair Number: HCA310 Credits: 3.00 Type: Allied Health |
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| HCA320 | Global Healthcare Delivery Systems » | 3 |
| This course serves as an introduction to economic, financial and accounting concepts for healthcare providers. Emphasis will be on the market mechanism of supply and demand of health services, budgeting practices, financial statement analysis, and the influence of third party payers on the revenues and costs of healthcare delivery systems.
Prerequisites: Junior-level standing or permission of the Chair Number: HCA320 Credits: 3.00 Type: Allied Health |
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| HCA330 | Healthcare Economics and Finance » | 3 |
| This course serves as an introduction to economic, financial and accounting concepts for healthcare providers. Emphasis will be on the market mechanism of supply and demand of health services, budgeting practices, financial statement analysis, and the influence of third party payers on the revenues and costs of healthcare delivery systems.
Prerequisites: Junior-level standing or permission of the Chair Number: HCA330 Credits: 3.00 Type: Health Professions |
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| HCA350 | Human Resource Management in Healthcare » | 3 |
| The Human Resource Management function is an important healthcare administrative skill set. The recruitment of trained and credentialed healthcare professionals and staff is a primary job responsibility of healthcare administrators. While human resources is a complex discipline, healthcare administrators need to have strong working knowledge of organizational development, training, and performance management, employee and labor relations, selection and recruitment and compensation and benefits. As such, this course will emphasize the strategic role of human resources and the influence of legal compliance on this business activity.
Prerequisites: Junior-level standing or permission of the Chair Number: HCA350 Credits: 3.00 Type: Health Professions |
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| HCA440 | Legal and Ethical Management of Health Information » | 3 |
| Students discover and discuss local, state, and federal laws, regulatory mandates, healthcare policies and practices relative to health information. Students will be introduced and explore the concepts of confidentiality, ethics, healthcare legislation, and regulations related to the maintenance and use of health information.
Prerequisites: Junior-level standing or permission of the Chair Number: HCA440 Credits: 3.00 Type: Allied Health |
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| Total Major-Related Credits | 54 | |
| *Evening Division students taking their BS internship will take this over two terms. This course is broken into two courses as listed below: PHL470A Preparation Workshop for Public Health Internship PHL470B Public Health Internship |
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| Course No. | Course Title | Semester Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GEN105 | Transformative Learning » | 3 |
| This course will introduce students to the value of change, personal growth, and transformation. Students will engage in activities designed to stimulate reflective thinking, create a positive personal outlook, and foster “behaviors of success.”
Number: GEN105 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN115 | Digital Technologies in the Workplace » | 3 |
| The objective of this course is to familiarize students with digital technologies as they are being used in the workplace
today, and explore how emerging technologies are likely to continue to evolve. Students will be exposed to digital technology fundamentals to better position them to readily adopt common workplace technologies. Students will also learn about security concerns, ethical considerations, digital communications etiquette, and other important concepts related to the use of digital technologies.
Number: GEN115 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN125 | English Composition I » | 3 |
| In this course, students develop their reading comprehension and written communication skills. Different styles of writing are examined as students develop writing proficiency through practice in planning, outlining, drafting, revising and editing. In addition to regular class meeting times, Day Division students are required to participate in a ten-week Writing Lab component which counts as ten percent of the grade for English Composition. For the Day Division,
the Writing Lab is graded as Pass or Fail.
Note: Writing Lab is not required in the Evening division or for fully online programs. Prerequisite: Proficiency Examination and/or ACE108. Number: GEN125 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN127 | English Composition II » | 3 |
| This course builds on skills developed in English Composition I by presenting additional writing styles and helping students further refine their writing skills. Research skills and MLA documentation are also introduced. In addition to regular class meeting times, Day Division students are required to participate in a ten-week Writing Lab component which counts as ten percent of the grade for English Composition. For the Day Division, the Writing Lab is graded as Pass or Fail.
Note: Writing Lab is not required in the Evening division or for fully online programs. Prerequisite: GEN125 or permission to waive Number: GEN127 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN129 | Essentials of Public Speaking » | 3 |
| Communication skills require good speech habits. Therefore, this course covers organization of thoughts, voice control, diction and presentation of ideas to a variety of audiences. The art of listening is also studied. Emphasis will be placed on a series of oral presentations in order to acquire and reinforce these skills.
Number: GEN129 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN147 | College Mathematics » | 3 |
| This course will provide complimentary sessions to Foundations of Math in fundamental mathematics. Ratios, percentages, proportions, descriptive statistics, word problems, basic geometry, and an introduction to algebra will be covered. The course provides a sound understanding in basic math concepts necessary for future math courses.
Prerequisite: Proficiency exam and/or ACE106. Number: GEN147 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN157 | Statistics » | 3 |
| This course offers an introduction to basic statistical theory and application. Topics to be discussed in detail include: sampling procedures; finding mean, median and mode; finding the variance and standard deviation; graphing histograms and bell curves. This course also illustrates how statistics are used in the business world as well as in the media and the benefits and drawbacks of statistical information.
Prerequisite: Proficiency exam and/or ACE106 or permission to waive. Number: GEN157 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN161 | Psychology » | 3 |
| This course takes a realistic approach based on the principles of general psychology and is designed to assist the student in coping with life situations. Included are theories of personality, emotions, character, motivation, environmental influences, and the development of students.
Number: GEN161 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN167 | Contemporary Social Issues » | 3 |
| Global issues such as world hunger, human rights, and nuclear war, as well as American issues concerning inequalities of wealth, civil rights, crime and the role of government are examined in this course. In addition to gaining an understanding of the social, political, and economic dimensions of these issues, students will also consider the underlying values and ethics.
Number: GEN167 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN270 | Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace » | 3 |
| This course explores the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in various professional fields. It aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to understand and leverage AI tools in their respective fields. Students will gain the expertise needed to harness the transformative potential of AI, positioning themselves as adept innovators and problem-solvers in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape. Prior knowledge of AI concepts is recommended
Number: GEN270 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN329 | Organizational Leadership OR » | 3 |
| Explore the principles of effective organizational leadership within the business world. Gain insights into leading teams, fostering innovation, and driving positive change within diverse workplace environments. Develop essential leadership skills that empower students to inspire, motivate, and guide teams toward achieving shared goals.
Prerequisite: Junior Level Status Number: GEN329 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN330 | Personal & Professional Development » | 3 |
| This course focuses on the adult years as a complex and extraordinarily variable process, rather than as an orderly sequence of predictable stages. Through experiential, interactive processes, this course will explore various theories and philosophies of adult physical, cognitive, and personality development. Attention will also be given to the larger social contexts and the adult’s experience as worker and learner.
Prerequisite: GEN305 Number: GEN330 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN363 | Conflict, Communication and Resolution » | 3 |
| This course will examine how communication can be used to effectively resolve conflicts between people, organizations, and cultures. Conflicts resulting from differences in gender and ethnicity in the contexts of work and personal relationships will also be emphasized. The course will have an interdisciplinary emphasis through the use of cases from history, psychology, sociology, and current events.
Prerequisite: Junior Level Status or Permission of Chair. Number: GEN363 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| MSC111* | Foundations in Microbiology » | 3 |
| This course introduces essential microbiological concepts relevant to public health. Students will explore the diversity of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, and their impact on human health. Key topics include disease transmission, the immune response, microbiome health, and the role of microbes in environmental and global health issues. Emphasizing practical applications, the course prepares students to understand microbial risks, inform public health strategies, and promote disease prevention.
Number: MSC111 Credits: 3.00 Type: Health Professions |
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| MED111 | Healthcare Law and Ethics » | 3 |
| This course will introduce for discussion a variety of ethical issues that healthcare professionals may encounter during the course of their careers. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of ethical and professional behavior in the healthcare workplace. In depth discussions, textbook assignments and role playing will provide guidance to students in how to successfully manage patient relationships, protect patient privacy in compliance with the Health Insurance Privacy and Accountability Act as well as understand the distinct job responsibilities of the myriad of employees who comprise the typical healthcare organization. Students must receive a minimum grade of a “C” (70%) to continue. Students may receive a grade of D (60-69%) but will be required to repeat the course.
Number: MED111 Credits: 3.00 Type: Health Professions |
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| HMS210 | Research Methods in Social Science » | 3 |
| This course is designed to introduce students to social science research and to develop student research and analytical skills. Students are introduced to the theory and logic of research, the ethics that guide the research process, and to the range of research methods generally employed in the social sciences. Attention will be paid to research design, data collection, elementary data analysis, and report writing. The course includes discussion of specific methodological approaches. Students completing this course will have a better understanding of how to conduct their own research in the fields of Human Services as well as a better understanding of how to evaluate the research of others.
Number: HMS120 Credits: 3.00 Type: Human Services |
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| HMS420 | Group Dynamics in Human Services » | 3 |
| This course is designed to familiarize the students with small groups function. The course will highlight some of the dynamics of group process, as well as how people communicate in groups. Issues related to selecting participants, deciding structure, methods of decision of making and ethical practice will be discussed. Group Dynamics explores the various stages of therapeutic groups, including group development. Emphasis is on basic group theory, process, and effective practice skills. Students are acquainted with task-oriented and treatment-oriented groups in a broad range of settings. This course may incorporate experiential learning where students learn about group processes via group exercises in class.
Prerequisites: HMS110, HMS120 and HMS220 Number: HMS420 Credits: 3.00 Type: Human Services |
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| Total General Education Credits | 51 | |
| Electives | ||
| General Education Electives (3) | 9 | |
| Open Electives (2) | 6 | |
| Total Elective Credits | 15 | |
120 CREDITS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION
Learn How to Improve Health & Wellness Where It Matters Most
Public health professionals work to prevent problems before they happen. At CW, you’ll learn to look at health from a community-wide perspective and consider the many factors that can influence how well people live.
You’ll learn how to:
- Identify the health and wellness needs of different populations.
- Analyze health trends and public health data.
- Develop programs that encourage healthier lifestyles.
- Promote disease prevention and health education.
- Understand how environmental and social factors can affect health.
- Evaluate public health programs and their effectiveness.
- Understand health policy and its impact on individuals and communities.
- Communicate health information clearly and responsibly.
- Advocate for programs and policies that can improve community health.
Prepare for Work That Has Purpose
If you want a career where the work you do can have an impact beyond the workplace, Public Health may be the right path for you.
You can use your education to help people make healthier choices, connect communities with important resources, support disease prevention, address health disparities, and contribute to programs that improve the health and wellness of your community.
At The College of Westchester, your Public Health education can help you build the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence to take that passion and put it to work.
Start Your Future in Public Health at CW
If you’re ready to turn your passion for health and wellness into meaningful change, take the next step toward a Bachelor of Science in Public Health at The College of Westchester.
Is a Rewarding Career as a Public Health Professional Right For You? Get More Info…
If you’re interested in learning more about careers in Public Health and exploring whether The College of Westchester is right for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information.
For immediate questions, call 914-831-0200.
*Program length when completed in normal time.