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Preventing Illness and Promoting Health
Our Public Health, B.A. program at Miami University prepares students to address complex health issues through research, education, and community engagement. While pursuing a B.A. in Public Health you’ll gain the foundation needed for leadership in healthcare, policy, and prevention.
As a public health major, you’ll study topics such as epidemiology, health promotion, and global health, while building practical experience through internships, community-based projects, and capstone courses. Miami’s interdisciplinary approach makes it one of the most comprehensive public health undergraduate programs in the region.
With a strong emphasis on applied learning, the Miami University Public Health degree equips students for careers in local and national health organizations, non-profits, and research institutions—or for advanced studies in medicine, policy, or public health administration.
Contact Information
Kelly Abshire, Ph.D. (Human Diseases and Epidemiology)
91 Pearson
abshirk@MiamiOH.edu
513-529-2028
Sara McLaughlin (Health Policy and Administration)
358 Upham Hall
mclaugsj@MiamiOH.edu
513-529-8138
Paul Branscum (Public Health Administration)
branscpw@MiamiOH.edu
513-529-3022
100 Bishop Circle
Oxford, OH 45056
publichealth@MiamiOH.edu
513-529-0449
Curriculum and Courses
The public health undergraduate curriculum is interdisciplinary, drawing on faculty expertise from multiple departments and two academic colleges. As a public health major, you’ll tailor your studies based on your chosen track.
Courses cover key areas of public health science, including epidemiology, health promotion, health disparities, global health, public health policy, and administration. Students explore related fields such as psychology, sociology, and gerontology, gaining insight into both individual and population health. The bachelor’s in public health curriculum prepares students to address real-world challenges in prevention, health equity, and systems-level change.
A few of the courses you will take in this health major include:
- KNH 125 or MBI 131 Introduction to Public Health
- MBI 361 or MBI 361W Epidemiology
- KNH 321 or GTY 365 Health Policy & Administration
- KNH 218 Applied Behavior Change
- STA261 or STA 301 Statistics
I really got into Public Health, with a focus on Health Policy and Administration, because I worked in the Miami student activities office with over 600 student organizations on campus. I came in the midst of a pandemic, and in order for me to succeed in college and to make this place feel like home, I had to get out of my comfort zone a bit and step out and get involved.
Nyah Smith ’24
Careers in Public Health
Graduates of the Public Health major are prepared for a wide range of careers in health promotion, disease prevention, and community wellness. With a bachelor’s in public health, students qualify for entry-level roles in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private health-related industries.
Many students continue their education by pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) or other advanced degrees, building specialized competencies for leadership roles in public health policy, program management, and epidemiology. The flexibility of the public health undergraduate degree also makes it an excellent foundation for medical, dental, pharmacy, or law school—especially for those completing necessary prerequisites during their undergraduate studies.
Students who seek a career in research may wish to apply to public health MS/PhD graduate programs.
Possible public health entry-level job titles include:
- Community Education Specialist
- Health Data Analyst
- Health Policy Analyst
- Research Assistant or Research Coordinator
- Prevention Specialist
- Program Coordinator or Consultant
- Health Promotion and Education Specialist
Additional Opportunities
Student Contact Tracing
Miami public health students gave back during the pandemic and worked as contact tracers to keep the community safe. Miami’s public health program supports students obtaining applied, real-world work experiences in the field.
Research with Faculty
Miami students have many opportunities to be involved with research or independent study with faculty through numerous programs including the First Year Research Experience (FYRE). FYRE aims to jumpstart student involvement in research and inquiry at the very start of your college experience.
Learning Objectives
Concentration 1 – Human Disease and Epidemiology:
- Describe the underlying science of human health and disease, including opportunities from promoting and protecting health across the life course
- Demonstrate use of research tools and analytic methods to critically analyze, monitor, and access the health status of populations and current public health-related issues
Concentration 2 – Health Policy and Administration:
- Evaluate impact of policies and legislation on individual and population health
- Explain the fundamental characteristics and organizational structure of the U.S. health systems
Concentration 3 – Public Health Promotion:
- Use the basic concepts of public health-specific communication, including technical and professional writing and the use of mass media and electronic technology
- Explain the history and philosophy of public health as well as its core values, concepts, and functions across the globe and in society
Facts and Stats
Your college experience here will be one of the most exciting times of your life. To make sure of this, we’ll provide you with a powerful support system.
First-to-second year retention
Miami University Data
Among Public Universities in the United States for Four-Year Graduation Rate
The Chronicle of Higher Education Almanac
of 2018-2019 graduates who were employed or furthering their education by fall 2019
Miami University Data
This is Where Your Journey to Miami University Begins
Explore what it means to be a college student at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where students prepare to go anywhere and everywhere. We’ll be here to help every step of the way as you prepare for college admission, enrollment, and success.