The public health system has never been more important, with its mission to “protect and improve the health of individuals, families, communities and populations” (ASPPH). With such growth, the field constantly needs competent, compassionate public health professionals dedicated to remedying disparities and assuring equitable access to care and services.
The Bachelor of Science in Public Health prepares students for a multitude of roles in the varied fields of public health practice, from creating policy and conducting research, to leading public health organizations and developing preventive health practices to improve individuals’ quality of care and quality of life.
The Public Health degree at Bellarmine follows the rigorous curriculum standards from the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), a mark of excellence for public health programs. Students in the program also complete a 90-hour internship with local and community partners in the Louisville area, providing an opportunity to aid underserved communities through projects and support, and to prepare students for a future career in the field.
Many of the courses in the curriculum feature community engagement, a hallmark of attending Bellarmine, to give back to various populations in Kentucky. Faculty members who teach in the program are recognized as national experts and serve on committees for state and national organizations, which presents numerous travel and networking opportunities for students in the department.
“Give people what they need: food, medicine, clean air, pure water, trees and grass, pleasant homes to live in, some hours of work, more hours of leisure. Don't ask who deserves it. Every human being deserves it.” —Howard Zinn
Learning Communities
Aging Studies
Health Care Administration and Public Health
Experienced leaders of highly regarded organizations in the fields of health care, senior living, public health and aging services serve as mentors during internships designed to familiarize students with such operations. Every student can expect to gain first-hand, relevant career experience by completing a departmental rotation in a care center, participating in internal and external meetings, or performing approved projects for the host organization.
One of the most prominent demographic shifts anticipated across the United States – and throughout the industrialized world – over the next 10-15 years is an unprecedented growth in the number of older adults, both in pure number and percentage of the population. Organizations providing long-term care, senior living services, aging care and services, and public health services that address this demographic shift are expected to grow exponentially, as are companies that supply goods and services to those providers and public service agencies that regulate them.
The professions within aging care, senior living services and public health require well-prepared leaders who can effectively plan, organize and direct organizations to achieve strategic goals and advance their respective missions. With one of these health care degrees, students can pursue a wide variety of careers:
Career Development Center
Jessica Hume, Ph.D., MFADepartment Chair jhume@bellarmine.edu
Dr. Madeline Tomlinson, Ph.D., MPHmtomlinson@bellarmine.edu
Dr. Lyndsey Blair, Ph.D., MPH lblair3@bellarmine.edu
The Department of Health Care Administration and Public Health at Bellarmine University is one of only 15 programs in the nation accredited by the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB). NAB granted accreditation in 2021 for the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration degree. Students with this degree are eligible to sit for the national nursing home administrator and assisted living licensure exams, and are eligible for licensure in the majority of states following graduation.
Undergraduate AdmissionsPhone: 502.272.8000Email: admissions@bellarmine.edu