Public Health - B.S.

The Public Health bachelor's degree program prepares graduates for entry-level health-profession careers in such areas as health education, health promotion, research, monitoring and evaluation, and health and policy administration. Additionally, it prepares graduates seeking post-baccalaureate entry into graduate programs such as public health, public policy, health management, law and health informatics. Students can take additional electives in management that can help to prepare graduates for entry-level health-profession careers in such areas as health administration and management, consulting, quality improvement in healthcare, and policy administration.

The curriculum is based on a strong foundation in the population health sciences along with coursework in the arts and sciences. Content in the areas of health and wellness is emphasized. An interdisciplinary team of educators provides holistic exposure to nutrition, exercise science, psychology, sociology, public health, business and economics, and their importance to patient-centered, humanistic healthcare delivery.  

The Public Health degree program emphasizes the application and synthesis of knowledge and develops graduates who are the problem-solvers and critical-thinkers of tomorrow in both domestic and global health systems and communities.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are expected to:

• Apply fundamental biologic, socio-economic, behavioral, ethical, cultural and spiritual principles to the practice of health and wellness.
• Synthesize foundational knowledge and the results of inquiry and research.
• Effectively communicate health and wellness principles to diverse populations.
• Work collaboratively as a member of a health and wellness team to improve individual and community outcomes.
• Compare and discuss major local, national and global health challenges related to healthcare access and outcomes. 

Public Health students take basic science courses in anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology and life science. Courses examine patterns of population health and disease, the organization and social structures through which health services are delivered/received, and community needs assessment and planning. Additional emphasis is placed on courses in counseling, health education, psychology and health policy. In consultation with advisers, students may select courses that specifically prepare them for positions in the public health arena, such as health policy analysts, consultants, health promotion coordinators and educators, and a variety of jobs in both state and federal government.

Public Health

A four-year program leading to the bachelor of science degree

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Students selecting to focus in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy or Physician Assistant should consult with their faculty advisor prior to registration. 

^IcTypically, internships require a minimum of six credits. Students interested in a 9 or 12-credit internship can apply additional experiential learning and free elective credits, if available. Students are strongly encouraged to contact a faculty advisor before scheduling internship and free elective credits.

^D Directed Experiential Education (DEE) opportunities are based on project availability with community partners and student eligibility. For more information, visit Experiential Education & Career Services (EE&CS). 

^SaTo be eligible to count toward Applied/Experiential Learning, a Study Abroad offering must meet certain requirements. Contact JWU Global to discuss eligible Study Abroad options for this degree program.

#  In addition to classes, free elective credits may be applied to a number of options such as internship, study abroad, Directed Experiential Education courses and courses in a specialization or minor as relevant. For students who qualify for the J2 program, up to four graduate courses may apply. Students are strongly encouraged to contact a faculty advisor before scheduling free elective credits.

Note: Students must pass MATH0010 Pre-Algebra or have equivalent placement scores to enroll in required math courses.

Note: Students must pass ENG0001 Writing Workshop or have equivalent placement scores to enroll in ILS 2000-level courses.

Internships will be available but they will not be required. For online students who do not wish to register for an internship, 3000+ level college discipline-specific courses can be taken in place of the internship.

In collaboration with academic colleges Study Abroad offer several options, direct enroll with international universities, domestic and digital options meet with a Study Abroad Advisor to learn more about how your major, minor, free electives, experiential learning and transferable courses would benefit by a Study Abroad program. There are many options for students during a semester, spring and/or summer breaks. Faculty-led, exchange, and direct-enroll programs range in duration from one week to a full semester or full year. Financial aid may be applied, and some partners offer external scholarships. Visit the study abroad website for information, program descriptions and online applications. Where will you go? Wherever you decide, make the best of your educational journey!

Johnson & Wales University holistically reviews all elements of a student’s application to identify those students most likely to succeed at the university.

Prior to being considered for admission into an online JWU undergraduate program, the following must be submitted:

1. A completed application for admission
2. Official high school or GED transcript
3. If applicable, official or certified transcripts from all previous college/university institutions attended

J2 Program

The JWU J2 program allows qualified students enrolled in a matriculating undergraduate program to take graduate level courses at JWU. Students interested in pursuing this option should meet with their academic advisor to discuss their interest, qualifications and plans. The undergraduate student may take up to four graduate courses (maximum 12 credits) and are limited to 6 credits a semester and 3 credits per session (Fall Session I and Fall Session II). 

The completion of graduate credits to fulfill undergraduate program requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the graduate program after completion of the baccalaureate degree. Matriculating undergraduate students who wish to formally enroll in a graduate program must fulfill all requirements for entrance into the intended graduate program and complete a graduate program application. 

Note: Not all graduate courses are included as part of this policy. Courses offered as part of the Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Education, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and doctoral courses are excluded from this policy and are restricted to program majors only. Additional courses and/or programs as determined by individual colleges may also have restricted access.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to enroll in graduate level courses (excludes: Masters of Arts in Teaching, Masters of Education, Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, doctoral courses and other programs as outlined by the colleges).

Undergraduate students must meet the following criteria:

• Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher
• Completed and registered undergraduate credits at least 90 credits
• Meet the individual course prerequisites

Appeal to Eligibility Criteria: College dean or designee will receive a copy of the Petition Form, Student's GPS and email requesting appeal if the student requests to appeal the GPA or earned/registered credit criteria. College dean/designee will review and determine approval.  

These courses carry graduate credit and will replace undergraduate degree requirements when applicable, traditionally free-electives (maximum of 12 credits). The course will be applied to the undergraduate degree in the order in which they are taken (if required) and will also be applied towards both the students undergraduate and graduate GPA.

Students should maintain enrollment in at least 12 credits of undergraduate coursework to maintain full-time status; graduate course enrollment is not calculated into undergraduate full-time status. For students already attending full-time as undergraduates (12 credits or more) and paying the full-time tuition, the graduate credits will be included in full-time tuition fee. Students attending part-time (11 credits or less) will pay the cost per-credit undergraduate tuition for the graduate course.

Course registration will be based on space availability and students enrolled in graduate level courses will be required to maintain good academic standing at the undergraduate and graduate level.