10 Best Public Health Bachelor's Degree Schools in Arkansas

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There are just over 2 million people living in the Natural State, also known as Arkansas.

Arkansas is located in the middle south of the United States, surrounded by the Mississippi River and the Ozark Mountains.

It’s clear to see that there are some amazing sights to behold in this great state, but did you know there are also some really amazing universities to study Public Health right here in Arkansas and the surrounding states?

You’ll find public schools and private schools dotting the area with online and on-campus features.

From Conway to Fayetteville and even Magnolia, there is a school in Arkansas that everyone can find a home in.

Take a look at the ten best schools for Public Health Bachelors degrees for residents of Arkansas.

1University of Central Arkansas

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

The University of Central Arkansas is the premier learning-focused public school in the state.

Since 1907, this school has been one of the most comprehensive and scholarly choices for education for Arkansas residents and people from all across the United States.

With only about 10,000 students at a time, this is a small school with class sizes of about 15 students to one professor.

This means the education you receive here will be individualized and intimate.

If you are interested in Public Health, the University of Central Arkansas has a great Bachelors degree program that can lead you toward a career in government, healthcare, and even education.

This degree combines science, sociology and psychology to create a baseline understanding of Public Health and how to enhance behaviors and education toward a brighter future.

Some of the classes that you will need to take in order to graduate from this four year degree are:

  • Health Promotion Methods and Materials
  • Disease Management
  • Epidemiological Research
  • Program Planning and Evaluation

There are also some elective courses that are available for students of the Public Health program that you may be interested in:

  • First Aid
  • Mental Health
  • Drug Education
  • Health Concerns of Aging

An internship is also required for graduation at this school, which means you will gain hands-on experience while studying for your Bachelors degree.

Once you have graduated from the University of Central Arkansas it will be easy to gain employment in a variety of areas, such as:

  • Health Education Programmer
  • Clinical Research Coordinator
  • Head Start Health Specialist
  • Health Media Director

Enrollment

All types of students are welcome to attend the University of Central Arkansas from first year freshman to transfer students and even people who have already gone to college and want to return.

The only thing that you will need to do is submit a $25 non-refundable fee to fill out your application online and then you can start filling out your information.

Some of the important information that you will need to add along with your application includes:

  • Transcripts from high school or previous college education
  • SAT or ACT scores

It should take anywhere from one to two weeks to hear back from an academic advisor about the status of your application.

The school admits students on a rolling basis, so there are plenty of times per year for you to begin your attendance at the University of Central Arkansas.

Fees

In state residents of Arkansas will pay $4,889 per semester and after four years that total comes out to be $29,112.

If you are a student from another state, you will pay $8,363 per semester for a total of $66,904 upon graduation.

Online students will pay $5,230 per semester and average about $41,840 to earn a Bachelors degree.

Students who stay on campus and take part in room and board will pay between $2,300 and $3,887 per semester for a room, and meal plans will cost up to $2,130 per semester.

Additional fees may apply and financial aid is available for qualified students.

Contact Information

  • Address: 201 Donaghey Ave. Conway, AR 72035
  • Phone: 501-450-5000
  • Website: www.uca.edu

2University of Arkansas

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Online

Located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the University of Arkansas is the top research public school in the nation.

With their student first philosophy, the university has low student to faculty ratio and several mentoring opportunities throughout campus.

People from all over the country head to the University of Arkansas to earn a Bachelors degree, Masters degree, and even Doctorates.

You’ll enjoy the large campus and several extracurricular activities available for learners here.

If you have interested in Public Health you will be happy to know that there is a Bachelors degree program just for that specialty.

Students in the Public Health Bachelors degree program will gain knowledge in basic understanding of behaviors and outcomes for healthy individuals and communities.

Some of the takeaways of a degree in Public Health from this school are:

  • Behavioral factors related to chronic diseases
  • Promotion of physical activity, nutrition, and sexual health
  • How to improve access to healthcare
  • Health and environmental issues
  • Prevention of drug and alcohol abuse

If this sounds like something that you would be interested in pursuing, then check out the courses that are required for graduation:

  • Personal Health and Safety
  • Terminology for the Health Professions
  • First Responder-First Aid
  • Global Health Issues

All students within this program will take on an internship to provide extended work experience and hands-on knowledge.

Once you have completed the required coursework, lab work, and internship, you will be on your way to graduation.

It takes four years to complete this degree and once you have finished you can find great careers in government, healthcare, and even healthcare accrediting agencies in roles that include:

  • Health Programs Management Director
  • Health and Wellness Coordinator
  • Prevention Specialist
  • Public Health Inspector

Enrollment

It is easy to apply to the University of Arkansas with the online application on the school’s website.

In order to apply, you will need to create a username and sign up with your email address.

Once that is done, it is simple to fill out your personal information and submit some important paperwork with your application.

The University of Arkansas requires that you complete the following paperwork in order to have a complete application: 

  • SAT or ACT scores
  • Transcripts from high school or previous university education if you are transferring

Once you have completed all of that, it will take about two weeks to hear back from an academic advisor.

Fees

Tuition is charged by the credit hour at the University of Arkansas.

Everyone will pay $255.51 per credit hour regardless of where they live.

The average Bachelors degree requires 120 credit hours to complete which means that students at the University of Arkansas will pay $30,661.20 upon graduation.

Financial aid and scholarships are available at this school for students who will need some assistance to pay for their tuition.

Contact Information

  • Address: 1 University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR 72701
  • Phone:479-575-2000
  • Website: www.uark.edu

3Southern Arkansas University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

Southern Arkansas University is a small, quiet campus with big heart and opportunities.

With over 80 distinct degrees, there is something for everyone to look into here.

Some of the greatest minds study here, and people interested in biology, health, and psychology may want to look into the Public Health Bachelors degree program at Southern Arkansas University.

As a four year program, you will be expected to take on general education classes as well as specialized courses that pertain to the degree.

Along the way, students are guided by experience faculty in courses that include:

  • Foundations in Public Health
  • Microbiology
  • Medical Terminology
  • Issues and Trends in Healthcare

There are some electives that are available so that you can hone in on your speciality even more at Southern Arkansas University, these courses include but are not limited to:

  • Substance Abuse
  • Death, Dying, and World Religion
  • Child Psychology
  • Psychology of Sports

Any of these great courses will lead you along your path to a successful career in Public Health.

There is a very real and important need for Public Health Bachelors degree graduates, especially in roles like:

  • Emergency Health Planner
  • Disease Intervention Specialist
  • Environmental Health Specialist
  • Health Unit Administrator

Enrollment

Both first year freshman and current high school students can apply to Southern Arkansas University.

Not only that, but the school accepts transfer students and international students as well.

In order to be considered for admission you will need to fill out an application and provide a few pieces of information.

This important information includes:

  • High school transcripts
  • Housing application

Currently, ACT or SAT scores are waived through 2023 though students who are 25 and older may still need to submit their scores.

Students who want to live on campus will also need to provide a $100 housing fee with their application.

Fees

Full time undergraduate residential students pay $7,020 per year to attend Southern Arkansas University.

Since a Bachelors degree requires four years of school, the typical residential graduate pays $28,090 to attend this university.

Out of state students pay $12,450 per year to attend this school, and after four years that accumulates to $49,800.

Some states do allow out of state tuition waivers and this can be discussed with your academic advisor.

Contact Information

  • Address: 100 East University St. Magnolia, AR 71753
  • Phone: 870-235-4000
  • Website: www.saumag.edu

4Arkansas State University

Programs Offered:
Online

Ever since its founding in 1909, Arkansas State University has been focused on creating and educating leaders.

There are many Bachelors degree programs to look into at this wonderful university, but one of the best for people who are science lovers and people-helpers is the Public Health Bachelors degree.

At Arkansas State University, you can earn your Public Health degree online at this time.

There are five core disciplines within the Public Health Bachelors degree concentration, and they are:

  • Biostatistics
  • Environmental Health Sciences
  • Epidemiology
  • Health Policy and Management
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences

If you have any interested in these areas then this is the perfect Bachelors degree track for you.

Coursework throughout this program is focused on Public Health, including classes like:

  • Population Health
  • Program Planning
  • Research Methods
  • Public Health Practice and Management

Once you have completed all of the necessary courses for graduation you will be knowledgeable and successful in careers that include:

  • Patient Care Coordinator
  • Community Benefits Manager
  • Cancer Information Specialist
  • Employee Wellness Coordinator

Enrollment

This public university would love for prospective students to take part in a campus tour before they begin their enrollment process to make sure that it is the best fit for you.

If you have already made up your mind and would like to attend Arkansas State University, then you will need to head over to the website to fill out the online application.

In order to be considered for admission here, prospective students will need to meet the following criteria:

  • 3.0 high school GPA
  • 19 minimum ACT score or 990 SAT score
  • Class rank of top 20%

Along with your application, you will need to provide the some other important data: 

  • High school transcript
  • ACT/SAT scores
  • Immunization records

Currently, there is a $30 application fee for all prospective students at this school.

Transfer students will need to submit the above paperwork as well as information on previous college experience.

Fees

All tuition is based on credit hours, and it takes 120 credit hours to complete a Bachelors degree.

In-state students will pay $287 per hour and out of state students will pay $531 to attend.

There are also online program which will cost $229 for U.S. residents and $252 for international students.

Residential students will pay $34,440 after graduation, and out of state students will end up paying $63,720.

Online students will typically pay $27,480 upon graduation and international students will have a bill of $30,240.

If you are interested in room and board, contact your academic advisor and they can walk you through the different types of costs associated with that.

Contact Information

  • Address: 2400 Aggie Rd. Jonesboro, AR 72401
  • Phone: 870-972-2100
  • Website: www.astate.edu

5University of Louisville

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Online
Out-of-State

At the University of Louisville you will find a diverse and inclusive group of people in both the staff and students.

The long and arduous history of the University of Louisville starts in 1798 and is still going strong today.

This should be a testament to how great the school is and how wonderful the education is that you can receive here.

Within the walls of the campus and even online, students are able to pursue their dreams in a variety of areas, including Public Health.

The Public Health Bachelors degree program is a four year long learning track with both hands-on experience and classroom time.

Throughout your studying at the University of Louisville, you will take Public Health directed courses that include:

  • Diversity of Life
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Public Health
  • Social Justice Practice in Public Health

Students on this degree track also have the opportunity to earn their Masters degree in one year after completing the Bachelors degree curriculum.

A degree in Public Health will provide graduates with knowledge in areas of health care, health services, and public policy to enrich lives across the country.

Some of the fantastic careers that a graduate of the University of Louisville can find themselves in are:

  • Community Health Educator
  • Case Manager
  • Family Services Specialist
  • District Wellness Coordinator

Enrollment

If you are looking for a quick online application then the one for the University of Louisville will be perfect for you.

Prospective students don’t even need to submit ACT or SAT scores in order to be considered for enrollment here.

Another great thing about this school is that admission decisions are quick and you won’t waste time worrying about whether you have been accepted or not.

Prospective students will want to fill out their application online and provide a $25 application fee in order to submit their information.

Transfer students can submit transcripts from previous universities and test scores when they apply as well.

Fees

Those who live in Kentucky and Southern Indiana will pay residential tuition of $23,710 per year, which includes room and board.

This adds up to $94,854 upon graduation.

If you do not plan to live or eat on campus, then you will pay $12,324 per year to attend this school.

This adds up to $49,296 for four years of education.

Students who are coming from out of state pay $40,056 per year to attend, and this comes out to a total of $160,224 after four years.

For an additional $28,670 annually you can add on room and board to that cost.

So, out of state students who live and eat on campus will end up paying $114,680 after graduation.

Contact Information

  • Address: 110 West Brandeis Ave Louisville, KY 40208
  • Phone: 502-852-5555
  • Website: www.louisville.edu

6Southern New Hampshire University

Programs Offered:
Online
Out-of-State

At this private university, students from all across the country and even the world have come to gain a superior education.

Southern New Hampshire University has been around since 1932 and is considered one of the most innovative schools in the country.

With both online and on-campus elements in several states, this school has something for every area of interest.

Prospective students who are looking into health care and other biological areas of study can have great success in the Public Health Bachelors degree offered here.

This track is currently offered online, so even if you live in Arkansas you can take advantage of the great curriculum at this school.

It will take about four years to complete the Bachelors degree program, and within that time you will take on courses that include:

  • Statistics for Healthcare Professionals
  • Population Health and Cultural Competence
  • Evaluation Methods in Public Health
  • Biological Concepts for Public Health

Even though this is an online education platform, students will still be required to partake in a local internship so that they can gain hands-on experience working in the field.

Once you have completed all of the required courses and the internship available through Southern New Hampshire University, graduates will be on their way toward a life-long career such as:

  • Medical Services Manager
  • Health Education Specialist
  • Community Health Worker
  • Youth Outreach Coordinator

Enrollment

There is no application fee to apply to Southern New Hampshire University.

All prospective students need to do is head over to the website and find the admissions tab.

Once there, you can fill out the application which is quick and easy to do.

Along with your application, you will need to submit the following information:

  • Transcripts from previous education or high school
  • Proof of GED if applicable

The great thing about Southern New Hampshire University is that students can choose their own start date and there are no late application fees.

Fees

It costs $330 per credit hour to attend this school, and annually that comes out to about $9,900 for full time students.

Military students pay a reduced fee of $231 per credit hour for a yearly cost of $6,930.

At Southern New Hampshire State University the average Bachelors degree takes four years to complete, which means tuition can range from $27,720 for military student to $39,600 for civilian students.

Contact Information

  • Address: 2500 North River Rd. Manchester, NH 03016
  • Phone: 800-915-7648
  • Website: www.snhu.edu

7Lindenwood University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Out-of-State

There are over 100 degrees available to look into at Lindenwood University located in Saint Charles, Missouri.

Though this is an out of state school for Arkansas residents, it is perfect for those looking to gain comprehensive hands-on experience.

The Public Health Bachelors degree at Lindenwood University is perfect for students who want small classes and real-world knowledge of the basic understanding of Public Health.

Along with classroom and lab time, students are required to take on an internship with one of the local businesses such as the health department, nonprofit agencies, and even government health centers.

Expect to take many science and sociology based classes while on this degree track, which will include courses like:

  • Environmental Health
  • Chronic Disease Prevention
  • Health Promotion
  • United States Health Care

Within your time at Lindenwood University, students in the Public Health program may even get the opportunity to travel for research.

This can be a fun and educating experience, leading to a successful career in areas like:

  • Public Health Researcher
  • Communicable Disease Program Director
  • Center for Disease Control Worker
  • Health Educator

Enrollment

It should only take you about 20 minutes to fill out the simple application for Lindenwood University

In order to begin, you will need to create an account on the school’s website and then you can start filling out your personal information.

After choosing the desired degree program, you will be asked to set up an interview to speak with an academic advisor.

Along with your application, you will be required to submit the following pieces of information:

  • High school transcripts/transcripts from previous university education
  • SAT or ACT scores
  • Financial aid information

Fees

Lindenwood requires students to pay per credit hour and the average student pays $495 per hour.

Military students receive a discounted tuition fee of $250.

Since this school requires 120 credit hours, the average graduate pays $59,400 after four years.

Military students will end up paying $30,000 upon graduation.

Other fees may apply like books and late fees.

Financial aid and scholarships are available at this facility.

Contact Information

  • Address: 209 South Kingshighway St. Saint Charles, MO 63301
  • Phone: 636-949-4579
  • Website: www.lindenwood.edu

8Texas A&M

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Out-of-State

Texas A&M is a research-intensive flagship university located in College Station, Texas.

For over 100 years there have been successful graduates of this school who lead incredible lives in the careers they went to college to obtain.

Along the way at Texas A&M, you will see that there are many things to do on this big campus, including the Public Health Bachelors degree program.

This degree track is perfect for science lovers who want to help their communities grow and learn how to take care of their health.

With a Bachelors degree in Public Health, graduates of this program are prepared to:

  • Plan programs and interventions
  • Design evaluations for those interventions
  • Manage and implement public health programs
  • Assess influencing factors of health in individuals as well as communities

While in this program, students learn a lot about philosophy, health promotion, and disease prevention.

There are some important classes that must be taken to ensure a well-rounded education for graduation, which include:

  • Global Health
  • The Environment and Public Health
  • Strategies to Improve Public Health
  • Public Health Writing

Students who have academic prowess may enroll in a Masters degree program that lasts one year after graduating from the Bachelors degree track.

After graduation, students of Texas A&M have found great success in life-long careers in Public Health which may include:

  • Curriculum Development Specialist
  • Health Promotion Programmer
  • Program Resource Coordinator
  • Health Information Specialist

Enrollment

At Texas A&M you should expect to get a well-rounded education and you can begin doing that by filling out the easy online application.

Texas students who rank top 10% in their graduating class will gain automatic access to admission at this school.

If you are not in the top 10% or are from another state, however, you will need to fill out an application and submit to a holistic admission process.

This means that academic advisors look at you as a whole person to see whether you qualify to attend this school.

In order to complete your application, you will need to submit the following criteria:

  • Essay
  • $75 non-refundable fee
  • Academic record
  • Optional resume
  • Optional SAT or ACT scores

Applications can be submitted throughout the year so don’t waste time and submit today.

Once your application has been submitted, an academic advisor will contact you about the next steps in the process.

Fees

As an undergraduate student from Texas who lives on campus you will pay $29,684 per year to attend Texas A&M.

This comes out to a total of $118,736 after four years of education.

If you do not want to live in campus but are a Texas resident, your total tuition annually is $21,904.

Which means you will spend about $87,616 upon graduation from Texas A&M.

Non-residents will pay $59,336 per year to attend this school and that adds up to $237,344 after four years of attendance.

Contact Information

  • Address: 400 Bizzell St. College Station, TX 77843
  • Phone: 979-845-3211
  • Website: www.tamu.edu

9Baylor University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Out-of-State

Baylor University is a Christian private school that is built on research and educational excellence.

There are so many great things to say about Baylor University in Waco, Texas.

Even people from Arkansas can enjoy the boundless opportunities here, including leadership and service programs and core belief systems.

Among the hundreds of Bachelors degree programs, there is the perfect one for students who are interested in biology and the health of communities.

This is the Public Health Bachelors degree, which takes four years to complete at Baylor University.

The team of scientists at Baylor University who head the Public Health program are dedicated to teaching new leaders and discovering the strengths of the next generation.

While studying Public Health at Baylor University, you will gain insight into many different courses throughout the curriculum, such as:

  • Human Anatomy
  • U.S. in the Global Perspective
  • Contemporary Social Issues
  • Microbiology

Internship opportunities are also a critical part of the curriculum at this school, each student in the Public Health program will be required to work with a local business to gain hands-on experience.

Once you have completed the necessary coursework, lab work, and internship you will be on your way to a fulfilling life-long career in roles that include:

  • Health Promotion Specialist
  • Outreach Coordinator
  • Treatment Adherence Educator
  • Community Organizer

Enrollment

If you are interested in attending Baylor University you will need to create an account before you can fill out your application.

First year freshman as well as transfer students are welcome to apply to this school and everything can be done online.

In order to be considered for admission to this university, the school looks for some of the following traits:

  • Excited and motivated
  • Enjoy being part of a community
  • Faith based
  • Academically enjoy challenging themselves

If this sounds like you, then Baylor University would love to have you apply for admission.

There are several deadlines throughout the year, so make sure that you don’t miss submission time.

Along with your application, you should submit the following information:

  • Transcripts from high school or previous education
  • GPA from high school or previous education
  • Essay
  • SAT or ACT scores

Even though these aren’t required for admission, Baylor University would still like to see your:

  • Resume
  • Letter of recommendation
  • Short answer responses provided by the website

After submitting your application an academic advisor will contact you within a week.

Fees

Annual tuition for Baylor University is $51,738 but adding housing and food will take that price up to $65,412 per year.

Most students at this school will get some type of financial aid, which can help reduce the cost of tuition.

It is also likely that you will receive scholarships, grants, and other financial opportunities will attending this school.

The average Bachelors degree taking about four years to complete, the total cost of tuition at Baylor University is $261,648 upon graduation.

Contact Information

  • Address: 1311 South 5th St. Waco, TX 76706
  • Phone: 800-229-5678
  • Website: www.baylor.edu

10Tennessee State University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Out-of-State

In the heart of Nashville you will find Tennessee State University, one of the states high research institutions.

Though it is a bit far from Arkansas, residents can still enjoy the campus life at Tennessee State University due to its rich culture and diversity.

Among the several Bachelors degrees offered at Tennessee State University, one of the best for science lovers is Public Health.

Currently, the school only offers on-campus learning for this degree program.

There is a desperate need for Public Health workers in today’s world, so it is important for students who are serious about this program to do it with passion and love.

This four year degree program will teach students basic knowledge of health care and Public Health.

Graduates of this program also have the ability to earn their Masters degree once they have completed all of the necessary curriculum to earn the Bachelors degree.

Some of the interesting courses that you will take throughout this degree track are:

  • Behavioral Science and Public Health
  • Management and Public Health Policy
  • Cultural Competency
  • Principles of Health Communication

After graduating from Tennessee State University, Arkansas residents can head back home or go anywhere in the country for a great career as a:

  • Assistant Professor
  • Employee Wellness Coordinator
  • Wellness Consultant
  • Health Coach

Enrollment

The preferred way to submit your application to Tennessee State University is online through the school’s website.

Prospective students will need to pay a $25 application fee once they have submitted their information.

In order to apply, you will need to create a username and password so that you can come back if you need to fill out more information or if you want to check the status of your application.

You will also need to provide the following information along with your application:

  • Citizenship status
  • High school transcripts or previous education transcripts if transferring
  • Immunization records
  • Housing application

After you have completed all of the above criteria it is important to apply for scholarships and also sign up for new student orientation on the website.

An academic advisor will contact you soon after submitting your application and then you can move on to registering for classes.

Fees

In-state tuition is $8,336 per year for residential students, which comes to $33,344 after graduation.

Students from out of state who study full time at this school will pay $21,692 annually.

Since it takes four years to complete a Bachelors degree, this means it costs $86,768 for an out of state student to attend Tennessee State University.

Contact Information

  • Address: 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd. Nashville, TN 37209
  • Phone: 615-963-5000
  • Website: www.tnstate.edu

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve seen all the best choices for schooling in Arkansas, you should have a good idea of where you’ll want to go to earn your degree.

An education in Public Health will help communities across the United States and any of these great schools can lead you to a rewarding career.

Jamie Willis
Career Specialist at BecomeopediaHi, my name is Jamie Willis, and I have been helping students find their perfect internships and education paths for the last ten years. It is a passion of mine, and there really is nothing better than seeing students of mine succeed with further studies.