10 Best Public Health Bachelor's Degree Schools in Idaho

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Idaho may be known for it’s gems and potatoes, but there are so many more things to discover about this great state that you may have never thought about.

There is no shortage of impeccable scenery to divulge in while visiting or even living in Idaho, but did you know that there are also some incredible places to earn a degree?

If you are interested in securing yourself a career in the Public Health world, then consider looking to Idaho for all your educational needs.

Large public universities, small private schools, and even online educational facilities are available to residents of Idaho.

Take a look at our list of ten of the best places to earn your education in Public Health, we are sure there is something here that will catch your eye.

1Idaho State University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

Idaho State University is one of the most comprehensive colleges in the United States.

With its humble beginnings in 1901, the university has expanded to accommodate over 12,000 students at one time on campus.

Small class sizes and lowered tuition rates make this school one of the state’s popular schools for all types of degrees.

Here, you will find that students from across the United States assemble to make their career dreams come true.

Along with hundreds of degree programs, you will find the Public Health Bachelors degree.

This four year program is perfect for those who like science and want to help their communities become and stay healthy.

There are several required courses that you will need to take in order to complete your degree criteria.

Several of the classes that you will need to enroll in will enrich you in biology, sociology, and even math.

Let’s take a look at some of the courses that will be on your roster:

  • Social Problems
  • Leadership and Policy
  • Community and Public Health
  • Health Behavior Change Theory and Application

Students who want to participate in this program will need to become CPR certified and present that certification to the faculty of Idaho State University.

Once you have completed all of the class and lab work requirements, it is now that you will be on your way to a successful career as a:

  • Education Outreach Liaison
  • Health Program Advocate
  • Environmental Health Educator
  • Prevention Program Director

Enrollment

If you are looking to apply to Idaho State University, you can do it easily with their online application form.

There is a $50 non-refundable application fee that you will have to submit along with your application.

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

  • At least a 2.5 GPA from high school
  • Idaho high school graduates must meet all Idaho Core Requirements

High school or previous university transcripts are also required to be provided along with your application.

If you are a transfer student, you will need to provide proof of at least a 2.0 GPA.

Academic advisors suggest taking a campus tour before enrolling so that you know this school is right for you.

Fees

If you are a resident of Idaho, you will pay $15,686 a year, which includes room and board.

It takes about four years to complete a Bachelors degree, so the average graduate pays $63,472.

If you choose not to live on campus you will pay $8,758 per year, which comes out to $35,032 once you have completed your degree.

Residents of other states will pay $33,662 per year, and non-residents who don’t live on campus will pay $26,934 per year, including books.

Non-residents who lived on campus will end up paying $134,648 and out-of-state commuters will pay $107,736 in total after graduation.

Contact Information

  • Address: 921 South 8th Ave. Pocatello, ID 83209
  • Phone: 208-282-7880
  • Website: www.isu.edu

2Brigham Young University-Idaho

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

Brigham Young University in Rexburg, Idaho prepares students for the rest of their lives.

The school has been around since the late 1800’s but just recently, in 2000, changed over to be a part of the Brigham Young University college system.

With over 20,000 students on campus every semester, Brigham Young University in Idaho is a great place to meet other like-minded people and enjoy your education.

This private college is centered around the Latter-day Saints faith but invites people who are not a part of that way of life to enjoy their campus as well.

Several degrees are offered at Brigham Young University in Idaho, and those who want to give back to their community can enroll in the Public Health Bachelors degree program.

While engaging in this program, students will need to take 120 credits, but only 39 of them are specifically for the Public Health domain.

Some of the classes that you will likely take while studying at Brigham Young University are:

  • Essentials of Human Nutrition
  • Health Disparities
  • Research Methods
  • Community Health Methods

Along with classroom time, students are required to partake in an internship that can be locally sourced or even from a government or international company.

After successfully completing the internship, students have hands-on experience that can take them to the career of their dreams.

With a degree from Brigham Young University, graduates have been able to  procure careers in areas like:

  • Health Educator
  • Contact Tracer
  • Epidemiologist
  • Community Organizer

Enrollment

Members of the LDS church will have a specific way to apply to Brigham Young University, and prospective students who are not part of the church will have their won application.

Either way, you can find the application online and it is easy to fill out.

Brigham Young University invites first year freshman, transfer students, international students and even those not seeking a degree to fill out an application.

The application that you fill out should also give you a place to insert some important information about yourself like:

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

Once you have completed all of the above information it may take a week or two to hear back from the school.

After a decision has been made you will receive an email about the next steps in the enrollment process.

Fees

Students who are from Idaho will pay in-state tuition which is $13,418 per year for those living on campus.

If you are an in-state student but choose not to live on campus, you will pay $8,642 per year.

The average Idaho resident pays between $34,586 and $53,672 to earn a degree from Brigham Young University in Idaho.

People who come to this university from out of state will pay $21,300 to attend.

This adds up to $85,200 after graduation.

Students who are part of the LDS religion will receive discounts as well, which can be found by speaking to an academic advisor.

Financial aid and scholarships are available for qualified students at Brigham Young University Idaho.

Contact Information

  • Address: 525 South Center St. Rexburg, ID 83460
  • Phone: 208-496-2000
  • Website: www.byui.edu

3Boise State University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Online

Boise State University is a groundbreaking research and academic university located in the middle of Boise, Idaho.

With over 200 areas of study, this school is large and ready to impact you for the rest of your life.

There are over 26,000 students on campus at any given time, which means there are hundreds of activities, programs, and extracurriculars to look into.

You’ll also love the nightlife and big city feel that the college has to offer.

At the School of Public and Population Health you will find the four year Bachelors degree in Public Health.

Within this program, students are the center of everything with mentorship and field opportunities at the forefront of education.

With a degree in Public Health students are prepared to take on life’s challenges of public health and safety as well as individual health benefits.

Students will take general education classes as well as more science-related courses on this degree path, which will likely include:

  • Foundations of Health Education and Promotion
  • Research Methods in Health
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology
  • Healthy Environments, Healthy People

Along the way, students are required to partake in Capstone projects as well as research opportunities to gain hands-on knowledge in the field.

Once you have completed the required 120 credit hours as well as all lab work and real-life experiences, you will be on your way to graduation day.

Four years after beginning your journey at Boise State University you will be excited to learn it is possible to gain employment as a:

  • Health Education Specialist
  • Billing and Posting Clerk
  • Compliance Officer
  • Medical and Health Service Manager

Enrollment

It is easy to apply to Boise State University, and everything can be done right on the school’s website.

If you are a resident of Idaho, you will have to fill out a separate application from people who live in other states in the country.

International students also have a different application process to look into.

In order to complete your application to Boise State University, you will need to provide:

  • Transcripts from high school or previous education
  • Proof of a 2.8 GPA for Idaho residents
  • Proof of a 3.0 GPA for everyone else

After completing your application, it may take a couple of weeks to hear back from an academic advisor about the status of your enrollment.

If you can’t wait, there is a way to check your status online on the school’s website.

Fees

Students from Idaho will pay $28,716 per year which includes room and board, books, and other expenses.

Once you have completed your Bachelors degree as an Idaho resident, the total tuition is $114,864.

Students from out of state will pay $46,490 per year, which also includes room and board and other expenses.

Since it takes four years to complete a degree here, the average graduate will pay about $185,960 in total tuition costs.

Financial aid, scholarships, and grants are available here.

Contact Information

  • Address: 1910 University Dr. Boise, ID 83725
  • Phone: 208-426-1000
  • Website: www.boisestate.edu

4Eastern Washington University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Out-of-State

Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Washington gives students the opportunity to become part of a family.

Once you enroll here, you will be taken under the wing of faculty and students, for the feeling of togetherness is abundant here.

Even if you are from Idaho, you are welcome to enroll at Eastern Washington University.

However, if you choose to go to this school, you will need to move and hang out on campus because there are no online programs for the Public Health Bachelors degree available at this school.

That shouldn’t stop you though, as this school is highly ranked and has a beautiful acres-wide campus to explore.

The Public Health Bachelors degree will take about four years to complete and is perfect for those who want to get their feet wet in the healthcare world.

Beginning your journey at Eastern Washington University in the Public Health program will provide you with the opportunity to take part in fundamental science and health-based classes like:

  • Health Promotion and Risk Reduction
  • Environmental Health
  • Cross Cultural Practices in Health
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology

Once the majority of the required classes are completed, students are invited to take part in internships which can lead to roles in careers beyond graduation.

A Bachelors degree from Eastern Washington University can afford you many experiences in this country, such as:

  • Health Promoter
  • Program Evaluator
  • Public Health Researcher
  • Community Health Educator

Enrollment

In order to apply to Eastern Washington University you will need to head to the website and submit a $60 non-refundable application fee.

Along with your personal information in the application, you will need to provide some important paperwork as well, like:

  • Transcripts from high school or previous education
  • Financial aid information
  • Scholarship information

International students will be required to submit their English Proficiency Exam scores as well as show proof of a passport.

It should take about a week for an academic advisor to get back to you about the next steps in the process.

Fees

Washington residents will receive a discount on tuition at Eastern Washington University.

Washington residents will pay $8,139 per year for a total of $$32,556 after four years of education.

Students who are from other states will pay $25,464 per year.

This will be a total of $101,856 after graduation.

There may be some additional fees that come up yearly for students, like:

  • Book – $800
  • Room and Board – $13,739
  • Technology – $120
  • Health and Wellness – $390

Financial aid and scholarships are available for qualified students.

Contact Information

  • Address: 526 5th St. Cheney, WA 99004
  • Phone: 509-359-6200
  • Website: www.ewu.edu

5Portland State University

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

To the west, you’ll find a great liberal arts school by the name of Portland State University in Oregon.

One of the great assets of this school is that students can choose to attend online or in-person, so even people from Idaho can enjoy the curriculum here.

The urban university is famous for it’s forward thinking and diversity, perfect for people who are interested in the Public Health field.

Throughout the Public Health program at Portland State University, students learn to create, implement, and understand various ways to promote healthy behaviors in individuals and communities.

Small classes led by understanding and impactful individuals will lead you toward a successful career in Public Health.

A few of the classes that you will likely need to take in order to fulfill your degree requirements are:

  • Environmental Science
  • Identity and Society
  • Human Development
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology

Portland State University provides it’s graduates with career opportunities anywhere in the United States, so once you graduate you will have no problem finding employment.

Graduates of Portland State University have found success in life-long careers in roles that include:

  • Medical Writer
  • Health Inspector
  • Community Health Worker
  • Health Center Administrator

Enrollment

Portland State University has an easy online application that should only take about twenty minutes to complete.

The school does have some requirements for prospective students, these include:

  • Have a GPA of 2.5 or higher
  • Complete English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Arts with at least a C-

If you meet this criteria, then the next step is to fill out your application and submit the $60 non-refundable application fee.

Along with your application, expect to include some important paperwork: 

  • SAT or ACT scores
  • Official high school or previous education transcripts

After submitting your application, check the website to see if you have been admitted or wait a week or two for an academic advisor to contact you about the next steps in the process.

Fees

Residents of Oregon pay $21,612 for full-time classes annually.

This comes out to $86,448 after graduation.

If you live in Washington, you will pay $23,412 per year to attend Portland State University.

Graduates from Washington end up paying $93,648 once they have completed their education.

Prospective students from other states can expect to pay $59,412 annually to attend this school.

Upon graduation, out-of-state learners pay $237,648 to earn a degree.

There are some other expenses that may apply at Portland State University, including:

  • Books – $800
  • Room and Board – $9,600 to $16,500
  • Health Insurance – $1,500

Contact Information

  • Address: 1825 Southwest Broadway Portland, OR 97201
  • Phone: 503-725-3000
  • Website: www.pdx.edu

6Central Washington University

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

Another great Washington located school is Central Washington University in Ellensburg.

At this public four year college, students gain insight into their chosen profession while being able to see mountains, lakes, and various wildlife that make for interesting scenery.

If you are a prospective student who wants to make a change in the health of the world, then the Public Health Bachelors degree offered here could be of interest to you.

Idaho students are welcome to come and study on campus, but they can also stay home in Idaho to pursue their dreams with an online curriculum.

No matter which way you choose to learn, the courses here are comprehensive and innovative, leading graduates to success in various roles.

Throughout the Public Health program, students are given the opportunity to design and develop programs in healthcare as well as address community inequities in their hometowns and beyond.

There are some challenging and fun classes that are part of the curriculum at Central Washington University, which could include:

  • Public Health Ethics
  • Research Experience in Public Health
  • Essentials for Healthy Living
  • Women’s Health Issues

After completing most of the required courses, students will take part in an internship in their local community, gaining hands-on experience right at home.

There are so many ways to learn and grow with a degree from Central Washington University, and graduates have found success in some of the following industries:

  • Community Service Manager
  • Public Health Specialist
  • Healthcare Consultant
  • Survey Statistician

Enrollment

No matter if you are first year freshman, transfer student, military personnel or someone who would like to go to Central Washington University online, you are welcome to apply here.

In order to get started, you will need to head to the website to fill out the online application.

One of the great things about Central Washington University is that nearly everyone who enrolls is likely to receive scholarships from the school if they apply early.

There is a $60 non-refundable application fee to apply to this university.

Along with your application, it is necessary to submit some important information:

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

If you plan to study here, you will also need to meet these requirements:

  • Must have at least a 3.0 GPA
  • Have completed the College Academic Distribution Requirements
    • 4 years of English, 4 years of Math, 2 years of world language, 3 years of science and social studies, and one year of arts

After completing your application it should take about two weeks for an academic advisor to get back to you on whether you have been accepted or not.

Fees

Washington residents will pay $5,370 per year to attend Central Washington University.

This comes out to $21,480 upon graduation.

If you are a person from another state, you can expect to pay $16,746 per year.

After four years of school, you will end up paying $66,984.

Some additional course fees, late fees, and other miscellaneous fees may apply.

Financial aid is available for qualified students at this school.

Contact Information

  • Address: 400 East University Way Ellensburg, WA 98926
  • Phone: 509-963-1111
  • Website: www.cwu.edu

7University of Nevada-Las Vegas

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

Don’t get caught up in thinking that Las Vegas, Nevada is only for casinos and nightlife because there is also a great education system here.

The University of Nevada in Las Vegas is a great public school that students from all over the country flock to for their inviting campus and innovative curriculum.

Though there are over 100 different majors to consider, people who are health conscious and want to give back to their community will enjoy the Public Health Bachelors degree located here.

Students are welcome to learn on-campus or online, so even if you are from Idaho you can stay home and still enroll in Las Vegas.

The nationally accredited program at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas provides students with knowledge in:

  • Ethical decision making related to society
  • Professional foundations in science
  • Research methods
  • Protection and promotion of health in public

If this sounds up your alley, then consider some of the classes that you will likely take in order to fulfill the degree requirements here:

  • Multicultural Health
  • Injury Prevention and Control
  • Global Health
  • Stress Management

There is no shortage of things to do on campus as well, as opportunities abound for research, extracurricular and work/study programs are always available to students.

Graduates of this amazing school will find it easy to secure a role in any of the healthcare areas they so choose, such as:

  • Domestic Violence Interventionist
  • Health Promotion Program Director
  • Public Health Planner
  • Disaster Preparedness Planner

Enrollment

Anyone who wants to earn a great education can apply to the University of Nevada in Las Vegas.

You can find the application online, but be mindful that there is a $60 non-refundable fee for all applications.

In order to be considered for admission here, prospective students will need to provide proof of the following requirements:

  • 3.0 GPA from high school
  • 1120 SAT score
  • 22 ACT score

It is important to submit the following information along with your application:

  • Transcripts from high school
  • ACT or SAT scores

If you meet all of the above criteria and submit all of the necessary paperwork, then you should hear back within a week or two from an academic advisor about the next steps in the process.

Fees

Nevada residents will pay $9,102 per year to attend this school.

This comes out to a total of $36,408 upon graduation.

For students who attend the University of Nevada in Las Vegas from out of state, the annual cost is $25,644.

Graduates from out of state will end up paying $102,576 after completing their Bachelors degree.

There are some additional fees that may apply as well:

  • Books – $1,240
  • Transportation – $2,908

Contact Information

  • Address: 4505 South Maryland Pkwy. Las Vegas, NV 89154
  • Phone: 702-895-3011
  • Website: www.unlv.edu

8University of Nevada-Reno

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Out-of-State

If you like the idea of learning in Nevada but want a different pace than Las Vegas, check out the University of Nevada in Reno.

This school has been around since 1874 and has housed thousands of students from all across the United States and even the world.

Among the hundreds of majors and minors to choose from at this school, people who are interested in healthcare, biology, and science as a whole may find their interest piqued with the Public Health Bachelors degree program.

This is a four year program that aligns students with healthcare and biological statistics to ensure the knowledge to prevent and control disease in communities.

With a degree in Public Health at the University of Nevada, students will have the opportunity to gain capabilities in:

  • Factors that impact human health
  • Evidence-based approaches to public health
  • Health policy, laws, ethics and economics
  • Communications in health topics

There are an abundance of ways to learn at the University of Nevada, from classroom time to lab work and even field opportunities both on and off campus.

Some of the great courses that you will take throughout your time at this school are:

  • Microbes and Society
  • Principles of Nutrition
  • Chemistry
  • Organismal Biology

Completion of the majority of your classroom time at the University of Nevada in Reno will give you the chance to work an internship that can help you get your hands on what is really going on in the healthcare community.

After all of the above has been completed, you will be on your way to graduation and a successful career as a:

  • Environmental Health Educator
  • Community Outreach Coordinator
  • Medical Resource Manager
  • Case Manager

Enrollment

The first thing you will want to do if you are looking to apply to the University of Nevada in Reno is head to the website.

There you will find an easy online application, but keep in mind it costs $60 in order to submit.

Students from around the globe are welcome to apply and attend this school.

However, there are some qualifications in order to be accepted to the University of Nevada in Reno, which are:

  • Have at least a 3.0 GPA
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Provide ACT or SAT scores

Immunization and financial aid information is also necessary to submit along with your application.

It should take about two weeks to hear whether you have been accepted to the university or not.

Orientation is required for all first-year students whether they are transfer or beginning their college journey.

Fees

Nevada residents who plan to have housing and meal plans will pay $20,687 per year to attend this school.

Since it takes four years to complete a Bachelors degree, students pay $82,748 upon graduation.

Residents of Nevada who plan to commute to school will pay $7,875 per year for a total of $31,500 after four years.

Those who would like to attend this school from another state will pay $37,643 which includes room and board annually.

After graduation, the total for non-residents is $150,572.

Financial aid and scholarships are available for students who attend this university.

Contact Information

  • Address: 1664 North Virginia St. Reno, NV 89557
  • Phone: 775-784-1110
  • Website: www.unr.edu

9Capella University

Programs Offered:
Online
Out-of-State

This online opportunity may be perfect for the Idaho resident who doesn’t want to head to an in-person campus every day.

Capella University is one of the most well-known online schools in the country, and that is because their degree programs are top-notch in the industry.

If you plan to stay in Idaho or even move around the country, you can still take part in the Public Health Bachelors degree program available here.

With focus on biology, health, and sociology, the Bachelors degree in Public Health will take about four years to complete and prepare students for roles in healthcare organizations across the country.

Several of the classes that are required to take in order to fulfill your degree criteria include:

  • Public Health and Policy Management
  • Biostatistics
  • Theories of Social and Behavioral Change
  • Environmental Health

The accredited degrees at Capella University is perfect for working or family centered people who can’t get to an in-person campus every day.

Not only will you gain important classroom time, but students have the opportunity to work with others and even faculty in order to gain the most out of their education here.

After graduation, you will likely find it easy to gain employment in roles such as:

  • Education Program Manager
  • Health Coach
  • Wellness Coordinator
  • School Health Educator

Enrollment

In order to be considered for admission at Capella University, prospective students will need to meet the following standards:

  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Are 23 years of age or older
  • Submit official high school transcript
  • SAT or ACT scores

The online application process is easy and should take anywhere between twenty and thirty minutes.

There is a $50 application fee for this school.

It may take a week or two to hear back from an academic advisor about the status of your application, but once you have been accepted you can look into which courses best suit you.

Fees

Tuition at Capella university is $2,500 for full-time students per semester.

Each year, students will pay $5,000 for their education here.

Since it takes four years to complete a degree at Capella University, the average graduate will end up paying $20,000 for their online degree.

Additional fees may apply such as:

  • Application fee – $25
  • Resource kit – $75
  • Credit per earning – $75

Contact Information

  • Address: 225 South 6th St. 9th floor Minneapolis, MN 55402
  • Phone: 866-796-6651
  • Website: www.capella.edu

10Walden University

Programs Offered:
Online
Out-of-State

Some people may prefer an entirely online degree program, and that is where Walden University can help.

Everything at Walden is 100% virtual, and is great for people who have jobs or families who need that extra time not traveling to campus but taking care of their other duties.

Since the 1970’s, Walden University has been a staple for adult learners, though anyone is welcome to enroll in classes here.

Walden University offers a wonderful Public Health Bachelors degree program curriculum that can lead you toward success in the healthcare field.

Each class is designed to get you one step closer to your goal, and self-paced learning makes it easier to fully understand what you need to know.

A few of the classes that you will need to take to fulfill your degree requirements are:

  • Foundations of Public Health
  • Human Disease and Prevention
  • Ethical and Legal Issues in Healthcare
  • Public and Global Health

Many people in this field find classes like this interesting and helpful to succeed.

Even though there is not an internship portion to this degree program, students will work on a Capstone project that can give them real-life experience.

Once you have completed 120 credit hours, which takes about four years, you will be on your way to a Bachelors degree, allowing for roles in areas like:

  • Youth Program Specialist
  • Integrative Health Practitioner
  • Health Media Director
  • Education Director

Enrollment

The first thing that you will want to do when applying at Walden University is to contact an academic advisor.

They will be able to guide you to exactly what you want from this university, and help you streamline the application process.

After you have spoken with an academic advisor and learned how to apply, you will need to submit your transcripts from high school or previous education as well as any employment history.

Credit transferring is available for students who have experience at other universities.

You may also get credits for work experience if you have worked in a relevant field.

Once you have submitted your application it may take about a week to hear back about your acceptance status.

Fees

There are many great options for tuition costs at Walden University.

Some programs have accelerated rates which will only take about two years to finish.

These programs typically cost $22,330 while the four year programs cost $46,175.

There are scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities available for qualified students.

Since this is an online school, students don’t have to worry about paying for room and board, which means saving money on tuition.

Contact Information

  • Address: 7080 Samuel Morse Dr. Suite 100 Columbia, MD 21046
  • Phone: 866-492-5336
  • Website: www.waldenu.edu

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve seen all of the great schools that Idaho has to offer, who hope that we have helped you narrow down your selections.

You may choose to educate yourself online, in-person and even out of state, but either way you do it, you will surely find a great Public Health program fit for your needs.

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.