10 Best Public Health Bachelor's Degree Schools in Rhode Island

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Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the United States, but it is big on history, shorelines, and state parks.

There is always something to do or see in Rhode Island, for those who like history, check out the many birthplaces of historical figures and if you are a nature person you’ll love Colt State Park or Rocky Point State Park.

However, if you didn’t just come to Rhode Island for the views and are looking for a comprehensive education, then look no further than the several on this list.

Rhode Island boasts incredible schools in Providence, and you’ll find many acceptable facilities across state lines.

Some may even want to attend school online, which is great in today’s world, and you’ll see that there are a few choice on this list for 100% virtual education.

No matter what your goal is in Rhode Island, you will be satisfied with all of the options whether it’s for things to do or options for learning.

1Brown University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

Brown University in Providence has been around since the late 1700’s and is still going strong today.

This innovative yet old-world style university has a new approach to college, which is the open curriculum.

Students are given the opportunity to take the classes that they want, that suit their needs, and don’t need to conform to a rigorous set of preapplied courses in order to graduate.

With a campus full of over 10,000 students per year and 800 faculty members, this mid-sized school is perfect for those who want to take their college experience into their own hands.

Among the hundreds of programs to choose from at Brown University, students are the main focus and will find success in their chosen degree.

Those who want to be a part of the healthcare system and work with underprivileged communities will enjoy the Public Health Bachelors degree offered here.

This concentration is a great place to begin learning and researching as well as problem solving and understanding critical thinking.

A few of the courses that you should take while discovering the Public Health degree are:

  • Essentials of Data Analysis
  • Health Care in the United States
  • Climate Risks and Health Solutions
  • Comparative Health Systems

Students at Brown University are also given opportunities to study abroad as well as internships and other research experiences.

There is never a dull moment when studying at Brown, and once you complete at least 120 credit hours, you will be set for graduation.

A degree from Brown University will open many doors for you in careers like:

  • Health Counselor
  • Public Health Inspector
  • Medical Resource Manager
  • Cancer Specialist

Enrollment

You will love the easy application process that Brown University offers.

Just take a look at the website to find out more information.

The first step is to head to the admissions tab to get started on the online application.

There are many types of students who are welcome to apply, from first year freshman, international, transfer, returning, military, and much more.

Everything should take about 20 minutes to fill out, and students don’t even need to submit their test scores in order to be considered for admission.

International students will need to take and pass an English Proficiency exam before being considered for admission.

It really is that easy to apply, and once you submit your application it should take about two weeks to hear back from the school about your status of enrollment.

After you have been accepted you will be able to enroll in classes and begin orientation.

Fees

For a full year at Brown University the basic tuition cost is $65,656.

With room and board, books, and other amenities added, that price goes up to $88,948 per year.

A complete Bachelors degree program will cost between $262,624 and $355,792 at Brown University.

Students are welcome to apply for scholarships, grants, and financial aid.

Contact Information

  • Address: 115 Waterman St. Providence, RI 02912
  • Phone: 401-863-1000
  • Website: www.brown.edu

2Johnson and Wales University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Online

At Johnson and Wales University, you can choose between online or in-person learning.

As one of the oldest private schools in the country, Johnson and Wales University has a small roster and is considered one of the best colleges for veterans.

Studying your specific program and conducting research to help future generations is one of the base models for this school.

For people interested in biology and healthcare, there are several great programs to choose from, but Public Health is one of the fastest growing areas as of lately.

The Public Health Bachelors degree is a four year program that is an incredible stepping stone into the healthcare community.

Students are given the tools to create and implement healthcare programs to help communities locally and around the world.

Several of the comprehensive evidence-based courses that you will take throughout your time at Johnson and Wales University include:

  • Mindfulness for Health and Well-being
  • Comparative Healthcare Systems
  • Introduction to Health Professions
  • Data and Evidence in Health

There will be no stopping you in the world of Public Health and healthcare as a whole when you are finished completing the 120 credit hours required for gradation.

You will be among the greats when you graduate from this school and begin your life-long career in Public Health with a role like:

  • Infectious Disease Analyst
  • Disease Ecologist
  • Health Journalist
  • Health Education Programmer

Enrollment

It is fairly simple to apply to Johnson and Wales University.

The first thing that you will want to do is head over to the website and fill out an application.

In order to finish up your application, you will need to provide some important information to the school:

  • Transcripts from high school or previous education
  • Resume

Students are required to have at least 2 years of relevant job experience to be accepted at this university, and a resume is required to be submitted with your application.

There are no late fees as the school has classes that start year round.

Fees

Students will pay $39,792 per year to attend full time.

When you add housing, books, and room and board, this number will go up, speak to an academic advisor about the costs of additional amenities.

Since it takes four years to finish a Bachelors degree, the average graduate of Johnson and Wales University pays $159,168.

Contact Information

  • Address: 8 Abbot Park Place Providence, RI 02903
  • Phone: 800-342-5598
  • Website: www.jwu.edu

3Southern New Hampshire University

Programs Offered:
Online
Out-of-State

This fully online degree program is great for people from Rhode Island, as you won’t need to head to any brick and mortar buildings in order to complete your degree.

In fact, Southern New Hampshire University can be done anywhere at any time, with student-led learning that can be done throughout the day.

This online private education is a great source for working adults who need to be flexible in their schedules but still want to begin the career of their dreams.

People who are interested in biology, sociology, helping others and learning how to maintain health, the Public Health Bachelors degree is a great stepping stone.

This will be a four year program, and each class is designed to be taken one at a time so students can keep their full attention on one subject.

Several of the classes that you will be required to take in order to graduate from Southern New Hampshire University are:

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

Knowledgable professors and small class sizes mean you’ll get an intimate education where you can ask questions, get answers, and succeed tremendously.

One of the unique aspects of a degree from Southern New Hampshire University is that even though this is an online program, students are still required to take part in an internship.

This can be done right in your home town or near by so that you don’t have to travel to New Hampshire to complete the goal.

After finishing all the required 120 credit hours and the internship, you will be among the many who have graduated and begun looking for a successful career.

Some of the great careers that you can achieve through your degree at Southern New Hampshire University include:

  • 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

4Sacred Heart University

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

Close by, in Fairfield, Connecticut, you’ll find a the second largest Catholic school in New England, Sacred Heart University.

Don’t worry if you are not of the Catholic faith, as they accept all types of backgrounds, beliefs, and have a diverse student body as well as faculty.

Sacred Heart University is considered one of the best schools in the country by U.S. News and World Report.

If you still aren’t convinced, consider the forward thinking and comprehensive courses that you will need to take in order to graduate from one of the over 80 degree programs available here.

Among those is the Public Health Bachelors degree, which is a great stepping stone into the medical field.

The selling point for Rhode Island residents may be the fact that you can earn your degree online or in person, depending on your chosen path.

That means you can stay in your home state to learn at Sacred Heart University or head on over to Connecticut to get the full college experience.

Regardless of which one you choose, there are two great degree programs for Public Health that you can pick from.

First is the typical four year Bachelors degree, and second is an accelerated program that allows you to earn your Masters degree in just one year, completing a five year program.

Each path provides innovative and hands-on experience through courses like:

  • Healthcare Informatics
  • Legal and Ethical Aspects of Healthcare
  • Research in Healthcare
  • Health Promotion Planning

Graduating from Sacred Heart University will get you where you want to go in your career, especially in roles that include:

  • Public Health Engineer
  • Wellness Consultant
  • Health Counselor
  • Worksite Safety Coordinator

Enrollment

No matter if you are a first year freshman, transfer students, military personnel or someone returning to school, you can apply to Sacred Heart University.

Visit the website for the school to find the online application.

Once there, you will need to submit the non-refundable $50 application fee in order to continue filling out your information.

Some important information is required in order to complete your application:

  • High school transcript
  • Letter of recommendation
  • SAT or ACT scores

Students who have experience with other universities will need to provide transcripts from any credits earned.

There are deadlines throughout the year, so keep an eye out for that.

Once you have completed all the of the required information, an academic advisor will contact you within about two weeks.

Fees

Online and on-campus students will pay $23,155 per semester to attend Sacred Heart University.

Since it takes four years to complete a Bachelors degree, the total amount that graduates pay is $185,240.

Other fees that may occur at this university include:

  • Program fees – $500
  • Textbooks – $1,500
  • Health insurance – $2,599
  • Enrollment fee – $1,000

Consider staying on campus to take part in the room and board program which costs between $6,175 and $9,905 per semester.

Financial aid and scholarships are available for qualified students.

Contact Information

  • Address: 5151 Park Avenue Fairfield, CT 06825
  • Phone: 203-371-7999
  • Website: www.sacredheart.edu

5Merrimack College

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Out-of-State

In order to take your education to new heights at Merrimack College, you’ll need to head to Massachusetts.

This fast growing school is perfect for those who want a private education in a small town.

Merrimack College only takes the best of the best, so if you can get through the extensive selection process, you’ll be on your way to earning the degree of your dreams.

There are hundreds of programs to choose from at this school, and each alumni is elite in performing their successful career choices.

One of the many degrees that you can earn here is the Public Health Bachelors degree.

If you have a knack for assisting others and want to do all you can for your community through compassionate healthcare, then this is the best choice for a degree for you.

Not only is Public Health needed in today’s world, but new jobs are opening all the time.

As a Public Health program student, you will learn how to:

  • Understand and collect data
  • Explore factors that impact health across the world
  • Use critical and practical thinking skills
  • Interpret, examine, and understand complex dimensions of healthcare

Along with general education courses, students are to complete more specialized courses that will teach them all the sides of healthcare, such has:

  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Foundations of Healthcare Systems
  • Chemistry
  • Community Nutrition

Classroom time isn’t the only way to learn at Merrimack College, in fact, every student is required to take part in an internship, co-op, fieldwork or other practicum to satisfy their degree requirements.

Once you have earned all of your required credits and taken part in the hands-on education necessary, you will see many doors open for you in careers like:

  • Health Inspector
  • Public Health Analyst
  • Hospital Administrator
  • Health Organization Marketer

Enrollment

One of the great things about Merrimack College is that there are no test scores required in order to be considered for admission.

All you will need to do is head over to the school’s website to start your application.

It is fairly simple and only requires a little bit of extra paperwork in order to be considered finished, which includes:

  • High school transcripts
  • Common application secondary school report
  • Letter of recommendation
  • Essay

Merrimack College has some standards that students must meet before being considered for enrollment, and they are:

  • Academic achievement
  • Strength of curriculum
  • Community involvement
  • Extracurricular activities

An interview is also recommended for students looking to join the ranks at Merrimack College.

Fees

Merrimack College is a private school, which means that tuition will be a bit more costly than a public education.

Students who live on campus at Merrimack College will pay $68,170 annually.

This comes out to $272,680 after graduation.

Other fees that may apply for this school include:

  • Books – $1,000
  • Transportation – $1,000
  • Personal expenses – $500

Financial aid and scholarships are available for qualified students.

Contact Information

  • Address: 315 Turnpike St. North Andover, MA 01845
  • Phone: 978-837-5000
  • Website: www.merrimack.edu

6Boston University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Out-of-State

If you are one of those people who wants the big college experience like you see in the movies, then Boston University in Massachusetts may have your name on it.

With over 30,000 students and 10,000 faculty members on campus each semester, there is so much going on you won’t ever be bored.

Boston University boasts over 300 degree programs to choose from, and undergraduates have the ability to take on either an Associates degree or a Bachelors degree.

Health conscious, science lovers will get excited to know that there is a Public Health Bachelors degree available here.

Through the College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, students garner the truth about Public Health, biology, and disease control through classroom work, research facilities, and field work.

The classes at Boston University are incredible and many of the important ones to secure a degree are:

  • Quantitative Methods for Public Health
  • Leadership and Management
  • Health Systems, Law and Policy
  • Individual, Community, and Population Health

As long as you have a 3.0 GPA, you will be able to study at Boston University, as this is one of their requirements for graduation.

Take your high GPA, learning and internship experiences and head to the graduation stage where you will get a degree that gives you the ability to find careers such as:

  • Clinical Research Specialist
  • Integrative Health Practitioner
  • Health Information Specialist
  • Community Benefits Manager

Enrollment

Head on over to Boston University’s website in order to start your application process.

There, you will find many links to help you discover the best way to enroll.

Whether you are a first year freshman, transfer student, or International student you will find options for enrollment on the website.

Once you have discovered the link you need to fill out the application, it should only take about twenty minutes to complete.

You will fill out your personal information as well as include some paperwork along with your application, such as:

  • High school or previous education transcripts
  • Counselor recommendation
  • Teacher evaluation
  • SAT or ACT scores

There will be a comprehensive review of all of the aspects of your being, including extracurriculars, grades, and holistically.

Once an academic advisor has decided whether you are admitted or not, you will hear back from the school via email.

Fees

Attendants of Boston University pay a base rate of $63,798 per year to attend.

For those who want to include room and board, the tuition cost yearly is $86,363.

This means that graduates will end up paying between $255,192 and $345,452 depending on accommodations.

All students at Boston University receive some type of aid to help with the costs of education.

Contact Information

  • Address: 233 Bay State Rd. Boston, MA 02215
  • Phone: 617-353-2000
  • Website: www.bu.edu

7University of New England-Biddeford

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Out-of-State

Another great out of state school is the University of New England located in Biddeford, Maine.

This one will have you traveling north, but it is well worth the ride as you will get to experience an ocean-side campus that holds state-of-the-art learning programs for every student.

In Maine, the University of New England is the most popular private school and it is also the largest.

As a Rhode Island resident, you will have to pack up and move to campus in order to fulfill your degree goals, but the sights will make you want to stay, that’s for sure.

For those people who are interested in biology, sociology, and making the world better, one of the best programs at this school is the Public Health Bachelor degree.

This program will take four years to complete, and is a well-rounded degree that gives students the ability to work in healthcare both locally and nationally, sometimes even around the world.

Throughout your time studying for your Public Health degree, you will take on courses such as:

  • Health Policy
  • Environmental Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Biostatistics

Each course is designed to bring you one step closer to your goal and expand your mind to the intricacies of healthcare.

Senior students are given the opportunity to work an internship, which can be done through local business, healthcare facilities, and even government operations around the country.

There is never a dull moment at the University of New England, and graduates of this fine school will be in the top tier for careers like:

  • Government Health Program Manager
  • Hopsital Administrator
  • Health Researcher
  • Environmental Health Officer

Enrollment

There are three beautiful campuses that prospective students can choose to apply to when considering the University of New England, so make sure that you provide which campus you want to attend on your application.

When you are ready to apply, head to the school’s website and click the correct type of student for the application you wish to complete.

The University of New England allows first year freshman, transfer students, international students and even military student to join their ranks.

In order to be considered for admission you will need to pay the $40 application fee that is non-refundable.

Once you have done that and submitted your official transcript along with your application you will be on your way to enrolling if you are accepted.

It may take a couple of weeks to hear back from the school but you are welcome to check the website for any updates whenever you want.

Fees

Currently, it costs $62,770 a year to attend the University of New England if you plan to stay on campus.

If you do not want to live on campus, you will pay $41,050 per year to attend.

This means that students who graduate from the University of New England end up paying between $164,200 and $251,080.

Most every student at this school is using some type of financial aid to help pay for the costs of education.

Contact Information

  • Address: 11 Hills Beach Rd. Biddeford, ME 04005
  • Phone: 207-283-0171
  • Website: www.une.edu

8Colby-Sawyer College

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Out-of-State

If you are ready to take on a private education but are looking for a public university price, then Colby-Sawyer College is the perfect option.

Located in the scenic forest region of Lake Sunapee in New Hampshire, students from Rhode Island can maintain the small town feel while earning a degree.

Each student at Colby-Sawyer College is given the opportunity to research or take on an internship in every single program available.

And there are a lot of programs, over 100 to be exact.

One of the many programs available for students who want to earn a Bachelors degree is in Public Health.

As a student in the Public Health department, you will come face to face with many of today’s real world challenges and learn how to solve them with ease.

The degree at Colby-Sawyer College is accredited by the New Hampshire Public Health Association which means you’ll have access to new and innovative curriculum.

With small classes and experience faculty, you will find great success in courses that include:

  • Epidemiology
  • Prevention of Illness and Injury
  • Health Research Methods
  • Healthcare Systems, Policy and Leadership

Each four year program is capped with an internship that can be done locally or even abroad.

Colby-Sawyer College is a great little school that can lead you toward the career you’ve always wanted.

Among the hundreds of Public Health jobs opening up on a daily basis, you will be one of the few qualified for roles such as:

  • Epidemiologist
  • Environmental Health Educator
  • Patient Care Coordinator
  • Health Promotion Specialist

Enrollment

Colby-Sawyer College welcomes all types of applicants to their ranks from first year freshman, to transfer students, and even international learners.

When thinking of applying, head on over to the website and choose the correct application for the type of student that you are.

Filling out the application is easy and can be done right on your computer.

You will need to create an account to complete your application, but everything should only take about twenty minutes of your time.

In order to have a complete application, you will need to provide the following information:

  • Official transcripts from high school or previous education
  • Recommendation
  • Writing sample
  • ACT or SAT scores

You will also need to provide a checklist of any extracurricular activities you have been involved in.

Once you have submitted all of the required information, you should hear back from the school in a couple of weeks whether you have been accepted or not.

At which time you will be able to enroll in classes and set up orientation.

Fees

Base tuition at Colby-Sawyer College is $17,500 per year, but with room and board that cost goes up to $35,258.

This means that you will end up paying between $70,000 and $141,032 to attend this university.

Other fees that may apply include technology, health services, and student programs that can all be discussed with an academic advisor.

Financial aid and scholarships are available at this school.

Contact Information


9Plymouth State University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Out-of-State

You will love the natural beauty and hometown feel of the Plymouth State University campus in Plymouth, New Hampshire.

Even Rhode Island residents can take part in the scenic views, old world style buildings and family closeness available here.

With just over 3,500 students in attendance each year, Plymouth State University is a small school that holds its students in very high esteem.

There is no doubt that a degree from this school will take you were you need to go, especially with a 95% employment rate of graduates six months after they have completed their degree.

If that is not enough for you to give this school a try, consider looking into the Public Health Bachelor degree program.

Within this program, students are provided the tools to:

  • Assess and evaluate health analysis data
  • Understand policy development
  • Achieve public health goals
  • Implement and expand research

There are so many great things to do with Public Health, and students in this program will be taking part in both lab and classroom time in courses such as:

  • Foundations of Public Health
  • Program Planning for Public Health
  • Society, Ethics, and Law
  • Wealth and Poverty

Each class will bring you one step closer to the degree and career of your dreams.

In fact, a degree from Plymouth State University can provide you many new opportunities, including careers like:

  • Water Quality Inspector
  • Global Health Consultant
  • Wellness Coach
  • Lactation Consultant

Enrollment

You can apply right on the Plymouth State University website with their quick and easy application process.

Currently, there are no application fees, so head on over to start your free application today.

No matter if you are a first year student or a transfer student, you are welcome to send in your information and enroll in classes here.

Along with your personal information, the school asks that you provide transcripts from high school and SAT or ACT test scores.

After completing your application, send it in and you will hear back from an academic advisor within a couple of weeks.

You can always check your status on the website as well.

Fees

Residents of New Hampshire will pay $14,558 for base tuition at Plymouth State University.

If you are a resident of New Hampshire and plan to use room and board, you will pay $26,662 per year to attend.

Since it takes four years to complete a degree here, you will end up paying between $58,232 and $106,648 upon graduation.

Those who are from out of state will pay a base yearly tuition of $25,498 and using room and board will make your tuition costs $37,602 annually.

After four years, the totals for out of state learners is between $101,992 and $150,408.

Financial aid and scholarships are available for every student who attends this school.

Contact Information

  • Address: 17 High St. Plymouth, NH 03264
  • Phone: 603-535-5000
  • Website: www.plymouth.edu

10University of Massachusetts-Lowel

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Out-of-State

The last one our list is another great Massachusetts based school by the name of the University of Massachusetts in Lowell.

This school is a research university that is so popular, there are at least 17,000 students in attendance each semester.

As a Rhode Island resident, you could be one of them, but you will need to travel and live in Massachusetts as there are no online degrees currently.

With a large support system and faculty members that have experience in the fields that they teach, you cannot go wrong with this large public university.

Earning a degree here will put you in the forefront of employers minds, especially with a Public Health Bachelors degree.

This career is in desperate need of employees, and people who love to help and learn new ways to do things like disease control and healthcare will enjoy this four year program.

Along the way, you’ll find yourself taking classes that include:

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology
  • Principles of Environmental Health Science
  • The U.S. Healthcare System
  • Clinical Microbiology

The University of Massachusetts in Lowell has scholarly opportunities for all its students from organizations to extracurriculars.

You’ll be one of the great alumni once you graduate and head to the open doors of new opportunities such as:

  • Violence Prevention Program Coordinator
  • Health Programs Management Director
  • Prevention Specialist
  • HIV/AIDS Research Associate

Enrollment

Before considering this school you should take a campus tour to make sure that it is right for you.

If you have already decided that you want to attend this great university, head to the website to fill out the easy online application.

This process is simple, submit your personal information along with some other important criteria and you are ready to go.

The important data you’ll need to add along with your application includes:

  • High school or previous education transcripts
  • Personal essay
  • Letter of recommendation

There is a $60 non-refundable application fee at this time.

International applicants will need to complete an English Proficiency Exam.

Fees

Students from Massachusetts will pay $30,112 per year which includes room and board.

This comes out to $120,448 after four years of education.

For those who do not want to live and eat on campus, the annual tuition is $16,182.

This totals out to $64,728 upon graduation.

If you are a student coming from another state, your yearly tuition with room and board will be $48,480.

At this rate, you will end up paying $193,920 to earn a Bachelors degree.

Without room and board, out of state learners will pay $34,550 per year, which adds up to $138,200.

International students will pay $51,783 per year to attend the University of Massachusetts in Lowell for a total of $207,132.

Contact Information

  • Address: 220 Pawtucket St. Lowell, MA 01854
  • Phone: 978-934-4000
  • Website: www.uml.edu

Final Thoughts

Choosing a university can be difficult, especially when there are so many options but we hope that we’ve helped you narrow down some of the best available schools in Rhode Island.

These ten schools are the top universities for residents of Rhode Island, online, on-campus, and even out of state.

Consider applying to any of these schools if you want a successful career in Public Health.

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.