10 Best Public Health Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington

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Picturing Washington state may conjure up images of vast forests, beautiful mountains and an abundance of wildlife.

You don’t have to travel far to find a miles-long national park in the state, and that is one of the most appealing aspects of the Evergreen state.

However, many people may not know that there are some incredible universities to visit that have fundamental and impressive education programs, no matter the subject.

From public schools to private, Washington state can lead you toward the career of your dreams in programs focused on Public Health.

If you are interested in learning more about the great ways to learn both in the state of Washington and in the surrounding states, look no further than this comprehensive list of the ten best schools for people pursuing a Public Health Bachelors degree.

Each school has unique factors that could pique your interest, from online programs to internships and research opportunities, there are so many ways to learn in Washington.

1Central Washington University

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

Central Washington University in Ellensburg, you’ll find a massive campus that houses thousands of students each year.

This four year public university is a great place to follow your dreams with like-minded folks as well as people from diverse backgrounds.

Not only will you get to walk this gorgeous campus, but you’ll have mountains, lakes, and wildlife as the backdrop to your daily life.

One of the great things about Central Washington University is that students can take online classes as well, or even hybrid if they want to experience the best of both worlds.

There are hundreds of majors and minors to choose from at this university, but those who want to impact the medical field and communities around the country will fall in love with the Public Health Bachelors degree.

As a four year program, students learn the basics of helping their communities become. healthier, both individually and as a whole.

Through evidence and science-based courses, students are given the chance to partake in hands-on learning in courses like:

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

You’ll get to experience what Public Health is like outside of the classroom as well with internships that can lead to full time careers.

Graduation is the next step in your journey, and with a degree from Central Washington University, many doors will open up for you.

After securing your degree, you’ll find a spot for you in hundreds of careers, including:

  • 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

2Eastern Washington University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Out-of-State

Prospective students who want to feel like they are a part of one big family will love the atmosphere of Eastern Washington University.

Located in Cheney, Washington, you will be taken under the wing of faculty as well as your classmates to insure you’ve got everything you need for a successful four year run.

Acres of gorgeous campus and miles of trails to walk in are one of the biggest selling points of this school.

Another great aspect is that there are hundreds of ways to learn and programs to enroll in at Eastern Washington University.

One of the best for people who want to get involved in healthcare is the Public Health Bachelors degree program.

Those who want to impact the world and take part in fundamental research and courses will enjoy every aspect of this program.

You will spend the majority of your time in science-based courses that help you understand the complexities of biology, chemistry and much more, including courses like:

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

Throughout your senior year, you will be invited to take part in an internship that can not only help you understand and learn first-hand about the world of Public Health, but also possibly secure a future career.

After graduation, it will be easy to see that many doors in the healthcare field will open for you, including some roles in careers that include:

  • 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

3Portland State University

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

Our first out of state school is just south of Washington in Oregon and goes by the name Portland State University.

If you are looking for a diverse campus with lots of fun things to do, then Portland State University has your name on it.

One of the more intriguing facts about Portland State University is that Washington residents can learn here without stepping foot outside of their home state.

That’s right, this school offers online programs for the majority of the majors, including Public Health.

While taking part in the forward thinking curriculum at Portland State University, students learn how to create, implement, and impact human health behaviors and risk factors not only in individuals but communities as well.

Another intriguing aspect of this school are the small class sizes, no matter if you are planning to learn online or in person, you’ll be in classes of less than twenty students led by industry professionals.

If this doesn’t interest you enough, then take a look at some of the amazing classes you’ll partake in once you enroll here:

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

Portland State University has a career center that can help place you in the career of your  dreams once you have graduated from the school.

You could essentially walk across the stage on graduation day and have a life-long career the next, including roles like:

  • 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

4Boise State University

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

Boise State University in Idaho is one of the best and most groundbreaking research universities in the United States.

This may be the top reason that people from all across the country, including Washington residents, flock here to learn and grow.

Another reason for the massive influx of out of state and even international learners is the fact that you can take online classes to fulfill your degree requirements.

You won’t even need to leave Washington to be a part of the learning experience at Boise State University.

Of the many majors and minors that are available at this school both online and in person, is the Public Health Bachelors degree.

The curriculum offered here is accredited in the United States and has information that can be used world-wide.

Not only will you take general education classes like English and math, but you will be immersed in science and sociology related courses like:

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

In your senior year, students are required to take on a Capstone project which will give you the chance to do your own research.

Everything that you learn will lead up to this project and provide you with the knowledge to take on challenges you never thought you would face.

Now that you’ve graduated and learned as much as you can about the Public Health in your community, you are ready to take on new challenges in a career that could include:

  • 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

5Idaho State University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Out-of-State

Idaho State University has been around since 1901 and has amassed over 12,000 per year on its massive campus.

Washington residents have been moving to Idaho to take part in the incredible education system here for years, and it looks like there will be no stopping them any time soon.

Currently, there are no online courses to take for the majority of the majors offered here, including Public Health, so that means you’ll need to move to Idaho to fulfill your dreams.

Hopefully, that means a new adventure for you where you can take on some incredible science-based curriculum that can lead toward medical field careers after graduation.

The Public Health Bachelors degree is a four year program at Idaho State University, and students who enroll must be CPR certified.

It is also required to maintain that certification for the entirety of your stay at the school.

Along with your certification, you’ll take on challenging and interesting courses and lab work including:

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

Each class is designed to give you hands-on knowledge and bring you one step closer to a great life-long career in Public Health, which looks like roles such as:

  • 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

6University of Nevada-Las Vegas

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

Las Vegas, Nevada may seem like the perfect spot for leisurely fun, but it’s also a great place to get educated, especially at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas.

This public school is innovative and open to students from all across the world.

Washington residents have been heading here to learn for decades, but now they’ve been given the chance to learn online as well.

This means you won’t even need to leave your home state in order to take part in the great curriculum at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas.

Among the hundreds of degree programs offered here, the accredited Public Health program will take you through 120 credit hours of necessary science and sociology directed courses.

Along the way, you’ll learn a vast amount of healthcare and Public Health related skills, including:

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

Several of the courses that you will likely take on your journey toward a Public Health Bachelors degree are:

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

Opportunities abound at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas, from research labs and internships, there is always something to get into to feast your mind.

After four years of learning, you will be on your way to graduation and the career of your dreams.

Some of the careers that will open up for you upon graduation will be:

  • 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

7University of Nevada-Reno

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

Another comprehensive out of state school located in Nevada is the University of Nevada in Reno.

This school has been around since 1874, and now provides students with online and in-person courses to get them one step closer to their dream career.

Washington residents have found it easy to enroll at the University of Nevada in Reno, especially those who want to stay home to earn their degree.

The University of Nevada in Reno has hundreds of great courses and intellectual opportunities for anyone willing to learn, and among this is the Public Health degree.

If you have a love for helping others, keeping your community safe, and learning about the biology of humans, then this may be the right course of action for you.

Healthcare and Public Health are top necessities in today’s world, and with courses like these you will be on the right track to enter into some incredibly helpful careers:

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

You won’t just be sitting in a chair learning at the University of Nevada, you will also be involved in lab research and an internship that takes place in your senior year.

Internships can be taken on through the school, local organizations or even the government, depending on which road you want to take.

Each internship will last a semester, but you can always take on more time if you want to learn even more, plus it may turn into a career once you have graduated.

Upon graduation, you will be equipped to master a career that may include:

  • 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

8University of Montana

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

Creativity and individuality is the main focus at the University of Montana, located right in the heart of Missoula.

Here, you will be part of Montana’s flagship university and standards are high, studies are challenging, and students are the best of the best.

If you are ready to take on this 56 acre beauty of a campus, then let’s see what major may interest you the most.

Nestled in the middle of campus, you’ll find the School of Public Health which will lead you toward a successful career in healthcare throughout the medical field.

The Public Health Bachelors degree will give you the opportunity to learn about how to prevent disease, enhance community health, and improve the quality of life not only for individuals but for whole groups of people.

If this sounds like an interesting program, then take a look at what types of classes you’ll get the opportunity to be involved in:

  • Personal Health and Wellness
  • Role of Lifestyle in Chronic Disease Prevention
  • Public Health Administration and Management
  • Health Issues in a Global Context

Within the Public Health program, you’ll be able to earn certificates as well as your Bachelors degree.

Some of these certificates could include:

  • Public Health Administration
  • Epidemiology
  • Global Health
  • Environmental Health Sciences

The wide-reaching opportunities are one of the many reasons that people from Washington love to learn at the University of Montana.

Another great reason is the online aspect of this program, so students from Washington can stay in their home state to earn their degree.

Whether you choose to head to Montana or stay in Washington, you’ll do great things with a degree from the University of Montana.

After graduation, you’ll be on your way to a life-long career in roles like:

  • Head Start Health Specialist
  • Youth Outreach Coordinator
  • Research Scientist
  • Global Health Consultant

Enrollment

The University of Montana suggests that you take a campus tour before deciding to enroll here.

This way, you can learn more about the campus and decide if it is the right choice for your needs.

Once you have decided that you want to attend this school, head to the website to fill out an easy application.

After completing all of your personal information, get connected with an academic advisor to talk more about what you need in order to fulfill enrollment requirements.

You may also want to talk about financial aid options and apply for scholarships at this time as well.

It may take a couple of weeks to hear back from the school on your enrollment status.

Fees

Students who study at the University of Montana and are residents of the state will pay $25,534 for full time tuition.

This adds up to $102,136 after four years of education.

If you are from another state, you will pay $48,936 per year to attend this school.

Upon graduation, you will pay $195,744 to complete your degree.

Financial aid is available for qualified students from both in and out of state.

Scholarships are also a big part of the experience at the University of Montana.

Contact Information

  • Address: 32 Campus Dr. Missoula, MT 59812
  • Phone: 406-243-0211
  • Website: www.umt.edu

9Carroll College-Montana

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Out-of-State

This Catholic liberal arts college located in Helena, Montana may be out of state but it is one of a kind and that is why it has been added to our list.

If your goal is to take an adventure every day that you go to school, then Carroll College in Montana is the right spot for you.

Don’t worry if you are not Catholic, as the school invites people from all backgrounds and belief systems to partake in the incredible curriculum here.

Among the over 100 unique programs, students who have a knack for science and helping others will enjoy the Public Health Bachelors degree.

Within this degree program, students are capable and learn to understand analytical skills as well as how to plan and incorporate communication techniques within the healthcare field.

One of the great things about Carroll College is that students don’t just sit in a classroom all day, they are actually a part of the research that goes on right on campus.

Students will also get the chance to volunteer and take on Public Health internships locally and across the United States.

In the classroom, students will learn evidence-based information in courses like:

  • Foundations of Cell and Molecular Biology
  • Public Health Nutrition
  • Environmental Ethics
  • Gardening and Community Health

Students will also take on fieldwork that can help with hands-on knowledge through real-life experience.

With a degree from Carroll College, many doors will open for you in the healthcare field, especially in roles that include:

  • Public Health Officer
  • Health Promotion Specialist
  • Wellness Coach
  • Medical Resource Manager

Enrollment

You won’t need to spend any money in order to apply to Carroll College.

In fact, you won’t even need to submit your ACT or SAT test scores.

All you’ll need to do is head over to the school’s website to fill out your personal information to begin your journey.

Some of the important information that you’ll need in order to submit your application includes:

  • High school transcripts or previous education transcripts for transfer students
  • Letter of recommendation

That’s it, once you have submitted all of that it should take a couple of weeks to hear back from an academic advisor about the next steps in the process of enrollment.

Fees

Each year, students at Carroll College will pay $39,152 in basic tuition costs.

Those who plan to use room and board amenities will pay an extra $11,212 per year.

If you do not plan to live and eat on campus, after four years and earning a Bachelors degree, you will end up paying $156,608.

However, if you do plan to use room and board, you will pay $201,456.

Scholarships and financial aid are available for all students who come to Carroll College.

Contact Information

  • Address: 1601 North Benton Ave. Helena, MT 59625
  • Phone: 800-992-3648
  • Website: www.carroll.edu

10Oregon State University

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

Lastly, we have another wonderful Oregon based school with Oregon State University.

This one is located in Corvallis, Oregon and is a large public university.

Oregon State University is in the top 1% of universities in the world, and not only that but it is located on a historic state of the art campus.

If that doesn’t pull you in, there are also hundreds of degree programs to choose from, many of which are offered online.

Washington residents can take part in the up-to-date education and curriculum that is all encompassing including within the Public Health Bachelors degree program.

This four year program will teach students how to protect communities and promote public health benefits by implementing programs locally and globally.

Along the way, you’ll take part in research and classroom time that includes courses like:

  • Racism and Health Equity
  • Public Health Data
  • Global Public Health
  • Climate and Health

Students within this program develop skills to assist in community and individual health as well as emergency healthcare.

There are an abundance of careers in Public Health that are necessary and ready to be filled, so once you earn your degree doors will open for you in careers such as:

  • Water Quality Inspector
  • Contact Tracer
  • Safety Coordinator
  • Biometric Health Screener

Enrollment

Before applying to Oregon State University, faculty and academic advisors suggest taking a campus tour to make sure that the school is right for you.

If you have already envisioned yourself studying at Oregon State University and are ready to complete an application, head to the website.

There, you will find the easy online application which accommodates first year freshman, International students, transfer students, and even non-degree seeking learners.

You will find an application for each of these, so you will need to select which one best suits you.

Creating a username is the next step in the process, and then you will continue by filling out all of your personal information.

It should take a couple of weeks to hear back on the status of your application at Oregon State University.

An academic advisor will typically email you and discuss how to set up classes for your future degree.

Fees

Residents of Oregon will pay $3,610 per year for a total of $14,440 in tuition costs after graduation.

If you are not a resident of Oregon, expect to pay $10,790 per year to attend.

This means that you will pay $43,160 after you have completed a four year program.

Other fees that may apply for this school include:

  • Health services – $204
  • Books – $800

Financial aid and scholarships are available for all students at Oregon State University.

Contact Information

  • Address: 1500 Southwest Jefferson Way Corvallis, OR 97331
  • Phone: 541-737-1000
  • Website: www.oregonstate.edu

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve had the chance to experience a little bit of each of these ten great schools, we hope that you’ve been able to narrow down your options.

Public Health is an important part of today’s world, so we know it can be challenging to choose the right school for you.

No matter what you choose, you will do great things in the world.

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.