The Magnolia State has been a part of the continental United States since 1817, and has grown to a population of over 2 million people since its humble beginnings.
Mississippi is a gorgeous southern state bordered by Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana and even the Gulf of Mexico.
We can’t forget the beautiful Mississippi River, which shares a name with this great state, but did you know aside from sight seeing that Mississippi has a great education system?
That’s right, those who are interested in pursuing a degree will want to check out some of Mississippis finest universities.
If you are interested in Public Health, the schools in Mississippi are a great place to start, but if you want a change of pace you could also check out several of the bordering states to fulfill your campus goals.
Take a look at ten of the best schools for Public Health in and around Mississippi to become a integral part of the healthcare system.
1University of Southern Mississippi
The gorgeous, sprawling campus of the University of Southern Mississippi has been in full effect since 1910 and has been providing great education ever since.
As one of the leading research universities in the south, students get the opportunity for hands-on experimenting that can help with real world knowledge.
Both online and on-campus options are available here for students in Mississippi as well as around the world, so you don’t have to move to campus if you choose not to.
Learners who are big on science, sociology, and making the world a better place will enjoy the curriculum throughout the Public Health Bachelors degree program.
One of the accolades that the University of Southern Mississippi boasts is that there is a 98% approval rating in this program and internships abound with over 100 opportunities each year.
Since this program is 120 credit hours, it will take about four years to complete and will provide students with learning opportunities in courses such as:
- Ethics and Good Living
- Communicable and Chronic Diseases in Man
- Behavioral Interventions
- Workplace Health Promotion
After completing all of the required courses, internships, and research opportunities, graduates of the University of Southern Mississippi have been able to find employment in government agencies, schools, hospitals, and other facilities around the country.
As a degree holder from this school, you should find it simple to procure employment in roles like:
- Integrative Health Practitioner
- Worksite Safety Coordinator
- Education Director
- Health Promotion Programmer
Enrollment
Whether you are a first year freshman, transfer student, international, military or even an honors student, you are welcome to enroll at the University of Southern Mississippi.
It also doesn’t matter if you are from Mississippi or looking for a change of pace from another state, the university is looking forward to meeting you.
Consider heading to the website to fill out the simple application if you are interested in enrolling.
There are admission deadlines throughout the year, so you will want to keep up with them to make sure you get yours in on time.
For anyone applying, there is a $45 non-refundable fee that can be paid before submitting your application.
Not only that, but prospective students will be required to submit some information like:
- Official high school transcript or previous university transcript
- SAT or ACT scores (freshman applicants only)
- Immunization records
It will take about two weeks to hear back on the decision from an academic advisor, but you can also check on the website to see if an update has been added to your account.
Fees
If you are from the state of Mississippi and plan to attend the University of Southern Mississippi full time, you will pay about $4,670 per semester.
In total, students from Mississippi will pay $37,360 once they have completed four years of school.
If you are from out of state or another country you will pay $5,670 per semester.
Which adds up to $45,360 upon completion of your Bachelors degree.
Depending on the type of housing on campus, students can pay between $1,850 and $3,712 per semester.
Meal plans are also available for students at a range of $2,225 and $2,350 per semester.
Contact Information
- Address: 118 College Dr. Hattiesburg, MS 39406
- Phone: 601-266-1000
- Website: www.usm.edu
2University of Mississippi
The University of Mississippi is affectionately known as Ole Miss and is the state’s flagship school.
Beginning in 1848, students from all across the country came to Oxford to take part in the revolutionary education started here.
For 23 years this was the only school available for students in Mississippi, which is a great testament to the knowledge gained here.
This liberal arts college is ranked among the top 10 schools in the country and has over 200 different degree programs to pick from.
One of the many incredible options for people interested in healthcare is the Public Health Bachelors degree program.
Within this program, students can access two specializations to help fulfill their career goals, and these are:
- Community Health
- Health Science
Both specializations require students to take similar classes which are required for graduation.
A few of the classes that you will need to take as a student of Public Health are:
- Environmental Health
- Personal and Community Health
- Behavioral Aspects of Physical Activity
- Public Health Policy
Each four year program requires at least 120 credit hours of education, so you will definitely get your fair share of knowledge at the University of Mississippi.
Once you have completed all of the required classes for your specialization, it is time to graduate.
Graduation is a big deal, especially when it comes to the Public Health degree, because this means you can go out into the real world and help people in roles such as:
- Family Services Specialist
- Alcohol Educator
- Case Manager
- Nonprofit Organization Educator
Enrollment
If you are interested in applying to the University of Mississippi, then head on over to the website to get started.
Everything can be done online and shouldn’t take much longer than 20 minutes to complete.
In order to be accepted as a freshman student, you will need to submit the following information along with your application:
- SAT or ACT scores
- Transcripts from high school
Mississippi residents will need to also submit information about college prep curriculum listed on the website.
Transfer students will need to submit their information from previous universities including credit hours completed.
Once you have completed your application, an academic advisor will contact you about your next steps in the process.
Fees
The total tuition per year for Mississippi residents is $21,396 which includes room and board.
Students who are outside of Mississippi but would like to attend will pay $38,616 per year, which includes room and board as well.
Since it takes about four years to finish a Bachelors degree from the University of Mississippi, residential students will end up paying $85,584 upon graduation and non-resident students will pay $154,464.
For those who do not wish to enroll in room and board, the cost of tuition is $9,072 for residential students for a total of $36,288 upon graduation and for non-residential students the cost per year is $26,292 per year.
Financial aid and scholarships are available for all qualified students
Contact Information
- Address: P.O. Box 1848 University Oxford, MS 38677
- Phone: 662-915-7211
- Website: www.olemiss.edu
3University of Tennessee
The University of Tennessee will send you out of state and a little farther north.
You’ll love everything about this facility, especially that you can stay in Mississippi if you want, with the full faceted online programs offered here as well.
This means you won’t even need to leave your beloved state to enroll at the University of Tennessee.
Research opportunities are a big part of this school as well, which is one reason you may want to head to campus.
Either way you choose, you will receive some of the most innovative and forward thinking curriculum here.
There are hundreds of programs to choose from, but healthcare minded folks will want to check out the Public Health Bachelors degree.
Within this degree, you will gain the proper knowledge to understand evidence-based approaches to complex health problems.
Boring classes won’t slide here, in fact, you’ll take on interesting and thought provoking courses such as:
- Global Public Health
- Comparative Healthcare Systems
- Public Health Aspects of Aging
- Health of Adolescents
Each students is required to take on an internship opportunity throughout their junior or senior year so that hands-on experience can be tested.
Internships can even turn into full-time employment upon graduation, another great aspect of this opportunity.
Satisfying all of your degree requirements will put you in line to graduate within four years at the University of Tennessee.
After graduation, take a look at some of the incredible careers that will open up for you:
- Health Information Specialist
- Family Services Specialist
- Community Outreach Coordinator
- School Health Educator
Enrollment
All types of students are welcome to submit their application at the University of Tennessee.
Whether you are a first year freshman, transfer student, international learner, or even military, this school is delighted to have you.
Before you commit to this school, the University of Tennessee would like you to attend a campus tour to make sure that it is the right fit for your needs.
Once you have decided on attending this university, head on over to the website to fill out the simple application.
It will only take about thirty minutes to complete and does require that you pay the $50 non-refundable application fee.
You will also need to provide some important information along with your application, such as:
- SAT or ACT scores
- Essay
- Recommendation letter
- Transcripts from high school or previous education
Before you are accepted to the school, the academic advisors will look at the following criteria to be sure that you are a good fit for the school, including:
- Extracurricular and leadership activities
- Awards
- Special talents or skills
- Rigor of high school curriculum
- Standardized test scores
Check back on the website to see if you have been accepted to the school, you can also check your email for any updates from faculty.
Fees
Attending a full year at the University of Tennessee for residential students is $12,844.
Since it takes four years to complete a Bachelors degree, the total amount of tuition upon graduation from Tennessee residents is $51,376.
If you plan to attend the University of Tennessee and you are from another state, you will be required to pay $35,844 per year to attend.
Which means you should expect to pay $143,376 once you have graduated from this university.
Room and board is not applied to these numbers, if you are interested in this information please contact the school at your convenience.
Contact Information
- Address: Knoxville, TN 37996
- Phone: 865-974-1000
- Website: www.utk.edu
4University of Louisville
Kentucky is a little further from Mississippi but provides an excellent online or in-person options for people who want a variety of choices in their education.
The University of Louisville is an urban public school located in the middle of a bustling city, for those who want a little change of pace.
There are many things to do in the heart of Louisville, from sights to see and places to visit, or you could stay home in Mississippi to learn if that is more your style.
Regardless of the way you choose to earn your degree, there are many options for programs at the University of Louisville, in fact, there are over 200.
One of the many Bachelors degrees you can earn at this fine school is in Public Health.
This is great for people who want to begin a career in healthcare or who want to help disadvantaged communities get better health benefits.
As a student of Public Health, you will gain access to many incredible courses that will help guide you to the career of your dreams.
In four years, you will take on 120 credit hours of biology, sociology and psychology in courses like:
- Diversity of Life
- Organic Chemistry
- Public Health
- Social Justice Practice in Public Health
The University of Louisville also provides the opportunity to earn a Masters degree one year after earning your Bachelors if you so choose.
This is not a requirement, so if you still want to just earn a Bachelors degree that choice is available as well.
Both degrees will get you in the door at some great facilities to practice Public Health, and roles that you could see yourself in after graduation could include:
- Community Health Educator
- Case Manager
- Family Services Specialist
- District Wellness Coordinator
Enrollment
If you are looking for a quick online application then the one for the University of Louisville will be perfect for you.
Prospective students don’t even need to submit ACT or SAT scores in order to be considered for enrollment here.
Another great thing about this school is that admission decisions are quick and you won’t waste time worrying about whether you have been accepted or not.
Prospective students will want to fill out their application online and provide a $25 application fee in order to submit their information.
Transfer students can submit transcripts from previous universities and test scores when they apply as well.
Fees
Those who live in Kentucky and Southern Indiana will pay residential tuition of $23,710 per year, which includes room and board.
This adds up to $94,854 upon graduation.
If you do not plan to live or eat on campus, then you will pay $12,324 per year to attend this school.
This adds up to $49,296 for four years of education.
Students who are coming from out of state pay $40,056 per year to attend, and this comes out to a total of $160,224 after four years.
For an additional $28,670 annually you can add on room and board to that cost.
So, out of state students who live and eat on campus will end up paying $114,680 after graduation.
Contact Information
- Address: 110 West Brandeis Ave Louisville, KY 40208
- Phone: 502-852-5555
- Website: www.louisville.edu
5Louisiana State University
To the west of Mississippi is Louisiana where Louisiana State University is housed.
This land and space grant education system is one of 24 in the entire country.
Louisiana State University is also the flagship school in the state, which means it is the most known in the state with over 35,000 students annually.
A research intensive school is a great place to go for people who are interested in Public Health.
Research is an important aspect of the Public Health world, especially if you want up to date and innovative thinking at the forefront of the degree.
One of the incredible things about learning at Louisiana State University is that you may not even need to leave your home state of Mississippi to enjoy the benefits.
That’s right, there are online classes available and can be taken right from your own home.
Several of the courses that you will be required to take in order to graduate here are:
- Biology
- Kinesiology
- Environmental Science and Research
- Epidemiology
In order to stay in this program, students will need to have a 2.5 GPA for the entire run.
Once you complete the 120 credit hours required for graduation, you will be on your way to changing the community around you in careers that include:
- Global Health Consultant
- Hospice Home Educator
- Medial Supply Sales Representative
- Wellness Programmer
Enrollment
Every kind of student is welcome to attend Louisiana State University.
If you consider yourself a first year freshman, transfer student, or even an international student you are welcome to apply to the Louisiana State University.
The easiest and fastest way to apply is through the website on the admissions page.
There is a $50 non-refundable application fee for all applicants.
Along with your application, it is important to include the following information:
- Transcripts from high school or previous university
- ACT or SAT scores
- Letter of recommendation
Louisiana State University looks at all of you as a whole and not just your test scores to determine if you are fit for enrollment.
It should take about two weeks to hear back from the school about your application status.
Once you know you’ve been accepted, you can figure out the next steps, like freshman orientation or a campus tour.
Fees
Louisiana State University has a yearly tuition of $25,432 which includes room and board.
Sine it takes about four years to complete a degree, the total tuition cost would end up being $101,728.
For those who do not want to participate in room and board, the yearly fee is $11,954.
On average, this type of student would pay $47,816 in total tuition costs.
Financial aid and scholarships are available for all students.
Contact Information
- Address: 1146 Pleasant Hall Baton Rouge, LA 70803
- Phone: 225-578-1175
- Website: www.lsu.edu
6University of Tulsa
Oklahoma is a great place to stand out and belong at the University of Tulsa.
This diverse campus is a top 100 research private school located in the bustling city of Tulsa, in the great state of Oklahoma, perfect for Mississippi residents who want to get out of their hometown.
However, if you choose to stay home, that is also an option because there are online courses available for students from around the world.
With over 150 different programs to choose from at the University of Tulsa you are lucky to find the Public Health Bachelors degree here.
As a four year degree program, students learn how to protect and improve wellness in communities as well as how to research and prevent illnesses.
There are so many great things to do with a degree from the University of Tulsa, and along the way students will find courses in biology, sociology, and psychology run rampant on this path.
Several of the courses that you will need to take in order to graduate from the University of Tulsa are:
- Mental Health Needs in the United States
- Epidemiology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Global Health
Most Bachelors degrees take four years to complete, and that is no different here.
After completing all of your required courses and taking on research opportunities in Public Health, you could become part of the solution in a great lifelong career.
A degree from the University of Tulsa can provide many open doors in roles throughout the Public Health sector such as:
- Health and Safety Engineer
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- Community Health Advocate
- Nutritionist
Enrollment
The easy admission process just got easier at the University of Tulsa, because prospective students now have the ability to speak to an academic advisor the entire way through the application process.
Head over to the school’s website and click on the admissions tab to start your application.
It should take no more than thirty minutes to complete an application.
There is a $50 non-refundable application fee to apply to the University of Tulsa at this time.
Don’t forget to include some important paperwork along with your application:
- Transcripts from high school or previous education if transferring
- SAT or ACT scores
- Essay
- School report form
Interviews are another requirement of the University of Tulsa, so speak to your academic advisor about when to schedule that.
Fees
Full time students will pay $60,554 per year which also includes room and board.
After four years, the total tuition for on-campus residential students is $242,176.
If you don’t plan to live on campus, you will pay $46,932 per year which adds up to $187,728.
Financial aid, scholarships, and grants are available for qualified students at the University of Tulsa.
Contact Information
- Address: 800 South Tucker Dr. Tulsa, OK 74104
- Phone: 918-631-2000
- Website: www.utulsa.edu
7University of Central Arkansas
Heading north, you will find the premier learning-focused public university in the state of Arkansas in the town of Conway.
The University of Central Arkansas has been around since 1907 and is one of the most comprehensive and scholarly choices you can make in the south United States.
This mid-sized campus has about 10,000 students roaming the grounds per year.
As a resident of Mississippi, you will need to move to the great state of Arkansas to take part in the learning here, as there are only in-person courses at this time.
That shouldn’t be too bad, as you’ll get individualized attention with small classes of just 15 students to one professor.
This means your education is important to the faculty here and no one will leave you behind to learn on your own.
One of the many great programs to choose from at the University of Central Arkansas is Public Health.
This four year program consists of biology and sociology classes as well as psychology and even chemistry to help understand disparities in healthcare around the world.
120 credit hours are required to graduate, and you’ll likely be in courses that include:
- Health Promotion Methods and Materials
- Disease Management
- Epidemiological Research
- Program Planning and Evaluation
The University of Central Arkansas also provides elective courses that are specialized as well, which could be:
- First Aid
- Mental Health
- Drug Education
- Health Concerns of Aging
You will certainly receive a well-rounded education at this public school.
Along with classroom time, it is important to be a part of something in the community such as an internship.
Internships are provided so that students can learn hands-on how the world of Public Health works.
It is even possible that your internship could turn into full time work once you have graduated from this school.
Graduating from the University of Central Arkansas means you’ll have the opportunity to find roles in Public Health like:
- Health Education Programmer
- Clinical Research Coordinator
- Head Start Health Specialist
- Health Media Director
Enrollment
All types of students are welcome to attend the University of Central Arkansas from first year freshman to transfer students and even people who have already gone to college and want to return.
The only thing that you will need to do is submit a $25 non-refundable fee to fill out your application online and then you can start filling out your information.
Some of the important information that you will need to add along with your application includes:
- Transcripts from high school or previous college education
- SAT or ACT scores
It should take anywhere from one to two weeks to hear back from an academic advisor about the status of your application.
The school admits students on a rolling basis, so there are plenty of times per year for you to begin your attendance at the University of Central Arkansas.
Fees
In state residents of Arkansas will pay $4,889 per semester and after four years that total comes out to be $29,112.
If you are a student from another state, you will pay $8,363 per semester for a total of $66,904 upon graduation.
Online students will pay $5,230 per semester and average about $41,840 to earn a Bachelors degree.
Students who stay on campus and take part in room and board will pay between $2,300 and $3,887 per semester for a room, and meal plans will cost up to $2,130 per semester.
Additional fees may apply and financial aid is available for qualified students.
Contact Information
- Address: 201 Donaghey Ave. Conway, AR 72035
- Phone: 501-450-5000
- Website: www.uca.edu
8Rivier University
This private school may be located in New Hampshire, but Mississippi residents can still reap the benefits of a degree from Rivier University.
The small campus houses just 1,500 students a year, which is great for people from Mississippi who want that laid back sense of life.
There are no online options currently for students who participate in the degrees from Rivier University, but you can still enjoy small town life in Nashua, New Hampshire.
Educated professors take on small classes that help students in a variety of programs including the Public Health Bachelors degree offered here.
You’ll be excited to take part in this comprehensive learning environment in courses like:
- Global Health
- Epidemiology
- Social and Public Policy
- Health Systems and Services
Based in science and real-world experiences, the education you receive from Rivier University is accredited and top in the community.
In this four year program, students learn how to create and implement healthcare programs to help communities and individuals.
If this sounds like something that you would love to do, take a look at some of the incredible careers you could have after graduation:
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- WIC Case Manager
- Health Program Specialist
- Department of Health Manager
Enrollment
Before considering enrollment at Rivier University, you should schedule a campus tour to ensure that this is the right school for you.
If you have already decided to attend this school, head over to the website to fill out an application.
There, you will find a simple application process that requires you to create an account.
This way, you will be able to edit and restart your application if necessary.
Along with your personal information, don’t forget to provide transcripts from high school and test scores.
It should take about a half an hour to finish your application, and then once submitted you should hear back from the school in about two weeks.
Fees
The annual cost of base tuition at Rivier University is $36,508.
Room and board are separate, with rates between:
- Room – $6,875-14,200
- Dining Plan – $6,532-6,856
Other fees that may apply are:
- New student – $260
- Late payment – $250
- Technology – $258
- Health Insurance – $200
Contact Information
- Address: 420 South Main St. Nashua, NH 03060
- Phone: 603-888-1311
- Website: www.rivier.edu
9Samford Univresity
This globally reaching school is one of the oldest in the country, Samford University is located in Birmingham, Alabama and is a great addition to our list.
97% of the graduates of Samford University work in the field they desired six months after graduating from this fine institution.
Ranked at number 1 by the Wall Street Journal, there are many great aspects to this private school.
Do you have a knack for the environment, science, and making people’s lives healthier?
If that sounds like you, then Samford University will be able to assist you in getting a degree in Public Health to make your dreams come true.
In fact, Samford University provides two different ways to earn a degree in Public Health.
First is the original four year Bachelors degree, which consists of 128 credit hours, then there is the accelerated Masters degree which is given one year after completing a Bachelors.
The accelerated program will take about five years and in which time you will earn both a Bachelors and a Masters degree.
No matter which path you choose, you will learn some interesting skills while studying Public Health here, like:
- Evaluating concerns that impact the wellbeing of populations and communities
- How to confront complex health issues
- Analyzing aspects of public health at all levels
Classes are important to your education as well, and Samford University provides both general education classes and specialized courses such as:
- Behavior Changes at Individual, Family, and Community Levels
- Water, Waste, and Environmental Health
- Principles of Health Informatics
- Cultural Competence
Within four years, you could graduate and be on your way to a stunning career in Public Health that will help others in your community.
Each role in Public Health is important and vital to today’s world, so once you have that degree you could be a big part in roles like:
- Director of Health Promotion
- Community Benefits Manager
- Health Program Analyst and Advocate
- Education Outreach Liaison
Enrollment
In order to enroll at Samford University prospective students will need to submit their application online.
There is a $40 non-refundable application fee for this school, and people who wish to enroll will also need to submit a 250 word essay along with their application.
The application is easy to fill out and can be done all on the computer, but you will also need to provide some important information, such as:
- High school transcripts
- ACT and SAT scores
- Academic letter of recommendation
Luckily, you won’t need to submit an ACT or SAT score to apply here, however if you are curious, the majority of students who attend Samford University have scores between 23-29 for the ACT and at least 1150 on the SAT.
It should take about a week or two to hear back on your application status, an academic advisor will get in contact you via email when a decision has been made.
Fees
If you plan to take less than 12 credit hours per semester at Samford University, you will be expected to pay per credit hour.
However, full time students who are taking between 12-18 credit hours per semester will pay about $17,875, or $35,750 per year.
Attending your first year at Samford University requires on-campus residency, which will cost anywhere from $2,636 to $4,866 per semester.
Freshman students are also required to have a meal plan, which ends up being about $2,645 per semester.
Even if you are an upperclassman, you will be required to pay for a meal plan which will cost about $2,025 per semester.
Per year, students at Samford University pay about $36,724 which ends up being $146,896 after four years of school.
Contact Information
- Address: 800 Lakeshore Dr. Birmingham, Alabama 35229
- Phone: 205-726-2011
- Website: www.samford.edu
10South University
Our last option in Alabama is South University which provides both online and in person learning to fulfill Mississippi residents needs.
As a practical and personal solution to education, you’ll be able to learn and work or take care of a family if you need to study online.
On campus options are a great choice for people who want to get the full college experience.
No matter what you choose, South University will take you to the next level when it comes to your education.
Individualized education is one of the important aspects here, and students can receive that in over 100 different programs offered.
One of the best programs for students who want a head start in healthcare is the Public Health Bachelors degree.
This program offers small class sizes and research opportunities so that you can get the most out of your education.
Research is a big part of working in Public Health, but classroom time is important as well and you will take on courses such as:
- Health Communication
- Health Disparities
- Legal and Ethical Issues
- Policy and Research
Courses are designed to develop skills that will impact health services to needy communities in Mississippi, Alabama, and across the country.
There is no better way to start your goal of working Public Health than to begin a degree at South University.
After graduation, you will get the opportunity to work in government, healthcare facilities, and many other places in roles like:
- Patient Education Director
- Community Outreach Coordinator
- Cancer Information Specialist
- Public Health Inspector
Enrollment
It is easy to enroll at South University, and there are many campuses across the United States to make it even simpler.
There are two ways to apply to South University, first you can call the school and have an academic advisor talk to you through the steps or you can fill out an application on the website.
If you fill out the application online, an academic advisor will call you or email you to set up the next steps in the process.
Once you have done that, a financial advisor will also get in touch with you to speak about ways to pay for school.
Fees
It costs about $28,763 per year to attend South University.
With a four year degree, the total amount of tuition for a graduate of South University comes out to $115,052.
Students who do not want to take part in room and board at their campus will pay $21,656 per year for a grand total of $86,624 after four years.
Grants, scholarships, and financial aid are all available for students of South University.
Contact Information
- Address: 5355 Vaughn Rd. Montgomery, AL 36116
- Phone: 334-395-8800
- Website: www.southuniversity.edu/montgomery
Final Thoughts
It is easy to see that Mississippi offers some incredible schools but also the surrounding states provide great education as well.
We hope this list of ten of the best schools for Mississippi residents helps you fulfill your dreams of working Public Health.
You can’t go wrong with any of these online or in-person education systems.