With over 6 million people throughout the state of Missouri, there are endless experiences to have including visiting the largest manmade monument, the Gateway Arch, in St. Louis and the over 200 fountains in Kansas City.
However, some residents aren’t looking for just tourist attractions, they want to secure a role in a very important career like Public Health.
They’ll need to look no further than some incredible public and private schools right in the heart of Missouri, and a couple of schools that border the gorgeous state.
From St. Louis to Kansas City, St. Charles and even Girardeau, there is a school for every interest in the big cities and small towns of Missouri.
Those who want to travel to different parts of the country can enjoy the amenities in Ohio, Iowa, and much more in our comprehensive list.
No matter where you want to study, you’ll for sure find something that piques your curiosities in our list of ten best schools for Missouri residents interested in Public Health.
1University of Missouri-Kansas City
Those who want to be among the ranks of some incredible alumni will enroll at the University of Missouri in Kansas City.
From Guggenheim Fellows to Pulitzer Prize winners and even a U.S. president, the alumni here are nothing to scoff at, and you could be a part of that history.
Whether you want to earn your degree online or on campus is up to you, as the University of Missouri in Kansas City has both options.
You may have a knack for the medical field and want to begin your degree process in Public Health, which helps communities learn and understand different health benefits and provides health programs to underprivileged areas.
If that is the case, then you should look no further as there are some incredible opportunities to begin your journey right here.
The Public Health Bachelors degree is a four year program that is provided by the School of Nursing and Health Studies right on the University of Missouri campus.
You’ll love the evidence-based courses that may require lab work and hands-on experience, including:
- Medical Terminology
- Diversity in Health
- Epidemiology
- Biology
There will be no stopping you once you begin your college career, and after graduation many new opportunities will arise in the Public Health and healthcare fields such as careers as a/an:
- Wellness Coordinator
- Community Outreach Manager
- Health Policy Maker
- Emergency Management Director
Enrollment
The first thing you’ll want to do when considering enrollment at the University of Missouri in Kansas City is to head over to the website to find their application.
When you get there, you will notice that there are applications for incoming freshman, transfer students, international students, and even graduate students.
If you have never gone to college before, you’ll want to choose first year freshman, so that you can get all the benefits you need.
Transfer and international students will use their respective portals, to insure that all of their information is correct and accepted.
The application process for this school is fairly simple, you will just need to fill out your information and include some important paperwork like:
- ACT or SAT scores
- Transcripts from high school or previous education
At this time, there is no application fee to apply to this school, and it should only take about two weeks to hear back.
There are some deadlines you’ll want to consider, so take a look at the website as they are subject to change.
Fees
For students who are from Missouri, the average yearly tuition cost is $11,287.
This adds up to $45,148 after four years of education
If you are from out of state, you’ll pay about $27,760 per year to attend
As it takes four years to complete a Bachelors degree, the average out of state graduate pays $111,040 to attend this school.
This does not include room and board, which come out to about $16,484 per year.
If you choose to live on campus, you’ll pay $65,936 after four years of room and board.
Books typically cost about $814 per year.
There are scholarships and financial aid available to all students who attend the University of Missouri in Kansas City.
Contact Information
- Address: 1464 Charlotte St. Kansas City, MO 64108
- Phone: 816-235-1000
- Website: www.umkc.edu
2St. Louis University
St. Louis University is the best place to educate the whole person, mind, body, and spirit.
This Catholic school is one of the oldest in the country, and even has a campus in Madrid, Spain.
Over 13,000 students roam the campus on a yearly basis, and you can be one of those, even if you are not of the Catholic faith.
That’s right, St. Louis University does not discriminate against other faiths and beliefs as long as you want to come and learn one of the over 100 prestigious programs.
For those interested in science and helping their community, the Public Health Bachelors degree program is the perfect solution.
Students at this school have the opportunity to earn a Bachelors degree and then a Masters degree in one year right after the four years it takes to earn their Bachelors.
No matter which path you choose, you will be able to secure a role in Public Health once you complete all of the required courses.
A few of the courses that you will be expected to take along your journey include:
- Cell Biology and Physiology
- Principles of Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Oral and Visual Communication
St. Louis University gives students the chance to work in the field and research facilities to gain access to hands-on knowledge not available in the classroom.
There will be no stopping you once you have accepted a degree from St. Louis University, especially in careers such as:
- Director of Health Promotion
- Health Literacy Program Coordinator
- Health Journalist
- Emergency Management Director
Enrollment
Whether it’s your first time starting college or you are returning to school, you have a place at St. Louis University.
All you’ll need to do is go to the website to fill out the easy application to get started.
Once you complete your application, you’ll just need to have your transcripts sent in from your previous place of education and you are set.
Other pieces of information that you may need to submit along with your application include:
- SAT or ACT scores
- Letter of recommendation
- Professional resumé
It really is that easy, and then you’ll have to wait a couple of weeks to hear back from an academic advisor about the status of your application.
In that time, it is likely that the school will contact you to conduct an academic interview.
Upon submission of your application you will be entered into several scholarships that can be used to offset the costs of tuition.
Fees
Full time students who attend St. Louis University will pay a yearly tuition cost of $24,900 regardless of whether you are a resident of Missouri or elsewhere.
It does take four years to complete a degree from this school so typically graduates will pay a total of $99,600.
Housing and meal plans are extra amenities that are not included in these prices, and should be discussed with your academic advisor.
Financial aid, scholarships, and grants are an important part of this educational system and are available to everyone.
Contact Information
- Address: 1 North Grand Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63103
- Phone: 800-758-3678
- Website: www.slu.edu
3Lindenwood University
Those looking for an exceptional education system that has been around for over 100 years should check out Lindenwood University in Saint Charles, Missouri.
This diverse community is perfect for those who want a private education from a reputable institution.
Small classes and individualized education are the main focus of this incredible school, and students can take part in a variety of majors and minors available here.
Along with the typical Bachelors degrees in Biology, Language Arts, and English, you’ll find the Public Health Bachelors degree that will last about four years.
This is the perfect stepping stone if you want to head into the healthcare system once you have earned your degree.
Students will take general education classes, but also more specialized courses that include:
- Environmental Health
- Chronic Disease Prevention
- Health Promotion
- United States Health Care
Lindenwood University also provides students with the opportunity to travel for research and internship purposes to learn more about the healthcare system and Public Health as a whole.
All of these opportunities and classes lead up to the big graduation day and then the career of your dreams, which will include roles like:
- Public Health Researcher
- Communicable Disease Program Director
- Center for Disease Control Worker
- Health Educator
Enrollment
It should only take you about 20 minutes to fill out the simple application for Lindenwood University
In order to begin, you will need to create an account on the school’s website and then you can start filling out your personal information.
After choosing the desired degree program, you will be asked to set up an interview to speak with an academic advisor.
Along with your application, you will be required to submit the following pieces of information:
- High school transcripts/transcripts from previous university education
- SAT or ACT scores
- Financial aid information
Fees
Lindenwood requires students to pay per credit hour and the average student pays $495 per hour.
Military students receive a discounted tuition fee of $250.
Since this school requires 120 credit hours, the average graduate pays $59,400 after four years.
Military students will end up paying $30,000 upon graduation.
Other fees may apply like books and late fees.
Financial aid and scholarships are available at this facility.
Contact Information
- Address: 209 South Kingshighway St. Saint Charles, MO 63301
- Phone: 636-949-4579
- Website: www.lindenwood.edu
4University of Nebraska-Omaha
Nebraska boasts gorgeous landscapes, and that is one of the reasons that many Missouri residents head there for their education.
At the University of Nebraska in Omaha, you’ll get to see all those sights but also take part in monumental learning experiences.
There are over 15,000 students roaming the campus each year, so if you are looking for a large university that is close to home, then this is it.
The University of Nebraska in Omaha is considered the state’s metropolitan school, meaning it is innovative and leading in many areas including research.
If you want to take part in the research done at this school, you may be interested in the Public Health Bachelors degree which provides hands-on experience for all four years of learning.
While studying here, you’ll take part in amazing courses that will get you ahead of the curve such as:
- Foundations in Public Health
- Environmental Biology
- Health Literacy
- Methods and Materials in Health Education
You won’t spend all your time in the classroom though, there are lab opportunities, research to be conducted, and even internships to take part in throughout your four year run.
One of the requirements for the University of Nebraska in Omaha is that students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in order to stay in the program.
This means you’ll need to study and ensure you are always learning and growing.
Graduation is not far off once you complete the requirements of this degree, and after your internship it will be much easier to procure a career in roles like:
- Head Start Health Specialist
- Health Education Programmer
- Health Journalist
- Public Health Inspector
Enrollment
The University of Nebraska in Omaha accepts all kinds of students from first year freshman, to transfer students, and even military and international learners.
It is advised that you contact an academic advisor before submitting your application to enroll here, so that the knowledgeable staff can help you on every step of your journey.
You may also want to set up a campus tour to ensure that the University of Nebraska is the right place for you.
Once you have decided that this is the school of your dreams, you will need to fill out the application on the school’s website.
There is a $45 non-refundable application fee for all applicants here.
Along with your application, it is important that you submit the following documents in order for your application to be complete:
- Transcripts from high school or previous education
- ACT or SAT scores
It should take about a week or two to hear back from the school on whether you have been accepted or not.
If you have been accepted, you will be invited to enroll in the classes that you need to take in order to fulfill your degree program.
Fees
Tuition at this school is divided up by credit hour.
This means that each class you take costs a certain amount of money.
Each credit hour here costs $235.
Since it takes about 120 credit hours to fulfill a Bachelors degree, the average Nebraska resident four year graduate will pay $28,200.
People who come from out of state will pay $738 per credit hour.
This means that after graduation, non-residents will pay $88,560 to attend the University of Nebraska in Omaha.
Housing and food are a yearly expense of $1,120 for a total of $11,610.
Military students will pay $250 per credit hour, which adds up to about $30,000 upon graduation.
Contact Information
- Address: 6001 Dodge St. Omaha, NE 68182
- Phone: 402-554-2800
- Website: www.unomaha.edu
5Bellevue University
An online college experience may be more your style, especially if you don’t want to head out of state to enjoy the benefits of college.
Bellevue University, which does have headquarters in Nebraska, is a great opportunity for students who would rather stay home, work, and have a personal life outside of campus.
Each course at Bellevue University is designed to get your career ready in four or less years.
Though there are over 100 different majors to choose from here, students who want to partake in the healthcare field will be happy to know that there is a Public Health degree available.
This degree will lead you to careers in healthcare that help communities through organizations that give health resources to people who may not otherwise be able to get it.
Expect to learn some great skills while studying at Bellevue University, such as:
- How to implement and monitor health education plans
- How to research and select appropriate health information
- Planning healthcare programs
- How to analyze best practices for health education and promotion
Now that you understand a little more about what you’ll learn, lets see what kind of classes you’ll be taking:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Epidemiology
- Health Communication
- Human Development
Every aspect of your degree at Bellevue University is self-paced so you can learn and work as much or as little as needed to fulfill your dreams.
After earning good grades in all your classes you will be ready for a career in the following areas:
- Youth Program Specialist
- Health Counselor
- Employee Wellness Coordinator
- Health Journalist
Enrollment
Bellevue University is a great place to enroll if you are an adult student, first year freshman, transfer student and even from another country.
To apply, you’ll want to head over to the website to fill out your information.
It typically takes about twenty minutes to apply and costs $50.
There are some important pieces of information you’ll want to include with your application, such as:
- Proof of completion of high school or equivalent (GED, homeschool information, diploma)
- Official transcripts
Military students are required to provide their service information and international students will need to submit an English proficiency exam.
Once you have created an account and submitted your application, it make take about two weeks to hear back from an academic advisor about the next steps in the enrollment process.
Fees
If you attend class online, you will pay $449 per credit hour and in-person students will pay $339.
It takes 120 credit hours to finish a Bachelors degree whether you spend that time on campus or online, so online students will pay $53,880 in total and on-campus students will pay $40,680 upon graduation.
Military students pay a smaller fee of $250 per credit hour.
This adds up to $30,000 to complete a Bachelors degree.
Room and board will cost an additional $10,683 per year for on-campus students.
There may be some other fees to apply to the total cost of attendance, like:
- International application – $100
- Administrative fee – $300
- Course material – $1,830
Contact Information
- Address: 100 Galvin Rd. South Bellevue, NE 68005
- Phone: 800-756-7920
- Website: www.bellevue.edu
6Baker University
Baker University is a small, private school located in Baldwin City, Kansas that is perfect for people who want a close knit college experience.
Founded in 1858, this school has been going strong for over 100 years and now houses 2,000 students each academic term.
Though it is located in Kansas, this out of state school for Missouri residents is a perfect getaway in a rural location.
Since the school is so small, it only has 50 majors to choose from, and one of those is the Public Health Bachelors degree.
This degree is perfect for science enthusiasts who have a knack for helping their communities.
The four year program is provided by the Department of Applied Health Sciences and also gives the students the opportunity to earn some incredible scholarships once enrolled, including:
- Benjamin A. Gessner Award
- Robert L. Miller Scholarship
- Thomas G. and Francis B. Manson Scholarship
These will help to offset the cost of tuition at Baker University and show the prestige of the receiver.
Classroom time and lab work are a big part of this program, and students will have access to both in courses like:
- Human Nutrition
- Health Promotions
- Global Health Issues
- Sociology of Medicine
Baker University also provides it’s students with internship and clinical experiences for hands-on knowledge.
Once you have completed all the degree requirements for Baker University, many doors will open for you in the world of Public Health including careers such as:
- Public Health Nurse
- Safety Director
- Health Administrator
- Epidemiologist
Enrollment
Students can attend Baker University both online and on campus, you will just need to make that distinction when you fill out your application.
For residential admissions, you’ll want to schedule a campus tour before enrolling.
This way, you can get used to the campus and see what types of activities you can get into in person.
If you plan to attend online, all you’ll need to do is submit your transcripts and fill out an application.
Those who choose to take in-person classes will also need to submit an application and then get in contact with an academic advisor to talk about the next steps which could include student orientation and enrolling in classes based on your degree.
Once you have been admitted, you’ll need to make a deposit, decide where you are going to live, and choose your financial aid package.
This can all take between two weeks and a month to figure out.
Fees
Full-time undergraduate tuition at Baker University is $33,200 per year.
Those who stay for four years to earn a Bachelors degree will pay $132,800 in total.
Online students will pay $12,600 per year and $50,400 in total tuition costs after graduation.
Other fees that may apply include:
- Student ID – $30
- Meal plans – $5,000 per year
- Housing – $6,000 per year
Contact Information
- Address: P.O. Box 65 Baldwin City, KS 66006
- Phone: 785-594-6451
- Website: www.bakeru.edu
7Mercy College of Health Sciences
Mercy College of Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa is the perfect place for people who want a career in healthcare and don’t need all the extra amenities of a big college.
This 8 acre campus provides a beautiful lake-side view for attendees, and even those from Missouri love to head here not only for the sights but also the education.
One of the many Bachelors degrees available through this school is in Public Health.
As a four year program, students will become equipped to address local and global health concerns about health and disease.
Students are required to take general education classes, elective courses, and core courses that are steeped in science and sociology, including:
- Environmental Health
- Program Planning in Health Promotion
- Biostatistics
- Research Methodologies
Missouri residents will have to move to Iowa to partake in the great education here, but there are start dates throughout the year to ease your mind.
A degree from Mercy College of Health Sciences is a great way to start your life-long career in areas such as:
- Drug Trial Specialist
- Wellness Coach
- Cancer Information Specialist
- Health Educator
Enrollment
The hassle-free admissions process at Mercy College of Health Sciences will make it so easy for you to apply, and you can do so right from the website.
An enrollment coach will be right by your side to help you through every step of the process.
If you are a first time college student and have graduated from high school, you will need to meet the following requirements to be eligible for admission into Mercy College of Health Sciences:
- At least a 2.25 GPA
- ACT of 18 or higher
Transfer students will also need a GPA of at least 2.5 to attend this school.
On the website, you will need to create an account in order to continue your application.
Once you have done so, fill out all of your personal information and include your transcripts from high school or your previous university as well as your test scores.
With all your information submitted, it shouldn’t take too long to hear back form the school.
After you have been admitted, you will need to enroll in the classes that are required for your academic program and attend orientation.
Fees
To attend Mercy College of Health Sciences you will need to pay $10,830 per year in tuition costs.
This adds up to $43,320 after four years of education.
Both in state and out of state students will pay the same price for admission.
Financial aid and scholarships are available for all students who attend this institution.
Contact Information
- Address: 928 6th Ave. Des Moines, IA 50309
- Phone: 515-643-3180
- Website: www.plus.mchs.edu
8Southeast Missouri State University
Southeast Missouri State University has been making history for over 150 years.
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, this school is among the top industries for research and diversity in Missouri.
For those who are looking to change their community and maybe even the world, the Public Health Bachelors degree is an excellent option.
Since this type of degree is so important right now, in fact this career is looking to expand at least 13% in the next several years.
Southeast Missouri State University provides both online and on campus options for many of the over 150 programs, but as of right now, the Public Health program is specifically an on-campus experience.
At this school, students will get the opportunity to learn skills such as:
- Concepts of population health
- Processes and interventions to address major health issues
- Promoting and protecting health throughout the human life span
- Use and analyze public data
Each class provides a stepping stone to the career of your dreams in Public Health, and many of the courses of biology and sociology based, including:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Health Prospectives
- American Health Care Systems
- World, Food, and Society
Not only will you partake in classroom time, but lab opportunities and even internships with leading companies will be a big part of the learning experience here.
In four years, you’ll be on your way to a successful life-long career in roles like:
- Health Officer
- Health Research Analyst
- Public Health Administrator
- Community Health Manager
Enrollment
Right now, it costs absolutely nothing to apply to Southeast Missouri State University.
This goes for all incoming freshman, transfer students, international students and even returning students.
All you’ll need to do is go to the school’s website to fill out your personal information.
You will need to create an account, which will make it easier to come back and finish your application if you have to leave for any reason.
It should only take about 30 minutes to complete your application, and you’ll also need to provide some important documents like:
- Transcripts from high school or previous education
- Self-reported academic record
That’s all you’ll need to do to be ready to attend Southeast Missouri State University.
Once you have been accepted, you can start looking into housing and meal plans, orientation, and setting up your classes for the next semester.
Fees
Undergraduate students who attend Southeast Missouri State University will pay $9,495 per year to attend.
With room rates, meal plans, and books, this total goes up to $20,320 annually.
This means that if you attend Southeast Missouri State University for four years, you will pay between $37,980 and $81,280 to earn a degree.
Health insurance is also available for students at a rate of $653 per year.
Contact Information
- Address: 1 University Plaza Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
- Phone: 573-651-2000
- Website: www.semo.edu
9University of Iowa
Across the Missouri River, you’ll find the large globally ranked University of Iowa.
Even Missouri residents flock to this school to take part in all of the great opportunities afforded to its students.
If you are looking for a big school that you can get lost in, you’ll love this 30,000 person student body which houses thousands of clubs, organizations, and internships.
Science minded folks who want to help others will love the Public Health Bachelors degree program provided by the College of Public Health.
The program is even ranked in the top 20 across the nation for its accredited curriculum.
Among that curriculum, you’ll find many biology and sociology based courses such as:
- Fundamentals of Public Health
- Health, Work, and the Environment
- Global Public Health
- The U.S. Health System in a Global Context
The University of Iowa also provides its students with the chance to take part in experiential learning and research opportunities for even more hands-on experience.
If you want to travel to a different country to learn, the University of Iowa will provide you the study abroad occasion to do that.
Hundreds of opportunities to learn and experience the world of Public Health every day are available for students here, and once you graduate you will be well equipped to begin a career of your dreams.
After graduation, you’ll be happy to know that many doors will open for you in Public Health such as:
- Community Health Educator
- Clinical Research Specialist
- Cultural Competency Trainer
- Health Promotion Programmer
Enrollment
Current high school, transfer students, international students and even military students will find it easy to apply to the University of Iowa.
All you will need to do is go to the website and fill out the appropriate application.
The university of Iowa requires prospective students to create a username and password before beginning your application.
Once you do that you’ll be able to come back and finish your application if you need to leave at any time.
Along with your application, it is important to provide the following information:
- Transcripts from high school or previous education
- Proof of at least a 3.33 GPA
- SAT or ACT scores
That’s all you will need to do to apply to the University of Iowa.
Once your application is completed and submitted, it will take about two weeks to hear back from an academic advisor.
At which time, you’ll be able to choose classes and get started with the orientation process.
Fees
Iowa residents who decide they want to live and eat on campus will pay $21,829 per year to attend this school.
If you are an Iowa resident but want to live at home, your tuition will be $10,353 per year.
In state residents will pay between $41,412 and $87,316 to get an education at the University of Iowa.
If you are from out of state, your tuition will be a bit higher at $32,316 or $43,792 if you plan to utilize room and board.
After four years of school, expect to pay between $129,264 and $175,168 to earn a Bachelors degree.
Some other fees that may apply at the University of Iowa include:
- Books and supplies – $916
- Personal expenses – $3,098
- Transportation – $1,026
Financial aid is available for all students at the University of Iowa.
Contact Information
- Address: 2700 UCC Iowa City, IA 52242
- Phone: 319-335-3500
- Website: www.uiowa.edu
10University of Cincinnati
Head on up to Ohio if you want to take part in one of the top 5 public universities in the United States.
The University of Cincinnati has one of the best research and internship opportunities not only in the state of Ohio but in the entire country.
Not only that, but this bustling campus will keep you busy even when you are not in class.
If you are looking for a big city to learn in, then definitely check out the school here.
You’ll love the opportunities available both online and in person, so Missouri residents can even stay home to enjoy the education from this school.
Students who want to earn a Bachelors degree from the University of Cincinnati can do so in about four years, and there are over 200 to choose from.
Those who want to start their career in healthcare can take part in the Public Health Bachelors degree, learning biology, sociology, and the psychology behind community health.
The science-based and evidence-based curriculum at the University of Cincinnati includes courses like:
- Communicating About Health, Environment and Science
- First Year Foundations in Public Health
- Health Across the Lifespan
- Research Methods in Health Sciences
Access to internships, research opportunities and even a chance to join the Global Health Brigade are other great appealing aspects of this school.
Earning a degree from the University of Cincinnati is a great honor and can result in life-long careers such as:
- Grant Writer
- Accreditation Coordinator
- Health Information Specialist
- Epidemiologist
Enrollment
Transfer students, international students, homeschool graduates, and first year freshman are all invited to apply to the University of Cincinnati.
The first thing that you will want to do when looking into enrolling at the University of Cincinnati is talk to an academic advisor.
They can lead you down the right path for your degree program and also give you a campus tour so that you can be assured you are going to the school of your dreams.
In order to complete your application, you’ll want to head to the website and begin filling out your personal information.
A non-refundable $50 application fee is required at the time of submitting.
Along with that, you’ll want to provide some important paperwork, like:
- Official high school transcripts or transcripts from previous education if you are transferring
- ACT or SAT scores
- Letter of recommendation
It will take about two weeks to hear back on whether you have been admitted or not, and once you have you’ll get to enroll in the right classes for your degree.
Fees
Full-time Ohio residents pay $13,176 per year to attend the University of Cincinnati.
This comes out to about $52,704 after earning a Bachelors degree.
Online students will pay a little more at $13,536 per year, for a total of $54,144 upon graduation.
Those who attend the University of Cincinnati from out of state will pay $28,510 per year.
This adds up to $114,040 after four years and completing your Bachelors degree.
Residents of Indiana or Kentucky will pay a price of $13,776 per year to attend for a total of $55,104 after a four year program.
Contact Information
- Address: 2600 Clifton Ave. Cincinatti, OH 45221
- Phone: 513-556-0000
- Website: www.uc.edu
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve seen all the amazing opportunities afforded to you by Missouri and the surrounding states, we hope you can narrow down your options.
Public Health is a necessary part of the healthcare system, and by taking part in that you are changing the world.
These ten schools are the best in your area and will help you get to the career of your dreams.