10 Best Public Health Bachelor's Degree Schools in North Carolina

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The Tarheel State has some of the most spectacular beaches in the United States.

North Carolina has a rich history and gorgeous sights to see, from the Appalachian Mountains to the dunes of Kitty Hawk, where the Wright brothers completed the first successful plane flight.

You may have come to North Carolina for the tourist attractions or maybe you’ve lived here your whole life and are looking for something more, like an education.

Well, look no further as North Carolina will provide you with some incredible schools especially for people looking to get into the world of Public Health.

A Public Health degree is in your reach with one of these ten best schools for people in North Carolina.

Public schools, private universities, and even online education are all available to you, take a look at our list to decide where you want to go.

1University of North Carolina-Charlotte

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

Smack dab in the middle of Charlotte, North Carolina is the University of North Carolina, a wonderful large school with big possibilities for every student.

As an urban research facility, students from all across the country and even the world come here to find out new ways to do everyday tasks and help communities.

You’ll love everything about this place, including how diverse and inclusive every aspect of your life will be here.

The University of North Carolina in Charlotte is considered the third biggest university in the state with over 1,000 acres to discover.

Those who want to help communities and individuals learn how to take better care of themselves as well as decrease the spread of disease will love the Public Health Bachelors degree offered at this school.

Every class in this four year program is designed to bring you one step closer to the career of your dreams, and will include topics like:

  • Leadership, Communication, and Group Dynamics
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Behavior Change Theories and Practice
  • Program Planning and Evaluation

You’ll get the chance to do things for yourself with internships, research opportunities, and lab work that requires you to do more than just listen.

It is also necessary to take on a Capstone project in your senior year, which will show professors how much you have learned over this four year experience.

There is always something to do and see here at the University of North Carolina, and once you graduate, you will be well equipped to procure a career in Public Health such as:

  • Cancer Information Specialist
  • Lactation Consultant
  • Health Program Specialist
  • Restaurant Inspector

Enrollment

Head over to the website of the University of North Carolina in Charlotte for the easy application you can do right on the web.

Before beginning your application, you may want to apply to tour the campus so that you know the this school is the right choice for you.

Both first year freshman and transfer students are welcome to apply to the University of North Carolina in Charlotte.

All you will need to do is find the proper application to fill out all the important information needed.

It is required to pay a $75 non-refundable fee in order to submit your application.

Along with that, prospective students will need to provide:

  • Transcripts from high school or previous education
  • Essay
  • SAT or ACT scores
  • Recommendation letter

There are deadlines throughout the year, so make sure you don’t miss your opportunity to enroll.

After applying, it may take a couple of weeks to hear back from the school, but once you’ve been admitted you can start to enroll in classes.

Fees

It costs $23,716 per year for North Carolina residents to attend this school.

This includes the costs of housing and meal plans, so for those who don’t want these additional amenities, the yearly cost is $10,858 yearly.

A degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte takes four years to complete, so the total tuition for North Carolina residents will be between $43,432 and $94,864.

Those who are from out of state but still want to enjoy the education provided by the University of North Carolina in Charlotte will pay $38,770 per year which also includes housing and meal plans.

This total comes out to $155,080 after four years of education.

Financial aid and scholarships are available for qualified students at this school.

Contact Information

  • Address: 9201 University City Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28223
  • Phone: 704-687-8622
  • Website: www.charlotte.edu

2North Carolina Central University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

In Durham, North Carolina you will find North Carolina Central University, another school in the top 50 of the Regional Southern Universities by U.S. News and World Report.

This public school was founded in 1910, and has been a staple in the state of North Carolina since its opening.

With just under 8,000 students in attendance each year, you are sure to get the individualized attention needed to fulfill more than 150 undergraduate degree requirements.

The small class sizes and industry professional professors are another reason you may want to enroll at North Carolina Central University.

One of the many great degrees offered here is the Public Health Bachelors degree.

Students will have the chance to learn behavioral, social, biological and psychological topics to help change communities for the better.

Some of the classes that students in this program will take throughout the four year requirement include:

  • Molecules and Cell Function
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Global Societies and Human Behavior
  • Medical Sociology

There are a wide variety of topics to cover under this degree path, so much so that you will never be bored.

An internship is another requirement that must be taken on in your senior year in order to gain hands-on knowledge of the world of healthcare and Public Health.

You can thank great professors for your education and pat yourself on the back when you earn a degree from North Carolina Central University.

Soon after graduation, you will be headed for the career of your dreams in roles such as:

  • Nutrition Services Coordinator
  • Water Quality Inspector
  • Healthcare Social Worker
  • Wellness Programmer

Enrollment

Getting admitted to North Carolina Central University is fairly simple and all you’ll need to do is head to the website to begin.

First year students, early college students, transfer and even international students are welcome to apply.

In order to be considered for admission here, students will need to meet the following requirements:

  • At least a 2.5 GPA
  • Completion of high school

Deadlines for admission happen throughout the year so make sure you keep those in mind so you don’t miss important dates.

After completing your application, it will take a couple of weeks to hear back about the status of your enrollment.

An academic advisor will reach out to you, but you can always follow up on the website to see if anything has changed.

Fees

Full time students who want to partake in room and board amenities at North Carolina Central University will pay $23,446 each year.

If you do not plan to use room and board, the total yearly tuition cost will go down to $9,302.

Students typically take about four years to complete a 120 credit hour degree, so those who graduate from North Carolina Central University will pay between $37,208 and $93,784 to earn a degree.

Financial aid and scholarships are available for all students.

Contact Information

  • Address: 1801 Fayetteville St. Durham, NC 27707
  • Phone: 919-530-6100
  • Website: www.nccu.edu

3University of North Carolina-Wilmington

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

The University of North Carolina has a branch in Wilmington that was founded in 1947.

This large public school is in the land of sunny summers and a nurturing campus, you’ll love the gorgeous historical buildings and beautiful weather that can’t be compared.

Along the way, those who enroll here will gain access to hundreds of degree programs that are fit for higher education.

One of the many on campus programs available for students here is the Public Health Bachelors degree.

You’ll be able to help improve the health of communities both in North Carolina and the rest of the world if you take on this degree program.

There are four concentrations to choose from, such as:

  • Community Health Education
  • Pre-Clinical Health
  • Global Health
  • Gerontology

No matter which path you choose, students will be enticed in science and evidence-based courses like:

  • Foundations in Public Health
  • Research Methods in Public Health
  • Social and Behavioral Determinants
  • Biostatistics

Students in this degree program will need to maintain a C average in order to continue learning on this path.

Once you have the basics down, you’ll be interested to know that there are internships and field study programs in order to gain real-world knowledge of Public Health.

It should take four years and 120 credit hours to complete this degree, and once you have done all of the necessary criteria for graduation, you will be on your way to earning an income in roles including:

  • Global Health Worker
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Research Scientist
  • Health Policymaker

Enrollment

Undergraduate students can go to the school’s website to begin the application for enrollment at the University of North Carolina in Wilmington.

First year students, transfer students, those who are re-enrolling, and international students will all find a separate application to begin the process.

Even military and non-degree seeking learners can apply to this school.

All you will need to do is fill in your personal information and you will be on your way to beginning classes.

At the University of North Carolina in Wilmington, it may take a week or two to hear back about the status of your application, but once you do, you will be able to enroll in classes, begin orientation, and even take a campus tour.

Fees

Residents of North Carolina will pay $7,238 per year to attend this school, and for those who are out of state, the tuition costs yearly are $21,858.

This means that students who are from North Carolina will pay a total of $28,952 for four years of education.

Those who are from out of state will pay $87,432 to complete their degree.

Housing and meal plans are not added into these numbers and can be found by speaking to an academic advisor as the prices change frequently.

Books and other personal expenses can add an additional $1,200 to $2,500 to the yearly price at the University of North Carolina in Wilmington.

You can find financial aid information on the website, which is available to all students.

Contact Information

  • Address: 601 South College Rd. Wilmington, NC 28403
  • Phone: 910-962-3000
  • Website: www.uncw.edu

4Elon University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

One of the top ranked private schools in the United States is Elon University, located in Elon, North Carolina.

This selective school will take the best and the brightest students, about 6,300 per year, under their wing.

At Elon University, individuality is important and students will have the chance to work closely with faculty to fulfill all of their degree dreams.

One of the interesting degree programs offered at Elon University in their undergraduate division is the Public Health Bachelors degree.

Most Bachelors degree require a four year commitment, and this one is no different.

Students will have the opportunity to work in research labs and in the field to learn and understand healthcare programs and ways to keep communities safer.

The Public Health Bachelors degree is given through the School of Health Sciences and is a collaborative effort between students and teachers to create a cohesive experience.

Some of the great classes that you will need to take in order to fulfill degree requirements are:

  • Introduction to Public Health
  • Statistics in Application
  • Early Childhood Policy and Advocacy
  • Prospectives in Health Promotion

Once you get used to the innovative learning devices here you can always join one of the organizations here such as:

  • Public Health Scholars
  • Elon University Public Health Society

This way, you aren’t just learning in a classroom but taking on Public Health with fellow classmates to change the future.

Completing all of your degree requirements and taking part in the community will lead you toward a successful graduation and a career in Public health like:

  • Hospital Administrator
  • Industrial Hygienist
  • Data Scientist
  • Water Quality Inspector

Enrollment

If you are interested in attending Elon University, academic advisors would love if you took a campus tour before enrolling.

This way, you’ll know for sure that you want to attend the school, making it easier for you.

If you can’t attend an in-person tour, there are virtual tours right on the website.

While you’re on the website, take a look at the application page.

Here, you can fill out your personal information and also send in the $60 non-refundable fee that is needed in order to submit your application.

Along with your application, you will need to provide the school with  transcripts from your high school or previous universities.

Once you have completed all of the necessary paperwork, an academic advisor will contact you via email to talk about the next steps in the process.

Fees

At the base rate, students will pay $55,458 per year to attend Elon University.

With a four year education, this adds up to $221,832 upon graduation.

If you plan to utilize room and board, you will likely pay about $78,388 per year to attend this school

This means that you will pay $313,552 once you have completed your Bachelors degree here.

Contact Information

  • Address: 100 Campus Dr. Elon, NC 27244
  • Phone: 336-278-2000
  • Website: www.elon.edu

5East Carolina University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

East Carolina University was first established in 1907 and has grown astronomically to be one of the larger schools in North Carolina.

This public school is a great place to go if you want a bigger college experience and diverse classmates.

Roam the gorgeous historical campus and take part in small classes that will lead you toward the career of your dreams.

At East Carolina University, you will be part of the solution in hundreds of degree programs, including Public Health.

If you can see yourself in a rewarding career helping others in your community learn about healthcare, then you will definitely not want to miss this opportunity.

Here, students can choose from one of three concentrations:

  • Community Health Education
  • Pre-Health
  • Worksite Health Promotion

Each of these concentrations will have their own degree requirements but also some overlapping themes, such as:

  • Biology
  • Statistics
  • Public Health Systems and Policy
  • Global Health

Every day at East Carolina University is a new chance to learn and grow individually and as a group.

You will work closely with classmates and professors to make changes in the future and provide research to combat many industry health issues.

Once you have completed the four year run it takes to graduate, you will be prepared to procure a career in Public Health with a role like:

  • Public Health Educator
  • Medical Supply Sales Representative
  • Nonprofit Organization Educator
  • Prevention Specialist

Enrollment

Undergraduate students of all kinds are invited to apply to East Carolina University.

Deadlines for this school happen throughout the year, so keep a close eye on the website to not miss important dates.

First, you will need to submit a $75 non-refundable application fee and then you can complete the application with your personal information.

It shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes to complete as long as you have all the require paperwork ready to go.

Along with your application, it is important to provide the following documents:

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

You will then want to determine where you will be staying and eating while learning on campus.

After that, you can submit your application right online and hear back from the school within a couple of weeks.

At that time, you’ll be able to sign up for orientation, find classes you want to take, and begin your journey to a degree.

Fees

Students who are from North Carolina will pay a smaller fee of $7,360 per year to attend East Carolina University.

Students from other states are welcome to join in on the learning but will need to pay a higher fee of $23,636 to attend.

Since it takes about four years to complete a degree from East Carolina University, resident students will pay a total of $29,440 and out of state students will pay a total of $94,544.

Housing and meal plans are not provided in these totals as they vary greatly and should be spoken about to an academic advisor to help clearly state the costs.

Contact Information

  • Address: East 5th St. Greenville, NC 27858
  • Phone: 252-328-6131
  • Website: www.ecu.edu

6George Washington University

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

Head to the nations capital to take part in the wonderful and inclusive education provided by George Washington University.

One of the great aspects of earning a degree at this private school is that North Carolina residents can stay home and learn with the online courses provided.

This school has been an established part of the D.C. area since 1821, and was named after the first president of the United States.

You find custom and individualized learning plans here, with tons of Bachelors degrees to choose from including Public Health.

A four year program is suitable for this degree, and students will find themselves immersed in courses such as:

  • Epidemiology
  • Management of Health Science Services
  • Foundations of Health Equity
  • Healthcare Law and Regulation

This small school is home to about 11,000 students each year, a perfect learning environment for those who want a small town feel.

Completing 120 credit hours will get you a degree and help you to find a career in Public Health which could be something like:

  • Public Health Nurse
  • Evaluation Specialist
  • Intervention Researcher
  • Healthcare Policy Analyst

Enrollment

Both traditional undergraduate and non-traditional undergraduate degree programs are available at George Washington University.

Students who want to take part in traditional programs such as first year freshman and transfer students will fill out a specific application while non-traditional students like adult learners will fill out a separate one.

It is easy to fill out the application no matter which one you choose to do, both can be done online and only take about 20 minutes to complete.

Another great step you can take toward your enrollment at George Washington University is to attend a campus tour.

This can also be done online, but there are many ways to do so in person as well.

Along with your application, this school requires that you submit some important information like:

  • Essay
  • Official transcripts
  • ACT or SAT scores
  • Letter of recommendation

Once you have completed the above checklist you will be able to check your application status from the website.

An academic advisor will reach out to you with the next steps in the enrollment process, like signing up for classes and extracurriculars.

Fees

Every year that students attend George Washington University they will pay $64,700.

After four years and earning a Bachelors degree, this totals out to $258,800.

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

Contact Information

  • Address: 2121 I St. NW Washington, DC 20052
  • Phone: 202-994-1000
  • Website: www.gwu.edu

7University of South Carolina

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Out-of-State

Columbia, South Carolina has housed the University of South Carolina for more than 200 years.

You’ll need to move south in order to fulfill your degree dreams if you plan to enroll here, as there are only on campus classes, even for North Carolina residents.

This fast paced public school is perfect for people who want a big college experience in a large city.

The campus here is 444 acres, so there is always something to do and new destinations to explore, plus the city of Columbus is a great place for welcoming nightlife.

Here, students can become part of one of over 350 degree programs, including Public Health.

You can enroll in a Bachelors degree where you will learn how to help people with their health, decrease disease spread, and so much more with a Public Health degree.

Students will take on general education classes like math and English, but also more specialized courses such as:

  • Psychology of Physical Activity
  • Health Problems in a Changing Society
  • Community Heath Problems
  • Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior

Research opportunities on and off campus are available here, and the Arnold School of Public Health offers students the opportunity to work with staff members and professors to gain hands-on knowledge.

Once you have completed 120 credit hours, you will be ready for the real-world in Public Health careers like:

  • Health Program Advocate
  • Medical Research Manager
  • Community Benefits Manager
  • Healthcare Administrator

Enrollment

It is quite easy to begin the application process at the University of South Carolina.

All you will need to do is go to the school’s website and find the admissions tab.

Once there, you’ll want to pick the application that right for you whether you are a freshman, returning student, international learner or even a transfer student.

You will need to provide a $65 non-refundable application fee no matter what type of application you are submitting.

Along with your application, it is important to provide the following documents:

  • School report form
  • Transcripts from previous education

Currently, the University of South Carolina is a test optional school, so you can submit your ACT or SAT scores if you want but you don’t have to.

Deadlines happen throughout the year, so keep an eye out for those so you don’t miss anything important.

After completing the easy application, you’ll likely hear back from an academic advisor within a week or two to begin the next phase, orientation and enrolling in classes.

Fees

Residents of South Carolina will have a base tuition of $12,688 per year to attend this school.

If you plan to live and eat on campus, that total goes up to $27,332 per year.

South Carolina residents will end up paying between $50,752 and $109,238 for a degree from the University of South Carolina.

Now, out of state residents will pay a bit more at $33,928 for base tuition and $48,572 to include room and board.

This comes out to a total of between $135,712 and $194,288 after the required four years to earn a Bachelors degree.

Financial aid is available for qualified students at this school.

Contact Information

  • Address: 1244 Blossom St. Suite 106 Columbia, SC 29208
  • Phone: 803-777-5555
  • Website: www.sc.edu

8Furman University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Out-of-State

Another great South Carolina school for those who want a private education is Furman University.

This small institution is home to about 2,000 students per year, and they come from all over the United States to enroll.

That means you’ll be able to take a chance at your dream degree here at Furman even if you are from North Carolina, you will just need to move here in order to participate.

You’ll love the lake that is in the center of this campus, as well as the 200 different clubs and organizations you’ll be able to take part in, depending on our interests.

Those who are interested in healthcare will love the Public Health Bachelors degree available here as well.

Once you enroll in the Public Health program, you’ll take steps to becoming a solution in the American public health system, providing answers to community and individual health needs.

Several of the required courses that you will take along your journey include:

  • Fundamentals of Public Health
  • Chronic Disease
  • Kinesiology
  • Science of Aging

Take on internships and a Capstone project to top off your senior year and prepare you for the real world in Public Health.

You’ll showcase how much you have learned throughout this four year degree and much more, plus graduation is right around the corner.

Stepping across that stage and receiving your diploma is a big deal, and then you’ll be able to take part in hundreds of necessary Public health roles like:

  • Physician Assistant
  • Community Health and Prevention Coordinator
  • Charitable Organization Liaison
  • Maternal and Child Health Educator

Enrollment

Currently, there is no application fee to send in your information to Furman University.

This makes it even more easy to apply and begin your college career.

You’ll just need to go to the website and fill out the simple application, you won’t even need to include your SAT or ACT scores.

First year students will need to submit their transcript from high school, while transfer students will need to submit their transcripts from previous universities where they’ve completed courses.

You can also mail your transcripts and application, but online is a faster process.

Either way, it should take about a week or two to hear back about the status of your application.

Once you have admitted, you can sign up for classes and begin the process of orientation.

Fees

For one year at Furman University, students from all across the country will pay $57,902.

If you plan to utilize room and board, that total comes out to $74,180 per year.

So, for a total of four years, someone who attends Furman University will pay between $231,608 and $296,720.

There are some other fees that may apply, including:

  • Books – $1,000
  • Transportation – $900
  • Personal – $1,100

Furman University does have scholarships, grants, and financial aid available to all students.

Contact Information

  • Address: 3300 Poinsett Hwy. Greenville, SC 29613
  • Phone: 864-294-2000
  • Website: www.furman.edu

9South University-Columbia

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

Online school may be a better option for you, and South University can provide you that, as well as a campus in South Carolina.

South University has been an accredited university for over 50 years, and hundreds of thousands of people have become alumni of this great institution.

There are over one hundred programs to choose from here, but those who have a knack for science and helping their fellow man will like the Public Health Bachelors degree provided by South University.

Students in this four year program will take on challenging and comprehensive courses that lead to helping careers in healthcare.

Take a look at some of the classes that you will be required to pass in order to graduate:

  • Health Communication
  • Health Disparities
  • Legal and Ethical Issues
  • Policy and Research

Completing these classes along with 120 credit hours of other classes will give you the opportunity to find a successful lifelong career.

With online education becoming more popular, this style of learning is perfect for those who want to stay home and learn or who have families and careers to think about as well.

Now that you have completed all your requirements, its time to look into a career that is satisfactory to you, and you can do that 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


10Appalachian State University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

Heading back to North Carolina, you will find Appalachian State University which is located in Boone.

This school is the premier undergraduate institution in the state, and is ranked number 6 on the Regional Southern Universities list by U.S. News and World Report.

Currently, about 18,000 students roam the campus of this great school per year, and many of them are from diverse backgrounds and even other countries.

Appalachian State University is one of the top schools in the south, and there are many reasons why.

From the top organizations and affiliations, students can choose from 150 different majors, including Public Health.

Those who want to create a better society and help people learn how to take care of their own health, this degree is for the doers and the thinkers.

A Public Health Bachelors degree will require four years of your time, and takes about 120 credit hours to finish.

Along the way, you’ll take on science and evidence-based courses such as:

  • Reasoning with Statistics
  • Substance Abuse Prevention
  • Nutrition and Health
  • Global Public Health

Not only will you be a part of the classroom conversation, you can take part in clubs like:

  • Public Health Club
  • American Mock World Health Organization

Throughout your time at Appalachian State University, you’ll conduct research and have real-world opportunities to show everything that you’ve learned in the class and lab.

Graduating is a big deal, and once you have completed all of the requirements here, you’ll head out to the workforce and find a wonderful lifelong career in Public Health which could be:

  • Environmental Health Specialist
  • Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
  • Program Evaluator
  • Public Health Social Worker

Enrollment

Appalachian State University has some requirements before you can be considered for enrollment.

For example, you will need to provide proof of the following criteria:

  • GPA between 3.82 and 4.34
  • SAT score between 1100 and 1270
  • ACT score between 22-28

If you meet these criteria, then head to the website to fill out to easy application.

First year students, transfer students, and even online learners all have their own application to fill out.

It shouldn’t take you too long to complete the application, just about half an hour.

Along with the application, you will also need to provide the following documents:

  • Transcripts from high school or previous education
  • SAT or ACT scores
  • Background check
  • Interest statement

There is also a $65 non-refundable application fee due upon submission.

After you have completed the application, it may take a couple of weeks to hear back about the status of your enrollment.

If you are accepted, you can then decide on housing, classes, and sign up for orientation as well as a campus tour.

Fees

If you live in the state of North Carolina, you will pay a smaller fee for tuition of $8,081 per year or $32,324 after four years of education.

Those who are from another state but still want to attend Appalachian State University can do so at a higher cost of $25,077 per year.

This adds up to $100,308 upon completion of a college degree.

Housing and meal plans are separate and can add up to $12,258 per year and $49,032 after four years of amenities.

Everyone at Appalachian State University is welcome to financial aid and qualified for scholarships.

Contact Information

  • Address: John E. Thomas Hall 287 Rivers St. Boone, NC 28608
  • Phone: 828-262-2000
  • Website: www.appstate.edu

Final Thoughts

Finding the college that is right for you is an exciting and stressful time, we hope this list has helped you narrow down your options some.

Public Health is an important part of the healthcare system, and finding the best school can make all the difference.

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.