Public Health: Health Science (B.S.) | Majors

Health Science Introduction

Brother Tyler Watson explains Math Concepts to the students in his Epidemiology Class.

Public health focuses on community health intervention and prevention. Public health professionals learn about and prioritize significant health issues in a community and create interventions to improve health outcomes. Professionals work in various settings such as governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, work-site wellness programs, schools, etc. The average salary for public health professionals in the U.S. is $72,000.

This emphasis is for those students pursuing a degree in public health working in patient care. It will prepare students for entry-level clinical positions and professional careers as physicians, dentists, physician assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, chiropractors, audiologists, and optometrists. Students interested in this emphasis should meet with academic advising to discuss a specific process and detailed schedule of classes.

Watch this video to learn more about public health.

Highlighted Courses

If you are interested in Health Science with an emphasis in epidemiology, start with one of the following courses:

PH105 - Introductory Applied Physics I

See Course Details

PUBH240 - Introduction to Public Health

See Course Details

MATH221B - Biostatistics

See Course Details

PSYCH111 - General Psychology

See Course Details

4-Year Plan

See Example Class Plan

Get Involved

See all required courses

Find Out if This Degree Is Right for You!

Watch expert advice on how to succeed in this major + career options

Graduate Career-Ready

Graduates with a degree in Health Science with an emphasis in health science have a wide array of rewarding careers before them. Check out some of the top careers students get with this degree or explore more career options in I-Plan.

BYU-Idaho Graduate Salaries

Graduates of the Public Health program work in public health departments, hospitals and health systems, environmental health and safety roles, research teams, consulting, analytics, and emergency response planning—fields experiencing job growth faster than the national average.

Common Career Paths

Common career paths include epidemiologist, surveillance assistant, infection prevention coordinator, environmental health specialist, research assistant, and quality improvement coordinator, with opportunities to make a measurable impact on population health and community well-being.

Preparation for Grad School

This program prepares students for graduate and professional study such as a Master of Public Health, biostatistics or data science, health or hospital administration, physician assistant or occupational therapy programs, and professional degrees including MD and DDS.

AI in Academics

At BYU-Idaho, we are strategically integrating Artificial Intelligence to enhance academic excellence and prepare our students for an evolving world.

Learn more about AI in Academics

AI in Health Sciences

Students develop practical AI skills to analyze health data, identify population health trends, and design evidence-based interventions that support prevention, preparedness, and improved health outcomes at the community level.

Advance Knowledge, Enhancing Learning, and Developing Workforce Readiness

AI in Academics means learning to advance knowledge, enhancing learning, and developing workforce readiness through tools that support (not replace) your effort and integrity.