Public Health (BA Degree Completion)

Did you begin your bachelor’s degree but weren’t able to finish? Or do you have an associate’s degree and would like to further your education? If so, now is your chance to leverage your existing college credits to obtain your bachelor’s degree in public health. The Bachelor of Arts Degree Completion Program in Public Health at Regis College provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices that shape the health of communities. Students gain a broad understanding of key public health topics, from disease prevention and health promotion to health policy and community health, preparing them for a wide range of career opportunities in the public health sector.

Through a combination of classroom learning, hands-on experience, and personalized advising, students graduate ready to contribute to healthier communities and pursue careers across healthcare, nonprofit, and public service sectors.

Students in the Public Health bachelor's degree completion program benefit from a supportive learning environment and opportunities to apply what they learn in real-world settings. Highlights of the program include:

• Comprehensive foundation in public health: Explore multiple areas of the field, including community health, health promotion, and health systems.
• Flexible online courses: each class is delivered in an eight-week online format to allow students to proceed at their own pace and balance work and life commitments.
• Fieldwork experience: Gain career-related experience and build professional connections through a supervised internship.
• Strong career preparation: Develop skills valued by employers across healthcare and public service organizations.
• Faculty mentorship: Work closely with experienced faculty who provide individualized advising and career guidance.
• Preparation for graduate study: Build the academic foundation needed for advanced degrees such as a Master of Public Health (MPH) or Master’s in Health Administration.
• Experience with adult learners: Be a part of a supportive environment that understands the unique needs of students looking to complete their bachelor’s degree while balancing school and life commitments.
• Complement to clinical career paths: An ideal foundation for students pursuing nursing or other clinical degrees, adding a broader perspective on population health, prevention, and healthcare systems.

The curriculum provides an overview of the major areas that shape population health and healthcare delivery. Students explore topics such as:

• Principles of public health
• Community and population health
• Disease prevention and health promotion
• Health policy and healthcare systems
• Social determinants of health
• Public health research and data analysis
• Environmental and global health

This interdisciplinary approach prepares students to understand the complex factors that influence health outcomes in diverse communities. View prerequisite requirements and sample curriculum.

Hands-on learning is a key component of the Public Health BA completion program, and students will complete 120-240 credit hours of field experience. Students with community health worker certification or a clinical license/certificate can place out of one internship, and only need to complete 120 hours, while those without certification will complete 240 hours. Through field placements, students will:

• Apply classroom knowledge in real-world public health settings and explore potential career paths.
• Develop and broaden professional and leadership skills and build connections with professionals in the field.
• This practical experience helps students graduate with both academic preparation and meaningful field experience.

Each student works with a faculty supervisor from Regis to identify sites and design objectives, learning activities, and evaluation methods for the field experience. In some instances, students can utilize their existing work sites for internships. Placement sites include major hospitals, health departments, community agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare organizations/programs, foundations, public health associations, and corporations.

Students learn from faculty with expertise across multiple areas of public health and healthcare. Their professional experience enriches classroom learning and provides insight into real-world public health challenges. Faculty are committed to student success and provide:

• Individualized academic advising
• Mentorship and career guidance
• Opportunities for meaningful faculty–student engagement
• Support in identifying internships and career pathways

This personalized approach helps students build confidence and receive the guidance and support they need throughout their academic journey.

Graduates of the Public Health degree completion program are prepared for jobs in a variety of settings and roles. Common career paths include:

• Community health worker
• Health educator
• Public health researcher or advisor
• Health outreach specialist
• Research or data support roles in health organizations
• Program coordinator

Graduates of the program have gone on to careers with a wide range of employers, including:

• Advocates for Human Potential, Inc.
• AgeSpan
• Beth Israel Lahey Health
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA
• Boston Children's Hospital
• Labspere, Inc.
• MA Department of Public Health
• YWCA of Greater Lawrence

Learn more about What Can You Do With a Bachelor's in Public Health.

The program also provides a strong foundation for students interested in pursuing advanced degrees. Coursework prepares graduates for graduate programs such as a Master of Public Health (MPH) or a Master of Health Administration, helping students continue their education and expand their impact in the healthcare and public health sectors. Additionally, students can begin taking certain graduate courses while in this program (courses can count as undergrad and graduate credit if they get a B- or better).