B.A. in Public Health, Pathway - 2 Semesters

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Public Health program at American University offers students a comprehensive education in the field of public health, preparing them for diverse career opportunities in promoting health and preventing disease within communities. The B.A. in Public Health program at American University provides students with a solid foundation in public health principles, critical thinking skills, and practical experience to address current and emerging public health challenges and make meaningful contributions to improving population health and well-being.

Curriculum:

1. Core Curriculum: The B.A. in Public Health program curriculum includes a combination of foundational courses in public health theory, research methods, epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, and social and behavioral sciences. Students also have the opportunity to explore specialized topics such as global health, health policy, healthcare management, and community health interventions.

2. Interdisciplinary Approach: The program takes an interdisciplinary approach to public health education, drawing on knowledge and methods from various fields such as biology, sociology, psychology, economics, and political science. This interdisciplinary perspective allows students to gain a holistic understanding of the complex factors that influence population health and healthcare delivery.

3. Experiential Learning Opportunities: American University's B.A. in Public Health program emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, including internships, fieldwork, and research projects. Students have the opportunity to gain practical skills and real-world experience through internships with local health departments, non-profit organizations, healthcare agencies, and research institutions.

4. Faculty Expertise: The program is led by experienced faculty members who are experts in their respective fields of public health. Faculty members are actively engaged in research, policy development, and community outreach initiatives, providing students with valuable mentorship and guidance.

5. Community Engagement: American University places a strong emphasis on community engagement and social justice in public health education. Students are encouraged to actively engage with diverse communities to address health disparities, advocate for health equity, and promote social change through collaborative partnerships and community-based initiatives.

6. Global Perspective: The B.A. in Public Health program at American University incorporates a global perspective, exploring international health issues, global health policies, and cross-cultural approaches to public health practice. Students have the opportunity to participate in study abroad programs, international internships, and global health research projects to broaden their understanding of public health on a global scale.

7. Preparation for Graduate Studies: The B.A. in Public Health program prepares students for advanced studies in public health, medicine, healthcare administration, health policy, and related fields. Graduates are well-equipped to pursue graduate education and professional degrees such as Master of Public Health (MPH), Doctor of Medicine (MD), Master of Health Administration (MHA), or Doctor of Public Health (DrPH).

8. Career Opportunities: Graduates of the B.A. in Public Health program are prepared for diverse career opportunities in various sectors, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare systems, research institutions, academia, and private industry. Career paths may include health education specialist, community health worker, public health researcher, policy analyst, healthcare administrator, epidemiologist, and health communications specialist.

Entry requirements for Undergraduate programs

1. Academic Qualifications: Prospective undergraduate students must demonstrate strong academic qualifications to be considered for admission to American University. While specific requirements may vary by program, applicants typically need to have completed secondary education or its equivalent with a satisfactory academic record. The academic qualifications requirement generally falls within the range of 75% to 86%, depending on the program and the competitiveness of the applicant pool.

2. English Language Proficiency:  

   • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): A minimum overall band score of 6 is required with no band less than 5.5.
   • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): The minimum TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) score requirement is 74 with no band less than 15.
   • PTE (Pearson Test of English): The minimum PTE Academic score requirement  is 50 with no band less than 46.
   • DET (Duolingo English Test): The minimum DET score requirement is 100.

American University (AU) in Washington D.C., USA, is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion by providing financial assistance to international students through various scholarship programs. These scholarships are designed to attract top talent from around the world and make an American University education more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.  

Global Leader Scholarship: The Global Leader Scholarship at American University is a merit-based award offered to international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. This prestigious scholarship covers full tuition, room, and board for the duration of the student's undergraduate studies at AU.

International Peace Scholarship: The International Peace Scholarship is awarded to international students who have a strong academic record and a demonstrated commitment to promoting peace, justice, and social change. This scholarship provides partial tuition support to eligible students enrolled in undergraduate programs at American University.

AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship: The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is awarded to outstanding international students who have overcome significant obstacles and challenges to pursue their education and demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to serving their communities. This scholarship covers full tuition, room, and board for the duration of the student's undergraduate studies at AU.

AU International Merit Scholarship: The AU International Merit Scholarship is awarded to international students with exceptional academic achievements and strong leadership qualities. This merit-based scholarship provides partial tuition support to eligible undergraduate students enrolled at American University.

AU Dean's Scholarship for International Students: The AU Dean's Scholarship for International Students is awarded to academically talented international students who demonstrate financial need and have a strong commitment to academic excellence. This scholarship provides partial tuition support to eligible undergraduate students at AU.

AU Transfer Merit Scholarship for International Students: The AU Transfer Merit Scholarship for International Students is awarded to outstanding transfer students from international institutions who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements and leadership potential. This merit-based scholarship provides partial tuition support to eligible undergraduate transfer students at American University.

AU Presidential Scholarship for International Students: The AU Presidential Scholarship for International Students is awarded to top-performing international students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements, leadership abilities, and a commitment to service. This prestigious scholarship covers full tuition for eligible undergraduate students at AU.

These scholarships for international students at American University reflect the university's commitment to academic excellence, diversity, and global engagement. By providing financial assistance and support to talented and deserving students from around the world, American University seeks to foster a diverse and inclusive campus community and prepare students to become global leaders and change-makers in their respective fields. International students interested in applying for scholarships at American University should review the eligibility criteria and application requirements on the university's official website and contact the Office of Admissions for further assistance.

The B.A. in Public Health program at American University prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities in the field of public health, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to address complex health challenges and make meaningful contributions to improving population health and well-being.

1. Health Educator/Community Health Worker: Graduates of the B.A. in Public Health program can pursue careers as health educators or community health workers. They work directly with communities to provide education and resources on health topics such as nutrition, disease prevention, and access to healthcare services.

2. Public Health Researcher: With a strong foundation in research methods and data analysis, graduates can work as public health researchers, conducting studies to investigate health trends, evaluate interventions, and contribute to the evidence-based practice of public health.

3. Health Policy Analyst: Public health graduates can work as health policy analysts, examining healthcare legislation, regulations, and policies to assess their impact on population health and equity. They may work for government agencies, advocacy organizations, or consulting firms.

4. Epidemiologist: Graduates with a B.A. in Public Health can pursue careers as epidemiologists, studying patterns and causes of diseases within populations. They collect and analyze data to identify risk factors, track outbreaks, and develop strategies for disease prevention and control.

5. Community Health Coordinator: Community health coordinators work to improve access to healthcare services and resources within communities. They collaborate with local organizations, healthcare providers, and government agencies to develop and implement health promotion programs and initiatives.

6. Public Health Consultant: Graduates may work as public health consultants, providing expertise and guidance to organizations seeking to address public health challenges. They may work independently or for consulting firms, offering services such as program evaluation, policy analysis, and strategic planning.

7. Health Communications Specialist: Public health graduates with strong communication skills can pursue careers as health communications specialists. They develop and disseminate health education materials, create campaigns to raise awareness about health issues, and engage with the public through various media channels.

8. Global Health Specialist: With a focus on global health issues, graduates can pursue careers as global health specialists, working for international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or government agencies. They may be involved in projects related to infectious disease control, maternal and child health, or humanitarian aid.

9. Healthcare Administrator: Graduates interested in the management and administration of healthcare organizations can pursue careers as healthcare administrators. They oversee daily operations, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with regulations to improve the delivery of healthcare services.

10. Health Equity Advocate: Public health graduates may choose to work as advocates for health equity, addressing social determinants of health and working to reduce disparities in access to healthcare and health outcomes among different populations.