Public Health B.S.
Turn a commitment to health equity and social justice into a career that strengthens communities.
Public health works to protect and promote the health of all people in the places where they live, work, learn, and play. At Manhattan University, you will study epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, environmental health, and the social and behavioral sciences, then apply that learning through a 120-hour senior internship that builds real experience and professional connections.
This program is part of Kinesiology & Health
The Manhattan Advantage
Why Study Public Health at Manhattan University?
Public health is the science of protecting and promoting the health of all people and the communities in which they live, work, learn, and play, with the goal of preventing disease and injury. At Manhattan University, you study the field's five core disciplines through interdisciplinary coursework, practical experience, and research, all guided by a commitment to community impact, health equity, and social justice. You will graduate ready to strengthen communities, whether you enter the workforce or pursue graduate study.
The Public Health program taught me invaluable skills, while also allowing me to gain hands-on experience through community health work, and research.
Alixandria James '23
Public Health Analyst, Health Resources and Services Administration
The Five Core Disciplines of Public Health
Public health is an interdisciplinary field, and the major is built around the five core disciplines that frame how professionals study and improve population health:
- Epidemiology — How disease and health outcomes are distributed across populations, and what drives them.
- Biostatistics — The data and statistical methods used to measure health and evaluate what works.
- Health Policy and Management — The legal, ethical, economic, and regulatory forces that shape health systems and policy.
- Environmental Health — How the physical and built environment affects human health.
- Social and Behavioral Sciences — The social, cultural, and behavioral determinants of health and health disparities.
Academics
Curriculum & Courses
Explore an interdisciplinary curriculum that builds knowledge across epidemiology, health policy, environmental health, research methods, and the social determinants of health, alongside a strong science and quantitative foundation. All course titles below are drawn directly from the Manhattan University catalog.
To view the whole curriculum, please visit Manhattan University's academic catalog.
- Disparities in Health
- Essentials for Public Health Practice
- Foundations of Public Health Policy
- Health Communication Methods
- Health Research Methods
- Introduction to Environmental Health
- Introduction to Public Health
- Kinesiology and Public Health
- Principles of Epidemiology
Gain Real-World Experience Through a Senior Internship
Every Public Health major completes a required 120-hour internship during the senior year. This three-credit experience lets you apply your learning in a professional setting and develop a network of contacts in the field before you graduate. Students intern across a wide range of organizations, including:
- Government health departments at the federal, state, and local levels
- Government agencies such as the EPA, CDC, and FDA
- Hospitals, health care centers, and other healthcare facilities
- Non-profit and community organizations
- Research institutions
- Schools
- Pharmaceutical and corporate organizations
- Assisted and senior living facilities
Why Study in New York City
There may be no better place to study public health than New York City. Within reach of campus are one of the largest municipal health departments in the country, federal and state agencies, world-class hospitals and research institutions, and a dense network of community organizations and nonprofits working on the front lines of population health. That access turns the city into a living laboratory, where students complete internships, build professional networks, and see public health practice up close. At Manhattan University, you apply what you learn in real communities and graduate ready to make an impact, near the heart of New York City.
Potential Careers
A Public Health degree prepares you for a wide range of careers focused on improving the health of communities and populations. Some graduates enter the workforce directly, while others pursue advanced degrees such as the Master of Public Health (MPH), Health Care Administration (HCA), or Master of Social Work (MSW).
- Biostatistician
- Health Educator and Community Health Worker
- Environmental Health Specialist
- Epidemiologist
- Health Policy Analyst
- Medical and Health Services Manager
- Public Health Analyst
Learn From Leaders in the Field
Public Health students learn from faculty in the Department of Kinesiology and Health who bring expertise across public health, health policy, epidemiology, and the social determinants of health. With small classes and a team approach to advising, faculty mentor you through the five core disciplines, your research, and your senior internship, helping you chart a path into the public health workforce or graduate study.
The Kakos School of Arts and Sciences
The Kakos School of Arts and Sciences is the largest of Manhattan University's three schools, offering 33 undergraduate majors, six graduate programs, and six combined degrees across the humanities, natural and social sciences, and professional fields. Grounded in the University's Lasallian Catholic mission and located near the heart of New York City, the School pairs rigorous academics with small classes, close faculty mentorship, and real-world experience throughout the five boroughs and beyond. With strong pre-law and pre-health advising and a focus on ethical, engaged scholarship, Kakos graduates leave prepared to lead, and the University ranks in the top 3% nationally for salary impact (Wall Street Journal, 2026), evidence of where that preparation leads.
Program Costs & Financial Aid
Manhattan University is committed to making a high-quality, career-focused education accessible and affordable. Through a combination of competitive tuition, robust financial aid, and our Jasper Guarantee, students and families can plan their education with confidence. The Jasper Guarantee locks your tuition rate for all four years—ensuring financial stability and eliminating unexpected increases as you work toward your degree.
More than 90% of Manhattan University students receive some form of financial assistance, including merit scholarships, grants, and need-based aid, significantly reducing the overall cost of attendance.
- View Tuition & Fees
- Explore Financial Aid
- Learn More About Scholarships
- Learn About the Jasper Guarantee
A Manhattan University education is an investment in your future, and we are dedicated to helping you access the resources that make it possible.
A Smarter Investment in Your Future
Jasper Guarantee
At Manhattan University, every undergraduate student is protected by the Jasper Guarantee, which locks your tuition rate for all four years, ensuring clarity, stability, and peace of mind as you plan your education. This promise reflects our commitment to affordability and to supporting students and families throughout their academic journey.
Admissions Information for Manhattan University
Start Your Journey in Public Health
Applying to Manhattan University is designed to be clear and accessible. Review the requirements below to take the next step toward your degree.
Requirements:
- Application & transcript
- SAT/ACT optional
- Personal statement
- Letter(s) of recommendation
Deadlines:
- Early Action: November 15
- Regular Decision: February 1
Admission and Application Process
International Students:
Support available for visas, documentation, and English-language assessments.
Prepare for the Real World
At Manhattan University, your education is built around who you are and where you want to go. Whether you’re ready to apply or just starting to explore, take the next step when you’re ready — we’re here to help.