Program Information for Current UF Students » Undergraduate Programs » College of Public Health and Health Professions

The Bachelor of Public Health is designed for students whose career goal is to work in health systems or organizations providing health related or general human services to individuals and communities.

The BPH limited access program is a two-year, 60-credit curriculum. The curriculum for the BPH provides the opportunity to learn foundation skills necessary to succeed in the dynamic health environment and is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills for both individual and community-based health care. The program provides students the core skills necessary for advanced education in public health or a related field.

All students learn about:

the five major areas of public health (biostatistics, environmental health services, epidemiology, health services administration, and social and behavioral sciences) and each area’s contribution to public health;
how social determinants of health impact disability, disease and illness in populations;
critical aspects of contemporary public health challenges;
professional communication;
the scientific basis of public health knowledge.

Minimum application requirements:

A minimum 3.0 overall GPA
A minimum 3.0 prerequisite GPA with a “C” or better in all prerequisite courses
Completed a large majority of prerequisite courses before you apply

Required prerequisite courses:

General College Biology: BSC2005 or BSC2010
Statistics: STA2023
Six (6) credits of Social and Behavioral Sciences, including PSY2012 as the state core
English Composition: ENC1101 and ENC1102
Advanced Professional Writing: ENC2210 or ENC3453

BPH Program-Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Program Questions:*
Please make a selection from our drop down menu.
Yes.
A variety of factors are used in making admissions decisions, such as specific course performance, academic performance over time, career goals, content and quality of personal essay, and relevant experiences.
You have to apply for admission and be accepted to join the BPH program at the junior level. Not all students meeting the minimum requirements will necessarily be accepted. The advantage of limited access admission is that we guarantee you a space in all of your core courses so that you can graduate in a timely manner.
Yes.
A minimum grade of C is required for all prerequisite courses, as well as all General Education and Gordon Rule courses. However, you must have a 3.0 overall and prerequisite GPA to be considered for admission.
Four. The four prerequisites must come from the following courses: Biology, Psychology, Statistics, and a writing course. Your spring registration and application information should reflect enrollment and/or knowledge that you will complete the remaining prerequisites based upon the deadline for which you intend to apply for enrollment.
We strongly encourage students to meet with an academic advisor at least once a semester during your freshman and sophomore year.
The application deadline is February 1. If you miss the application deadline we will review late applications on a case-by-case basis but typically the class is filled by students meeting the application deadline.
We strongly encourage you to have a back-up plan; if you are not admitted into the program you are required to select another major/program of study.
Yes, during the summer months. Such travel plans are made through the International Center and require an advisor’s approval. In addition, if admitted, our University offers a study abroad program at the La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia (see UFIC website for more information).
Students are typically notified of admissions decisions within three months, with most decisions being released in mid to late April. However, there are a variety of factors that affect the timing of notifications. For example, it is common for us to hold a large number of applications until spring grades are available.
Yes. We typically admit several students from the wait list each year.
Although you are expected to meet the minimal GPA requirements, there are choices you can make to strengthen your application. If you did poorly in a course or courses that you normally are strong in, take a more advanced course or courses to show you can do the work. The admissions committee does take into account your pattern of performance over time.
If there is something you think it would be helpful for the admissions committee to know, then include an explanation with your application. They will consider that information in the context of the consistency of your performance in different semesters. If you are having medical or interpersonal issues affecting your academic performance, the most important thing you can do is get the right help. Be responsible and ensure you are addressing the issues creating the academic concerns. In addition, sometimes students have learning disabilities that are not diagnosed until college. If you suspect this might be part of any academic struggles, consult the Disability Resources Center.