Science in Public Health
San Francisco State University, United States
Bachelor of Science in Public Health
San Francisco State University
Public Health
Bachelor of Science in Public Health at San Francisco State University
The Bachelor of Science in Public Health at San Francisco State University is a 58-unit major program designed to build your knowledge and skills in public health and provide a pathway into a range of professions that influence and support community health. Housed within the Department of Public Health in the College of Health and Social Sciences, this program prepares you for entry-level positions across diverse public health settings.
The curriculum is grounded in core public health competencies including social determinants of health, epidemiology, health policy, community organizing, health and power inequities, and public health programming with hands-on practice in the field. You will also develop essential professional skills such as oral and written communication, quantitative and scientific literacy, critical thinking, cultural humility, teamwork, and leadership.
Located in the vibrant city of San Francisco, SFSU provides unparalleled access to public health agencies, community-based organizations, and healthcare institutions for fieldwork and internship opportunities. The program serves as an excellent foundation for graduate studies in public health, nursing, medicine, social work, public policy, and related fields.
Program Highlights
- 58-unit major within a 120-unit degree featuring a curriculum grounded in public health competencies and social justice principles
- Required fieldwork internship of 120 hours providing directed experiences in health departments, voluntary health agencies, and community health services
- Emphasis on health equity, cultural humility, and participatory learning that integrates theory, research, and practice
- Located in San Francisco with direct access to leading public health organizations, hospitals, and community health agencies for career networking
Curriculum and Modules
The BS in Public Health curriculum includes 13 units of lower-division foundation courses, 36 units of upper-division core courses, and 9 units of electives, totaling 58 units in the major. The upper-division coursework is designed in four sequential semester tiers where content, knowledge, and skills build progressively upon each other.
Public Health Research Methods (PH 425)
3 UnitsIntroduction to quantitative and qualitative research, evaluation procedures, and basic statistical methods with an emphasis on critical thinking skills for reading and understanding research articles and reports.
Writing in Public Health (PH 400GW)
3 UnitsDevelops advanced written communication skills specific to public health contexts, including professional reports, research summaries, and health communication materials. This course must be taken concurrently with PH 425.
Community Health Education Theory (PH 430)
3 UnitsExplores theoretical frameworks, concepts, and methods that form the basis for community health education, including communication and group process, social change, and behavioral and attitudinal change strategies.
Health Education Program Planning (PH 431)
3 UnitsSenior-level professional preparation in health education program planning, implementation, and evaluation. Builds practical skills for designing and managing community health interventions.
Structural Oppression and Social Foundations of Health (PH 520)
3 UnitsExamines how structural systems have systematically limited access to power and resources for minoritized communities in the United States, resulting in health disparities across racial, ethnic, gender, and immigrant populations.
Fieldwork in Public Health (PH 480)
9 UnitsDirected experiences in public health and community health education through fieldwork in health departments, voluntary health agencies, and community health services. Requires 120 hours of supervised internship at an approved placement site.
Elective Courses
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Public Health at San Francisco State University is open to both domestic and international students. To be considered, applicants must meet SFSU's general admission standards as well as English language proficiency requirements. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized guidance on your application.
Academic Requirements
- Secondary EducationCompletion of 12 years of primary-secondary education with qualification to enter a university in your home country
- Academic RecordGood scholastic record from an accredited or recognized school with above-average grades (approximately GPA 2.5-3.0 or equivalent)
- Foundation CoursesBiology (BIOL 100, BIOL 101), Statistics (MATH 124), and introductory public health courses (PH 205) should be completed prior to upper-division coursework
- Total Degree Units120 total units required for graduation, with a minimum of 58 units in the Public Health major
- Transfer StudentsTransfer applicants with an AS-T in Public Health Science receive specific guarantees related to admission and graduation requirements
English Language Requirements
- TOEFL iBTMinimum score of 61
- IELTSMinimum overall score of 6.0
- English Education WaiverThree years of full-time study at an institution where English was the principal language of instruction
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
San Francisco State University is dedicated to offering financial aid to its students, with approximately 68% of full-time students receiving some form of scholarships or financial assistance. Contact Uni4Edu to learn about funding opportunities available for international students in the Public Health program.
SFSU Need-Based Grants
Need-based financial aid grants are available to eligible students based on demonstrated financial need. The average need-based grant award at SFSU is approximately USD 9,004.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the BS in Public Health program at SFSU pursue a wide variety of career paths across the public health sector. The professional skills and critical thinking developed through the program have applications in both health and non-health employment settings, and many graduates continue to advanced studies in public health, medicine, nursing, social work, and public policy.
Potential Job Roles
Types of Employers
Rankings and Recognition
San Francisco State University is a well-established public research university founded in 1899 and part of the California State University system. SFSU is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission and is recognized nationally for its commitment to social mobility, diversity, and international student engagement.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Health and Physical Education | College Factual | Top Ranked Major |
| Health Sciences | Nature Index | #708 |
| Best Colleges in California | College Factual | #30 |
| Education | UniversityGuru | #5 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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