Public Health

Immerse yourself in Interdisciplinary coursework, hands-on methodologies, and engagement with real-world public health initiatives to prepare for life as a public healthcare leader.

Why Integrated Public Health & Healthcare Leadership at Valpo?

Grounded in commitment, we radiate community impact. Our bachelor of science in integrated public health and healthcare leadership program is deeply rooted in the Valpo tradition of humility and servant leadership, helping students discover their joy in promoting healthy, disease-free communities.

Interdisciplinary coursework, hands-on methodologies, and engagement with real-world public health initiatives begin day one, preparing curious first-year students to graduate as entry-level leaders and practitioners. Combined with the cutting-edge resources, faculty mentorship, and multi-faceted journey of spiritual awakening offered by the College of Nursing and Health Professions, earning your public health degree at Valpo is the first step toward an even brighter future.

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About Integrated Public Health & Healthcare Leadership

Starting in fall 2025, Valpo will offer future healthcare leaders interested in public health two accelerated pathways:

Our dynamic bachelor of science in integrated public health and healthcare leadership is designed to be completed in just three years – shaving one year off the traditional undergraduate experience.

Students who want to take their education a step further and broaden their professional horizons can enroll in our unique 3+1 pathway toward a master of public health (MPH), which earns them two degrees in the time it usually takes to earn one. This interdisciplinary program is an opportunity to dive deeper into public health and focus on epidemiology to analyze health risks, track disease patterns, and improve health outcomes.

Both pathways prepare Valpo graduates to shine in governmental, nonprofit, and private sectors of healthcare.

Integrated Public Health and Healthcare Leadership

Overview

Our bachelor of science in integrated public health and healthcare leadership program is designed to emphasize evidence-based practice, applied research, and collaborative projects that culminate into a hands-on practicum experience during senior year.

Core Requirements

Aligned with Valpo’s core values, the College of Nursing and Health Professions is dedicated to cultivating compassionate servant leaders through a journey of intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth. Beginning in each student’s first year, our robust healthcare curriculum pairs with the Valparaiso University Experience (VUE) initiative, providing students with a diverse foundation in the natural sciences, social sciences, and liberal arts.

Major Requirements

Out of the program’s 124-credit requirement, 27 credits focus solely on public health, 27 credits delve into healthcare leadership, and 12 credits are dedicated to interprofessional education. Students must complete the following curriculum to satisfy all degree requirements:

Public Health		27 Credits
PHS 101	Introduction to Public Health	3 Cr.*
PHS 121	Environment and Health	3 Cr.*
PHS 203	Human Health and Disease	3 Cr.*
PHS 310	Prevention in Population Health	3 Cr.*
PHS 255	Communication Strategies for Public Health and Health Leadership	3 Cr.*
PHS 316	Community-Based Participatory Research	3 Cr.*
PHS 413	Social, Behavioral, and Cultural Factors in Healthcare	3 Cr.
PHS 421	Environmental Health for a Sustainable Future	3 Cr.*
PHS 460	Public Health Advocacy	3 Cr.*

Healthcare Leadership		27 Credits
HCL 105	Fundamentals of Healthcare Leadership	3 Cr.*
HCL 301	Healthcare Strategic Planning	3 Cr.*
HCL 302	Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues	3 Cr.*
HCL 303	Healthcare Management Information Systems	3 Cr.*
HCL 305	Finance & Accounting for Healthcare Leaders	3 Cr.*
HCL 306	Quality Improvement in Healthcare	3 Cr.*
HCL 370	Program Planning & Evaluation	3 Cr.*
HCL 417	HR Management for Healthcare Leaders	3 Cr.*
HCL 470	Healthcare Leadership Strategies	3 Cr.*

Choose One of the Following Leadership & Practicum Paths		9 Credits
PHS 318	Health Services Leadership & Administration	3 Cr.* AND
PHS 470	Public Health Practicum	3 Cr.* AND
PHS 480	Public Health Capstone	3 Cr.*
	OR
HCL 212	Leadership in Healthcare Organizations	4 Cr.* AND
HCL 480	Healthcare Leadership Practicum	5 Cr.*
*Grade of C- (1.700) or Better Required

Interprofessional Education		12 Credits
IPE 103	Exploring the Health Professions	3 Cr.
IPE 233	Principles of Health Education & Promotion	3 Cr.
IPE 304	Introduction to Epidemiology	3 Cr.
IPE 318	Global Health Issue	3 Cr.

Healthy Lifestyles General Education		1 Credit
XS 101	Wellness and Stress	1 Cr.

Arts and Sciences		48 Credits
VUE 101	Valpo Experience I	4 Cr.
VUE 102	Valpo Experience II	4 Cr.
THEO 202	The Christian Tradition	3 Cr.
ENGL 205	Writing for Health Sciences	3 Cr.

Upper Level Theology		3 Credits

Humanities Elective		3 Credits
BIO 151	Human Anatomy and Physiology I	4 Cr.*
BIO 152	Human Anatomy and Physiology II	4 Cr.*
BIO 210	Microbiology	4 Cr.*
BIO 260	Human Nutrition	3 Cr.*
PSY 110	General Psychology	3 Cr.*
PSY 201	Statistical Methods	3 Cr.*
PSY 215	Life Span Development	3 Cr.*

One Course from the Following Options		3 Credits
CHEM 111	Introduction to Chemistry	4 Cr.*
CHEM 121	General Chemistry I	4 Cr.*
CHEM 131	General Chemistry I for Chemistry Career	4 Cr.*
*Grade of C- (1.700) or Better Required

Career Outcomes

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment in healthcare occupations is expected to grow much faster than the average of all other occupations through 2033 – with about 1.9 million openings each year.

Careers in Public Health and Healthcare Leadership:

Community health worker
Environmental health officer
Epidemiologist
Healthcare administrator
Health education/health promotion specialist
Biostatistician

Since the inception of Valpo’s public health program, our graduates have gone on to serve at Advent Health, HealthLinc, Henry Ford Health, Mayo Clinic, Stryker, various state and local health departments, and more.

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

Program Rankings & Highlights

100%

of all students are engaged in experiential learning activities

3+1

Students maintaining a 3.0 GPA can enroll in graduate-level courses starting their third year, helping transition into their MPH

97.1%

of nursing and health profession graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within nine months of graduation.

Meet Our Faculty

Professors. Mentors. Friends. At Valparaiso University, you will work on real-life problems alongside faculty leaders with decades of experience and a true desire to do what’s best for you.

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