Program at a glance

How much does it cost? 

Learn more about how to afford a degree from the University of Nevada, Reno.

How long does it take?

This 120 credit program is designed to be completed in four years.

Who can apply? 

Open to all undergraduate students at the University of Nevada, Reno. Learn more about admissions and applying.

What will I learn in a public health degree program?

If you are thinking of a career in any aspect of health, you should be thinking of public health. You'll study varied but inter-related subjects so you learn how to understand explore health from multiple perspectives: emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, environmental as well as physical.

Learning outcomes

The essence of public health is prevention and includes organized interdisciplinary efforts that concentrate on the physical, mental, social and environmental health concerns of communities and populations.

In the public major, you'll study topics such as:

  • History and philosophy of public health
  • Importance of data & understanding evidence-based approaches to public health
  • Underlying science of human health and disease
  • Wide range of factors that impact human health and contribute to health disparities (socio-economic, behavioral, biological, environmental)
  • Health policy, law, ethics and economics
  • Health communications

Internship experience

Your degree program culminates in an internship experience during your senior year. You'll find an internship with a local community organization, allowing you to put what you've learned during your degree program into practice. Internships are also a great way to build your professional network and get ready for your career after graduation. 

Learn more about the School of Public Health

The School of Public Health is for anyone who is passionate about pursuing a career in the health industry. Learn more about the faculty who will be teaching your classes, our research and how you can get involved. 

Options in the public health degree program

Careers with a degree in public health

Public health majors are prepared to work in a variety of public and private positions from hospital administration to community health education. In addition, the broad perspective on health that our students develop is a distinct advantage for graduate programs, including medicine, physical therapy, business and public health among many others.

You can afford the University of Nevada, Reno

76% of students receive financial aid

Almost everyone is eligible to receive some kind of aid. We offer need-based and merit-based forms of financial aid to help you afford college.

54% of all students graduate with no debt

That's right. More than half of our students leave the University of Nevada, Reno with no student debt.

Life's a journey. Honors makes it meaningful.

At the University of Nevada, Reno Honors College, our students maximize their unique gifts and passions through a series of personalized experiences that deepen their capacity for transformative societal impact.

Visit the Honors College
Four honors students standing near Manzanita Lake; one is holding a soccer ball.