Public Health at NIU
Bachelor of Science
Better health today means a better world tomorrow.
Stopping the spread of disease. Treating substance abuse. Cleaning up environmental contamination. Public health professionals have a big impact on people and communities. By majoring in this important field, you'll gain the knowledge, planning and information handling skills to improve health and well-being in a variety of settings.
I am pursuing this field because I want to be better equipped to identify and address health issues on a larger scale, particularly the disparities that leave many minorities and impoverished people without access to quality health care.
ApplyFind Public Health Scholarships
Learn close to home.
This program is also available at the University Center at McHenry County College.
What Can I Do With a Public Health Degree From NIU?
Your degree will prepare you for a range of health- and service-related careers. You can enhance the well-being of people and communities by managing programs, conducting research, providing outreach services and more.
Top skills reported by alumni:
- Leadership
- Management
- Outreach
- Public speaking
- Teamwork
Top fields alumni work in:
- Education
- Government
- Health care
- Information technology
- Nonprofit
Other Programs to Consider
Career Potential for NIU Public Health Majors
Average mid-career salary:
$72,646
Top employers include:
- Advocate Aurora Health
- CVS Health
- DuPage County Health Department
- Northwestern Medicine
- Rush University Medical Center
Job titles include:
- Admissions director
- Care coordinator
- Case manager
- Environmental health specialist
- Registered nurse
Source: Steppingblocks, 2023
What to Expect as a Public Health Major at NIU
As you learn about improving health and wellness, you'll have access to research and internship opportunities. You can also get involved with our health-related student organizations and live with students with similar interests in our Health Professions House.
You can choose an emphasis to focus your studies:
- Environment and health
- General public health
- Health administration
- Health promotion
How We’ll Help You Succeed
Apply for free and we’ll automatically consider you for a renewable merit scholarship.
Earn your bachelor’s degree fast with our affordable tuition and fees. Any credit hours you take over 12 are free (per semester).
Prepare to thrive after graduation with personalized support from Career Services.
With our truth-in-tuition policy, you’ll get the same fixed tuition rate for four continuous years, whether you live in Illinois or another state.
Apply to NIU
First-year Students
(Freshman)
High School GPA
3.0 or higher?
You're guaranteed general NIU admission.
ACT/SAT SCORES
Not considered.
We think your high school GPA is a better predictor of your success.
Transfer Students
ALL COLLEGES GPA
2.0 or higher?
You're guaranteed general NIU admission.
ALL COLLEGES GPA
3.0 or higher?
You're guaranteed a
renewable merit scholarship.