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Bachelor of Science
Public Health & Preventive Medicine
Integrate faith, science and service as you develop the skills for meaningful careers in public health, preventive medicine, community health and leadership.
Is This Program for Me?
Public health and preventive medicine is a strong fit for students curious about how health is shaped—not just by biology and medical care, but by social, environmental and community factors. If you’re motivated to understand health at the community and population level, with an emphasis on prevention, and want a foundation you can build on, this program may be right for you. If you’re motivated to understand health at the community and population level, with an emphasis on prevention, and want a foundation you can build on, this program may be right for you.
This program is ideal for students who are interested in:
- The impact of social, economic and environmental conditions on health
- Disease prevention, health promotion and community wellness
- Health disparities, access to care and health equity
- Public health responses to epidemics, environmental hazards and chronic disease
- Using research, data and statistics to inform population-based and clinical health decisions
What Will I Learn?
Samford’s Public Health and Preventive Medicine major provides a strong foundation in the concepts, methods and practices used to understand and improve population health in a rapidly changing world.
The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem solving, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strong communication skills, preparing students to address complex health challenges from a prevention and population‑based and systems-oriented perspective.
Areas of Study
- Public Health and Preventive Medicine Foundations
- Population Health and Health Disparities
- Epidemiology and Data Literacy
- Health Policy, Systems, and Community Health
- Public Health Communication and Advocacy
“My coursework at Samford gave me a strong foundation in understanding public health systems and the importance of communication, research and advocacy. Professors emphasize real world application, which helps me feel prepared to contribute meaningfully.”
Ella Ingram ’26
What Makes Us Different?
Samford’s BS in Public Health and Preventive Medicine stands apart by combining academic rigor, personalized mentorship, and faith centered formation in a collaborative learning environment. Students receive a flexible, purpose driven education designed to prepare them for meaningful service and leadership.
A Personalized Degree Path
Students tailor their graduate education through electives, research, and experiential learning aligned with their career interests and goals.
Interprofessional, Team‑Based Learning
Instruction draws on expertise across the College of Health Sciences, reflecting today’s collaborative approach to health care.
Accelerated Graduate Pathways
Motivated students may apply to fast‑track options leading to graduate degrees in as little as five years.
Hands‑On Learning
Research, service‑learning, internships and community engagement connect theory to practice and build professional confidence.
Faith‑Integrated Education
Grounded in Christian mission, the program emphasizes compassion, ethical leadership, stewardship, and care for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.
Accelerated Public Health Degrees
Samford’s Public Health and Prevention Medicine program is designed to support both immediate career entry and advanced academic study. Students develop a strong foundation in population health, prevention and community health that complements a wide range of graduate and professional paths.
Fast-Track Options
- BS in Public Health and Preventive Medicine / Master of Public Health (MPH)
- BS in Public Health and Preventive Medicine / Master of Social Work (MSW)
Preparation for Graduate and Professional Study
Public health and preventive medicine are an excellent pathway for students considering medicine, nursing, physician assistant programs or other health professions, as well as graduate study in public health or social sciences. Graduates may continue their education through Samford’s online Master of Public Health or Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) programs.
Admission to fast‑track and graduate programs is competitive and requires a separate application.
Career Preparation
Samford’s BS in Public Health and Preventive Medicine intentionally prepares students to translate academic learning into meaningful next steps after graduation through mentorship, experiential learning, and professional development.
Career Support and Experiential Learning
- Personalized faculty advising
- A required supervised semester‑long internship or approved applied research project
- Career coaching and professional development resources
- Networking opportunities with alumni and community partners
Experiential partners have included organizations such as Jefferson County Department of Health, Susan G. Komen Foundation, Coosa Riverkeeper, PARCA, Uganda Village Project, 410 Bridge, and others.
Students may also pursue faculty‑guided research, exploring topics like food insecurity, medical mistrust, harm reduction and community‑based health interventions.
Career Pathways and Alumni Outcomes
- Community and public health education and prevention programs
- Health program coordination and evaluation
- Epidemiology and research support
- Environmental and occupational health
- Health policy, nonprofit, and mission‑driven organizations
Alumni have gone on to serve with organizations such as the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps VISTA, Jefferson County Department of Health, and have continued studies in medicine, nursing, physician assistant programs, law, public health, environmental science and related fields.
Application Information
Freshman applications for next fall are open.Freshman Early Action applications close November 1st.The freshman first scholarship deadline is December 1st.Transfer applications for the spring semester close Dec. 15.Freshman FAFSA priority and scholarship deadlines are Feb. 15.Decision day is coming! Freshman applications for fall enrollment close May 1st.Transfer applications for fall enrollment close July 1st.Freshman applications for fall enrollment are closed. Applications for next year open August 1st.Transfer applications for fall enrollment are closed. Applications for next year open September 1st.
