Become who you’re meant to be. In Bethel’s B.A. in Public and Community Health, you’ll promote health and wellness through improving health literacy, attitudes, skills, and behaviors. Through internships, fieldwork, and service-learning opportunities, you’ll build a solid understanding of sociological and environmental issues that impact community wellbeing. You’ll graduate prepared to take the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) examination and go out into the world to serve.
Contact us
Request info
Interested in learning more about Bethel's public and community health major? Fill out this simple form and we'll send you more information soon.
Hey! Looks like the form didn't load. If it doesn't load after a second or two, please refresh the page and you should see it. If that doesn't work, please let us know.
Connect with a counselor
They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.
Courses and skills
What skills will I develop?
With a public and community health major, you'll gain the skills and knowledge needed to promote wellness and improve health outcomes in diverse communities. You’ll be equipped to address the full spectrum of health issues, integrate your faith into your work, and lead with compassion and expertise.
Comprehensive health education
Courses emphasize prevention and management of injury and disease, emotional health and wellbeing, health promotion, skill-building, epidemiology, nutrition education, critical thinking, and theories of health behavior.
Holistic health promotion
You'll learn to see the big picture of sociological and environmental issues affecting community wellbeing and elevate the health status of individuals, families, and communities through improved health literacy and behavior.
Critical skills development
You'll gain essential skills in critical thinking, collaboration, cross-cultural and interpersonal communication, research, and teaching health topics.
Leadership and faith integration
You’ll learn to integrate your faith with the study of health and wellness, addressing the whole person in your care.
Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) eligibility
You’ll be prepared to sit for the CHES examination, enhancing your professional credentials.
Academic plans
Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.
Learning opportunities
What experiences will I have?
Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, study abroad, apply what you’ve learned, and gain. And Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away.
Internships and field experience
During your required internship, you'll gain entry into the practice of community health through working in a clinic, social work agency, non-profit organization, or other location that provides hands-on experience. Courses will also include field experiences that expose you to a variety of career opportunities.
Study abroad
Study around the world through trips over a full semester, January session, spring break, and summer.
Service learning
Service-learning opportunities through your classwork will enrich your studies, preparing you before you leave Bethel.
Real-world impact
What can I do with a public and community health degree?
With a B.A. in Public and Community Health from Bethel, you'll be prepared for diverse career opportunities and equipped with the skills to make a meaningful impact on community well-being. And you’ll be prepared for the CHES examination, a national standard for health education practice.
Public health and prevention
You’ll be equipped to work in public health roles like health officer, prevention specialist, and public health social worker, focusing on disease prevention, health promotion, and community well-being.
Community health education
You can teach and promote wellness in various settings as a community health educator, health and wellness educator, health programs outreach specialist, and more.
Healthcare administration
Gain the foundation for healthcare leadership roles where you manage health services and lead initiatives to improve community health. You could one day work as a health administrator, director of volunteers, and health program director.
Clinical and healthcare support
Gain the expertise to work in clinical settings, including hospitals, medical clinics, and senior healthcare facilities, as a staff member or case manager, ensuring quality care and support for patients.
Specialized health services
With further education, you can work in specialized fields such as health administration, nutrition, occupational therapy, physical therapy, epidemiology, environmental health, and counseling, enhancing your expertise and career prospects.
Industry opportunities
Use your skills to work in health and wellness-related roles at a variety of organizations, including city, county, and state government; corporations; health clubs; insurance companies; K-12 schools, nonprofits, and universities.
Start your journey
Explore Bethel for yourself
Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.
Faculty mentors
Meet your professors
You’ll experience close mentorship alongside supportive and knowledgeable professors who always have an open-door policy.
Department of Community Health
Location
Contact
Diane Dahl Ph.D., M.S.N., RN
Interim Dean of Healthcare Programs and Dean of Nursing; Chief Nursing Administrator
Student Support
Your support team
At Bethel, you’ll experience a community where you belong. And that means you’ll be able to access numerous tools for your academic success—tutoring, mentors, study help, and more.
Career coaching and preparation
A dedicated team is here to empower you to lead a purposeful life. Career coaches will help you build a resume, pursue internships and jobs, and provide support at every step of the way.
Academic advising
No matter your goals, you’ll find support from your advisor. They’ll help you plan your courses and will provide support as you complete your degree and start a successful career.
Tutoring and academic support
The Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC) will be your first stop for academic support. You’ll find help in building study skills, academic counseling, and more.
Faith formation
As you develop your faith, you’ll have support from our Campus Ministries team. From Chapel to Bible studies, you’ll have numerous opportunities to explore and grow in your faith.
Accessible education
Tuition and financial aid
We want you to understand from the beginning what a Bethel education costs. That’s why we made it simple. Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, tuition for the College of Arts & Sciences will be $25,990—down from $44,050. This more accurately reflects what you can expect to pay, empowering you to make informed decisions and become who you're meant to be.
Become A Bethel Student
Apply now
You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.
Find your fit
Explore related programs
Bethel’s small size, strong community, and liberal arts focus allows you to personalize your education by adding additional majors or minors. In fact, about 30% of students double major—and many pursue degrees in vastly different disciplines.
Explore the full lists: