Department of Public and Community Health
Help shape a better world by promoting health and wellbeing through service, advocacy, and compassion.
Start your journey
Experience Bethel for yourself
Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you explore our welcoming community, you can attend a class, meet with students and professors, and get a taste of life in our program.
Meaningful preparation
Program highlights
All our academic departments stand out for their excellence and innovation—and the way our professors care about their students. Learn more about what sets our department apart.
Learning opportunities
In our programs, you’ll find numerous opportunities to travel the world, get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience.
Hands-on learning
You’ll gain real-world experience while working alongside community health professionals during a semester-long internship.
Faith integration
Our professors teach the integration of spiritual health as part of overall health and wellbeing, which means you’ll learn how your faith can inform your career. They’ll also model how to be skilled health professionals and faithful Christians.
Professional preparation
Completion of the public and community health major will prepare you to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) examination.
Skills for almost any career
You’ll learn to cultivate critical thinking and creative problem-solving abilities, hone your analytical skills, and refine your written skills for clear communication of health information.
Real-world impact
Career outcomes
A degree in community health prepares you for diverse career paths and further education.
Skills
You’ll develop a versatile skillset, including:
- Critical thinking
- Empathetic listening and communication
- Cultural competence and diversity awareness
- Advocacy and social justice promotion
- Case management and intervention strategies
- Crisis intervention and conflict resolution
- Community organization and leadership
Careers
Your degree will prepare you for roles like:
- Federal, state, county, or local government employees
- Hospital or medical clinic staff
- Senior healthcare facility staff
- Leaders in community health agencies (American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, etc.)
- Community health educators or specialists
- School health coordinators
- Teachers or directors of recreational activity programs (e.g., YMCA, camps, community recreation programs)
Graduate school
You’ll be equipped to pursue advanced degrees in:
- Public health (epidemiology, environmental health, etc.)
- Nursing
- Occupational therapy
- Physician assistant
- Physical therapy
- Gerontology
- Education
- Nutrition
Our Community
Alumni spotlight
Respect Djunga
Degree: B.A. in Community Health, B.A. in Reconciliation Studies
For Respect, community health isn’t just a major—it’s a crucial piece of the puzzle in his mission to mend broken bonds and systems. Through learning opportunities with Urban Farm and Garden Alliance, the Baltimore Urban Studies program, and Helping Up Mission, Respect decided to add a community health major. He sees it as a vital component of his calling to help restore broken relationships and larger systems.
Recent news
Respect Djunga '25 Looks to His Future as a Collaborative World-Changer on the National and Global Level
June 15, 2023 | 10:30 a.m.
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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.
Faculty mentors
Meet your professors
You’ll experience close mentorship alongside supportive and knowledgeable professors who always have an open-door policy.
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.