Best Online Associate's in Public Health

The University of Illinois at Chicago offers a certificate in public health geographic information systems online. This program is designed to support students to solve large scale public health issues with the use of GIS data. Not only will students gain a foundation in public health, but they will also learn the key ingredients of data visualization and the ways it impacts the health sciences. This certificate program is delivered entirely online and can be completed with four distinct courses if the students already have some experience using GIS. Geographic Information Systems are the technologies that enable us to understand better the data that impacts public health. For example, it allows for increased data visualization and spatial analysis regarding the many points related to the range of factors impacting community health. The heightened understanding of data can have a lasting impact on the health of many populations. 

Degree Type: Certificate in Global Information Systems

Penn State World Campus offers an Associates of Science in Human Development and Family Studies that is delivered entirely online. This online associates degree in public health brings together theoretical and practical experience that offers the tools needed to gain effective entry level employment upon graduation. Students will choose between one of two disciplines including children, youth, and family services and adult development and aging services. Many graduates utilize this degree as a foundation for a four year education, and beyond, in public health. Students will study concepts that include family development, lifespan and professional skills like writing and communication. The online format is designed to be flexible, and provides a virtual classroom that enables students to never step foot on campus. Even though it is a fully online degree, they require applied learning experiences to ensure students will have experience working in the industry of human services. 

Degree Type: Human Development and Family Studies, AS

The American Military University offers an associates of science in public health degree. This online associates degree in public health is delivered through their School of Health Sciences. This program has some real financial perks as they do not require an application fee or a fee for transfer credit evaluation. The other financially advantageous aspect of this program is that they require students to spend zero dollars on textbooks, books and class materials. They offer a variety of introductory courses that include topics such as health and wellness, psychology, and sociology. They also require coursework that tackles interpersonal communication, motivation, and leadership. Students will also focus on occupational health and safety as it relates to cultural wellness and precautionary safety measures. The entire program is 60 credit hours in length and students can transfer in up to 45 credits. 

Degree Type: Public Health, AS 

The School of Health Sciences at the American Public University offers an associates of science in public health. This online associates degree in public health looks closely at the healthcares system in the United States. They emphasize topics such as psychology, health, sociology, and wellness. Students will look at prevention measures on a domestic and global scale and work on a variety of interpersonal skills like communication, collaboration, motivation, and leadership. The coursework will prepare students to effectively work within the occupational health and healthcare fields as well as within the realm of professional safety. Optimal health promotion is a key factor in this program, and students will learn how to employ these practices not only to their own lives, but within the communities that they serve. The entire course of study is made up of 60 credit hours and the classes are delivered in eight week sections. 

Degree Type: Public Health, AS 

University of Massachusetts Amherst has a summer program called University Without Walls with a variety of course offerings. This is a series of classes that are delivered online in a myriad of subjects. Included are a variety of public health courses with credits that can be later applied to a four year degree program in the field of public health. Some of the classes include: My Body, My Health, Epidemiology in Public Health, Public Health Communications, LGBTQ Health, Introduction to Health Services Management, and Public Health Through the Ages: A History of Public Health Practice in the United States. The classes are either three or four credit hours in length and are designed to expand the scope of the public health discipline, offering new insights. Some people will choose to just take one class, while others will use this as a stepping stone for a major. All classes are taught by expert faculty members. 

Degree Type: classes that can be applied to an associates

The Florida Institute of Technology offers an Associates of Arts in Healthcare Management that is designed to provide a foundation in both liberal arts and healthcare management. The program is delivered entirely online in a flexible format, making it easy for students to work while undergoing their classes. Students can log into their coursework at any time. Other skills that will be emphasized in the program include business tools, management, medical ethics, managed healthcare, and healthcare organizational structures. There will also be attention to technology, accounting, computer skills, management, economics, as well as other topics. The program is fully accredited by both the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and also the Schools Commission on Colleges. There are many career options for graduates including medical records technician, case coordinator, and medical administrator. Alumni hold careers in many fields and work for companies like NASA. 

Degree Type: Healthcare Management, AA

Northland Community and Technical College offers a Health Sciences Broad Field Associates in Science program. This online associates degree in public health is preparatory for students to ultimately transfer into a bachelors program in a field related to the health sciences. Some related fields that students often choose to engage include: nutrition, social work, nursing, health education, exercise science, corrections and of course public health. The coursework emphasizes foundational sciences as well as many health related subjects. Students will also undergo extensive coursework in human services. The entire course of study is 60 credit hours in length. The program is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission as well as the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. All of the coursework engages diversity, equity and inclusion as it applies to every discipline. Each class has all of it’s requirements listed on the website along with the required textbooks. 

Degree Type: Health Sciences Broad Field, AS

LaGuardia Community College offers an associates in science in public and community health program. This is an online associates degree in public health that brings together multicultural, interpersonal, social, psychological and behavioral theories through the lens of public health programming and community environments. This program offers students competent expert faculty members and an advising team that can support the process of transferring to a four year institution throughout the course of study and after graduation. The advising team also gives access to a peer network that will help orient students to the major. The program is multifaceted with a focus on human health and development while looking at topics that relate to wellness in small and large scales. Though most of the coursework is conducted online, there are some in person components that require students to be on campus. The sciences will be heavily emphasized in this program.

Degree Type: Public & Community Health, AS 

Riverland Community College offers an associate of science program in the health sciences (broad field). This is an online associates degree in public health that offers foundational courses that are relevant to a myriad of health disciplines. It is primarily designed to be a transfer program, and there are several local four year schools that are partnered with Riverland. They make it easy for graduates of this program to matriculate into the next phase of their public health education as a result of the transfer guarantee agreement. This enables students to graduate from their associates with all of the general education courses under their belt, as well as a foundation in the discipline. The required general education classes including: natural sciences, mathematical/ logical reasoning, history and the social and behavioral sciences, human diversity, and the humanities and fine arts. 

Degree Type: Health Sciences Broad Field, AS

South Seattle College offers an excellent foundational associates in arts degree in public health. This online associates degree in public health gives students an opportunity to get their feet wet in the discipline as they prepare to either transfer to a four year degree program or find an entry level position in the human services or public health discipline. They work with students to engage with the necessary skills to support a variety of populations to live healthier and safer lives. Students will learn about health preservation through prevention practices, education, and community based initiatives. Graduates of this program will have access to the Seattle colleges at a fraction of the price, because they will have completed the first two years of their education in a much more affordable associates pathway. There are many career opportunities associated with this pathway including: public health educator, drug and alcohol educator, and corporate wellness director. 

Degree Type: Public Health, AA

The Northampton Community College offers a comprehensive associates degree in public health. This is an online associates degree in public health and there are zero in person requirements. Health promotion and ultimately saving lives is on the agenda for this curriculum. Students will learn the necessary interpersonal skills to offer effective counseling and health and wellness promotion within communities. All of the online courses are facilitated by faculty members who are experts in the field of public health. The first year of coursework is comprised of extensive biology requirements as well as public health specific classes. The second year includes extensive coursework in the discipline. It culminates in a capstone project that enables students to put all of the theories they’ve learned to the test in a community oriented setting. There are many opportunities to network in this program and get a handle on what a career in public health can look like. 

Degree Type: Public Health, AAS

Valencia College offers a unique program opportunity in health information technology. This is a convenient and flexible online associates degree in public health and beyond. Though there are many components of public health, they have an emphasis on medical records. This specialization will offer students a direct portal to an entry level career upon graduation. The program lasts a total of five semesters, though many courses can be accounted for by previous academic programming. Industry certifications can be utilized for course credits as well. Students who engage in this course of study will have the option of participating in classes at their convenience, which makes it easy for them to work at the same time. There are some prerequisite courses that should be completed prior to enrolling in the program. This program has been operational since January 2014. The rate of student graduation is 83%. 

Degree Type: Health Information Technology, AS

Long Beach City College offers an associates of science in public health science. This program has many online learning options with some in person requirements. This particular learning pathway is designed for students to ultimately transfer to four year bachelor’s programs in related fields. The program offers a bedrock of skills in public health that touch upon critical specializations including environmental health, epidemiology, global health, health education, health services administration, and global health. Students will be prepared to engage in a variety of career paths in settings such as hospitals, health departments, non profit organizations, research labs and corporations, health, clinics and programs that are delivered internationally. Many people graduate and choose careers such as nutritionists, health care administrators, epidemiologists, and community health planners. Students will learn many key interventions for community and individual wellness including health risk assessment. 

Degree Type: Long Beach City College, AS

The Anne Arundel Community College offers an associates in science degree program in public health professions. This is an online associates degree in public health that students can pick a virtual option of learning. The general education courses may require some in person coursework. This course of study is designed to support students to gain the foundations of public health as they are related to a variety of career paths. Many people approach this degree program from a place of disease prevention, while others are more interested in policy, advocacy and regulation. This particular course of study was designed for students who are interested in transferring to a four year institution following completion of this degree path. Some of the related programs at Anne Arundel include human services, communications, physical sciences, and life sciences. They also offer an additional relevant associates degree in Transfer Studies. 

Degree Type: Public Health Professions, AS

Concordia University offers an associates of arts in health care management program that can be completed entirely online. Not only is this program designed to support students to have rewarding careers in a number of healthcare related fields, including public health, but it also offers students many transfer options upon graduation. The entire course of study is made up of 64 credit hours. Concordia is a faith based institution that infuses christianity into all of it’s programming, so prospective students should have an interest in participating in the religious aspects of this coursework. The evaluation of research is a key component found in the course objectives. Don’t let financial strain be an issue, because there are many financial aid opportunities for this particular program. Many graduates of this program have gone on to work in professions such as home health aides and nurse practitioners. 

Degree Type: Health Care Management, AA

Northern Essex Community College offers an associates in arts degree program in health care management. This online associates degree in public health has many options to engage including healthy lifestyle, preventative measures, population studies, social justice as it relates to healthcare, among other options. On top of coursework, each student will participate in a practicum internship experience that will give them real world experience. There are many opportunities for prospective students to learn about the program, including virtual open houses. Students will graduate from the program with the skills to be critical patient navigators and work in a variety of settings including federal healthcare agencies. Students who are interested in transferring to a four year degree program following this program will have the opportunity to save thousands of dollars by achieving an associates rather than going directly into a four year program. 

Degree Type: Public Health Associate’s Degree

Liberty University offers an associate degree program in medical office assistant. This program can be considered an online associates degree in public health program as it is delivered entirely online. Each course can be completed in eight week segments. They have many start dates throughout the year, making it easy for students to matriculate when it is convenient for them. Not to mention, this degree path is incredibly transfer friendly, as students will be able to transfer in up to 75 percent of the credits for this degree path. The entire course of study is made up of 64 credit hours. Students should be able to complete this degree program in two years. The program is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Liberty prides themselves on their evangelical christian foundation and the ways they infuse their religious teachings into all of their programming. 

Degree Type: Medical Office Assistance, AAS

Montgomery County Community College offers an associates of science program in public health that is delivered primarily online. The entire course of study is made up of 61 credit hours. Most graduates of the program continue their education in a four year bachelors program upon completion. They have a team of advisors that are expressly there to help students take the proper course requirements for easy matriculation into the next phase of their education or entry level employment in the field of public health. Students will learn how to analyze the variety of perspectives and values held by diverse groups of people as they relate to health behaviors, decisions, and public health practices. Students will learn how to look at the ethical issues associated with public health systems, practices, and the related policies. The general education coursework includes classes that touch upon communication strategies including speech communication and public speaking. 

Degree Type: Public Health, AS 

Saint Paul College offers an associate in science program in public health with the specific goal of educating students who are interested in ultimately achieving a bachelor’s degree in the field. Many students who complete this program are interested in ultimately achieving a bachelors in community health, health education, public health, health administration, epidemiology, or environmental health. This course of study offers a foundation in the biological sciences which includes a number of options like cultural competency and communication, as well as the ability to interpret research methods from a qualitative and quantitative prospective. Students can choose to achieve this program strictly online or they may choose a hybrid method. Some of the frameworks that will be included in the required classes include complex assessment of population and individual health determinants. Many students will choose to work in settings such as clinics, federal, state, and nonprofits, academic institutions, and a variety of government agencies. 

Degree Type: Public Health, AS 

The University of the Cumberlands offers an associates in science program in public health that is designed to support students to excel in the field of public health. This online associates degree in public health has tools that give students the skills to make a difference in the lives of many people. Students will take on the coursework necessary to matriculate into a four year degree program or enter the field of public health and kickstart a new career. Some of the pertinent topics that are covered in this course of study include: community health, nutrition, public health administration, substance abuse, and a variety of other subjects. The faculty in the program are experts in the field of public health and offer real hands on experiences. There are many careers that would be perfect for graduates of the program including: health promotion specialists, nutrition director, education coordinator, community health education coordinator, among so many more. 

Degree Type: Public Health, AS 

Parker University offers an associates in science degree program in health sciences. This course of study was designed to provide students an interdisciplinary approach to the health sciences. Graduates will have many options to matriculate into a related bachelor’s program or begin an entry level career in a myriad of professions that are similar, including within public health. There are many financial aid options for students who are interested in participating in this program. Some of the required courses include: communications, college algebra, anatomy and physiology, humanities, medical terminology, introduction to community health, and introduction to public health, among many others. Students will also learn so many skills related to disease prevention and population health. Graduating students will be able to understand health disparities by looking at the complexity of socio economic, structural, and societal issues. They will also be able to effectively discuss national health care issues as they relate to a variety of populations. 

Degree Type: Health Sciences, AS

Point University offers an online associate of arts in public health that emphasizes their christ centered approach to learning and healthcare. This is an entirely online program where every class is delivered asynchronously. The program has a liberal arts backbone and equips students for a myriad of topics that relate to health and wellness. Many students will transfer into four year degree programs in majors similar to public health following graduation. Other students will begin their career path with entry level positions in related disciplines. Not only will students learn how to talk about fitness and wellness, but they will also be able to make biblical connections to the coursework. Some of the required courses include: nutrition, introduction to public health, fitness and wellness, and anatomy and physiology for public health professionals. They pride themselves on the comprehensive support they offer their students with extensive advising opportunities among other resources. 

Degree Type: Public Health, AA

South University offers an associates in science degree program in allied health sciences. This course of study is also considered an online associates degree in public health. This is the perfect program for students who are interested in a career path that includes healthcare. The online coursework is designed to be flexible and not get in the way of the students other life commitments. The program offers a foundation for a variety of health related disciplines including general studies as it works in conjunction health and life sciences. There is also a heightened emphasis on population health and healthy lifestyle as well as communication as it relates to writing and evaluation methods. These aspects are designed to strengthen an awareness of cultural sensitivity. Many graduates go on to four year programs in related disciplines. Many have also gone on to achieve careers in the discipline immediately upon graduation. 

Degree Type: Allied Health Sciences, AS

Excelsior College offers an associates in science degree program in health sciences. This is also considered an online associates degree in public health. This course of study is tailored to the needs of veterans and those who are military service members, as military medical education will be covered at great length. The entire course of study is made up of 53 credit hours, 23 of which can be transferred in from other coursework. Students will learn how to engage in the medical field from a variety of angles. Many students will ultimately start their careers upon graduation, while others will choose to matriculate into a four year bachelor’s degree program. In fact, many students continue on at Excelsior to achieve their bachelors of Science in Healthcare management.  There are many start dates per year, making it convenient to begin at the students schedule. Classes are delivered in 8 week terms. 

Degree Type: Health Sciences, AS

Finding a career in Healthcare can be confusing and difficult, now more than ever the world needs qualified professionals in hospitals and doctors offices. Herzing University offers an applied associates in science program in healthcare administration. This course of study prepares students with the groundwork they need to enter into the medical field with a head start. This program teaches students how to manage the vast range of environments one finds in healthcare. This is a fully online program that is convenient and flexible. As we all try to stay home to keep out communities safe, they make it easy to not stop your life. Complete this program in as few as 16 months with an option to transfer up to 16 credit hours. Herzing focuses on building a strong foundation in medical terminology along with other skills that relate to the public health field. 

Degree Type: Healthcare Administration, AAS