AU School of Public Health announces first undergraduate degree program

Following approval by the University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents on Sept. 16, 2026, Augusta University’s School of Public Health is preparing to launch its first undergraduate degree program in fall 2027: a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, or BSPH. This will serve as a foundational degree for students interested in a broad array of health sciences careers, including those that are focused on improving the health of communities, public service, disease prevention and disaster management.

“We appreciate the University System of Georgia Board of Regents for recognizing the importance of public health and approving this degree program. The work of public health professionals strengthens communities, addresses health challenges and improves the quality of life for entire populations,” said AU President Russell T. Keen, EdD. “As Georgia’s designated health sciences university, Augusta University is committed to providing an education that prepares students not only to graduate, but also to lead, serve and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. This program creates new opportunities for students who are passionate about improving health outcomes and equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a growing and essential field. We are proud to prepare the next generation of public health professionals who will change and save lives while helping build a healthier future for Georgia and beyond.”

The degree is an ideal starting point for those wanting to pursue related public health careers, such as health management, health informatics or social and behavioral sciences, or students wanting to go the clinical route, such as medicine, dentistry or nursing.

“We decided on the BSPH, partly to capitalize on the undergraduate ecosystem on the Summerville Campus and to connect our graduate programs with an undergraduate degree. I also think it’s just a fantastic bachelor’s degree for many health sciences careers,” said SPH Dean Teresa Waters, PhD. “I think our specialty is how closely we hope to be able to tie it to the preclinical programs unique to AU.”

This marks a significant milestone in the continued growth of Augusta University’s newest school.

While SPH already houses several graduate programs, the BSPH will be the first degree program developed and launched by the school itself.

It’s designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the many factors that influence health at a community level, such as healthcare access, community resources, public policies, environmental factors, financial status and other social determinants.

Public health is an all-encompassing term that is often associated with narrower topics such as vaccines or food safety and sanitation. Many don’t know that public health is everywhere and impacts our lives in ways we don’t even realize.

“All the wonderful clinicians that we’re training at this university are trained to take care of the patient in front of them. We are training them to think about all the things that support health,” Waters said. “Public health is trying to take that 10,000-ft view of how we support health in our communities.”

The program’s debut is particularly meaningful for SPH faculty members who have spent years mentoring AU undergraduates through research opportunities and community engagement experiences.

“I think having a program like this will give students more opportunities to see what’s available and what would be a great career choice,” said Deborah Jehu, PhD, an associate professor in the Department of Community and Behavioral Health Sciences within SPH. “It will help them find their calling in life. It’s also great because they get to learn from their graduate student peers and from SPH faculty. We have a wide variety of experts within our faculty, which creates a great learning experience for students.”

Not only will it serve as a new academic path for undergrads – it will also provide extended ways for SPH graduate students to hone their mentorship skills and should have direct and residual benefits on entities outside of Augusta University.

“Because the School of Public Health is so outward facing, I could see the bachelor’s program having a huge impact on our local community, or even the state and beyond in terms of hands-on learning experiences for the students in public health spaces nearby,” Jehu said.

Graduates of public health programs often work in health systems, clinics, federally qualified health centers, public health departments and local, state and federal agencies.

A key component of the BSPH curriculum is a required internship that will provide students with practical, hands-on experience centered on real-world public health issues.

“Public health professionals play a critical role in preventing disease and addressing health challenges, especially in rural communities where resources can be limited,” said Maggy G. Tomova, PhD, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. “This degree will prepare the next generation of public health officials to meet the growing workforce need and improve the health and well-being of Georgians.”

SPH leadership is already looking at ways to strengthen educational pathways through the BSPH program. The goal is to develop an accelerated four-plus-one pathway that would allow BSPH students to begin taking MPH courses during their senior year, reducing the time needed to earn both degrees.

The application for the new degree program will be available soon, and prospective students are encouraged to monitor the Augusta University application portal for updates.

More information about the program can be found on the BSPH program page.