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BSPH vs. BSHHS
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Nonclinical fields of health attract a wide variety of professionals committed to the well-being of individuals, families, and whole communities. Roles like healthcare administrator, social worker, epidemiologist, and more draw on numerous skills to improve health outcomes of different populations.
Rather than provide direct medical care to patients like a physician would, individuals trained in public health and human services strive to protect those they serve from the harmful effects of infectious diseases, drug and alcohol addiction, mental health disorders, and other societal dangers.
A bachelor’s degree in public health or health and human services is a foundational credential that can prepare you for this type of fulfilling work. But how exactly do these degrees differ, and how can you know which one is right for you?
This blog compares the two degrees so that you can understand which one will best meet your career goals. Read on to learn more.
What Is a B.S. in Public Health?
A Bachelor of Science in Public Health is an undergraduate degree that prepares students for a diverse range of careers in public health, health policy, environmental health, biostatistics, health education, and other similar areas. A public health degree grants useful hard and soft skills in community outreach, management, health research, and health promotion. Degree holders may be employed in the public or private sector or for nonprofit organizations whose goals are to improve the overall health of the general public.
The coursework in a public health degree program typically covers subjects like public health management, behavioral and social science, statistics, healthcare systems, and more.
What Is a B.S. in Health and Human Services?
A Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services is an undergraduate degree granting knowledge of public health principles with a particular emphasis on social work for disadvantaged or otherwise affected families and individuals. While public health is usually more concerned with higher-level campaigns and projects, health and human services focuses more on individual or small-group support. This support is given to empower people to succeed in their communities amid difficult socioeconomic conditions like poverty, domestic abuse, addiction, and mental or physical disabilities.
Students in a health and human services degree program might take courses in psychology, healthcare values and ethics, community health, cultural awareness, holistic care, and more.
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B.S. Public Health
Programs at a Glance
Health & Nursing
Health and Human Services – B.S.
An online health degree program for students who are committed to making a...
An online health degree program for students who are committed to making a difference for patients in a variety of ways.
- Time: 63% of students finish this program in 24 months
- Tuition: $4,210 per 6-month term
- Courses: 35 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Epidemiology
- Community and Public Health
- Cultural Awareness
- Pathophysiology
- Healthcare Values and Ethics
- Substance Abuse Support
This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry, while also directly working with patients who need help.
Health & Nursing
Public Health - B.S.
This online bachelor's degree in public health will prepare you to impact...
This online bachelor's degree in public health will prepare you to impact your community and make a difference.
- Time: 63% of students finish similar programs in 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,210 per 6-month term
- Courses: 33 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program:
- Cognitive psychology
- Public health approaches
- Epidemiology
- Biopsychosocial health models
This degree prepares you with relevant industry skills and experience that will help you move forward in your career.
What Are Potential Career Opportunities for Each Degree?
An undergraduate public health degree opens doors to myriad job opportunities in hospitals, nursing homes, pharmaceutical organizations, government agencies, and with many other employers. Some of the most common public health careers include the following:
- Public health administrator
- Public health researcher
- Public health educator
- Health or safety inspector
- Community health nurse
- Disaster preparedness specialist
- Health and wellness coach
- Epidemiologist
A health and human services degree grants entry to a diverse array of administrative and direct-client-care careers. Jobs in health and human services include the following:
- Patient educator
- Health services manager
- Healthcare coordinator
- Mental health aide
- Social services manager
- Addiction therapist
- Youth counselor
- Palliative care couse
What Are the Key Differences Between the Two Degrees?
Both degrees prepare students to thrive in all kinds of nonclinical—and sometimes clinical—fields of health. The most prominent differences between the two degrees stem from the scope of work that graduates engage in.
Public health degrees typically cover a greater range of subjects than health and human services degrees. Graduates of a public health bachelor’s program are better equipped to lead or contribute to large-scale health initiatives for communities, nations, or even globally. A public health program curriculum considers the impact that societal trends and the environment have on human populations. Some of the key pillars of public health include disease prevention, health equity, health administration, and health policy.
Many health and human services degree programs stress the importance of value-based care systems, which refers to the overall quality of healthcare provided to a patient. Health and human services degrees promote client-centered, holistic care; most—if not all—professionals in this field advocate for individual well-being and growth. The courses in a health and human services program teach students how to identify with and connect to those who are disadvantaged by any number of health or social issues.
Why WGU?
Be Career Ready
Designed with input from healthcare leaders, our accredited programs give you the skills and credentials today’s employers need. That’s why 97% of employers said they’d hire another WGU grad.1
1: 2023 Harris Poll of 300 employers of WGU grads.
Get and Keep the Job You Want to Have
85% of WGU graduates are employed in their degree fields—and 87% are employed full-time.2
2: 2023 Harris Poll of 1,655 WGU grads.
Save Money
With flat-rate tuition that is 47% lower than the national average3 and generous need-based scholarships, our degrees are an excellent investment that you can afford.
3: National rates reported by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System in 2022. WGU average rate does not include rates for WGU Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Prelicensure program.
Work as You Need While Going to School
At WGU, you can complete courses, take tests, and graduate on your schedule. In fact, many of our healthcare students work full-time while earning their life-changing bachelor’s or master’s degrees.
Prepared for Success on the Job
*From a 2023 Harris Poll of 300 employers of WGU graduates.
100% of employers said that WGU graduates were prepared for their jobs.*
97% of employers said that they would hire another WGU grad.*
98% of employers said WGU graduates met or exceeded expectations.*
