GWU BS Public Health Program Guide 2026: Curriculum, Concentrations & Admissions

Program Overview and Milken Institute School

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health at George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health represents one of the most established undergraduate public health programs in the United States. Founded in 1997 and accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), the program combines rigorous scientific training with a liberal arts foundation to prepare students for careers addressing population health challenges on local, national, and global scales.

Under the direction of Elizabeth Gray, JD, MHA, the program has evolved to reflect the changing landscape of public health practice. Today’s public health professionals must navigate complex intersections of science, policy, economics, and community engagement—and GWU’s curriculum is specifically designed to develop this multidisciplinary competence. The program’s location in Washington, DC provides students with unmatched proximity to the nation’s most influential health policy organizations, federal agencies, and research institutions.

What distinguishes the GWU BS in Public Health from similar programs is its integration of pre-health professional tracks directly within the public health major. Students aspiring to careers in medicine, nursing, physician assistant practice, physical therapy, or dentistry can fulfill their prerequisite requirements while simultaneously earning a public health degree—an increasingly valuable combination as healthcare systems worldwide emphasize population health and preventive medicine. For those exploring other public health programs, our guide to ATSU’s Online Master of Public Health provides a complementary graduate perspective.

Degree Structure and Credit Requirements

The BS in Public Health requires 120 total credits, organized into four distinct components that balance breadth of education with depth of public health expertise. Understanding this structure is essential for effective academic planning, particularly for students considering one of the program’s specialized concentrations.

The first component is General Education, comprising 22 to 23 credits that establish the liberal arts foundation GWU considers integral to public health education. These requirements include University Writing (4 credits), Critical Thinking in Humanities (3 credits), Quantitative Reasoning (3 credits), Scientific Reasoning through Introductory Biology (3-4 credits), two Social Sciences courses (6 credits), and Oral Communications (3 credits from a pre-approved list). Importantly, the Quantitative Reasoning requirement cannot be fulfilled by statistics courses that overlap with the required PUBH 2142 Introduction to Biostatistics for Public Health.

The second component is the Public Health Core, a 34-credit sequence that forms the intellectual backbone of the degree. Every core course must be completed at GWU with a grade of C- or better, ensuring that graduates possess a thorough grounding in the fundamental disciplines of public health. The third component consists of Guided Electives (12-13 credits) drawn from an approved list spanning more than 20 departments. The fourth component is General Electives, which fill the remaining credits to reach the 120-credit total.

For students pursuing concentrations, the credit distribution shifts significantly. The Pre-Medical Professional concentration, for example, requires 41-42 credits of science coursework, which reduces the general elective allocation to 13-17 credits. Careful planning from the first semester is essential to ensure all requirements are met within the standard four-year timeline.

Public Health Core Curriculum

The 34-credit public health core curriculum provides a comprehensive survey of the discipline’s essential domains, from biostatistics and epidemiology to health policy and environmental health. Each course in the core builds upon prerequisites, creating a carefully sequenced learning progression that deepens understanding as students advance through the program.

The sequence begins with PUBH 1010 First-Year Experience in Public Health (1 credit, pass/no pass), which introduces new students to the field and the resources available within the Milken Institute School. This is followed by PUBH 1101 Introduction to Public Health and Health Services (3 credits), which provides the foundational overview upon which many subsequent courses depend.

In the sophomore year, students take PUBH 2110 Public Health Biology (3 credits, requiring Introductory Biology as a prerequisite), PUBH 2112 Principles of Health Education and Health Promotion (3 credits), PUBH 2140 Research Methods Foundations (3 credits), and PUBH 2142 Introduction to Biostatistics for Public Health (3 credits). These courses establish the scientific and methodological toolkit that students will apply in their upper-division coursework.

Junior and senior year courses include PUBH 3130 Health Services Management and Economics (3 credits, requiring both economics and PUBH 1101), PUBH 3131 Epidemiology (3 credits, building on biostatistics), PUBH 3132 Health and Environment (3 credits), PUBH 3133 Global Health and Development (3 credits), and PUBH 3135W Health Policy (3 credits, a writing-intensive course). The sequence culminates in PUBH 4140W Senior Seminar (3 credits), a capstone course taken in the final semester that requires completion of all other core courses.

The prerequisite chain is deliberate and non-negotiable. For example, PUBH 3131 Epidemiology requires completion of PUBH 2142 Biostatistics, reflecting the reality that epidemiological analysis depends on statistical competence. Similarly, the Senior Seminar’s requirement that all other core courses be completed ensures that capstone projects can draw upon the full breadth of the curriculum. Students who fall behind in the prerequisite sequence may find their graduation timeline extended, making early planning with an academic advisor critically important.

Pre-Medical Professional Concentration

The Pre-Medical Professional (PMP) concentration is one of the most popular pathways within the GWU BS in Public Health, designed for students who intend to apply to medical school while gaining a strong foundation in population health. This 41-42 credit concentration fulfills the prerequisite requirements for most medical schools in the United States, making it an efficient path for aspiring physicians who want to differentiate themselves with a public health perspective.

Required courses in the PMP concentration include the full introductory biology sequence (BISC 1111 and 1112), general chemistry with labs (CHEM 1111 and 1112), organic chemistry with labs (CHEM 2151/2153 and 2152/2154), biochemistry (BISC 3165 or CHEM 3165 or BISC 3261), calculus (MATH 1221, 1231, or 1232), a full physics sequence (PHYS 1011+1012, 1021+1022, or 1025+1026), and either introductory psychology (PSYC 1001) or sociology (SOC 1001).

Beyond the required courses, the program additionally recommends Cell Biology, Genetics and Lab, Human Physiology, and Introduction to Microbiology—an additional 13-14 credits that strengthen medical school applications and prepare students for the rigors of the MCAT. While these recommended courses are not required for the concentration, students who complete them will be better positioned both for standardized testing and for the academic demands of medical education.

The integration of pre-medical preparation within a public health degree is increasingly valued by medical school admissions committees. As healthcare shifts toward value-based care and population health management, physicians who understand epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, and health services economics bring perspectives that purely biomedical preparation cannot provide. GWU’s PMP concentration positions graduates at the intersection of clinical medicine and public health—a combination that is becoming essential for the physicians of tomorrow.

Pre-Health Professional Tracks

Beyond the pre-medical path, GWU’s BS in Public Health offers a Pre-Health Professional (PHP) concentration with four specialized tracks, each designed to prepare students for a specific allied health career while maintaining the public health core. All PHP tracks share a 34-credit core of science prerequisites before branching into track-specific requirements.

Pre-Nursing Track (12 additional credits)

The Pre-Nursing track adds coursework in Nutrition Science, Bioethics, Developmental Psychology, and Introduction to Sociology. These courses reflect the holistic, patient-centered approach that modern nursing education emphasizes, preparing students for admission to competitive nursing programs. The public health background provides an additional advantage, as many graduate nursing programs now require or prefer applicants with formal training in population health concepts.

Pre-Physician Assistant Track (15-16 additional credits)

The Pre-PA track requires additional chemistry (Organic Chemistry I and II), Biochemistry, and Genetics with Lab. These courses satisfy the science prerequisites that most PA programs require while building the analytical foundation needed for clinical practice. The combination of PA preparation with a public health degree positions graduates uniquely for roles in underserved communities and preventive care settings.

Pre-Physical Therapy Track (11 additional credits)

The Pre-PT track adds Physics I and II and Developmental Psychology to the PHP core. Physical therapy programs typically require a strong science foundation alongside evidence of understanding human development across the lifespan—both of which this track addresses directly.

Pre-Dentistry Track (22-23 additional credits)

The most credit-intensive track, Pre-Dentistry requires Organic Chemistry I and II, Biochemistry, Physics I and II, and additional courses in Genetics, Cell Biology, or Immunology. This comprehensive science preparation satisfies the prerequisites for virtually all dental schools in the United States while the public health background provides context for the growing emphasis on oral public health and community dentistry.

Guided Electives and Interdisciplinary Options

The 12-13 credits of guided electives represent one of the most flexible components of the GWU BS in Public Health curriculum. Students select from an approved list (Appendix A of the program guide) spanning more than 20 departments across the university, reflecting the inherently interdisciplinary nature of public health practice.

Available elective departments include American Studies, Anthropology, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Communication, Economics, Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Geography, History, Organizational Sciences, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Public Health, Sociology, Sustainability, and Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies, among others. This breadth allows students to tailor their elective coursework to their specific interests and career goals, whether that involves deepening their science background, exploring health communication, or understanding the social determinants of health.

Important policies govern guided elective selection. Up to 9 credits may come from study abroad or non-GW courses with prior approval, encouraging international perspectives on public health. Up to 9 credits of undergraduate research or independent study may count as guided electives, providing a pathway for students interested in original research. All guided elective courses must be completed with a grade of C- or better, and all must be taken for a letter grade rather than pass/no pass.

For students comparing interdisciplinary approaches to public health education, our overview of GWU’s graduate programs shows how these undergraduate foundations connect to advanced study.

Admission Requirements and Transfer Policies

Admission to the GWU BS in Public Health follows different pathways depending on the applicant’s status. First-year students and external transfer students apply through the university’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions, following the standard GWU application process. The Milken Institute School of Public Health evaluates applicants holistically, considering academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, personal essays, and evidence of interest in health-related fields.

Internal GW transfers—students already enrolled at GW in another school or program—follow a distinct process. They must have achieved a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher and can apply starting in their second semester. Upon transferring, students must declare the public health major within two weeks. This GPA threshold ensures that students entering the program have demonstrated the academic capability needed to succeed in the rigorous public health core curriculum.

External transfer students should be aware that all core public health courses must be completed at GWU, regardless of similar coursework completed at other institutions. This policy reflects the program’s commitment to ensuring that every graduate has experienced the specific pedagogical approach and content standards of the Milken Institute School. However, general education requirements and guided electives may be satisfied with transfer credits where appropriate course equivalencies exist.

The program also accommodates students through its double-counting policy: up to 3 courses (10 credits) may be shared between the public health major and a second major, and up to 2 courses (7 credits) may be shared with a minor. If both programs are within the School of Public Health, one additional shared course is permitted. This policy makes it feasible for ambitious students to pursue complementary academic interests alongside their public health degree.

Core Competencies and Learning Outcomes

The GWU BS in Public Health curriculum is organized around 11 core competency domains that align with CEPH accreditation standards and reflect the essential skills that entry-level public health professionals must possess. These competencies provide a framework for understanding what students will be able to do upon completing the degree, regardless of their chosen concentration.

The competencies span Math and Quantitative Reasoning, Science, Overview of Public Health, Role and Importance of Data in public health practice, Identifying and Addressing Population Health Challenges, Human Health, Determinants of Health across social, economic, and environmental dimensions, Project Implementation, Overview of the Health System, Health Policy, Law, Ethics, and Economics, and Health Communications.

Each core course maps to one or more of these competency domains, creating a matrix of skill development that the program uses for assessment and continuous improvement. For example, PUBH 2142 Introduction to Biostatistics directly addresses the Math/Quantitative Reasoning and Role and Importance of Data competencies, while PUBH 3135W Health Policy addresses the Health Policy, Law, Ethics, and Economics domain. The Senior Seminar (PUBH 4140W) serves as the primary assessment point for integrated competency demonstration, as students must apply skills from multiple domains in their capstone projects.

These competencies are particularly relevant for students planning to pursue graduate study in public health. The Milken Institute School’s graduate programs build directly upon these foundations, and the dual BS/MPH pathway allows qualified undergraduates to begin their master’s degree while still completing their bachelor’s requirements. This alignment between undergraduate competencies and graduate expectations creates a seamless educational pipeline for students committed to public health careers.

Career Paths and Graduate Study Options

Graduates of the GWU BS in Public Health enter a diverse range of career paths that reflect the program’s broad preparation and its emphasis on multiple professional directions. The program explicitly prepares students for careers in allied health professions (physical therapy, physician assistant practice, dietetics), government agencies, business and industry, health education, health services administration, law, clinical professions (medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy), and direct public health practice.

The Washington, DC location provides exceptional access to entry-level positions and internships at organizations including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regional offices, the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Health and Human Services, the World Health Organization’s regional office, and numerous non-governmental organizations focused on global health, health equity, and chronic disease prevention. Many students secure internships at these organizations during their junior or senior year, creating professional networks that facilitate post-graduation employment.

For students interested in graduate education, the program provides a strong foundation for master’s and doctoral programs across the health sciences. The dual BS/MPH pathway at GWU is particularly attractive, allowing students to complete both degrees in approximately five years rather than the six that sequential completion would require. Additionally, students who have completed one of the pre-health concentrations are well-positioned for admission to medical, dental, nursing, PA, and physical therapy programs across the country.

The growing demand for public health professionals—amplified by recent global health challenges—has created favorable employment conditions for graduates with formal public health training. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects continued growth in health education and community health worker positions, while the integration of public health principles into clinical practice creates opportunities across the healthcare system. Students exploring complementary graduate programs may also consider our guide to GWU’s Juris Doctor program for those interested in health law and policy.

Why Study Public Health in Washington DC

The decision of where to study public health is inseparable from the question of environment, and few locations in the world offer the advantages of Washington, DC for aspiring public health professionals. GWU’s campus in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood places students within walking distance of the State Department, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and dozens of think tanks and advocacy organizations that shape global health policy.

This proximity creates opportunities that simply do not exist at institutions in other cities. Students regularly attend congressional hearings on health legislation, participate in policy briefings at major think tanks, and network with health professionals at events hosted by organizations like the American Public Health Association, which is headquartered in Washington. The city’s concentration of health-focused NGOs, consulting firms, and international organizations means that internship and employment opportunities are abundant and diverse.

The Milken Institute School of Public Health leverages this location advantage through partnerships with DC-based organizations, community health projects in underserved neighborhoods, and policy-oriented coursework that draws on real-time legislative and regulatory developments. The Health Policy course (PUBH 3135W), for instance, can reference ongoing policy debates that students may have observed firsthand, creating a learning experience that is both academically rigorous and immediately relevant.

Beyond professional advantages, Washington, DC offers a vibrant cultural environment with world-class museums (most of them free), diverse dining options, extensive public transportation, and a cosmopolitan population that reflects the global nature of modern public health. For students committed to careers that will require working across cultures, disciplines, and sectors, the experience of studying in the nation’s capital provides invaluable preparation for the complexities of public health practice in the twenty-first century.