The State University of New York at Potsdam Announces Online Public Health Bachelor of Science Degree
SUNY Potsdam has launched a fully online format for its bachelor’s degree program in public health, beginning in Fall 2025. Seen here, public health students meet with representatives from local organizations like the Cornell Cooperative Extension, Seaway Valley Prevention Council and the American Red Cross, to learn about internship and career opportunities.
The State University of New York at Potsdam is proud to announce a new fully online format for its Bachelor of Science degree in public health, beginning in Fall 2025.
This new offering allows students to complete the entire baccalaureate program remotely, providing greater flexibility for learners across the country. The program prepares students to analyze the distribution of diseases, illnesses and injuries in diverse populations, and to design, implement and evaluate evidence-based interventions to address public health challenges.
“This new online format for our longstanding undergraduate public health program reflects our commitment to expanding access to high-quality, career-ready education,” said SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Suzanne Smith. “We’re proud to offer a program that empowers students to make a real difference in their communities—wherever they are.”
The online bachelor’s degree builds on the success of SUNY Potsdam’s fully online Master of Science in Public Health. For undergraduates, the online format means students can complete the program wherever they are located, or choose to live on campus and take part in student clubs and residence life.
“Our online program is designed with flexibility and engagement in mind, in response to the needs of our students,” said Professor of Public Health Dr. Kelly Bonnar. “Undergraduates will gain real world experience through internships and applied learning, supported by personalized advising and career coaching, no matter where they live.”
Internships and applied learning are a critical component of the SUNY Potsdam public health program, which includes a 12-credit capstone internship experience to culminate their educational experience. Experienced faculty provide support and supervision to help students secure internship placements in their local communities or beyond. The capstone experience includes a 2-credit seminar that helps students prepare for their internship placements. More than 40 percent of students completing internships through SUNY Potsdam’s public health program are offered jobs by their internship sites at the end of their placements.
SUNY Potsdam students, faculty and alumni attend the Public Health Day event, along with local organizations and high school students. The College’s Bachelor of Science degree in public health will be fully online, starting in Fall 2025. Students can complete the degree wherever they are in the world, or live on campus to take part in clubs, organizations and other activities while studying.
Advising and career coaching are available for all students, whether they are online or in person. To learn more about the new program, visit potsdam.edu/publichealth.
Graduates are prepared for careers in chronic disease prevention and in areas such as substance abuse prevention, nutrition/dietetics, social work, sexual and reproductive health promotion. SUNY Potsdam public health alumni are employed in local, state and national public health agencies, and a range of non-profit organizations.
Completion of the Bachelor of Science in Public Health makes students eligible to sit for the Community Health Education Specialist Exam (CHES), a certification nationally recognized by employers as a gold standard in public health practice. The department also offers a specialized nutrition pathway that prepares students for a master’s in dietetics.
Employment in public health fields is projected to increase 12 to 28 percent in the next 10 years. Graduates are prepared for careers as health education specialists, social and community service managers, and medical and health services managers, among other fields.
SUNY Potsdam's Department of Public Health and Human Performance offers career-ready bachelor's degrees in public health and exercise science, plus its 100 percent online master's degree in public health. The department also has popular minors in wilderness education, therapeutic recreation and more. For more information, visit www.potsdam.edu/academics/SOEPS/department-public-health-and-human-performance.
About SUNY Potsdam:
Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America’s first 50 colleges—and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.