University of North Florida

What you'll study

The Health Services bachelor’s degree provides an interdisciplinary curriculum combining health systems, public health, management and applied research. Students build foundational knowledge in anatomy and physiology, epidemiology, health promotion and disease prevention, and social determinants of health.

• Core public health and health sciences: introductory epidemiology, community health, health behaviour and promotion, and environmental health concepts.
• Administration and management: healthcare organisation and delivery, health policy, healthcare finance, human resources in health services and leadership.
• Research and data skills: biostatistics, research methods, programme evaluation and use of health data for decision-making.
• Applied learning: practicum or internship placements with local health providers, community agencies or public health departments and a capstone or senior project synthesising learning in a practical context.
• Electives and specialisms: options commonly include chronic disease management, health education, ageing and long-term care, case management, or health informatics topics.

The programme typically mixes lectures, small seminar classes and field experiences to emphasise transferable skills such as communication, ethical reasoning, project planning and problem-solving in health settings.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school leaving qualification. Typical admissions considerations include cumulative GPA, academic preparation in mathematics and science (for example biology and algebra), and written communication skills. Some programmes prefer or require a minimum GPA; transfer applicants are assessed on college-level coursework and cumulative college GPA.

Other common expectations and supports:

• Completion of general education requirements or recognised equivalents.
• Recommended preparatory subjects: biology, mathematics, English and social science.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through an approved test or recognised prior study in English.
• Some applicants may be asked for a personal statement, résumé of relevant experience, or references highlighting interest in health services.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of roles across healthcare organisations, public agencies and community-based services. Typical entry-level and early-career roles include:

• Health services coordinator or administrator in clinics, hospitals and outpatient facilities.
• Community health worker or health educator delivering prevention and outreach programmes.
• Case manager or care coordinator working with populations such as older adults, people with chronic conditions, or vulnerable groups.
• Analyst roles in health policy, quality improvement or healthcare data and operations.

The degree also prepares students for further study in fields such as public health (MPH), health administration (MHA), nursing or allied health postgraduate qualifications. Work placements and local industry connections support graduate employability in the Jacksonville region and beyond.

Why study at University of North Florida

University of North Florida is situated in a metropolitan region with a large and diverse healthcare sector, offering students ample opportunities for internships and partnerships with hospitals, public health agencies and community organisations. The programme emphasises applied learning and community engagement, with faculty who bring practical experience from clinical, administrative and policy roles.

Students benefit from a campus environment that supports small-class interaction, dedicated career services and opportunities to complete practicum placements locally. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor elective choices to particular career interests or to prepare for postgraduate study.