Academic Programs

BS Public Health

About the Program

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) is a four-year undergraduate program structured in accordance with the HEC Undergraduate Education Policy V 1.1 to provide students with a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of public health. The program encompasses key areas of Public Health including epidemiology, biostatistics, RMNCH (Reproductive Maternal Neonatal and Child Health), NCD & CD, environmental health, health policy and management, social and behavioral sciences, while focusing on promoting health, preventing disease, and improving quality of life. Through a balanced combination of theoretical knowledge, practical training, and research exposure, students develop the analytical, leadership, and problem-solving skills required to address contemporary public health challenges. Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Public Health program will be well-prepared for diverse career opportunities in government health agencies, non-governmental organizations, hospitals, research institutions, and the private sector. They will also be equipped to pursue advanced studies in Public Health and related interdisciplinary areas, both nationally and internationally.

Eligibility Criteria

Higher Secondary School Certificate (involving 12 years of schooling) or an IBCC equivalent qualification in pre-medical group/relevant discipline with 50% Marks is the basic eligibility requirement for admission in the Bachelor of Science in Anesthesia Technology (Allied Health Sciences).

Vision

To be a leading academic program in Public Health that nurtures competent, ethical, and innovative professionals dedicated to improving population health, reducing health disparities, and promoting sustainable and healthy communities.

Mission

The BS Public Health Program is committed to preparing competent, ethical, and socially responsible public health professionals through quality education, research, and community engagement. The program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to promote health, prevent disease, address public health challenges, and improve population well-being through evidence-based practice, leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration. In alignment with national health priorities, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and workforce needs, the program strives to contribute to the development of healthier and more resilient communities at local, national, and global levels.

Aims

To provide students with a strong foundation in the core disciplines of Public Health.
To develop critical thinking, analytical, and research skills for evidence-based public health practice.
To prepare graduates for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of health promotion and disease prevention programs.
To foster leadership, professionalism, ethical values, and interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing public health issues.
To contribute to the development of healthier communities through community engagement and public health advocacy.

Program Educational Objectives

By the completion of Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health, the graduates will be able to:

PEO 1: Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of fundamental and advanced concepts in public health and their relevance to contemporary global trends.
PEO 2: Apply critical thinking skills to identify, assess, and propose solutions to public health challenges at individual, community, and population levels.
PEO 3: Design and evaluate culturally competent and evidence-based public health interventions to address health disparities.
PEO 4: Communicate public health information to diverse audiences using appropriate channels.
PEO 5: Integrate ethical principles and professional values in public health practices.
PEO 6: Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to plan, implement, and evaluate public health programs and policies that enhance population health outcomes.

Program Learning Outcomes

BS Public Health (BSPH)

Upon successful completion of the BS Public Health program, graduates will be able to:

PLO 1: Public Health Knowledge: Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of core public health disciplines including epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health systems, community health, and disease prevention.
PLO 2: Analytical & Quantitative Skills: Apply epidemiological and biostatistical methods to analyze health data, interpret research findings, and support evidence-based decision-making.
PLO 3: Research Competency: Design, conduct, and present basic public health research using appropriate qualitative and quantitative methodologies while adhering to ethical standards.
PLO 4: Disease Prevention & Health Promotion: Develop and implement community-based health promotion strategies and preventive interventions addressing communicable and non-communicable diseases.
PLO 5: Health Systems & Policy Understanding: Explain the structure and functioning of health systems and contribute to program planning, monitoring, and evaluation at local and national levels.
PLO 6: Communication Skills: Communicate public health information effectively to diverse audiences using written, oral, and digital platforms.
PLO 7: Professionalism & Ethics: Demonstrate ethical practice, cultural sensitivity, teamwork, and professional responsibility in public health settings.
PLO 8: Community Engagement: Engage with communities to identify health needs, promote equity, and support sustainable public health interventions.
PLO 9: Leadership & Collaboration: Work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams and demonstrate emerging leadership skills in public health initiatives.

Employer Need/Demand

The demand for BS Public Health graduates in Pakistan is steadily increasing due to evolving healthcare priorities, expanding public health programs, and the growing need for preventive and population-based healthcare services. Government health departments, hospitals, NGOs, research institutions, and international organizations require professionals with competencies in epidemiology, biostatistics, health promotion, disease surveillance, program planning, monitoring and evaluation, and community engagement.

Public health graduates are increasingly employed in disease control programs, maternal and child health initiatives, health systems strengthening projects, quality assurance departments, and community-based interventions. International agencies such as WHO and UNICEF, along with donor-funded programs, continue to create opportunities for trained public health professionals in research, project management, emergency response, and policy implementation.

The rising burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, emerging health emergencies, and climate-related health challenges has further strengthened the demand for qualified public health personnel. Consequently, BS Public Health graduates are well-positioned to meet workforce needs at local, national, and international levels.

List of Potential Industries of Students Placement after Degree Completion

Graduates of the BS in Public Health program will have diverse employment opportunities across multiple sectors involved in preventive healthcare, research, policy development, and health systems management.

Potential industries for placement include:

Government Health Sector

Federal and Provincial Health Departments
Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination
District Health Authorities
Disease Surveillance Units

Public Health & Research Institutions

National Institute of Health
Universities and Public Health Research Centers
Health Policy & Systems Research Organizations

International Organizations & Donor Agencies

World Health Organization
UNICEF
World Bank
Global Fund

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

Save the Children
Médecins Sans Frontières
National and local community health NGOs

Hospitals & Healthcare Networks

Aga Khan University Hospital
Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital
Indus Hospital and Health Network
Infection Prevention & Control Departments
Quality Assurance & Patient Safety Units

Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Industry

Public health program management units
Clinical research organizations
Health data and monitoring units

Environmental & Occupational Health Sector

Environmental protection agencies
Occupational safety departments
Industrial health units

Development & Humanitarian Sector

Disaster response agencies
Refugee and emergency health programs
Community development projects