Public Health · California

Public Health colleges in California

CampusPin lists 320 U.S. colleges in California that offer Public Health programs. Compare tuition, acceptance rate, and enrollment in the table below, every figure links back to the institution's official IPEDS data.

Public Health studies how to prevent disease and protect population health, suiting students who want to improve community well-being through data, policy, and programs rather than treating patients.

Schools in California that offer Public Health

Public Health programs in California: by the numbers

A quick comparison of the 50 schools (of 320 total) listed above, drawn from each institution's published IPEDS data.

Schools listed

320

Public / private

15 / 35

Universities / 2-year

38 / 12

Cities represented

34

In-state tuition range

$1,104–$63,255

Median in-state tuition

$15,977

Lowest published in-state tuition

Barstow Community College

$1,104

Most selective

California Institute of Technology

3% acceptance

Largest by enrollment

Ashford University

31,389 students

Figures reflect the schools currently listed and each institution's most recent reported data. Verify current tuition and admissions details with the school before applying.

What you'll study in a Public Health program

  • Epidemiology: study design, disease surveillance, and outbreak investigation
  • Biostatistics and analysis of population health data
  • Environmental and occupational health (air, water, food safety, exposure)
  • Health behavior and the social determinants of health
  • Health policy, systems, and management
  • Program planning, implementation, and evaluation
  • Global and community health practice
  • Practicum or internship with a health department, hospital, or nonprofit

Where a Public Health degree can lead

  • Epidemiologist
  • Health Educator
  • Public Health Analyst
  • Community Health Worker
  • Environmental Health Specialist
  • Public Health Program Coordinator

Typical pay: Varies by role; BLS reports a 2024 median of $83,980 for epidemiologists

A Public Health major covers epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy and management, and the social and behavioral determinants of health. Coursework pairs foundational sciences (biology, anatomy, microbiology) with population-level methods, study design, survey research, data analysis, program planning, and evaluation. Most undergraduate programs award a BS or BA in Public Health and include a practicum or internship with a health department, hospital, nonprofit, or community organization.

Graduates work in disease surveillance, health education, program coordination, community outreach, and policy analysis across local and state health departments, hospitals, nonprofits, and global-health organizations. Many roles, including epidemiology and other analytical positions, expect a Master of Public Health (MPH); the bachelor's is a common stepping stone into that graduate path.

Public Health is also a growing field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of epidemiologists will grow about 16.2% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.

Public Health in other states

Other majors in California

Find more Public Health schools

Use CampusPin's filter-first search to narrow 320+ Public Health programs in California by tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting.

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