CSUMB launches public health degree

June 16, 2026 - 07:43

What was once just a concentration within the collaborative health and human services program at California State University, Monterey Bay has officially been elevated to its own independent major. University administrators announced the launch of the new Bachelor of Science in Public Health, a move designed to meet the growing demand for trained professionals in community health, epidemiology, and health policy.

The decision comes after years of steady enrollment in the previous concentration and feedback from local health agencies that needed graduates with a more focused skill set. The new major will allow students to dive deeper into core public health topics such as biostatistics, environmental health, and disease prevention, rather than splitting their coursework across multiple disciplines. Faculty members have already redesigned the curriculum to include more hands-on field experience, including partnerships with county health departments and nonprofit organizations along the Central Coast.

University officials say the standalone degree will better prepare students for entry-level positions in public health or for graduate studies in medicine, nursing, or health administration. The first cohort of students under the new major will begin classes this fall. For current students who were enrolled under the old concentration, the university has set up a transition plan to ensure they can complete their degree without losing credits or progress.