Purposeful Teaching in Action

Public Health students thrive through hands-on learning and community engagement

In the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences (CPHS), purposeful teaching is more than a pillar of our mission — it’s a transformative force shaping the next generation of public health leaders. In the Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) program, students go beyond learning about theory in the classroom by living it through immersive, real-world experiences designed to prepare them for meaningful careers and impactful service.

Across the curriculum, courses are thoughtfully designed to foster hands-on learning. Whether it’s developing an intervention in the Program Planning and Evaluation course, advocating for health policies at the state capitol, or completing a 400-hour internship in the field, students are consistently challenged to apply their knowledge in ways that matter. This integration of classroom learning with community-based projects ensures that every student gains not only academic knowledge but also the skills, confidence, and perspective needed to lead.

“From day one, our students are exposed to the realities of public health practice,” said a program representative. “These are not hypothetical scenarios. Our students are designing actual health programs, evaluating real-world data, and speaking with decision-makers about today’s most pressing issues.”

Another hallmark of the BSPH program is its deep engagement with public health professionals. Nationally recognized experts frequently visit campus as guest speakers, providing students with invaluable insight into emerging trends and career pathways. Through foundational courses and field trips to local health organizations, students witness firsthand the challenges and triumphs of public health work in action. The culminating internship experience allows them to contribute to meaningful projects, build networks, and gain practical expertise.

These experiences are more than resume builders — they are confidence builders.

Students graduate with a robust toolkit of professional skills, including data analysis using tools like Excel and Qualtrics, strategic health communication, and evidence-based program development. Just as importantly, they hone soft skills—collaboration, critical thinking, and public speaking—that are essential across all sectors of public health. Each course is intentionally structured to reflect the expectations of today’s employers, ensuring graduates are not only knowledgeable but workplace-ready.

CPHS’ commitment to purposeful teaching shines through in the way faculty mentor and challenge students to lead with ethics, humility, and integrity. Courses examine the moral dimensions of public health—from research ethics to equitable program design—and encourage students to make decisions grounded in both data and compassion.

“The BSPH curriculum doesn’t just teach students what to do—it teaches them why it matters,” a faculty member shared. “We want our students to be leaders who not only understand complex health systems but who are also driven to improve them.”

The results speak volumes. CPHS Public Health students have presented their work at national conferences, landed competitive internships, contributed to local health campaigns, and pursued graduate studies with confidence. They leave Belmont not only prepared for the workforce, but with a clear sense of purpose and a deep commitment to serving the public good.

In a world where health challenges grow more complex by the day, Belmont’s public health program stands out for its innovative, mission-driven approach to education—one that equips students to lead with knowledge, character, and compassion.