Bachelor of Public Health and Commerce

Program Overview

• Small cohort model that allows personalized mentorship
• Opportunity to engage with community and state leaders in business and government
• Designed specifically as a workforce-ready degree, with additional pathways to graduate and professional training
• Focus on regional workforce needs in healthcare, agriculture, energy and community development
• Designed with community college transfer students in mind
• An affordable option for students seeking business training enhanced by public health expertise, compared with other universities in the Abilene area
• The program combines intensive mentorship and experiential learning to prepare students for the workforce and skillset

Admissions Requirements

All applicants to the Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Commerce (BSPHC) program must submit an online application through the BSPHC admission website. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements outlined below to be considered for admission.

Applicants are reviewed by the Admissions Committee using an individual and holistic review process. The Admissions Committee will recommend applicants to the JJMSPPH Dean, who will provide a final decision on offers of admission to the BSPHC. No single factor is determinative in the admission decision. The number of applicants offered admission is dependent upon program capacity, instructional resources, and operational considerations.

Transfer Credit

As an upper-division program, BSPHC students may transfer up to 57 hours of college credit toward their 120-hour degree. Texas Core represents 42 of the 57 hours. For the remaining 15 hours of transfer credit, students must have earned a grade of “C” or higher in courses being transferred.

Academic Requirements

Grade Point Average

A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 is preferred. All grades earned at all colleges or universities attended are included in the cumulative GPA calculation. Applicants with a cumulative GPA below 3.0 may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Texas Core Curriculum

Applicants are expected to have completed the Texas Core Curriculum (42 semester credit hours) or an equivalent general education curriculum prior to enrollment.

For applicants who completed coursework at out-of-state or private institutions, Texas Core equivalency will be determined through official transcript evaluation. Completion of the Texas Core Curriculum or its equivalent is required prior to enrollment, but not necessarily at the time of application.

Required Coursework Outside the BSPHC Degree Program

The BSPHC degree includes required college-level coursework that is not offered within the BSPHC curriculum. Applicants are encouraged to take these courses prior to enrollment, but students who do not have these courses at the time of matriculation will be advised on options to complete them by JJMSPPH advisors. Some of the requirements, such as Biology or Microeconomics, may be fulfilled via the student’s completion of the Texas Core Curriculum, but if not, must be completed in addition to the Texas Core.

• Biology
• Microeconomics
• Elementary Statistics
• Business Principles
• Business Law

All of the above should be three-credit hour courses. Course equivalency determinations are made by JJMSPPH Admissions based on official transcripts. Course titles alone are not determinative of equivalency.

Non-Academic Considerations

As part of a holistic review process, the Admissions Committee may consider non-academic factors that provide additional context regarding an applicant’s background, experiences, and preparation for the BSPHC program. These factors are not requirements for admission, and applicants are not disadvantaged for lacking any listed consideration.

Non-academic considerations may include, but are not limited to:

• First-generation college student status
• Residence within the Big Country regional service area
• Community volunteer experience
• Prior military experience

These considerations do not guarantee admission and are used solely to inform holistic review.

Tuition & Fees 

The following information is not intended to be comprehensive and is subject to change. Tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by administrative, legislative, or regent action, and changes become effective on the date enacted. The following tuition information should be used only as a guideline for estimating charges.

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Scholarships & Financial Aid

Our goal is to make obtaining a college degree within reach by supporting you with financial aid and scholarships programs. TTUHSC relies on a variety of financial aid sources to increase the university's affordability. This may include scholarships, grants, student loans, and waivers. As a student, please know that you and your family have a dedicated financial aid advisor who can assist you with this process.

Students admitted to the Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Commerce may be considered for competitive scholarships offered by the JJMSPPH.

Scholarship consideration may be based on factors such as:

• Academic achievement and preparation
• Leadership, employment, volunteer service or community involvement
• Interest or experience in public health, healthcare, business or community service
• Commitment to improving the health of rural communities
• Enrollment status and progress toward graduation

Scholarship amounts and availability may vary by academic year and are subject to available funding. Awards may cover up to one-half or the full cost of tuition and fees. Some scholarships are renewable based on eligibility, satisfactory academic progress, enrollment status, and available funds.

Unless otherwise indicated, applicants will be considered for available scholarships through the BSPHC admission process. Additional information may be requested for certain awards.

Apply for Scholarships  Apply for Financial Aid