TTUHSC launches first bachelor's degree in public health and commerce

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is opening applications for a new Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Commerce in Abilene, with classes set to start in fall 2027. The program is designed to train students for careers that connect business operations and public health, especially in rural Texas and other underserved communities.

Why it matters: - Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center says the new degree is meant to close a workforce gap between business and population health. - The program targets industries that shape health outcomes, including agriculture, energy and manufacturing. - TTUHSC says the degree is the first of its kind in Texas and the nation. - The program is aimed at regions where public health infrastructure is thin. Of the 121 counties in TTUHSC’s service area, only 17 have county or local health departments, covering just 21 counties.

What happened: - The Julia Jones Matthews School of Population and Public Health at TTUHSC in Abilene is now accepting applications for the first cohort of the Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Commerce. - Classes are scheduled to begin in the fall 2027 term. - Jerry Carrino, dean of the school, said the program is designed to help students increase their career options and impact across multiple industries. - The degree is built as an upper-level, workforce-ready program with pathways to graduate and professional study.

The details: - Students will study how commercial systems, employers, industries and markets influence health behaviors and outcomes. - Coursework will include the commercial determinants of health. - The curriculum also covers dual-benefit business models that aim to support both population health and profitability. - The program will examine technological innovation, privatization of public health services, business disruption response and infrastructure retooling. - Graduates may pursue jobs in healthcare organizations, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, corporate health, workplace health and community health initiatives. - Transfer students from area community colleges will complete the last 63 credit hours of the 120-hour degree at TTUHSC. - TTUHSC says ideal applicants are interested in public health careers outside traditional clinical roles, business leadership and community impact. - Applicants must apply online through the school’s admissions website and meet minimum admission requirements. - Applicants are expected to have completed the Texas Core Curriculum of 42 semester credit hours or an equivalent general education curriculum before enrollment.

Between the lines: - The program is built for students who want a business-focused route into public health rather than a conventional clinical track. - TTUHSC is using a small cohort model to create more individualized mentorship and more direct contact with community and state leaders in business and government. - Jeff Dennis, a TTUHSC associate professor in public health, said students will pair classroom learning with real-world experience through community businesses and organizations. - The admissions process will use a holistic review that weighs academics alongside first-generation status, Big Country regional residence, community volunteer work and prior military experience. - Competitive scholarships may cover up to half of tuition and fees, and in some cases the full cost, depending on academic preparation, leadership and commitment to rural community health. - The school cited local degree attainment data from the Development Corporation of Abilene showing 17.7% of Abilene residents have a bachelor’s degree and 9.1% have an associate degree.

What's next: - TTUHSC will review applicants through an individualized admissions process and admit students based on program capacity, instructional resources and operational considerations. - The school’s admissions committee will recommend applicants to the dean of the School of Population and Public Health. - Admitted students can pursue scholarship consideration and, after graduation, move into workforce roles or continue into advanced study.

The bottom line: - TTUHSC is betting that public health training tied to commerce will attract students looking for a practical, rural-focused degree with broad career options.