University of Balamand | Public Health

PUBLIC HEALTH AT UOB

There is increasing awareness globally of the importance of Public Health, and the value of Public Health as an instrument for change. This is because Public Health assumes a proactive and preventive approach rather than curative approach. Demand for graduates is growing and there are extensive employment opportunities.

The Department of Public Health works in partnership with many stakeholders at the national, regional, and international levels. Their contributions enrich the exposure of students and faculty to current Public Health issues, and encourage the development of collaborative research projects and community interventions.

The Department of Public Health gives students a solid foundation with which to begin a career in Public Health, whether they enter the employment sector directly, or pursue higher academic degrees. Students may select a BS degree in Public Health & Development Sciences, Health Promotion, or follow a Public Health BS degree with a Pre-Med Track. Students may also opt for a dual degree (2 BS Degrees) in both Public Health & Development Sciences and Health Promotion. Those students majoring in another degree and wishing to do a minor in Public Health can do so. The Department also offers a Master of Public Health degree that has 2 concentrations: Community Health; and Occupational and Environmental Health.

WHY STUDY Public Health ?

The Department of Public Health provides a supportive learning environment, with one-on-one mentoring with professors, small-size classes, hands-on community experience, and trainings in leadership and teamwork skills. The Department welcomes students from arts, social sciences, and science backgrounds.

An important feature is the two-month internship in a public health organisation. Placements are according to student interests, whether in industries, governmental or non-governmental organizations, and international bodies. The internship enables students to apply what they have learned in the classroom in real life situations.

Students applying to the Undergraduate Degrees in Public Health are eligible for scholarships of 30% of tuition fees. In addition, students are eligible for financial aid of up to an additional 20% of tuition, depending on need and maintaining a specific semester and cumulative averages within the University. Additional financial support is available through student employment, and, in cases of outstanding academic achievement, merit scholarships.

Students applying to the Master of Public Health Degree are eligible for Graduate Assistantships that can reach a maximum of 50% depending on eligibility and need.

Both BS and Masters students have the possibility of finding job opportunities in various fields of Public Health after graduation.

WHAT WILL YOU STUDY?

BS in Public Health and Development Sciences
BS in Health Promotion
Dual Degrees
Minor in Public Health
Master of Public Health (MPH)

CAREER PROSPECTS

Public health is a broad field with many specializations. Some of the major sub fields are: biostatistics; community practice; emergency medical services; environmental health; epidemiology; health education and health promotion; health services administration and management; international/global health; maternal and child health; nutrition; occupational health; public health policy; social and behavioral sciences.

Our graduates can choose between a wide variety of potential employment opportunities after graduation, including in:

| International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) - on disease monitoring and prevention; health education and promotion; community development; humanitarian aid and emergency response; etc. (e.g. WHO, MOPH Epi unit, etc.)
| Local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) - on health education and promotion; community development; humanitarian aid and emergency response; etc. (e.g. NGO: Skoun, Kafa, Himaya, Yasa, etc.)
| Environmental Agencies - on envrionmental health; waste management; occupational health and safety; etc. (e.g. arcenciel, terre liban, etc.)
| Academia – teaching in schools or universities
| Universities, Pharmaceutical Companies, etc. – on research
| Industry, Pharmaceuticals, and Media – on data collection and analysis; occupational health and safety; discussing healthy lifestyles on social media, etc. (e.g. Pharmaceutical companies, Intersos, Boecker, Construction Companites, Media, etc.)
| Health Services, Insurance, and Administration – on Infection Control, Quality Control, waste management in hospitals and Primary Health Care centers
| Governmental bodies and Policy Making – on improving health and social systems; policy development, etc. (e.g. Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Social Affairs)

Emile Whaibeh

MPH Graduate: Community Health Track;
PhD Candidate

Pursuing a Master of Public Health degree at the University of Balamand has been a transformative experience. The program invited me to think of health outside of the clinical setting and offered me a foundational understanding of the complex and fragmented Lebanese healthcare system. Through eclectic courses taught by a multi-disciplinary team of experts, I gained a better grasp over the social, economic and political factors that drive and often challenge healthcare systems. For me, the most fulfilling part has been the practicum internship at the Ministry of Public Health, through which I was able to put to practice all the acquired competencies and skills to tackle real world challenges.
Hadiya Leya Affara

Current MPH Student: Community Health Track

To be honest, I wasn’t sure about going on an Erasmus exchange at first. The idea of being in a completely new academic climate midway through my graduate studies scared me. Now, I am absolutely confident that it was the best decision I have made. This experience, although amid a pandemic, has been amazing from beginning to end. This opportunity has allowed me to expand my perspective as a Public Health student beyond the borders of my homeland. It has shown me that, no matter where you are from, you will feel a strong sense of familiarity whenever you are surrounded by experts and students within the field. Most importantly, being part of a student network as diverse and international as Erasmus is a privilege I am deeply thankful for. I have met students from all over the world, and we have all become a small family under the Erasmus umbrella. A year ago, I would have never imagined that I would be going through such a growth-inducing experience, and I am very grateful for the work that the Department of Public Health and the University of Balamand has put into making this journey possible.
Pamela Hindi

Public Health and Development Sciences Graduate
(Graduated Summer 2017)

When I graduated with a public health degree from UOB, everyone was surprised (including my family). They started asking me: what did you study exactly? Where are you going to work? Do you seriously think that you will be able to achieve what you want with this degree? Back then, I did not answer.
Today, after 4 years, I think that they got their answer. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of our work as public health practitioners in the best way possible. Through different TV appearances and my work with different agencies targeting vulnerable populations especially older people, I am trying to raise awareness about this pandemic to help reduce the harmful risks it has on our society.
Out of experience, I always say: if you love what you do (no matter what it is), you will always succeed. .
Alicia Abi Nader

Current Student
Public Health and Development Sciences

When I first decided to enroll in the Public Health and Development Sciences Program, I was not fully aware of all the benefits and opportunities this field of study would provide me with. As a future professional in this field, I learned the importance of three main principles which can be applied to all sectors of life: Promotion, Prevention, and Protection.
These three aspects are core elements to a better and sustainable life, on the personal, environmental, and health levels.
The opportunities offered by this specific Program helped in expanding my knowledge and experience in the development of projects and awareness campaigns pertaining to the well-being of society and aiming for a healthier quality of life .

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CHAIRPERSON’S MESSAGE

Jessica Saliba, MPH, PhD
jessica.saliba@balamand.edu.lb

Health lies at the heart of every human activity. Whether directly or indirectly, our actions influence individual, community, and population health. From environmental conditions, diet and lifestyle, and urban planning, to exposure to infectious agents, occupational hazards, and public policy—every element of our world plays a role in shaping health outcomes.

At the Department of Public Health, our multidisciplinary team of dedicated faculty brings together a wide range of expertise and active research experience. Our faculty are not only leaders in their respective fields, but also committed educators who guide students through both undergraduate and graduate programs. We aim to equip our students with the tools, knowledge, and critical thinking skills they need to pursue meaningful careers and contribute to academic, professional, and public service domains.

The rapid evolution of educational technologies has transformed the learning environment. While information has never been more accessible, true knowledge—the ability to assimilate, integrate, and apply information—remains a challenge. Our mission is to help students contextualize what they learn, ask thoughtful and precise questions, and seek reliable, evidence-based answers.

We value intellectual curiosity, critical inquiry, and the courage to challenge assumptions. We not only strive for truth and excellence, but also recognize the importance of incremental progress. At the core of our department's philosophy is a commitment to preparing students for careers that address local and global health needs—while honoring their personal interests, values, and aspirations. After all, life and learning extend far beyond the classroom walls.

As Chair, I am honored to lead a department that is committed to advancing public health through education, research, and service. I invite you to explore our programs, connect with our faculty, and become part of a community that is dedicated to improving health for all.

Jessica Saliba, PhD
Associate Professor
Chair, Department of Public Health
Email: jessica.saliba@balamand.edu.lb
Faculty-Email: fhs@balamand.edu.lb
Tel: + 961 1 495 833/933 ext. 5124

PROGRAMS & TRACK

BS in Public Health and Development Sciences
To get this degree, students should fulfil 95 credits over a period of minimum 3 years. The degree is offered in English. Students also have to complete a 2 month internship as part of their graduation requirements.

Students interested in applying for admission to Medical school may undertake pre-medical courses that prepare them to sit for the MCAT exam, along with their BS degree in Public Health and Development Sciences.

BS in Health Promotion
To get this degree, students should fulfil 104 credits over a period of minimum 3 years. The degree is offered in English. Students also have to complete a 2 month internship as part of their graduation requirements.

Students interested in applying for admission to Medical school may undertake pre-medical courses that prepare them to sit for the MCAT exam, along with their BS degree in Health Promotion.

Dual Degrees
Students can choose to take both a degree in Public Health and Development Sciences and a degree in Health Promotion, in sequence, over a four year period, in a Dual Degree program. This permits them to graduate with two BS degrees.

Following completion of the first degree, the student should pursue the second degree over a minimum period of three additional semesters (including summer). The second degree may be taken on a full-time or a part-time basis.

1 st Degree

Public Health and Development Sciences	94+1 cr
Health Promotion	103+1 cr

2 nd Degree

Health Promotion	36 cr
Public Health and Development Sciences	38 cr

Minor in Public Health
Students from all degree backgrounds are eligible to take a minor in Public Health. This consists of 15 credits of courses that carry the specialty code (PDHP-coded courses). For more information, students can refer to the Department of Public Health faculty members.

Master of Public Health (MPH)
The MPH is a 42-credit professional (practicum-based) degree, designed to be completed within a minimum of 1 year for full-time students, and within 4 years on a part-time basis. All courses are offered in the afternoons (after 5pm) to accommodate the needs of working professionals who are willing to pursue the degree.

The Program is structured to have a set of core courses (21 credits), a set of concentration-specific courses (15 credits), and a practicum (6 credits).

Currently the MPH offers 2 tracks;
1. MPH Community Health Track (42 cr)
2. MPH Occupational and Environmental Health Track (42 cr)
Note: Those who have a Medical Doctor (MD) degree and would like to complete a MPH degree (either in Community Health or Occupational and Environmental Health), they can do so by taking 31 cr. The remaining 11 cr will be transferred from the MD degree.

FACILITIES

The Department of Public Health offers its degrees on 3 campuses: Main Campus, Al Kurah; Dekwaneh Campus, Beirut; and Souk El Gharb Campus, Aley.

The FHS laboratories on the different campuses are used by the Public Health faculty members to conduct their research in their diverse fields.

It is important to note that the Department is in constant contact with organizations, governmental bodies, and institutions where undergraduate and graduate students have been doing their internships throughout the years. This has created a good network of collaboration between the Department and these organizations, and resulted in several partnership opportunities.