B.S. in Maternal Child Health: Three Majors, One Mission

One of the few CAAHEP-accredited bachelor's pathways to IBCLC lactation certification, plus two additional majors in community health and health equity, for students committed to transforming maternal and child outcomes.

  • CAAHEP Accredited (Human Lactation)
  • Three Distinct Majors
  • On-Campus or Online
  • Transfer Scholarship Available

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Why Choose NLU for Maternal Child Health?

Among Few Bachelor's
A rare Pathway 2 program leading to a bachelor's

A rare bachelor's route to IBCLC lactation certification.

Three Majors
Community Health, Disparities, or Human Lactation

One degree, three directions for your mission.

Health Equity Built In
Disparities and Childbearing major

Address racial and economic inequities in maternal health.

$51,030
Median, community health workers (BLS, May 2024)

11% growth, much faster than average.

25% Transfer Scholarship
Direct to Success for community college transfers

Among the most affordable private options in Chicago.

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Program at a Glance

How many majors?
3 Majors
Community Health, Disparities, Human Lactation
What credential?
IBCLC Path
Among few CAAHEP-accredited bachelor's pathways
What growth?
11%
Community health workers (BLS, 2024-2034)
How much?
$12,195/yr
First-time freshman tuition (2025-2026)

What You'll Learn

  • Analyze how systems of power shape maternal and child health
  • Apply ethics to maternal child health policy and practice
  • Address racism and inequity in maternal outcomes
  • Apply evidence-based practice in clinical and community settings
  • Coordinate community health programs and advocacy
  • Complete the hours required for IBCLC eligibility (Human Lactation)

Full Course List

Foundations
The science and systems of maternal and child health.
Science
The biological foundations of maternal-child health.
Culture
The cultural and historical context of childbirth.
Health Equity
How racism and inequity shape maternal outcomes.
Evidence
Applying research to clinical and community settings.
Lactation I
Clinical lactation support and problem-solving (Human Lactation).
Lactation II
Advanced lactation practice and IBCLC preparation (Human Lactation).
Applied
Field experience in community and clinical health settings.

Next start: September 21, 2026 — seats filling fast.

Admissions Requirements

  • Online application at nl.edu with official transcripts (no application fee)
  • Choose one of three majors with an advisor
  • Transfer students: generous credit acceptance
  • Direct to Success Scholarship for eligible community college transfers
  • Human Lactation major has clinical-hour requirements
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Among the Few

One of very few CAAHEP-accredited Pathway 2 programs that lead to a bachelor's degree and IBCLC eligibility.

Choose Your Mission

Three majors: broad community health, maternal health equity, or clinical human lactation, one degree built around your passion.

Your Associate Degree Counts

A 25 percent tuition scholarship for recent community college transfers, plus generous credit acceptance.

Where Will Your Degree Take You?

11%
Projected growth, community health workers (BLS, 2024-2034)
Community Health Worker
Health Educator
Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
Maternal Health Program Coordinator
Health Equity Specialist
Pathway to Public Health Graduate Study

Maternal and child health is at the intersection of medicine, advocacy, and social justice. Community health workers are among the fastest-growing occupations in the country, 11 percent projected growth through 2034, as healthcare systems recognize that community-based, culturally competent support improves outcomes.

Graduates enter with a bachelor’s, a specialization in their area of passion, and, for Human Lactation majors, a direct pathway to the IBCLC credential. Community health workers earn a median salary of $51,030 (BLS, May 2024), and all three majors prepare you for graduate study in public health, nursing, or social work.

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How to Apply in 3 Simple Steps

  1. Request Information

    Submit the form above. An NLU advisor will reach out within one business day to help you choose the right major for your goals.

  2. Connect With an Advisor

    Your advisor reviews your transcripts, confirms transfer credit, and checks your Direct to Success Scholarship eligibility.

  3. Apply and Start Classes

    Submit your application at nl.edu with no application fee. Next start: September 21, 2026. Your advisor supports you from submission through enrollment.

Get Started

Take the First Step

No commitment required. An NLU advisor will reach out within one business day to help you choose your major and map your path.

Take the First Step
  • CAAHEP Accredited (Human Lactation)
  • Three Distinct Majors
  • On-Campus or Online
  • Transfer Scholarship Available

*Salary and growth: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Community Health Workers (SOC 21-1094), May 2024.

**Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), Human Lactation major; IBCLC certification through IBLCE.

***Program and scholarship: National Louis University B.S. in Maternal Child Health program materials (2025-2026).