Public Health [BS]

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health program prepares students to protect and improve population health through education, healthy lifestyle promotion, and disease prevention research. Students choose a track in either Health Administration or Community Health Education, gaining specialized knowledge and skills for entry-level positions or continuing education in public health. The program emphasizes cultural competence, health equity, and addressing population health issues through programming, research, education, and policy change.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Program Overview:

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health program focuses on protecting and improving the health of populations – from neighborhoods to nations - through education, promoting healthy lifestyles, and research for disease and injury prevention. Coursework covers many public health topics and a student-selected “track” of interest: community health education or health administration. Students are prepared for entry-level positions in public health settings or continuing education.

Program Objectives:

• Prepare culturally competent public health professionals committed to advancing health equity by improving individual and community health and well-being.
• Equip students with specialized knowledge and practical skills in Public Health through classroom and community experiences.
• Enable students to address a broad range of issues of population health significance through programming, research, education, and policy change.

Program Description:

The public health major provides students with a comprehensive understanding of public health principles and practices. The program's core curriculum covers foundational topics such as environmental science, the U.S. health care system, epidemiology, and health behavior. Students then choose one of two tracks: Health Administration or Community Health Education. The Health Administration track prepares students for careers in health care management and administration. Coursework in this track covers topics such as health care organization and finance, human resource management, and health policy. The Community Health Education track prepares students for careers in health education and promotion. Coursework in this track covers topics such as community health assessment, health education methods and materials, and program planning and evaluation.

Outline:

Core Public Health Major Requirements:

(27 hours)

• ENVI 107 Environmental Science [GEGA] (3 hrs)
• HLAD 305 The U.S. Health Care System (3 hrs)
• HLAD 307W Communication Effectiveness in Health Administration [GEWI] (3 hrs)
• HLAD 323 Introduction to Epidemiology (3 hrs)
• HLED 230 Introduction to Public Health (3 hrs)
• HLED 242 Theoretical Foundations of Heath Behavior (3 hrs)
• HLED 351 Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases (3 hrs)
• HLED 495 Health Education for Diverse Populations (3 hrs)
• NURS 384 Global Health Issues (3 hrs)

Required Track:

(28-30 hours)

Health Administration Track:

(28 hours)

• HLAD 310 Administration of Health Care Organizations (3 hrs)
• HLAD 312 Health Personnel Management and Development (3 hrs) or MGMT 384 Human Resource Management (3 hrs)
• HLAD 315 Research Methods and Data Analysis in Health Sciences (3 hrs)
• HLAD 402 Health Policy (3 hrs)
• HLAD 416 Health Planning (3 hrs)
• HLAD 419 Legal and Regulatory Issues in Health Care (4 hrs)
• HLAD 488L4 Internship [GELB] (6 hrs)
• An additional “HLAD” course (3 hrs) (see program advisor for course options)

Community Health Education Track:

(30 hours)

• HLED 260 Introduction to Community Health (3 hrs)
• HLED 345 Community Health Education Methods and Materials (3 hrs)
• HLED 355 Health Education Program Planning (3 hrs)
• HLED 371 Injury and Violence Prevention (3 hrs)
• HLED 380 Psychosocial Health in Public Health (3 hrs)
• HLED 440 Health Education Program Evaluation (3 hrs)
• HLED 460 Concepts in Sexuality Education (3 hrs)
• HLED 490 Drug Use and Abuse (3 hrs)
• HLED 493L4 Internship in Community Health Education [GELB] (5 hrs)
• HLED 494 Community Health Education Internship Seminar (1 hr)

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

Students in the Public Health program are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Exams (midterms and finals)
• Quizzes
• Papers
• Presentations
• Projects
• Internships

Assessment Criteria:

• Students' grades are based on their performance on these assessments.
• The specific assessment criteria for each course are outlined in the course syllabus.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• The Public Health program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Case studies
• Simulations
• Field experiences
• The program's faculty are experienced professionals who are committed to providing students with a high-quality education.

Faculty:

• The Public Health program's faculty includes:
• Dr. Christopher Herman, Director
• Dr. John Smith, Associate Professor
• Dr. Jane Doe, Assistant Professor

Careers:

Career Paths:

• Graduates of the Public Health program can pursue a variety of careers in public health, including:
• Health educator
• Community health worker
• Epidemiologist
• Health policy analyst
• Health care administrator

Career Opportunities:

• Graduates of the Public Health program are employed in a variety of settings, including:
• Government agencies
• Non-profit organizations
• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Schools