Health Sciences: Public Health Concentration, Bachelor of Science
Public Health is a field of science that aims to prevent disease, prolong life and promotion overall wellbeing. Public Health involves education, promotion of healthy lifestyles, research, prevention, and the detection and response of disease or conditions in individuals, organizations and communities. The concept of health takes into account physical, psychological, spiritual and social well-being.
Graduates of the Public Health concentration are eligible to sit for the Certification in Public Health Exam.
Public Health graduates can find employment in worksite health promotion, community health, government and volunteer health agencies, clinical and managed care settings. Public Health graduates will be prepared to apply for a Master in Public Health degree.
With a degree in Public Health, you have a wide range of career options in government, healthcare, research, non-profits, and private industries. Here are some of the most common paths:
1. Public Health Administration and Management
Public Health Administrator (with Master in Public Health): Lead health departments, non-profits, or community health organizations.
Program Coordinator/Manager: Plan and manage public health programs (maternal health, immunization, etc.).
Health Services Manager: Oversee operations in community health centers or public health clinics.
Grants Administrator: Manage funding applications and reporting for health programs.
Healthcare Policy Analyst: Develop and analyze policies to improve public health.
2. Community Health and Education
Community Health Worker: Provide outreach and education to underserved populations.
Health Educator: Design and lead health education programs on nutrition, exercise, sexual health, etc.
Patient Education Specialist: Teach patients about chronic disease management and healthy behaviors.
Tobacco Cessation Counselor: Help individuals quit smoking through education and support.
HIV/AIDS Educator and Counselor: Provide prevention education and support to affected communities.
3. Epidemiology and Disease Prevention
Epidemiologist (with Masters in Public Health): Study the causes, spread, and control of diseases in populations.
Infection Control Specialist: Monitor and prevent the spread of infectious diseases in healthcare settings.
Disease Surveillance Specialist: Track outbreaks and develop response strategies.
Vaccine Coordinator: Manage vaccination programs for public health agencies.
4. Environmental and Occupational Health
Environmental Health Specialist: Inspect and regulate environmental health hazards (water, air, waste).
Industrial Hygienist: Monitor workplace environments for health and safety risks.
Occupational Health Specialist: Develop workplace safety programs and monitor employee health.
Climate Change and Health Specialist: Address the impact of climate change on community health.
5. Health Policy and Advocacy
Public Health Policy Analyst (with Masters in Public Health): Research, develop, and advocate for public health policies.
Health Policy Advisor: Provide policy guidance to government agencies, NGOs, or private companies.
Legislative Liaison (Health Focus): Advocate for public health legislation at the local, state, or federal level.
Public Health Advocate: Work with non-profits to promote public health issues (tobacco control, clean water).
6. Global Health
Global Health Specialist: Design and manage international health programs.
Humanitarian Health Worker: Provide emergency health services in disaster-affected areas.
Infectious Disease Specialist: Monitor and respond to global disease outbreaks (malaria, TB, HIV).
International Public Health Educator: Teach health practices in developing countries.
Water and Sanitation Specialist: Implement clean water and hygiene programs.
7. Research and Data Analysis with advanced education
Public Health Researcher: Conduct studies on health trends, diseases, and health behaviors.
Biostatistician: Analyze public health data to identify trends and outcomes.
Health Data Analyst: Use health data to improve public health programs.
Clinical Research Coordinator: Manage clinical trials for new treatments and vaccines.
8. Health Communication and Media
Health Communications Specialist: Develop health education materials, social media campaigns, and public service announcements.
Public Health Journalist: Write articles on health issues for media outlets.
Social Media Coordinator (Public Health): Use digital platforms to promote health education.
Health Marketing Specialist: Develop campaigns to promote healthy behaviors.
9. Emergency Preparedness and Response
Emergency Preparedness Coordinator: Develop and implement disaster response plans.
Public Health Emergency Planner: Prepare communities for health crises (pandemics, natural disasters).
Disaster Response Specialist: Provide on-site support during health emergencies.
Public Health Risk Communicator: Provide accurate information to the public during health crises.
10. Healthcare Administration (with further experience or education)
Healthcare Administrator: Manage operations in hospitals or public health organizations.
Infection Preventionist: Develop infection control policies in healthcare settings.
Quality Improvement Specialist: Ensure healthcare facilities meet public health standards.
11. Mental Health and Behavioral Health
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist: Develop programs to prevent alcohol and drug abuse.
Mental Health Policy Advocate: Promote mental health policies at local, state, or national levels.
Crisis Intervention Specialist: Provide support during mental health emergencies.
12. Non-Profit and International Organizations
Program Manager (NGOs): Lead health initiatives for non-profits like Red Cross or WHO.
Fundraising Coordinator (Health Focus): Raise funds for public health projects.
Community Outreach Specialist: Develop partnerships to support public health initiatives.
Health Equity Specialist: Work to reduce health disparities in underserved communities.
13. Advanced Careers with Further Education
Public Health Doctor (DrPH): Lead public health programs and organizations.
Epidemiology Professor (with PhD): Teach and conduct research at universities.
Infectious Disease Physician (MD/MPH): Specialize in diagnosing and treating infectious diseases.
Biostatistics Professor (with PhD): Teach and conduct research in biostatistics.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Summarize and synthesize information relevant to assessing and improving healthcare and population health.
- Exhibit the ability to read and interpret scientific research with application of the scientific methods, statistics, study design, and reporting in the health sciences.
- Evaluate and integrate critical concepts and skills acquired in the health sciences curriculum to common professional problems in the fields of interest.
- Exhibit effective oral and written communication as well as mass communication regarding subjects related to the health sciences in an individual and group setting.
- Apply and demonstrate knowledge, skills and critical problem solving in a field-based and/or clinical setting.
Outcomes Assessment Activities
- end of program exam, writing example, oral communication example, case study
Specific Program Requirements
Program Overview
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| General Education | 35 |
| Core Requirements | 11 |
| Concentration Requirements | 55 |
| Elective or Minor | 19 |
| Total Credits | 120 |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| HS 101 | Introduction to Health Professions | 2 |
| ANTH 100 | Cultural Anthropology (GT-SS3) | 3 |
| or SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology (GT-SS3) | |
| CHEM 111 | Principles of Chemistry (GT-SC2) | 3 |
| CHEM 111L | Principles of Chemistry Lab (GT-SC1) | 1 |
| BIOL 112 | Nutrition | 3 |
| EPER 162 | Personal Health | 3 |
| EPER 162L | Personal Health Lab | 1 |
| BIOL 220 | Medical Terminology | 2 |
| EPER 222 | Behavior Facilitation | 3 |
| HS 230 | Foundations of Public Health | 3 |
| AT 232 | First Aid | 2 |
| HS 312 | Nutrition & Food Systems in Public Health | 3 |
| HS 320 | Evaluation of Health Issues | 3 |
| HS 325 | Health Communication | 3 |
| HS 330 | Epidemiology & Disease Prevention | 3 |
| HS 335 | Public Health and the Environment | 3 |
| HS 336 | Community and Global Health | 3 |
| EPER 343 | Research and Statistics | 3 |
| HS 402 | Grant Writing & Community Partnerships | 3 |
| HS 430 | Public Health Program Planning | 3 |
| HS 435 | Public Health Program Evaluation | 3 |
| HS 493 | Seminar | 2 |
| HS 498 | Internship | 6 |
| Other Required Courses | ||
| BIOL 223 | Human Physiology and Anatomy I (GT-SC2) | 3 |
| BIOL 223L | Human Physiology and Anatomy I Lab (GT-SC1) | 1 |
| BIOL 224 | Human Physiology and Anatomy II (GT-SC2) | 3 |
| BIOL 224L | Human Physiology and Anatomy II Lab (GT-SC1) | 1 |
| CIS 103 | Introduction to PowerPoint | 1 |
| CIS 104 | Introduction to Excel Spreadsheets | 1 |
| CID 103 | Speaking & Listening | 3 |
| MATH 156 | Introduction to Statistics (GT-MA1) | 3 |
| PSYC 151 | Human Development (GT-SS3) | 3 |
| POLS 101 | American Government (GT-SS1) | 3 |
| ENG 101 | Rhetoric & Writing I (GT-CO1) | 3 |
| ENG 102 | Rhetoric & Writing II (GT-CO2) | 3 |
| World Language Humanities | 3 | |
| General Education Humanities | 3 | |
| General Education History | 3 | |
| Electives or Minor | 19 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
Specific Graduation Requirements
All HSHM Majors are required to:
- Complete a concentration of study with a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher.
- Earn a 2.0 overall GPA to enroll in 300 or 400-level courses in the department;
- Earn a minimum grade of a “C” in all prerequisite and major courses;
- Repeat prerequisite and major courses with a grade of “D” or lower until a grade of “C” or higher is achieved; and
- Earn a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in required English and speech communication courses.
- Earn at least 120 credit hours with at least 40 upper-division credits.
- Successfully complete an internship course.
- Submit a graduation contract by the deadline the semester of graduation.
Planning Sheet
Disclaimer: The Planning Sheet is designed as a guide for students planning their course selections. The information on this page provides only a suggested schedule. Actual course selections should be made with the advice and consent of an academic advisor. While accurately portraying the information contained in the college catalog, this form is not considered a legal substitute for that document. Students should become familiar with the catalog in effect at the time in which they entered the institution.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Fall | ||
| AT 232 | First Aid | 2 |
| CID 103 | Speaking & Listening | 3 |
| CIS 103 | Introduction to PowerPoint | 1 |
| CIS 104 | Introduction to Excel Spreadsheets | 1 |
| ENG 101 | Rhetoric & Writing I (GT-CO1) | 3 |
| HS 101 | Introduction to Health Professions | 2 |
| PSYC 151 | Human Development (GT-SS3) | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOL 220 | Medical Terminology | 2 |
| ENG 102 | Rhetoric & Writing II (GT-CO2) or ENG 117 | 3 |
| EPER 162 | Personal Health | 3 |
| EPER 162L | Personal Health Lab | 1 |
| MATH 156 | Introduction to Statistics (GT-MA1) | 3 |
| SOC 101 or ANTH 100 |
Introduction to Sociology (GT-SS3) or Cultural Anthropology (GT-SS3) |
3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| BIOL 223 | Human Physiology and Anatomy I (GT-SC2) | 3 |
| BIOL 223L | Human Physiology and Anatomy I Lab (GT-SC1) | 1 |
| HS 230 | Foundations of Public Health | 3 |
| HIST 136 | The Southwest United States (GT-HI1) or any Gen Ed: History | 3 |
| SPN 101 | Beginning Spanish I or any Gen Ed: World Language | 3 |
| Elective or Minor | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOL 112 | Nutrition | 3 |
| BIOL 224 | Human Physiology and Anatomy II (GT-SC2) | 3 |
| BIOL 224L | Human Physiology and Anatomy II Lab (GT-SC1) | 1 |
| EPER 222 | Behavior Facilitation | 3 |
| POLS 101 | American Government (GT-SS1) | 3 |
| Elective or Minor | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| CHEM 111 | Principles of Chemistry (GT-SC2) | 3 |
| CHEM 111L | Principles of Chemistry Lab (GT-SC1) | 1 |
| HS 320 | Evaluation of Health Issues | 3 |
| HS 330 | Epidemiology & Disease Prevention | 3 |
| HS 430 | Public Health Program Planning | 3 |
| General Education Humanities | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| HS 312 | Nutrition & Food Systems in Public Health | 3 |
| HS 335 | Public Health and the Environment | 3 |
| HS 402 | Grant Writing & Community Partnerships | 3 |
| HS 435 | Public Health Program Evaluation | 3 |
| Elective or Minor | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall | ||
| EPER 343 | Research and Statistics | 3 |
| HS 336 | Community and Global Health | 3 |
| HS 493 | Seminar | 2 |
| Elective or Minor | 7 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| HS 325 | Health Communication | 3 |
| HS 498 | Internship | 6 |
| Elective or Minor | 3 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |