Department of Health Sciences

Overview

In addition to University Requirements:

• At least 68 units of major requirements

• Up to 9 units of major prefix courses may be used to satisfy Liberal Studies requirements; these same courses may also be used to satisfy major requirements

• Elective courses, if needed, to reach an overall total of at least 120 units

Please note that you may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Purpose Statement

The mission of the Public Health Program is to prepare students to promote and protect the health of the public using appropriate processes, concepts, and principles.
 
Public health protects and improves the health of individuals, families, communities, and populations, locally, regionally, and globally. Public health professionals focus on preventing disease and injury by promoting healthy lifestyles. They confront global health issues, such as improving equitable access to health care, controlling infectious disease, and reducing environmental hazards, violence, substance abuse, and injury. Our graduates are prepared to plan, implement, and evaluate educational programs; act as a resource person; administer services; and communicate and advocate for health equity. They pursue graduate degrees in health-related fields and obtain employment in a variety of settings, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, hospitals, schools, and research institutions.

Student Learning Outcomes
 
Upon completion of their degree in Health Sciences - Public Health, students will demonstrate their knowledge and ability to apply the following processes, concepts, and principles to promote and protect the health of the public.
 
The summarized outcomes are below.  See the full list of learning outcomes.

• Overview of Public Health:  The history and philosophy of public health as well as its core values, concepts, and functions across the globe and in society. 
• Role and Importance of Data in Public Health: The basic concepts, methods, and tools of public health data collection, use, and analysis and why evidence-based approaches are an essential part of public health practice.
• Identifying and Addressing Population Health Challenges: The concepts of population health, and the basic processes, approaches, and interventions that identify and address the major health-related needs and concerns of populations.
• Human Health: The underlying science of human health and disease including opportunities for promoting and protecting health across the life course.
• Determinants of Health: The socio-economic, behavioral, biological, environmental, and other factors that impact human health and contribute to health disparities.
• Project Implementation: The fundamental concepts and features of project implementation, including planning, assessment, and evaluation.
• Overview of the Health System: The fundamental characteristics and organizational structures of the U.S. health system as well as to the differences in systems in other countries. 
• Health Policy, Law, Ethics, and Economics: Basic concepts of legal, ethical, economic, and regulatory dimensions of health care and public health policy, and the roles, influences, and responsibilities of the different agencies and branches of government.
• Health Communication: Basic concepts of public health-specific communication, including technical and professional writing and the use of mass media and electronic technology.