BS of Public Health

Admissions

How to Apply

Goals

Our goals are fundamental to the program and in the attainment of our mission.

Instructional Goals

Sustain an environment of academic rigor by ensuring faculty are teaching effectively.

Design, implement, and evaluate a competency and practice-based academically rigorous program to ensure all students are prepared to assume public health related careers.

Research Goals

Foster an environment for faculty exploration of public health research to train and prepare students to conduct ethically-based public health research.

Service Goals

Building capacity to strengthen relationships between the program faculty, students, and public health workforce in the service of others. 
 

This program consists of lower division courses that many complete in community college.  If you have not completed those and transfer in you will need to get those out of the way right away. 

Lower division courses should be completed before signing up for the pre-field experience.

Lower division courses should be completed prior to taking upper division courses to the extent possible.  See the university bulletin for prerequisites.

A grade of 'C' or better is required in all upper division courses for this major including approved substitute courses.

To complete your degree in two years you:

1. must take courses when they are offered (day, time, quarter) and
2. must have the 2000 level sciences completed prior to transferring here or to taking upper division, or
3. take summer courses

Requirements for the B.S. in Public Health

(Program Code: PBHL)

HSCI 5213. Community Service Project in Public Health

Academically related tasks in such agencies as governmental, social service, and educational institutions. Instructor consent required. Students may earn up to a total of 6 units from HSCI 3291, 3292, and 4213.

HSCI 5753. Field Experience in Health Science

A minimum of 120 hours will be spent in a guided, structured, practical, educational experience in sites that may include public health offices, community health centers, clinical sites, nonprofit health agencies, worksite health promotion programs, or health care organizations, under the direct supervision of a preceptor at the site and guidance of the department. Letter of approval signed by site preceptor and faculty advisor to be filed in the department office prior to beginning the field experience. Graded credit/no credit. Departmental consent is required. Formerly HSCI 689D; students may not earn credit for both courses.

HSCI 5970 Honors Thesis for Public Health

Honors thesis conducted under the supervision of two public health faculty. The project must include independent research focused on a relevant public health research question. Students must have a major GPA of 3.5 and an overall GPA of 3.0. Formal presentation may be required. May be repeated for a total of 8 units, a total of 4 units may be applied to the upper division requirements for the BS in Public Health. Department consent required.

A degree in public health offers a wide range of career opportunities in various sectors. Public health professionals work to improve the health and well-being of communities and populations, focusing on preventing disease, promoting healthy behaviors, and addressing health disparities. Here are some career paths you can consider with a degree in public health:

1. Epidemiologist: Epidemiologists study the patterns and causes of diseases and injuries in populations. They collect and analyze data, conduct research, and help develop strategies to prevent and control diseases.
2. Health Educator: Health educators work to educate individuals and communities about healthy behaviors and lifestyles. They develop and implement programs, workshops, and campaigns to promote health and prevent diseases.
3. Health Policy Analyst: Health policy analysts assess public health policies and make recommendations for improvements. They analyze the impact of policies on communities and populations, advocate for change, and contribute to the development of effective health policies.
4. Public Health Administrator: Public health administrators manage and oversee the operations of public health organizations and agencies. They develop and implement policies, allocate resources, and ensure the efficient delivery of public health services.
5. Global Health Specialist: Global health specialists work on public health issues at an international level. They may be involved in addressing infectious diseases, health disparities, and healthcare system strengthening in developing countries or during global health emergencies.
6. Health Promotion Specialist: Health promotion specialists design and implement programs and initiatives to promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles. They may focus on specific areas such as tobacco control, nutrition, physical activity, or mental health.
7. Public Health Researcher: Public health researchers conduct scientific studies and research to generate new knowledge in the field. They may work in academia, research institutions, or government agencies, contributing to the evidence base for public health interventions and policies.
8. Community Health Worker: Community health workers provide direct support and assistance to individuals and communities. They serve as a link between healthcare providers and the community, helping to improve access to healthcare services and providing health education.

These are just a few examples, and there are many other career paths within public health. Additionally, public health professionals can work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare institutions, research institutions, and consulting firms. The specific career opportunities available to you will depend on your interests, skills, and specialization within public health.