Public Health, B.S.
Program overview:
The Bachelor of Science in Public Health program at St. Francis College in New York prepares students for advanced studies in public health, the health professions, occupational therapy, physical therapy, medical careers, pharmacy careers, nursing, and more. Public Health students develop the competencies and skills necessary for positions in a variety of professional settings such as local, state, and federal health and social service agencies and non-governmental and voluntary health organizations, health care, and private industry.
This Public Health degree program has been designed to provide opportunities for SFC students to work with underserved communities. The major supplements interest in adding a minor to a course of study in the college, and it will enable students to enter the healthcare profession better prepared to serve their communities in providing healthcare to all.
Underlying the focused, outcomes-driven curriculum is SFC’s robust General Education Program, which is the cornerstone of SFC and affirms its mission to graduate educated, well-rounded individuals who enter the workforce and work to change and culturally diversify the world.
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PLO 1: Organize ideas clearly and effectively.
PLO 2: Apply appropriate communication strategies with clients and their families, community organizations, and/or other stakeholders.
PLO 3: Analyze community health needs with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
PLO 4: Practice awareness of cultural, ethnic, age, gender, and lifestyle differences.
PLO 5: Demonstrate ethical and professional conduct appropriate to the community health environment.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Code | Title | Credits |
| General Education Requirements | 50 |
FS | Understanding College | 1 |
WRI1 | Writing | 3 |
OC1 | Presentation | 3 |
QR1 | Mathematics | 3 |
DL | Digital Literacy | 3 |
ALC | Arts and Literature across Cultures | 6 |
NSS | Natural Sciences | 8 |
EP | Ethics and Philosophy | 6 |
SSS | Social Sciences | 6 |
HGP | Historical and Global Perspectives | 6 |
FH | Personal Wellness | 2 |
RS | Religion | 3 |
| Major Requirements | 28 |
BIO-1140 & BIO-1140L | Anatomy and Physiology I & Laboratory | 4 |
BIO-1141 & BIO-1141L | Anatomy and Physiology II & Laboratory | 4 |
BIO-1201 & BIO-1201L | General Biology & Laboratory | 4 |
HS-1501 | Introduction to Public Health | 3 |
HS-2406 | Epidemiology | 3 |
| Select two of the following courses: | 6 |
BIO-5101 | History of Medicine in America |
|
HS-1201 | Community Health |
|
HS-1207 | Nutrition |
|
HS-1306 | Healing and Wholeness |
|
HS-1403 | Women’s Health Issues |
|
HS-2240 | Introduction to Environmental Public Health |
|
HS-2150 | Methods in Teaching Health |
|
ECO-3310 | Health Economics |
|
PHI-2502 | Medical Ethics |
|
| Liberal Arts | 21 |
| General Electives | 21 |
| Total Credits | 120 |
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
Professional core courses are designed to help students develop skills in planning, implementation, and evaluation in the context of health services and programs. Students must complete an internship as a public health degree requirement during their senior year in a setting related to the degree and their interests.
Example internship sites include the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, hospitals, nursing homes, fitness centers, work site health education programs, and substance abuse prevention centers.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
🌍 Public Health Educator
• Develop programs that promote healthy lifestyles and disease prevention in communities.
📊 Public Health Analyst
• Collect and analyze health data to help organizations improve health policies and programs.
🏥 Community Health Worker
• Support individuals and families by connecting them with healthcare services and health education resources.
🦠 Epidemiology Assistant
• Help track and study disease patterns to support public health research and prevention efforts.
📋 Health Program Coordinator
• Plan, implement, and evaluate community health initiatives for hospitals, nonprofits, and government agencies.
🌱 Environmental Health Specialist
• Work on issues related to clean air, safe water, food safety, and environmental health protection.
🏛 Public Health Policy Assistant
• Support the development and implementation of health policies that improve population health.
🎓 Preparation for Graduate Study
• Prepare for advanced degrees in public health, epidemiology, healthcare administration, health policy, or global health.