Public Health, Minor
Program overview:
The minor in Public Health will provide students with an introduction to the vital principles of public health. Through two required courses in public health and epidemiology students explore the ways social, political and economic forces influence the health of populations and learn about the causes and control of disease, including epidemics and pandemics. Elective courses allow students either to focus on public health, through Honors courses in global public health, nutrition, economics, sociology, health care, history of medicine, and health policy.
This minor is appropriate for students considering careers and/or further study in the health professions, particularly in medicine, community or global public health, political science, management, sociology, psychology, prelaw, social work, health promotion, nursing, and other fields. The past few years have seen an increase of interest in public health, by not only students in Biology and the Health Promotion Department, but from other majors. The college has seen an increase in students expressing interest in applying to graduate programs in public health. The minor in public health will provide an opportunity for our students to utilize this program to augment their education in this area. Additionally, after reviewing the topics of the new MCAT exams, there is an increased expectation that students should be aware of issues that are related to the delivery of health care, health care, public health, the sociology of health care and epidemiology.
The minor in Public Health is an interdisciplinary program with two required courses offered and administered by the Department of Biology and Health Promotion.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Code | Title | Credits |
| Select two of the following courses: | 7-8 |
BIO-1101 | Introduction to Human Biology |
|
BIO-1107 | Anatomy and Physiology I |
|
BIO-1108 | Anatomy and Physiology II |
|
BIO-1201 | General Biology |
|
BIO-1140 |
|
|
HS-1501 | Introduction to Public Health | 3 |
HS-2406 | Epidemiology | 3 |
| Select two of the following courses: | 6 |
Bio-1001 | History of Science & 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 |
|
SOC-4008 | Topic: Sociology of Health & Medicine |
|
| Total Hours | 19-20 |
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PLO 1: Identify causes of social and behavioral factors that affect the health of individuals and populations based on theories, concepts, and models from a range of social and behavioral disciplines that are used in public health research and practice.
PLO 2: Assess individual, organizational and community concerns, assets, resources, and deficits for social and behavioral science interventions.
PLO 3: Identify critical stakeholders for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health programs, policies, and interventions.
PLO 4: Demonstrate steps and procedures for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health programs, policies, and interventions.
PLO 5: Apply evidence-based, ethically grounded approaches in the development and evaluation of social and behavioral science interventions.
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
The curriculum offers students the opportunity to explore foundational topics in both the biological and social dimensions of health and wellness. Students select courses that build a strong understanding of human biology and health sciences, including options such as Introduction to Human Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, General Biology, Public Health, and Epidemiology. In addition, students choose from a range of interdisciplinary courses that examine health from historical, social, ethical, and environmental perspectives. These courses may include subjects such as Community Health, Nutrition, Environmental Public Health, Health Economics, Medical Ethics, and the Sociology of Health and Medicine. Together, this combination of scientific and interdisciplinary study provides students with a broad understanding of the biological, social, and environmental factors that influence health and healthcare in society.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
🌍 Public Health Program Assistant
• Support community health initiatives that promote disease prevention and healthy living.
🏥 Community Health Outreach Coordinator
• Assist with public health campaigns, health education events, and community outreach programs.
📊 Public Health Research Assistant
• Help collect and analyze health data for research studies and public health projects.
🦠 Epidemiology or Health Surveillance Assistant
• Support efforts to track and understand patterns of disease in populations.
🌱 Environmental Health Assistant
• Work with organizations focused on environmental safety, clean water, food safety, and pollution prevention.
🏫 Health Education Program Assistant
• Support schools or community organizations in developing and delivering health education programs.
🏛 Public Health Policy or Advocacy Assistant
• Assist organizations that develop policies and programs aimed at improving community health.
🎓 Preparation for Graduate Study
• Strengthen preparation for graduate programs in public health, epidemiology, global health, healthcare administration, or health policy.