Public Health Mission Statement The Department is committed to preparing students to understand and critically analyze public health issues, to appreciate the importance of health disparities, and to understand the local, national and global dimensions of public health issues. The Department is committed to fostering intellectual curiosity and creativity in problem solving to effectively address public health challenges in communities and populations. The Department aims to provide a foundation of core health knowledge enhanced by interdisciplinary study to promote health at all levels for all people. Public Health Promotion - BS Goal The BS in Public Health Promotion prepare students with the knowledge of public health practice, principles and methods, and the skills necessary to utilize these to improve the health of the public. Furthermore, the program prepares public health educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to function effectively in a health education setting and to attain the certified health education specialist (CHES) credential. This is achieved through a foundation in general education, the biological, social and behavioral sciences, research, and the core content areas of public health enhanced by a semester long internship in a public health setting. Public Health Promotion - BS Objectives The objectives of the BS in Public Health Promotion are: To prepare public health education specialists with the skills and knowledge necessary to function effectively in a health education setting, and To prepare students to attain the certified health education specialist (CHES) credential. Public Health Promotion – BS Student Learning Outcomes Use tools of informatics to access, collect, evaluate, and manage public health/scientific data aimed at assessing the well-being of a community. (CEPH Foundational #1: Locate, use, evaluate and synthesize public health information.) Demonstrate proficiency in using oral, electronic, and written techniques for communicating public health information. (CEPH Foundational #2: Communicate public health information, in both oral and written forms and through a variety of media, to diverse audiences) Propose approaches to advancing population health and health equity using evidence-based program planning, community engagement and advocacy strategies. Apply health behavior theories to a selected health issue using a social determinants of health or health disparities framework. Discuss health from a population perspective and the role of demographic, behavioral, social and environmental determinants in shaping population health Develop a proposal to plan, implement and evaluate a public health intervention for improving population health. Health Studies - BS Goal The BS in Health Studies is a generic program that seeks to prepare students with the health knowledge and skills necessary to understand and navigate the US healthcare system, to be an informed consumer of health information, and to critically assess personal health behavior, health status, and associated health risks. Health Studies - BS Objectives To provide a relevant course of study for students who have completed an AAS in an allied health discipline and wish to earn a bachelor's degree to complement their current career. To provide a relevant course of study for students who currently work in the healthcare industry in a non-clinical role and wish to earn a bachelor's degree to complement their current career. To provide a relevant course of study for students who want a foundation in the study of human health before pursuing additional graduate training in clinical health science professions. To provide a general course of study for students who are interested in personal health and wellness, but who do not want to pursue a career-preparatory degree program. Health Studies - BS Student Learning Outcomes Locate valid sources of health and disease information. Describe the organization and administration of health care in the United States. Analyze the factors that contribute to the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Utilize health literacy and the skills of health informatics to deliver health information. Investigate and critically assess physical, social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual factors influencing health behaviors.
