Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the B.S. in Public Health program, graduates will be able to do the following:
- Explain the history and philosophy of public health as well as its core values, concepts, and functions across the globe and in society.
- Identify the methods, and tools of public health data collection, use, and analysis and why evidence-based approaches are an essential part of public health practice.
- Identify the basic processes, approaches, and interventions that identify and address the major health-related needs and concerns of populations.
- Relate the underlying science of human health and disease to opportunities for promoting and protecting health across the life course.
- Identify the socio-economic, behavioral, biological, environmental, and other factors that impact human health and contribute to health disparities.
- Apply the principles of project implementation, including planning, assessment, and evaluation in organizational and community initiatives.
- Explain the fundamental characteristics and organizational structures of the U. S. health system as well as to the differences in systems in other countries.
- Describe the 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.
- Apply public health-specific communication, including technical and professional writing and the use of mass media and electronic technology to promote public health.
Health Education Specific Competencies:
- Assess needs, assets and capacity for health education
- Plan health education.
- Implement health education.
- Conduct evaluation and research related to health education.
- Administer and manage health education.
- Serve as a health education resource person.
- Communicate and advocate for health and health education.
Note: Learning Goals adapted from the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH [Recommended Critical Component Elements of an Undergraduate Major in Public Health])- http://www.aspph.org/ and the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC [Responsibilities and Competencies for Health Education Specialists])- http://www.nchec.org/
The B.S. in Public Health curriculum includes general education requirements, science courses, and major courses ranging from basic concepts of public health to informatics; epidemiology; health education; behavioral health; violence prevention; race, ethnicity, and public health; health policy; community health; and a capstone in health education and program planning.
