Accelerated Master's Pathway, BS in Public Health/MPH Option
School of Nursing and Health Sciences
The Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree program provides
learners with foundational knowledge in the core areas of
biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health, social
determinants, and public health policy and management. The degree
program curriculum emphasizes the theories of social and behavioral
change that guide public health professionals in understanding health
behaviors in the contexts in which they occur; structural and social
barriers to better health; statistical data evaluation and
interpretation; and evidence-based practices for the ways in which
public health professionals can use a collaborative community approach
to promote disease prevention through the planning and evaluation of
public health programs and policies. Upon successful completion of
this degree program, learners are prepared to supplement their current
position with public health knowledge or pursue entry-level positions
within the field of public health.
For more information see the Accelerated Master’s Pathway Options
section on the Offering Information page.
Accelerated Master’s Pathway, BS in Public Health/MPH option
Learners enrolled in the Accelerated Master’s Pathway, BS in
Public Health/MPH option complete the following master’s-level
courses in lieu of PUBH4003, PUBH4006, and PUBH4024.
Master's-level courses
At least 12 quarter credits
MPH5220 |
Social Determinants of Health Equity
Learners in this course examine the social factors contributing to
health and health care disparities on a local, regional, national, and
global basis, calculating their impact on overall health status and
health service use. Learners also develop community-based intervention
strategies to address identified disparities. | 4 quarter credits |
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MPH5503 |
Environmental Health Concepts in Public Health
This course surveys the major issues related to environmental and
occupational health and health hazards. Learners identify the sources
of biological, chemical, and physical agents found in the environment
and analyze their effects on water, food, and land resources in
community and occupational settings. Learners also examine concepts
about climate change, as well as the legal framework, policies, and
practices associated with controlling environmental and occupational
hazards. | 4 quarter credits |
MPH5506 |
Social and Behavioral Foundations in Public Health
Learners in this course explore social and behavioral science
theories and concepts applied to population health. Learners identify
and increase their understanding of the biological, social, economic,
behavioral, and environmental factors that influence the health of
individuals, populations, and subgroups. Learners also examine the
resources needed to develop social and behavioral policies and public
health evidenced-based programs to reduce disparities and improve
health. | 4 quarter credits |
These courses are taken in addition to the general education and
remaining required courses.
General Education Requirements
Choose 45 quarter credits with a minimum of 4 quarter credits from
each category; see General
Education Courses.
ACS1003 |
Building Skills for Academic Success
Learners in this course begin to build and strengthen the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to succeed in a bachelor of science degree program and the workplace. Learners develop and demonstrate business thinking and, in particular, evaluate case studies to acquire and broaden their knowledge of the creation of an organization. In addition, learners expand organizational, information literacy, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills and apply an understanding of ethics, team behaviors, and effective business writing. BS in Business learners who are determined to need additional support developing academic and professional writing and reading skills based on academic assessment must take ACS1003 during their first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. | 6 quarter credits |
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BHA4010 |
Introduction to Health Care Research
In this course, learners examine health care research methodologies
to assess access, quality, and cost as well as related marketing
research and planning. In particular, learners strengthen their
knowledge of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research
designs in order to better understand the needs, expectations, and
social norms involved within the health care delivery system. | 6 quarter credits |
BHA4102 |
Leadership and Communication in Health Care Organizations
Learners in this course gain awareness of their personal leadership
style and develop communication approaches appropriate for a diverse
set of stakeholders. Learners also build their knowledge and skills in
cultural competence, effective teamwork, coaching,
cross-functionality, and collaboration through the use of authentic,
real-world scenarios. | 6 quarter credits |
BHA4108 |
Managing Population Health
In this course, learners investigate epidemiology and its patterns,
causes, and effects relative to health and disease conditions across
identified populations. Learners identify evidence-based approaches to
promote wellness, disease management, and evolving financial
reimbursement strategies. In addition, learners gain an understanding
of critical factors associated with accountable care organizations and
formulate applied research strategies focused on patient
engagement. | 6 quarter credits |
PHI3200 |
Ethics in Health Care
Learners in this course gain a better understanding of the ethical issues associated with the health care profession and the conceptual framework health care professionals use to make ethical decisions. Learners examine current and emerging ethical health care issues related to the various stages of the lifecycle and the quality of life. Learners also explore ethical issues associated with patient care from the perspectives of various health care professionals, including physicians, nurses, and administrators through the use of authentic, real-world examples. | 6 quarter credits |
PUBH4001 |
Foundations of Public Health
This course provides learners with an overview of core public health
concepts as well as the contributions and roles of public health
institutions. Learners use historical perspectives and current trends
to address determinants of health from an environmental, social, and
behavioral perspective. Learners also become familiar with
organizational structure and gauge its impact on health care delivery
and barriers to access from a population perspective. | 4 quarter credits |
PUBH4003 |
Introduction to Theories of Social and Behavioral Change
Learners in this course gain fundamental knowledge of the theories of
social and behavioral change that guide public health professionals in
understanding health behaviors in the contexts in which they occur.
Learners analyze the theories that influence health behaviors and
public engagement activities as well as gain perspectives of why and
how people behave the way they do. In addition, learners examine the
structural and social barriers to better health and determine the ways
in which they can design comprehensive solutions to eliminate those
barriers. | 4 quarter credits |
PUBH4006 |
Social Determinants of Health and Wellness
In this course, learners are introduced to the social and economic
determinants of health and wellness in the United States. In
particular, learners gain an understanding of what those determinants
are and how they can be changed. | 4 quarter credits |
PUBH4009 |
Introduction to Biostatistics
This course introduces learners to fundamental statistical data
analysis for individual and community health. Throughout the course,
learners examine basic statistics and how they are applied in public
health. Learners also develop and demonstrate an awareness of the
statistical software tools used for analysis and explore the major
methodologies used in public health to determine policy and
practice. | 4 quarter credits |
PUBH4012 |
Introduction to Epidemiology
In this course, learners examine core principles of epidemiology,
including the prevention of chronic diseases, how disease spreads
across populations, and how public health interventions can help
control or reduce that spread. In addition, learners gain an
understanding of patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease
conditions; statistical evaluation, analysis, and interpretation; and
the impact of health and disease social determinants on the health of
individuals and the community. Learners also explore epidemiology as a
social science by reviewing the social causes and consequences of
health. | 4 quarter credits |
PUBH4015 |
Planning and Evaluation in Evidence-Based Practice
Learners in this course assess evidence-based practice and how it
affects public health planning and evaluation. In particular, learners
examine the ways in which they can use a collaborative community
approach and the best evidence available to promote prevention through
the planning and evaluation of public health programs and
policies. | 4 quarter credits |
PUBH4018 |
Introduction to Public Health Policy and Management
In this course, learners build and demonstrate a broad understanding
of how public health and policy intersect in the United States and how
public health services, programs, and policies are developed, managed,
and funded. Throughout the course, learners analyze the key drivers of
policies and legislation that impact public and private health care
systems, individuals, and the overall population. | 4 quarter credits |
PUBH4024 |
Introduction to Environmental Health
Learners in this course investigate the relationships between people
and their environment, and the promotion of environmentally healthy
and safe communities. Learners also examine the effects of climate
change on public health and how to identify and prevent hazardous
agents in air, water, soil, and food and in occupations from adversely
affecting human health on a short or long term basis.
Prerequisite(s): PUBH4009 and PUBH4012.
| 4 quarter credits |
PUBH4027 |
Community Health Promotion, Education and Advocacy
In this course, learners examine how health promotion, education, and
advocacy have been employed in the United States and worldwide.
Learners also investigate the expanding world of social media as well
as more traditional public health promotion, education, and advocacy
efforts. | 4 quarter credits |
Elective courses
At least 63 quarter credits
Choose 63 quarter credits of additional undergraduate courses.
Capstone course
At least 6 quarter credits
Taken during the learner’s final quarter:
PUBH4900 |
Public Health Capstone
The capstone project is the culmination of the BS in Public Health
degree program. Learners demonstrate the technical and applied public
health knowledge and the critical thinking and communication skills
needed to effectively address determinants of health from an
environmental, social, and behavioral perspective; understand health
behaviors and the contexts in which they occur; and examine the
structural and social barriers to better health so that they may
determine the ways in which comprehensive solutions can be designed to
eliminate those barriers.
For BS in Public Health learners only. Must be taken during the
learner’s final quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit
for prior learning.
| 6 quarter credits |
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Total
At least 180 quarter credits, including a minimum of 54 quarter credits from the 3000/4000 level
Honors Pathway
Learners enrolled in the honors pathway complete the following general education courses.
Honors courses
At least 15 quarter credits
PHI-H2005 |
Honors Seminar: Critical Thinking for the Professional World
This is the first course in the honors pathway. Learners apply critical thinking skills to develop a professionally relevant question in their discipline or program of study to investigate throughout the honors pathway. Learners gain the knowledge and skills necessary to ask questions and solve problems from multiple perspectives. Learners analyze their question from multiple perspectives and engage in enriching discussions with faculty and peers. For honors pathway learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. | 3 quarter credits |
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COM-H4005 * |
Communicating and Integrating Solutions in the Professional World
In this course, learners apply communication skills, information literacy, and first-hand research to complete a final professional presentation and share their findings with their instructor and peers. For honors pathway learners only. Prerequisite(s): SOC-H3005. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. | 6 quarter credits |
SOC-H3005 * |
Honors Professional Seminar
Learners in this course take a sociological approach to professional growth in the workplace. This course provides learners with the opportunity to complete a professional project that addresses an organizational need or solves a problem. Learners explore questions and develop their project with faculty and peers through engaging discussions and assignments. Throughout the course, learners use a sociological perspective to further develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address interdisciplinary issues. For honors pathway learners only. Prerequisite(s): PHI-H2005. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. | 6 quarter credits |
These courses are applied toward the general education
requirement and taken in addition to the remaining required courses.
Total
At least 180 quarter credits, including a minimum of 54 quarter credits from the 3000/4000 level
* Denotes courses that have prerequisite(s). Refer to the descriptions for further details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.