Public Health, B.S. (120 Units)
Program Description
Degree programs within the Department are some of the fastest-growing programs at Cal State East Bay. Students majoring in Public Health and Health Sciences are driven to improve the health of their communities and California. They are preparing for careers in fields such as public health, health policy, law, health education, program planning and evaluation, community health, behavioral health, occupational safety, and more.
The Department’s programs focus on understanding human health from a population perspective with a strong emphasis on health equity, social justice, and the health effects of dynamic physical, social, and political environments. It asks students to think critically and to explore health from a variety of perspectives and to understand the role that culture has in constructing health.
The Department also emphasizes problem-based learning which is core to its approach. The Department’s goal is to help students develop critical thinking, effective teamwork, and strong problem-solving skills.
The BS in Public Health reflects the core mission and values of the Department. This degree is designed to provide students with core competencies in the field of public health, as well as the application of theories, models, and methods for persistent and emerging public health issues. This degree is intended to provide rapid entry into the expanding public health labor market which provides tremendous opportunities for career advancement and social mobility. Most importantly, those holding a BS in Public Health will be part of multi-level strategies to protect and promote public health, while advancing health equity for vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.
This degree program also provides an opportunity for students to prepare themselves for clinical careers, although additional courses may need to be taken to meet any specific prerequisites for particular graduate or professional degree programs post-graduation.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with a B.S. in Public Health or Health Sciences will be able to:
- Use knowledge and skills to provide effective, necessary, and appropriate health services and public health interventions in diverse and multicultural communities.
- Work effectively on a team in health and health care.
- Act ethically and responsibly.
- Use critical thinking, knowledge, and expertise to address complex challenges in health and health care.
- Apply population perspectives in the health professions
- Apply knowledge of the role of the environment and of climate change in human health in ways that improve population health and sustainability.
Program Roadmaps
This program roadmap represents the recommended pathway through the B.S. in Public Health. Please see an advisor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs.
Public Health, B.S.
Career Opportunities
Public health and health care are among the largest industries in the United States and employ millions of workers. The demand for skilled and diverse health professionals is high.
There are a number of career opportunities in the health professions. Public Health professionals work in a variety of environments in federal, state, and local governments, private industry, as well as in non-profit institutions. There is also a high demand for workers in clinical fields such as medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, and others. In addition to clinical fields, there are opportunities in research, technology, administration, finance, pharmaceuticals, and environmental protection and sanitation.
Degree Requirements Unit-Outline
- A baccalaureate of science degree requires a total of 120 units:
- The major requirements consist of 67 units;
- General Education & Graduation Requirements consists of 57 units (up to 9 units may be double-counted - see your advisor to determine which, if any, GE/GR units can be double-counted for your program plan);
- Free Electives that remain = 0 units (actual # of free elective units may depend on GE units).
Public Health Major Requirements (67 units)
Note: All courses for degree credit with a PH prefix must be completed with a C- or better.
Lower Division Core
The following lower-division interdisciplinary coursework for 22 units are required:
Upper Division Core
The following upper-division major coursework for 21 units are required:
Public Health Core
The following Public Health major coursework for 15 units are required:
Elective Coursework
9 units of electives are required. Choose 3 units (1 course) from each of the following groups:
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