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Department of Public Health

Community Health Students

Explore The Public Health Major

The Public Health Major at Fresno State focuses on health promotion, education, and behavior. The curriculum prepares future professionals to address social and behavioral aspects of public health and aid in the prevention of health-related problems and conditions. Students study the underlying factors influencing health to create multilevel interventions that positively impact that health and well-being at individual, group, organizational, and community levels.

Public Health Application

To declare the Public Health major, interested students must submit a request to be placed on the application list.

Please complete the pre-application request form here: Public Health Pre-Application Request. 

Students on the application list can apply during the open application period available at the beginning of every Fall and Spring semester. For any questions, please contact our office at 559.278.4014.

Job Opportunities 

Government Agencies

Government agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), deal with various health issues from the local to the national level. As a graduate of a community health degree program, you could implement or develop programs for an organization specializing in heart disease, cancer, or AIDS, to name a few.

You also might find a job with your state's public health department, though a master's degree may be required for these positions. Professionals in this sector may organize media releases or keep healthcare professionals abreast of the department's policy decisions.

Private Companies: Worksite Health Promotion Programs

Businesses and corporations employ graduates with community health degrees to help maximize their employees' effectiveness and efficiency. You may work with employers to develop, implement, and analyze health programs on stress management, nutrition, and job safety.

Non-Profit Organizations

Community health educators also work for non-profit organizations like the YMCA or a community health center. You may educate the public about available resources, such as free health screenings or lectures. You also might create print materials about disease prevention methods. This information may be addressed to specific groups, such as women or children.

Healthcare Settings

Hospitals and other healthcare providers employ community health educators to inform patients about pregnancy and childbirth, hypertension, and weight control. In addition to planning and teaching courses, you might be involved in evaluating or promoting program outcomes.

Global Health Opportunities

Community health educators work in health promotion and disease prevention at the international level in organizations such as the Peace Corps, the World Health Organization, and the Pan-American Health Organization. They may also participate in policy development and educational interventions for vulnerable populations.

In this career path, some examples of what you will have the opportunity to include:
  • Advocate for resources that promote health in diverse communities.
  • Increase accessibility to resources for mental health.
  • Lead diabetes management and prevention education.
  • Promote healthy practices that prevent disease for our aging population.
  • Respond to disease outbreaks through epidemiology.
  • Conduct tobacco and smoking-cessation education program.
  • Develop and implement worksite wellness initiatives.
  • Conduct health promotion research.
  • Offer consulting services.

Public Health Courses:

In this program, you will complete courses on fundamental public health concepts and techniques for implementing health promotion programs. You will complete practical experience internships gaining valuable knowledge and skills necessary in the public health field. You will also choose from elective courses that cover wellness topics, including, sexuality, substance abuse, violence prevention, behavior and conflict mediation, emergency preparedness and more. To culminate the program, you will complete an applied project course in which you will complete a capstone project related to public health education and promotion.

Learn About Our Curriculum

 

15 units needed
Course Course Title Units
PH 90 Contemporary Health Issues 3 - Will also count as GE area E
PH 92 Public Health Statistics 3 - May substitute MATH 11
PH 100 Community Health  3
PH 109 Epidemiology of Disease  3
PH 114 Health Behavior 3
PH 131 Principles of Health Education 3
PH 133 Health Education Methods 3 - May not be taken until successful completion of PH 114 and PH 131
PH 161 Environmental and Human Health 3 - Will also count as GE area IB
PH 163 Public Health Administration 3
* An additional 12 units to be chosen in conjunction with adviser

 

Elective Courses (15 Units)
Course Course Title Units
PH 48 First Responder & Emergency Care 3
PH 49 Emergency Medical Technician Training 3
PH 91 Human Sexuality 3 - GE
PH 104 Global, Cultural Issues in Health  3 - GE
PH 105 Risk Assessment and Analysis 3
PH 110 Drugs, Society, and Health 3
PH 111 Alcohol and Alcoholism 3
PH 112 Consumer Health 3
PH 115  Health Issues of Aging 3
PH 127 Female Sexuality 3
PH 128S Holistic Health and alternative Medicine 3 - GE
PH 129 Rural Health 3
PH 130 Women's Health 3
PH 135 Introduction to Human Disease 3
PH 152T  Topics in Health  3 - Up to 6 units
PH 156  Health & Well-being in SJV 3
PH 188I Internship 3 - Up to 6 units
PH 190 Independent Study 3 - Up to 6 units
NUTR 53 Nutrition & Health 3

 

Science Requirements (15-19 Units)
Course Course Title Units
BIOL 10 LIfe Science 3
CHEM 3A Intro to General Chemistry w/Lab 4
CHEM 3B Intro to Organic CHemistry - No Lab 3
BIOL 33 Human Anatomy & Physiology w/Lab 5

Field experience in the Public Health major is one phase of the total pre-service training program. The two parts, the course of study and field experience, are designed to contribute to the basic objective of providing opportunities for the student to develop the competencies necessary to assume professional responsibilities in the field of Health Promotion.

Although academic study and fieldwork are often thought of as two distinct types of experience, they have much in common: theoretical insight and the development of sound concepts are important parts of both academic course work and/or testing of hypotheses and of the classroom experience. Both experiences are learning experiences, and the same educational principles must apply to both situations.

The field experience must contribute to the student’s goals for professional growth. These goals must be clearly perceived and consciously striven for by both student and supervisor.

Effective field training principles must be followed to insure sound educational experiences. The following principles are starting points for planning sound field training:

  1. Field training for an individual student must be planned in terms of his/her abilities and needs and interests as an integral part of the total training experiences in which he/she is participating.
  2. The student must be an active participant in planning his/her field training experience.
  3. Students should meet real needs of the agency in program development, implementation, and evaluation. If possible, the student should be given the opportunity to function as a full-fledged staff member.
  4. The training experience should be so designed that the student has an opportunity for responsible participation in a wide variety of tasks and relationships common to the activities of professionals in health promotion and education. The resources available must be adequate for this purpose.
  5. Field training must be under the guidance and supervision of an individual who is able to make a learning experience out of a work situation and who is professionally competent in the student’s area of specialization.
  6. The agency provides experiential learning to improve student competencies.

Evaluation of the field training experience must be in terms of:

  1. The student’s growth in understandings and abilities needed in situations faced by health promotion professionals; and
  2. The student’s contributions to the agency’s program. 

 

  • The field experience is a requirement for all Public undergraduate students.
  • In general, the student will arrange for the field experience to be completed during one semester for six (3) credit hours. You may complete multiple field experiences for additional credit hours (to a maximum of 12).
  • The field experience will be completed no earlier than the student’s final year of study for the degree.
  • The field experience may be taken any semester including summer session, if offered. 

  1. Develop an understanding of the structure and functions of the participating agency.
  2. Learn to function effectively in an agency environment with existing staff members and administrators.
  3. Apply the elements of basic program planning, implementation, and evaluation while developing and/or participating in a project or projects that is/are consistent with the goals and functions of the host agency.
  4. Develop and refine communication skills through direct participation and contact with agency clients.
  5. Learn about the agency administrative processes including internal and external funding sources and issues.
  6. Improve skills in long-range planning including the areas of needs assessment and funding.

Practical experience at the participating site as a functioning health promotion specialist at the planning/administrative/evaluation level will be at least 120-150 hours. These hours are the expected minimum. Often field experience students will be offered the opportunity to exceed these hours by the agency. Students are encouraged to do so as more hours typically yields better experiences and higher quality learning. 

 

View Roadmap

Prepare for Careers in Public Health

Completing a bachelor’s degree in health promotion and behavior is an important first step to becoming a public health educator. Our curriculum focuses on developing the necessary skills to meet the eight roles and responsibilities of a health educator (See: https://www.nchec.org/news/posts/understanding-the-eight-areas-of-responsibility). This program prepares you for entry-level jobs within community health agencies, hospitals, schools, government organizations and more. After graduation, you will also be eligible to take the Certified Health Education Specialist® (CHES) exam. CHES is a globally recognized credential for health professionals offered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing.

After five years of working as a Certified Health Education Specialist, you can pursue the Master Certified Health Education Specialist designation. These certifications can help you qualify for higher-paying jobs and advance your career in health education. If you are interested in continuing your education, master’s degrees in public or global health can also prepare you for senior and management positions.

What do Public Health Education Specialists do?

Public health education specialists focus on enhancing community well-being by assessing health needs and developing targeted programs to address them. These specialists design and implement initiatives that promote healthier lifestyles within communities, focusing on areas such as disease prevention, nutrition and mental health. You will be an advocate for public health policies and collaborate with other professionals in government agencies, nonprofits and community organizations. You will also work alongside health care providers, social workers and community leaders to ensure there is always a comprehensive approach for these initiatives.

Reasons to Work in Public Health

Witnessing the transformative impact of your work is a uniquely rewarding aspect of health promotion. Imagine a child with developmental disabilities flourishing in a supportive group home, a family overcoming the trauma of domestic violence, or an individual struggling with substance abuse finding sobriety and a new lease on life. As a health promotion professional, you will play a pivotal role in these victories, leaving an indelible mark on the lives you touch.

Unlike many career paths, health promotion isn’t a monotonous journey. Whether you are drawn to direct client interaction in youth service agencies or prefer research and policy analysis in social services agencies, there is a perfect fit for your passions and skills. From working with individuals in community mental health centers to assisting in halfway houses for those re-entering society, the vast array of specializations ensures you can find a path that aligns with your unique talents and aspirations.

Working in human services demands compassion, empathy, and strong communication skills. You’ll hone your active listening abilities, build trust with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and learn to communicate effectively with sensitivity and understanding. These skills will not only enrich your professional life but also make you a more supportive and well-rounded individual in all aspects of life.

The health promotion field is built on a shared commitment to social justice and positive change. Working alongside like-minded colleagues service agencies or advocacy organizations fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. You will be part of a network of passionate individuals, learning from each other, collaborating, and making a real difference in the world.

The human services field offers exceptional career flexibility, with opportunities to work in non-profit and community-based organizations, government agencies, corporate wellness programs, and even schools.

Ways someone might know they are meant to work in public health – promotion and education:

You have a strong sense of empathy and compassion: You naturally connect with people’s struggles and feel a genuine desire to help them.
You are passionate about social justice: You advocate for equality and fairness, and you are willing to fight for the rights of vulnerable populations.
You thrive in helping others: You find personal satisfaction in seeing others succeed and overcome challenges, and you enjoy the process of supporting their growth.
If you are eager to make a positive difference in the lives of others this program can equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to turn your passion into a purpose-driven career.

Many individuals are drawn to health promotion careers because of a deep desire to help others and make a positive impact on the world. They find purpose in tackling challenging issues, advocating for vulnerable populations, and empowering individuals to overcome adversity. Further, practitioners have multiple opportunities to address social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion issues. The opportunity to witness genuine transformation and leave a lasting impact on people’s lives is incredibly rewarding.

The primary focus of health promotion is on improving the overall well-being of individuals, families, and communities. This encompasses a wide range of activities, from providing essential needs like food and shelter to offering counseling, advocacy, and rehabilitation services. Human professionals work to address challenges faced by diverse populations, promoting social justice and fostering positive change.

To declare the Public Health major, interested students must submit a request to be placed on the application list.

Please complete the pre-application request form here: Public Health Pre-Application Request. 

Students on the application list can apply during the open application period available at the beginning of every Fall and Spring semester. For any questions, please contact our office at 559.278.4014.

 

 

 

Contact Us

Dr. Gregory Thatcher
Program Coordinator and Associate Professor 
gthatcher@mail.fresnostate.edu
559.278.8807
McLane Hall, J-Wing 13

Admission Links:

Admission requirements (Freshmen  I  Transfer)

Important deadlines and dates (Freshmen  I  Transfer)

Apply Today!