Department of Public Health
Explore The Community Health Option
Note: Freshmen interested in the Community Health Option will need to apply to the Pre-Health Program. Upon successful completion of the Pre-Health Program, students can apply to this option. More information is available here.
Increased concerns about chronic and emerging diseases, the need to provide accurate and timely information addressing the physical, psychological, social, emotional and intellectual needs of our country and nations throughout the world, as well as the cost-effectiveness of health promotion and disease prevention strategies provide the basis for a promising career in community health.
The Community Health curriculum in the Department of Public Health is designed to prepare individuals to enter the work force as competent health educators in the private or public arenas. Students in this option are encouraged to seek the CHES certification following graduation.
The curriculum requires courses in the basic sciences (Chemistry, Biology, Anatomy and Physiology) as well as: Community Health, Epidemiology, Environmental Health, Health Administration, Health Behavior, Health Education Methods, Human Disease, Consumer Health, International Health, Substance Abuse, and many other topics. Program planning and evaluation are emphasized throughout the program.
Careers In The Field
Graduates typically obtain jobs in the medical, industrial, business, or educational fields. The Armed Services also recruit qualified graduates and many students go on to graduate degrees or enter professional programs. The Community Health Option is a very popular choice for those going into Physical Therapy, Medical School, Physician Assistant training, Occupational Therapy, Masters of Public Health programs, and many other professional fields.
According to the US Department of Labor the employment outlook for health educators is very strong. Follow this link for an article on the employment outlook for health educators.
Community Health Option Application
In order to declare the Community Health option as a major, interested students must submit a request to be placed on the application list.
Please complete the pre-application request form here: Community 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.
*Freshmen students, please see the note above about the Pre-Health Pathways Program.
**First-time transfer students, please contact our office.
Learn About Our Curriculum
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| PH 92 | Public Health Statistics | 3 |
| PH 100 | Community Health | 3 |
| PH 109 | Epidemiology of Disease | 3 |
| PH 161 | Environmental and Human Health | 3 |
| PH 163 | Public Health Administration | 3 |
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| PH 90 | Contemporary Health Issues | 3 |
| PH 91 | Human Sexuality | 3 |
| PH 110 | Drugs, Society and Health | 3 |
| PH 114 | Health Behavior | 3 |
| PH 131 | Principles of Health Education | 3 |
| PH 133 | Health Education Methods | 3 |
| PH 135 | Introduction to Human Disease | 3 |
Elective Requirements:
Select 6 units from: PH 48, 104, 105, 111, 112, 115, 127, 129, 130, 152T, 182; NUTR
53
Additional Requirements:
Select 15 units from : BIOL 10 or 110; CHEM 3A, 3B; BIO 33
View Roadmap - Transfer Students
Contact Us
Mary Garza, Ph.D.
Program Coordinator and Associate Professor
magarza@mail.fresnostate.edu
559.278.7025
McLane Hall, J-Wing 10