Explore The Public Health Major
                   Formerly Community Health

Note: Freshmen interested in the Public Health Major 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 Public 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.

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Occupational Opportunities

• Medical Facilities
  

  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.
  
  

• Private Companies
  

  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.
  
  

• 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.
  
  

• 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.
  
  

• 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.

 

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Public Health Application

In order 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.

*Freshmen students, please see the note above about the Pre-Health Pathways Program. 

**First-time transfer students, please contact our office. 

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Learn About Our Curriculum

View Roadmap

View Roadmap - Transfer Students