You are in the official 2009-2010 General Catalog for California State University, Fresno.
Department of Public Health
Bachelor of Science in
Health Science
The Health Science Bachelor of Science curriculum consists of a core of
five courses providing a foundation of knowledge and skills critical to
the theory and practice of the health professional. In addition, students
complete a specialized cluster of courses in an option that provides the
depth and breadth for the area. A variety of combinations between and within
options is possible to meet professional goals. However, university policy
allows only one option to appear on the transcript and diploma.
To complete the health science major for the B.S., students must complete
General Education requirements (51 units), the health science core (15 units),
one of three options (21-27 units), and any additional requirements to the
option selected (11-33 units), the upper-division writing skills requirement,
and additional electives. Students are encouraged to complete the additional
requirements prior to the major courses as the courses may meet General
Education requirements, and they provide a foundation for the courses in
health science. Elective units also may be used toward earning a certificate.
Health science students are advised to obtain the advising booklet from
the department office. The booklet includes the list of required courses.
It is strongly recommended that students follow the coursework shown in
the booklet. Students need to consult with their advisers for decisions
regarding major and minor courses. All substitutions must be approved by
the department chair. Classes offered in the Health Science Department may
require field assignments.
Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements
Health Science Major
Health Science Core (15 units)
HS 92, 100, 109, 161, 163
Options (42-63 units)
Select one option from below.
General Education requirements (51 units)
Electives (0-12 units)
Total (120 units)*
The curriculum is designed to permit admission to master's and doctoral degree programs in health science and public health at major universities throughout the country.
__________
* This total indicates that 9 units for BIOL 1A, CHEM 1A or PHYS 2A, and DS 71 are used to satisfy the G.E. requirement in the Environmental/Occupational Health and Safety Option.
Due to the increasing number of opportunities in the area of health,
we have structured courses in epidemiology, community and environmental
health to complement basic courses in health behavior, health education
methods, contemporary health issues, disease, drugs, and human sexuality.
The curriculum is designed to prepare individuals not only to be competent
instructors in the health areas, but to be health educators in many segments
of our society. Upon completion of the degree, students would be eligible
to take the certified test to become a Certified Health Education Specialist
(CHES).
Industry, business, labor, and the military all seek knowledgeable individuals
to plan and direct health delivery and information services. Advanced study
in health systems and evaluation techniques of health systems is available
to qualified undergraduate and graduate students.
Community Health Option
Requirements (31-32 units)
Option requirements: HS 90, 91, 110, 114, 131, 133, 135 (21 units)
Option elective requirements (select from): HS 48, 104, 105, 111, 112, 115,
126, 129, 130, 152T, 182; NUTR 53, 54 (6 units)
Additional requirements (15 units)
BIOL 10, 33 or 110; CHEM 3A, 3B
Total for option (42 units)
Environmental/Occupational Health and Safety Option
This degree program provides a balanced approach between the theoretical concepts and applied principles of environmental health, occupational health, and safety. The curriculum builds on a scientific base (biology, chemistry, physics) and includes core courses in health science, foundation courses in environmental and occupational health, and elective courses that allow for specialization. Students are academically prepared to make significant contributions to society by anticipating, evaluating, and controlling environmental and occupational health hazards. Career opportunities abound in government agencies, private industry, consulting, and research organizations. The program also provides preparation for graduate studies and acceptance into professional schools (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, veterinary medicine).
The option is accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council and approved by the California Department of Health Services. Students in the major are eligible for the following:
- paid internships with federal agencies such as the U.S. Public Health Service,
- national and state scholarships, and
- entrance to the Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) exam immediately following graduation (without having to serve an 18-month traineeship).
Environmental/Occupational Health and Safety Option
Requirements (21 units)
Option requirements: HS 160, 143, 162A, 168A (12 units)
Option elective requirements (select minimum of three courses):
HS 105, 135, 141, 143, 145, 151, 162B, 166T, 168B, 170 (9 units)
Additional requirements (38-42 units)
Basic Sciences: BIOL 1A, 1B, 33, 65; CHEM 1A, 1B, and CHEM 8 (or 128A);
MATH 6 or 70 or 75 or DS 71, 71L; BIOL 20 (or 140); PHYS 2A, 2B (34-38 units)
Internship: HS 175 (4 units)
Total for option (59-63 units)
The health administration option provides a broad based program to prepare
the student for positions within the health care system. The curriculum
is designed with an emphasis on exposing the student to the principles of
health services administration and the application of these principles.
For more information, see the departmental adviser.
Health Administration Option
Requirements (27 units)
Option requirements: HS 90, 151; HS 154 or PLSI 181 or MGT 104; ECON
162; MKTG 100S (16 units)
Option elective requirements (select from): HS 104, 114, 115, 129, 143,
168A, 185F; HRM 150; MKTG 132; SOC 147(15-16 units)
Additional requirements (12 units)
ACCT 3; ECON 40 and 50; IS 52 and 52L
Total for option (43-44 units)
Advising Note
Health science majors may not apply CR/NC grading toward major requirements for a baccalaureate degree, except for HS 175, HS 185F, and HS 188, which are mandatory CR/NC courses.
Occupational Safety and Health Option Suspended
As of fall 2004, the Occupational Safety and Health Option has been suspended and is no longer taking admissions. Students with substantial coursework in this area should consult with the Department of Public Health if they wish to pursue this option.
The Minor in Health Science consists of 20 units composed of the health science core requirement and 5 units from the courses required in any one option. Consult the department adviser for assistance in program planning.
Note: The Health Science Minor also requires a 2.0 GPA and 6 upper-division units in residence.
The Public Health Minor allows science, nursing, and other majors to receive coursework that complements their major courses and prepares them for career opportunities in environmental and occupational health. In conjunction with a minimum of 30 units of basic science and math, the minor also prepares graduates to take the Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) Exam.
Requirements (15 units)
HS 92, 109, 160, 162A, 163
Additional requirements (9 units)
Select three: HS 105, 135, 141, 143, 145, 151, 162B, 166T, 168A, 168B,
170
Total (24 units)
Certificate in Alcohol/Drug Studies
The Department of Public Health is participating in a certificate of
special study awarded to those students who successfully complete a minimum
of 12 units of interdisciplinary academic coursework in the area of alcohol
and drug abuse. (For complete details, see Health
and Social Work Interdisciplinary Courses in this catalog.)
Master of Public Health Degree Program
This program is designed to prepare students in the broad area of public health. It includes preparation in the public health core and in the following options: Health Promotion or Health Policy and Management. Each option includes a field experience and a culminating experience.
Each fall, the MPH program admits students who demonstrate high academic
ability and promise and have the professional values and ethics appropriate
to maintaining professional standards in the field. Applicants are expected
to have a high degree of academic and professional preparation for this
program and the ability to make significant contributions to the program.
Admission to the MPH program is a two-phase process. The first phase requires
that a candidate meet the graduate divisions requirements for admission
to the university, and the second phase is the admission to the MPH program.
Applicants are required to complete the application booklet available in
the department office.
A. Admission to the university: A candidate must have achieved an under
graduate GPA of 2.5 on the last 60 units and submit official copies of university
transcripts, and scores on the GRE.
B. Admission to the MPH program: Candidates for admission to the program
will be selected based on the following:
- Academic ability and preparation as demonstrated by: (a) GPA in the major (b) scores on the GRE (c) official transcripts, and (d) satisfactory completion of all prerequisites.
- Professional capabilities as demonstrated through: (a) three letters of recommendation (from employers and at least one from a former faculty member) (b) a statement of intent, and (c) an oral interview.
Once admitted to the program the student will be assigned to a faculty adviser in the option selected, and under the adviser's direction the student will follow a pattern of study designed to be completed in three years of late afternoon and evening study. Admission commences during the fall semester, and each student is admitted for a specific term. If a student is admitted and is unable to start the program, he or she will have to reapply for admission to another term.
Graduate-Level Writing Competence. The university requires that students have graduate-level writing abilities before being advanced to candidacy for the master's degree. Students must demonstrate these abilities by passing the writing requirements in PH 280. Check the program's Web site for the most current copy of the policy.
Culminating Experience. A culminating experience is required of all California State University, Fresno students earning master's degrees. This requirement is met by completing a thesis, project, or comprehensive exam. A limited number of students may be permitted to undertake a thesis or project, depending on the availability of faculty or committee members.
Students considering a thesis or project need to consult with the faculty
very early in their graduate program to assure completion of the assignment
prior to graduation. Selecting a thesis or project is recommended for students
who may at some point consider working toward a doctoral degree. Students
who do not participate in a thesis or project must complete a comprehensive
written examination. Further information about this options is available
from the graduate program adviser.
The MPH program is designed around the following framework:
Thesis or Project
Public Health Core (19 units)
Option (12 units)
Elective (3 units)
Field Experience (4 units)
Thesis or Project (4 units)
Total (42 units)
Comprehensive Examination
Public Health Core (19 units)
Option (12 units)
Elective (6 units)
Field Experience (5 units)
Total (42 units)
For additional information, please contact the Health Science Department
at California State University, Fresno; 2345 E. San Ramon Ave. M/S MH30;
Fresno, CA 93740-8031; 559.278.8324.
Health Science Courses