COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health, offered by the Department of Public Health, is a 120-unit program designed to prepare students to improve population health, reduce health disparities, and contribute to community well-being through prevention, education, policy, and data-driven practice. The curriculum integrates lower division general education, major preparation courses, and extensive upper-division public health coursework, with strong foundations in biology, chemistry, statistics, and human development. Students begin with preparation courses such as Introduction to Public Health, Human Life Span, Public Health Biology or anatomy/physiology, and introductory statistics, along with general education requirements in communication, social sciences, and natural sciences. The major core includes key disciplines such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, environmental health, health communication, multicultural health issues, healthcare systems, and leadership training, culminating in a senior capstone and a multi-semester leadership and fieldwork sequence that provides hands-on experience in community and public health settings. In addition to core courses, students select a population health elective and complete 15 units of upper-division electives or a minor, allowing specialization in areas such as global health, mental health, health advocacy, or data analysis. The program emphasizes applied learning through field experiences and community engagement, ensuring students develop practical skills in assessment, program planning, and health promotion. Graduation requires all major core courses to be completed with a grade of “C” or better, while other approved electives require at least a “C-,” ensuring academic competence across essential public health domains. Overall, the degree provides a flexible yet structured pathway for students interested in careers in public health agencies, healthcare organizations, nonprofit sectors, or further graduate study in health-related fields, with a strong focus on evidence-based practice, communication, and leadership in diverse populations.