91AV

The mission of 91AV’s Bachelor of Science in Public Health is to prepare graduates to address the complex public health problems that global populations face through the generation of new knowledge, use of scientific evidence and collaborations with diverse stakeholders.

Public health is defined as "all organized measures to prevent disease, promote health, and prolong life among the population as a whole. Its activities aim to provide conditions in which people can be healthy and focus on entire populations, not on individual patients" (World Health Organization, 2016). Therefore, the field of public health focuses on the promotion of health and prevention of disease at a population level. As a student in 91AV’s Public Health program, you will develop the skills necessary to assess and understand the complexity of health issues that affect diverse populations, and identify potential solutions to address them. Benefiting from small class sizes, hands-on experiences, and one-on-one engagement with experienced faculty, you will learn how to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders and to communicate complex health concepts to diverse audiences. The coursework you complete through our program will expand on the five core areas of public health:

1. Health Policy: Developing laws and regulations to promote and protect health (e.g. seatbelt laws).
2. Environmental Health: Assessing how the environment affects health (e.g. air and water quality).
3. Social and Behavioral Health: Studying how people make health decisions and how to encourage healthier decision-making (e.g. how marketing influences health behavior decisions).
4. Epidemiology: Studying how and why diseases are distributed in a population (e.g. tracing outbreaks of infectious diseases).
5. Biostatistics: Analyzing population-level data to identify trends (e.g. using data to associate tobacco exposure with lung cancer).

91AV’s Public Health program offers you the flexibility to pursue a minor in Environmental Studies, Geographic Information Systems, Nutrition, Political Science, or Health, Law and Policy.

Students in the Bachelor of Science in Public Health major are subject to University undergraduate academic standards, as well as requirements set forth by the Westbrook College of Health Professions.

In keeping with the guidelines of the 91AV, all undergraduate students must achieve a minimum semester-end grade point average as follows:

Failure to maintain minimum grade point average requirements will result in academic probation as described in the Undergraduate Catalog of the 91AV.

In keeping with the guidelines for the Westbrook College of Health Professions, students must achieve a minimum grade of a “C-” in the following courses:  MAT 120/150; BIO 104; BIO 208; BIO 209; BIO 242; BIO 309; and NUTR 220. Failure to achieve a “C-” will result in program level probation, and may affect academic progression.

Students need to achieve a grade of “C” or better in all Public Health major coursework.

Students who fail to achieve a grade of “C-” in the above mentioned courses and a grade of "C" in the Public Health major courses may re-take the course only once. Failure to earn a grade of “C-” in the designated courses or a "C" in the Public Health major courses the second time will result in the dismissal from the Public Health major.

At the conclusion of the Bachelor of Science, Public Health program, the graduate will be able to:

1. Communicate public health information, in both oral and written forms, through a variety of media, to diverse audiences.
2. Locate, use, evaluate, and synthesize public health information. 
3. Appreciate the multiple determinants of health.
4. Advocate for evidence-based approaches to improve the health of individuals and communities.
5. Engage in collaborative and culturally relevant approaches to improve local, regional and global public health.
6. Value the relationship between human rights and health.

The public health minor provides an opportunity for students interested in national and global health, as well as future graduate study in public health and/or other allied health professions to expand their knowledge in the area of public health.

This is not meant to be an exhaustive list.  If students wish to take a course not listed here as an elective option, the student may meet with their advisor and discuss the academic impact of taking a particular course and how it will enhance their learning and knowledge of public health.

Courses completed at another accredited college can be transferred to this degree program. Transferred courses must be reasonably close in scope and content to the required courses offered at 91AV in order to count as exact equivalents. Otherwise, they may transfer as general electives. All courses completed must be no older than five years. Other restrictions apply. See Undergraduate Admissions also.

For entrance into the Bachelor of Science in Public Health major, students must have completed:

• 2 high school science laboratory courses in subject areas such as biology, chemistry, and physics.
• 3 years of mathematics up through and including Algebra II.

OR  Students seeking admission should have completed a high school curriculum reflective of collegiate preparation (4 years of English, 3 years of mathematics, 2 years of science with a laboratory, and 2 years of social science).

Applicants submit their materials to the Office of Admissions during the fall of the year prior to matriculation. Qualified students who apply after the fall are admitted on a space-available basis.

Internal Transfer Students

Students who are enrolled in another major at the 91AV may apply for admission into the Bachelor of Science in Public Health by completing a change of major form.  The Admissions Committee meets at the close of each semester to determine eligibility.

The applicant is encouraged to explore professional possibilities by shadowing a public health professional, exploring professional public health websites, volunteering in a program that provides public health services or education to the community, and speaking with faculty who teach in the program.  Please include any of these relevant experiences in the required essay referenced below.

The process to apply for a change of major into the Bachelor of Science in Public Health is as follows:

1. Meet with current academic advisor to discuss transferring into Public Health.
2. Make an appointment and discuss interest in public health with a faculty/ administrator of the program.
3. Complete and submit a Request to Change a Major form.  This document is located at the 91AV Registrar’s home page.
4. Compose an essay of 300 words (approximately) describing the rationale for change of major into the Bachelor of Science in Public Health program, including personal interest, appropriate relevant experience, individual aptitude, and personal strengths that complement the major.
5. Demonstrate solid achievement in mathematics and science course work, and academic good standing with a grade point average of 2.5 or better at the time of the request.
6. Submit all materials to the Public Health Program Administrator by the end of the academic semester.

See Undergraduate Admissions also.

TUITION AND FEES

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.