Public Health

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Public Health
Westbrook College of Health Professions (WCHP)

Contact

Bernice A. Mills, RDH, M.S.

Interim Program Director

bmills@une.edu

Mission

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.

Major Description

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.

Curricular Requirements

Courses

Credits

Year 1

30-32

BIO 104/104L - General Biology/Lab

4

BIO 208/208L - Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology I/Lab

4

ENG 110 - English Composition OR ENG 122 & ENG 123

4-6

IHS 130 - Interprofessional Health Care First Year Experience

3

MAT 120/150 - Statistics 

3

PSY 105 - Introduction to Psychology

3

SOC 150 - Introduction to Sociology

3

One (1) Creative Arts Course

3

One (1) Explorations Course

3
   

Year 2

32

BIO 209/209L  - Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology II/Lab

4

BIO 242/242L  - Applied Microbiology/Lab

4

PSY 250 - Lifespan Development

3

NUTR 220 - Nutrition

3

CMM 122 - Oral Communication OR SPC 100 - Effective Public Speaking

3

ENV 104 - Environmental Issues

3

EXS 120 - Personal Health & Wellness

3

PUB 200 - Foundations in Public Health

3

PUB 205 - Epidemiology

3
One (1) SGA Course 3
   

Year 3

31

PUB 310 - Social, Behavioral & Enviro. Factors in Public Health

3

IHS 310 - Ethical Practice in the Health Professions

3

HWOS 331 - Principles of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

3

HWOS 424 - Theories of Education 

4

Two (2) Electives 

6

BIO 309 - Pathophysiology

3

PUB 305 - Research Methods

3

PUB 300 - Global Health

3
HWOS 341 - Health & Wellness in Aging Society 3
   

Year 4

27

PUB 400 - Public Health Planning & Evaluation

3

SOC 355 - Medical Sociology

3

Two (2) Electives

6

PUB 405 - Health Care Organization & Policy

3

PUB 410 - Internship Experience/Research/Practicum (135 hours)

3

HWOS 434 - Substance Misuse & Prevention

3

CGH 490 - Global Humanities Seminar

3
PUB 420 - Community Health Assessment 3
Total Credits

120-122

Academic and Technical Standards

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:

First Year 1.70
Fall of Second Year 1.70
Spring of Second Year 1.80
Fall of Third Year 1.80
Spring of Third Year 1.90
Fall of Fourth Year 1.90
Graduation 2.00

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.

Competencies

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.

Minor

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.

Required Courses Credits
PUB 200 - Foundations of Public Health 3
PUB 205 - Epidemiology 3
PUB 310 - Social, Behavioral & Environmental Factors in Public Health 3
Elective Credits (See list below) 9
Total Credits 18
Elective Options Credits
Any PUB Course  
Any HWOS Course  
ANT 211 - Medical Anthropology 3
BIO 440 - Medical Biology Topics: One Health 3
PSC 325 - Politics of Public Health 3
NUTR 342 - Food Systems and Public Health 3
SOC 215 - Poverty 3
SOC 355 - Medical Sociology 3
ENV 200 - Society, Population, & Environment: A Global Perspective 3
ENV 250 - Environmental Policy in Comparative Perspectives 3

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.

Transfer Credit

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.

Admissions

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.

Financial Information

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.

Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog

This Catalog documents the academic programs, policies, and activities of the 91AV for the 2020-2021 academic year. The information contained herein is accurate as of date of publication May 1, 2020.

The 91AV reserves the right in its sole judgment to make changes of any nature in its programs, calendar, or academic schedule whenever it is deemed necessary or desirable, including changes in course content, the rescheduling of classes with or without extending the academic term, canceling of scheduled classes or other academic activities, in any such case giving such notice thereof as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances.

While each student may work closely with an academic advisor, he or she must retain individual responsibility for meeting requirements in this catalog and for being aware of any changes in provisions or requirements.