Public Health Education & Health Promotion Major
Why study public health education and health promotion at CMU?
The public health education and health promotion program at CMU will help students acquire the knowledge and skills needed for a career in health education and promotion. Students will have opportunities to gain valuable fieldwork experience working alongside CMU faculty and community professionals. Consider these key features distinguishing this program at CMU:
- A state-of-the-art Health Professions Building housing advanced clinics and futuristic classrooms that are both highly technological and interpersonal
- Faculty with expertise in specialized areas
- Professional development through on-campus organizations such as Eta Sigma Gamma, the national health education honorary
- Excellent preparation for graduate study, including CMU's master of arts in health promotion and program management and doctor of health administration
Career outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, for all occupations through the year 2014:
- The employment of health educators is expected to grow between 18 and 26 percent.
- Applicants with work experience in health care and strong business and management skills likely will have the best opportunities.
- The overall demand for workers in education services will increase as a result of a growing emphasis on improving education and making it available to more children and young adults.
Career options
Graduates of the public health education and health promotion program at CMU will find a variety of career opportunities. Some of these may require additional education.
- Community Health Educator
- Elementary, Middle School, or High School Health Education Teacher
- Grant Writer
- Health Planner
- Industrial Health Educator
- Patient Educator
- Public Health Administrator
- Youth or Senior Citizen Health Program Coordinator
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires.
For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin
AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education
courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
Public Health Education & Health Promotion Major
The purpose of this major is to prepare students for careers in a variety of official, voluntary, community based organizations, private health agencies and hospitals. Some career possibilities include, but are not limited to: the education of the public regarding chronic and communicable disease prevention; the promotion of wellness; assessing, planning and implementing programs within communities; and organizing communities regarding health issues.
( Total: 63 semester hours )
(25 hours)
Required Courses I
Pre-Admission Requirements:
3
BIO 101 General Biology
The study of living organisms. Fundamental principles of biology are integrated with local and global issues of current interest. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. No credit toward Biology major or minor. May be used toward satisfying the requirements of Integrated Science major or minor for students seeking certification in Elementary Education only. Students may only earn credit in one of the following: BIO 101, BIO 105, or BIO 110. (University Program Group II-A)
3
BIO 208 Microbiology
The biology of microorganisms: bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, algae, and protozoa. Prerequisites: One of the following: BIO 101, 105 or 110.
4
CHM 120 Survey of Chemistry
Elementary concepts in chemistry. For students on curricula needing minimal chemical background or students with no or weak chemistry background who need additional preparation for CHM 131. Cannot be counted on a Chemistry or Biochemistry major or Chemistry minor. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format. (University Program Group II-B) Recommended: High school Algebra II or MTH 105 (preferably with a B or better).
3
HSC 106 Healthy Lifestyles
Focus on individual health and wellness concepts from interdisciplinary perspectives. Designed to assist the individual in striving for lifelong learning about healthier lifestyles. (University Program Group IV-A)
3
HSC 211 Human Anatomy and Physiology
Introductory course in structure and function of the human body. (University Program Group II-A)
3
MTH 105 Intermediate Algebra
Algebraic expressions, functions, factoring, graphing, linear and quadratic equations, linear inequalities, systems of linear equations, rational expressions, radicals, negative and rational exponents. Successful completion of this course satisfies the University Mathematics Competency requirement. Recommended: Two years of high school mathematics or successful completion of MTH 055. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format.
3
PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology
Survey of concepts, methods, and fields of psychology. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format. (University Program Group III-A)
3
SOC 100 Introductory Sociology
Systematic introduction to the field of sociology, its theories, concepts, and methods. Explores social relationships within the context of social structure. (University Program Group III-B)
(26 hours)
Required Courses II
3
HSC 317 Community Health
Introduction to public health, and services provided to citizens and educators by official and voluntary health agencies. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format.
3
HSC 319 Methods and Materials in Community Health Education
Skills and techniques in writing, developing printed materials, public speaking, and group dynamics as they relate to community health education programs.
3
HSC 323 Community Organization Methods
The course examines the principles of community organization practice for health education. Community organization models, concepts, skills, strategies, and theories will be addressed.
2
HSC 418 Professional Aspects of Health Education
This course will address professional issues relating to the history, philosophy, ethics, practice, settings, and competencies of health education. Prerequisites: HSC 317 or concurrent enrollment.
3
HSC 419 Community Health Education, Assessment, Planning and Program Evaluation
Models, theories, methodologies, interventions, and evaluation of community health assessments and programs will be discussed, along with other health education responsibilities and initiatives. Prerequisites: HSC 418 or concurrent enrollment; HSC 544 or concurrent enrollment.
6
HSC 422 Internship - Community Health
Application of health education and health promotion principles in a community health agency. Experience supervised by a qualified health educator. CR/NC only. Prerequisites: HSC 319, HSC 323, HSC 514, at least 45 hours in the major completed.
3
HSC 514 Biostatistics and Epidemiology
This course presents biostatistical and epidemiological concepts, principles and methods as they apply to problems within community and public health environments. Prerequisites: MTH 105; HSC 317.
3
HSC 520 Health Services Administration
Analysis of organizational patterns, planning procedures, fiscal management, personnel management, and other administrative concerns. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format.
Chosen with approval of advisor.