Requirements

Department

Bachelor of Science Requirements

Health Science Major

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 (49 units), a health science core specific to an option (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, Multicultural and International (M/I), 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 an advising roadmap from the department office. The roadmap includes the list of required courses. It is strongly recommended that students follow the coursework shown in the roadmap. Students need to consult with their advisors 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.

Health Science Major

1. Major requirement (74-78 units)

Health Science Core for Environmental/Occupational Health and Safety Option (15 units)
PH 92, 135, 109, 161, 163

Environmental/Occupational Health and Safety Option (59-63 units)
See option below.

2. General Education requirements (49 units)

3. Other requirements (6 units)
Upper-division writing and Multicultural and International (MI)

4. Sufficient elective units to meet required total units (varies)

5. Total units (120)*

* This total indicates that 9 units for BIOL 1A, CHEM 1A/1AL or PHYS 2A, and DS 71 are used to satisfy the G.E. requirement in the Environmental/Occupational Health and Safety Option. G.E. and MI courses can be double counted with major requirements. The writing requirement may be met by taking the upper-division writing exam. See advisor for details.

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.

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. The program also provides preparation for graduate studies and acceptance into professional schools (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, veterinary medicine, etc).

The option is approved by the California Department of Health Services. Students in the major are eligible for the following:

1. paid internships with federal agencies such as the U.S. Public Health Service,
2. national and state scholarships, and
3. entrance to the Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) exam immediately following graduation (without having to serve an 18-month traineeship).

Requirements (21 units)
Option requirements: PH 160, 143, 162, 168A (12 units)
Option elective requirements (select minimum of three courses):
PH 105, 145, 151, 164, 166T, 167, 168B, 170 (9 units)

Additional requirements (38-42 units)
Basic Sciences: BIOL 1A and 1B, 1BL (or BIOL 33 or 65); CHEM 1A/1AL, 1B/1BL, and CHEM 8 (or 128A);MATH 70 or 75; BIOL 20 (or 140); PHYS 2A, 2B (34-38 units)
Internship: PH 175I (4 units)

Total for option (59-63 units)

• A minimum grade of C is required in all courses for the major.

Advising Note

Health science majors may not apply CR/NC grading toward major requirements for a baccalaureate degree, except for PH 175I, PH 185FI, and PH 188I, which are mandatory CR/NC courses.

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Faculty

For faculty phone numbers and e-mail, see the campus directory.

For more on the faculty, see the faculty pages.
The faculty pages are updated by the department or program.

Roadmap

B.S. in Health Science - Environmental/Occupational Health & Safety Option

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Careers

The Department of Public Health offers two degrees, a Bachelor of Science or Master of Public Health. These degrees are designed to prepare students for careers with official and voluntary health agencies at the federal, state, county and private sector.

The options at the bachelor's level are designed for careers in environmental health, industrial hygiene, community health, health education, occupational safety, public health, occupational health and allied health professions. Individuals may be employed by voluntary health agencies, hospitals, public health agencies, and in the private sector including industry and insurance companies.

What You Can Earn

Health and Safety Manager
$107,534 (in our region)

Industrial Hygienist
$74,536 (in our region)

Health Educator
$54,096 (in our region)

Source: HR Reported data as of December 2012

Interesting Classes You Might Take

• PH 91 - Introduction to Human Sexuality
• PH 104 - Global and Cultural Health Issues
• PH 161 - Environment & Human Health
  
  

What You Can Learn

• The Community Health curriculum in the Department of Public Health is designed to prepare individuals to enter the workforce as competent health educators in the private or public arenas. Students in this option are encouraged to seek the CHES certification following graduation.
• The health administration option provides a broad based program to prepare the student for administrative positions within the health care system.
• The EOHS option 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 Public Health, foundation courses in environmental and occupational health, and elective courses that allow for specialization.
  
  

About the College

The College of Health and Human Services offers a broad range of fully accredited post-secondary and graduate educational programs to more than 2100 students each year. The College includes the Departments of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Studies, Gerontology, Kinesiology, Nursing, Physical Therapy, Public Health, Recreation Administration, and Social Work Education.

Residents and communities in the Central California region continue to face serious issues within the health and human service environment that will require continuing generations of well-prepared health and human service professionals.

College Contact Information

2345 E. San Ramon
M/S MH26
Fresno CA 93740-8031

Phone: (559) 278-4004

FAX: (559) 278-4437

Department Contact Information

Mailing Address:

Department of Public Health

2345 E. San Ramon Ave M/S MH30 
Fresno CA 93740-8031

Office Location: McLane Hall Room 184 

Phone: (559) 278-4014 
FAX: (559) 278-4179

Email