Bachelor of Science, Public Health (BSPH)

Graduates of the Public Health program enter the job market as health educators, fitness consultants, consumer information directors, and community outreach coordinators who are trained to promote healthy lifestyles through behavior modification, physical activity, and proper nutrition to prevent chronic and degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, obesity, HIV/AIDS and other conditions such as substance abuse and domestic violence. To reduce the rising cost of health care, policymakers are increasingly employing the preventive approaches and services of community educators in county, state, and federal health departments, wellness programs, hospitals, disease management and consulting firms, consumer advocacy, and international and voluntary health care organizations.

Student learning outcomes in Public Health following completion of the Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Public Health, the graduates will:

• Apply psychological and sociological theories in explaining human behaviors in different clinical scenarios.
• Comprehend the factors that influence health and well-being.
• Promote health and prevent disease by positively influencing the behavior of clients.
• Determine individual and Public Health needs by using valid health information and appropriate evaluative methods.
• Understand the US health care system and respond ethically to health care disparities.
• Comprehend published research in public health.

Degree Requirements and Curriculum

General Education Courses

Fall Year 1  BIOL 1701 – Introduction to Biology  Oral Communication  ENG 1230/1270 OR Hon 1200 – Composition I  MATH 1600 (Prerequisite MATH 1200)– Basic Probability  and Statistics   Social Sciences I	Credit hours 4  3  3  3  3	Spring Year 1  Humanities or Fine Arts I  Any Physical Science   ENG 1240/1280 OR Hon 1200 – Composition II  Elective #1  Social Science II	Credit hours  3  3  3  3  3
Total	16	Total	15
Fall Year 2  Humanities or Fine Art II  Social Sciences III  HSC 2265 Complementary and Integrative Medicine HSC 2350 Drugs Alcohol and Society  Elective # 2	3  3  3  3  3	Spring Year 2  Humanities or Fine Arts III  Elective # 3  HSC 3312- Current Topic  HSC 3328- Global Health  HHSC 3311 Special Topics	3  3  3  3  3
Total	16	Total	15
Fall Year 3  HSC 3200 – Research Methods  HSC 3313 – Health Disparities   HSC 3316 – Human Diseases  HSC 3319 – Introduction to Public Health   Elective # 4	3  3  3  3    3	Spring Year 3  HSC 4414- Introduction to Urban Health  HSC 3315 – Health Behavior and Promotion  Elective # 5  HSC 4418 – Epidemiology  HSC 4423 – Intro to Environmental Health	3   3 3 3 3
Total	15	Total	15
Fall Year 4  HSC 4424- Program Planning  HSC 3375 – Health Policy and Administration  HSC 3450 – Public Health Communication  HSC 4420 – Elective # 6  HSC 4414 Entrepreneurship in Health	3  3  3  3  3	Spring Year 4  Elective # 7  Elective # 8  HSC 4425 – Community Health Practicum  Elective # 9  Elective # 10	3  3  3  3  3
Total	15	Total	15
		Total Degree Credit Hours	120

 

 

 

Core Courses 

Course	Credits
HSC 3200 Research Methods	3
HSC 3313 Health Disparities	3
HSC 3316 Human Diseases	3
HSC 3319  Introduction to Public Health	3
HSC 3450  Public Health Communication	3
HSC 4418  Epidemiology	3
HSC 3315  Health Behavior and Promotion	3
HSC 3375  Health Policy and Administration	3
HSC 4423 Introduction to Environmental Health	3
HSC 4424  Program Planning	3
Total	30 credits

 

 

Supplemental/Cognate/Concentration Requirements 

Course	Credits
HSC 3312 -Current Topics	3
HSC 2265 - Complementary and Integrative Medicine	3
HSC 2350 - Substance Use and Public Health	3
HSC 4420 - Introduction to Urban Health	3
HSC 3328 - Global Health	3
HSC 4414-  Entrepreneurship in Health Care	3
HSC 3311 -Special Topics	3
Total	21  credits

Admission Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) applications are now accepted on a rolling admission.  Before applying, students interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health must first be accepted to Chicago State University and complete or are currently enrolled in all pre-professional courses.

Application packets must be submitted by May 1st for the fall semester, and September 30th for the Spring semester. However, if all openings are not filled, applications will continue to be accepted until July 1^st for fall admission and until October 15th for Spring admission.  Application packets must include the following:

• A completed application form (typewritten). You can apply online or use the PDF form. 
• A Resume
• Two letters of recommendation:
• academic or professional recommendations accepted.
• Placed in sealed envelopes, using the Public Health Recommendation Form.
• A typewritten 300–word College Essay: Please describe the factors that influenced your decision to enter the public health profession and your professional aspirations following completion of the program.