Health Science - B.S. at California State University Fresno

Health Science Major - Community Health Option

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 advisers 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.

Due to the increasing number of opportunities in the area of health, we have structured courses in epidemiology, community and environmental health to complement basic courses in health behavior, health education methods, contemporary health issues, disease, drugs, and human sexuality. The curriculum is designed to prepare individuals not only to be competent instructors in the health areas, but to be health educators in many segments of our society. Upon completion of the degree, students would be eligible to take the certified test to become a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES).

Industry, business, labor, and the military all seek knowledgeable individuals to plan and direct health delivery and information services. Advanced study in health systems and evaluation techniques of health systems is available to qualified undergraduate and graduate students.

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 and public arenas.  Students in this option are encouraged to seek the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) certification upon graduation.  

The community health curriculum requires courses in the basic sciences (Biology, Chemistry, and Anatomy/Physiology) as well as in:  Statistics, Community Health, Epidemiology, Environmental Health, Health Administration, Health Behavior, Principles of Health Education, Human Disease, Health Education Methods, Emergency Preparedness, Global and Cultural Health, Drugs and Alcohol, Alternative and Complementary Medicine, and many other topics.  Program planning, dissemination, implementing, and evaluating are emphasized throughout the curriculum. 

Majors

• Health Science - Community Health Option, B.S.
• Health Science - Environmental/Occupational Health & Safety Option, B.S.
• Health Science - Health Administration Option, B.S.