Program Requirements

Note: Beginning in Fall 2025, the following updates have been implemented: the pre-major requirement has been removed from the program structure; incoming and transfer students should consult the new 2025-2026 catalog for specific program requirements.

Starting Fall 2025, minimum total units required for B.S. Degree.

• Total Units required for BS degree: 120
• Total Units required for Major: 54-55

The advising sheet is to be used in partnership with your advisors - seek assisstance each semester to stay on track and graduate!

Notes:

• All courses applied to the major must be completed with a minimum of "C" grade.
• Writing Placement of Junior (WPJ) is a prerequisite to enroll in a Writing Intensive Course.

Declare Health Services Administration as your Major

Note: The removal of pre-major requirements will take effect beginning in the Fall 2025 term. Continuning students who are still under the "Pre-major" should continue to complete the requirements. If you would like to declare early, please contact Joanna Sampanis (HHS Student Success Center) at sampanisj@csus.edu.

In order to declare the major, please complete the following steps.

1. Submit final, official transcripts from all colleges you have attended. See Transcript section. Do not submit multiple copies of your transcripts.
2. Submit the Eligibility Form. All fields must be filled out on the Eligibility Form and all official transcripts must be submitted in order for the Department of Public Health to consider your file complete. Eligibility Forms are reviewed on a continuous basis, however, please keep in mind the processing time of your eligibility form in time for registration.
   *You must submit your Intent to Enroll (ITE) PRIOR to submitting the Eligibility Form. If you submit your Eligibility Form without your ITE, we cannot process your change of major. Visit the Admissions & Outreach website for transcript deadlines & other important dates.
3. Once you have submitted the Eligibility Form, it will take 2-4 weeks to review and process your eligibility form. You will not be able to enroll in "Major Only" courses until your major change form has been processed. It is important that you plan accordingly.
4. For eligible students, the Public Health Department will submit the Change of Major form to the Office of University Registrar on the student's behalf. Please allow a minimum of 14 business days for the form to be processed.

Academic Advising

Faculty Advisor

Students who are declared in the Health Services Administration (HSA) major are assigned a specific faculty advisor. Students can find their faculty advisor on their Student Center and are encouraged to see their advisor for academic advising, career exploratation, specific mentoring, and professional resources. Students should see their advisor during their office hours. The current list of faculty office hours is available on the department's main page under Student Resources.

Note: Faculty are unavailable during summer and winter session. For additional advising support, please visit the HHS Student Success Center.

HHS Student Success Center

The Health & Human Services Student Success Center serves an array of students from first-time freshman to graduationg seniors. Please visit the center for in-person or virtual drop-in hours. If you have any questions, please contact the Center at chhs_success_center@csus.edu or (916) 278-7643.

Prospective Students

When you email the Student Success Center be sure to provide the following information (if applicable):

1. Full Name
2. Sac State Student ID
3. Major
4. Request/Inquiry/Question(s)

Please Note: Emails are reviewed in the order received; please allow 1-3 business days for a response.

Undeclared/Expressed Interest Advising

The Academic Advising Center offers one-on-one advising to help current Sacramento State students explore major/minor opportunities. The Center engages students in a developmental process that helps clarify and implement individual educational plans consistent with their skills, interests, and values.

Career Possibilities

Health Services Administration professionals work in a large variety of government, quasi-governmental, non-profit, and for-profit settings. Examples include state and local health departments, schools and universities, hospitals and clinics, research laboratories, health-related associations, social service agencies, and more. Below is a sample of the common Areas of Expertise and related job titles that program graduates could pursue:

• Health Administration: Health Commissioner, Medical Director, Hospital Administrator
• Health Communication: Journalist, Communications Director, Social Marketer, Medical Writer
• Health Disparities: Minority Health Director, Health Education Coordinator, Worksite Wellness Director
• Maternal & Child Health: Health Administrator, Home Visit Nurse, Community Health Worker, Nutritionist
• Nonprofit Management: Grant Writer, Development Director, Program Officer, Volunteer Coordinator
• Public Health Policy & Law: Policy Analyst, Health Economist, Public Health Attorney, Consumer Advocate

Note: some options listed may require training additional training, coupled with a degree in Public Health.

Submitting Official Transcripts to Sac State

Official transcripts must be in their sealed envelopes from the source. Opened transcripts or transcripts in personal envelopes will be considered unofficial.

• Current Sacramento State students: You are required to submit official transcripts from ALL colleges you have attended AFTER enrolling at Sacramento State. Transcripts must show ALL college coursework completed and courses currently in progress. Sacramento State Transcripts are not required.
• New Transfers: Visit the Admissions & Outreach website for transcript deadlines & other important dates.
• Returning Sac State students: Only send transcripts from colleges attended since leaving Sac State.

Electronic

Transcripts may be sent electronically directly from the college/university you attended. Inquire at the college/university to check if the service is available. Official electronic transcripts can be sent from college/university to incomingtranscripts@csus.edu

Mail

Sacramento State
Admissions & Outreach
6000 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95819-6048

Drop Off

Admissions & Outreach
Welcome Center
(located by parking structure 5)
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I declare/change my major to Public Health or Health Services Administration?

If you would like to declare or change your major, please visit the HHS Student Success Center and meet with an advisor to request the Declaration/Change of Major or Minor form.

How do I declare a Minor in Occupational Health and Safety?

If you would like to declare a minor, please visit the HHS Student Success Center and meet with an advisor to request the Declaration/Change of Major or Minor form.

How do I make an appointment with a Public Health faculty advisor?

Students who have been assigned a faculty or program advisor are encouraged to meet with their advisor during designated office hours. For current faculty office hours, please visit our department webpage and refer to the Faculty Office Hours (PDF).

Prospective or undeclared students should consult with an advisor at the HHS Student Success Center for further guidance and support. For further details, including office hours, please refer to the Center’s official webpage.

How can I change my Faculty Advisor?

Please see Joanna Sampanis, College Advisor & Retention Specialist, at the HHS Student Success Center for further assistance.

What should I do if the course I want to register for is full?

We strongly recommend that you submit a Course Add/Drop/Withdraw Petition form for the specific course and section you wish to enroll in once the new semester begins. Please note that any add permits submitted prior to the first week of the semester will be processed by the department initially. Submission of a petition does not guarantee enrollment in the course.

What are the requirements for enrolling in PUBH 195 Fieldwork - Health or Safety (Internship)?

Students are required to meet with their faculty advisor to obtain prior approval, complete their graduation application, and submit the PUBH 195 enrollment application (Excel), which is available on the DPH Undergraduate Canvas Portal. Public Health and Health Services Administration students are strongly encouraged to begin searching for internship placements at least three months prior to the start of their PUBH 195 course. For further assistance, please contact the Internship Coordinator, Dr. Charl Mattheus, at mattheus@csus.edu.

Which courses completed at a community college are eligible for transfer or articulation to Sacramento State?

For additional information and assistance regarding transfer credits, please visit the Transfer Credit webpage. If additional assistance is needed, you may also contact the HHS Student Success Center.

Can I pursue a Second Bachelor's Degree?

Students can pursue a Second Bachelor's Degree in Public Health or Health Services Administration at Sacramento State. Sac State students would need to complete only at least 24 new Upper Division units. Students from other schools would need to complete 30 units at Sac State.

To apply, please visit Apply to Sacramento State. Be sure to select the Undergraduate Application and indicate that you are applying for a Second Bachelor's Degree by checking the appropriate box.

I’m an incoming freshman student and would like to change my major—what steps should I take?

Please visit the Hornet Launch Program webpage and submit the "Freshman Change of Major Form" and follow the steps. For further assistance, please contact the HL team at hornetlaunch@csus.edu.

I am an incoming transfer student and am interested in changing my major. What steps should I follow to initiate this process?

Please contact the New Student Orientation office at orient.reservations@csus.edu or (916) 278-7841 to reschedule your orientation session. Transfer students interested in changing their major should consult with an academic advisor to complete the Change of Major e-form. Additional support will be available during Orientation to assist with your transition to the new major.