Program Description

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health offers three professional areas of study: Health Informatics and Data Science, Health Promotion and Occupational Safety and Health.

Health Informatics and Data Science is the science of using data and technology to solve real-world health problems and improve patient care and population health outcomes. Now offered as a concentration in the Bachelor of Science in Public Health.

• Learn to manage, analyze, interpret, and visualize health data.
• Develop the skills to use health information to support informed decision-making.
• Pursue opportunities in private and public sectors like healthcare organizations, research institutions, government, and health technology companies.

Students learn how to turn raw information into actionable knowledge through innovative courses like:

• Advanced Health Data Analysis
• Health Data Visualization
• Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

This STEM concentration is ideal for future-focused students who want to turn a love of tech and data into real-world impact through hands-on experience.

Program Requirements

Students must be a Public Health Major to enroll. All other courses do not have a major prerequisites/restriction.

• Total Units required for BS degree: 120
• Total Units required for Major: 57-58

Notes:

• ALL courses in the major require a grade of "C" or better.
• Writing Placement for Junior (WPJ) is a prerequisites to enroll in a Writing Intensice Course.

Note: Students graduating with a BS in Public Health (all concentrations) will not be subject to the University’s Foreign Language Graduation Requirement. Students who change major may be subject to the University’s Foreign Language Graduation Requirement.

Careers

The Health Informatics and Data Science concentration comprises an enormous range of possible career pathways and areas of application. Below is a sample of the common areas of expertise and related job titles that program graduates could pursue:

• AI & Digital Health: Health Data Scientist, Public Health or Clinical Informatics Specialist, Telehealth Coordinator, Health UX/UI Designer
• Quality Improvement & Systems Design: Program Evaluator, Implementation Scientist, Patient Experience Strategist, Health Systems Data Analyst, Informatics Specialist

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

For detailed labor market insights for each program, visit the Sacramento State Catalog.

1. Visit the Public Health catalog page.
2. Select any program listed under Degree Programs.
3. Review the Career Data section.

Where/How to Obtain Advising

Faculty Advisor - Mentoring/Professional Development

Students who are declared in the Public Health major are assigned a specific faculty advisor. Students can find their faculty advisor on their Student Center and are encourageed to see their advisor for academic advising, career exploration, 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.

HHS Student Success Center - GE/Academic/Declare

The Health & Human Services Student Success Center serves an array of students from first-time freshman to graduating seniors. Please visit the center for in-person or virtual drop-in hours. If you have questions, please email them directly at: chhs_success_center@csus.edu

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.

Department Contact Information

Email

publichealth@csus.edu

Phone

(916) 278-6441

Office Hours

Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Department Location & Office Hours

Solano Hall 3002

California State University, Sacramento

6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819

Mailing Address

Department of Public Health

California State University, Sacramento

6000 J Street, MS 6073

Sacramento, CA 95819

Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)

How do I declare or change my major to Public Health, Health Services Administration, or Hospitality and Tourism Management?

Please complete the change/declaration of major survey to submit your request: https://csus.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_djcg8N8i8tgYuZT. Please allow 2-4 weeks for the major change to be reviewed and processed.

Once the change of major is processed by the Office of the Registrar, you can verify the change in your My Sac State>Student Center>Academics.

How do I make an appointment with my 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.

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.

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

For additional information and assistance regarding transfer credits, please visit the Transfer Credit webpage. If additional assistance is needed, please see an adcvisor at the HHS Student Success Center.

Can I pursue a Second Bachelor's Degree in the program?

Students can pursue a Second Bachelor's Degree in any of our undergraduate programs in the department. 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.

How do I submit official transcripts to Sacramento State?

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

• 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.