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Department of Public Health College of Health & Human Services

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Pre-Major

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health is a Pre-major.

Pre-major is a designation for undergraduate students pursuing a non-impacted major. These students may declare or be assigned major status upon admission to the university or by the department/program of their intended major after completing specified pre-requisites as defined by their academic department/program.

The pre-major requirements must be completed before submitting the Public Health Eligibility Form. Eligibility Forms will be reviewed on a continuous basis (see Declare Public Health as Your Major section below). Everyone who meets the pre-major requirements will be able to declare the major.


Planning is key to making timely progress toward degree completion. We highly encourage prospective students to research the major and create an academic plan that aligns with their academic and career goals.

Note: New transfer students who select Public Health in their University application will be given the designation of Pre-Major.

Concentration Options

We offer three concentrations options under Public Health. Students must research each option and select ONE based on their interests, skills and values:

  • Health Care Administration (HCA)
  • Community Health Education (CHE)
  • Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S)

Pre-Major Requirements

To be considered for the major, students must meet Pre-Major requirements:

  1. Be admitted to the University
  2. Have a 2. 5 minimum in overall GPA
  3. Complete 45 units of overall coursework
  4. Earn a course grade of "C" or above in the following prerequisite courses or their equivalents as listed on ASSIST.org:
    • BIO 25 Anatomy & Physiology I,
    • BIO 26 Anatomy & Physiology II,
    • CHEM 6A Intro. to General Chemistry, and
    • STAT 1 Intro. to Statistics

We strongly recommend that all pre-requisites be completed within the first 45 units of enrollment, in order to maintain timely progress toward degree completion.

Declare Public Health as Your Major

  1. Identify a semester that fits with your academic plan to declare Public Health. Review the Academic Calendar for important dates.
  2. Complete ALL prerequisites! Prerequisite courses in-progress will not be accepted.
  3. Submit final, official transcripts from all colleges you have attended. See Transcript section. Do not submit multiple copies of your transcripts.
  4. Submit the Public Health Major 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 Public Health Major 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

Eligibility Form

Important Dates

Group Advising

The Department of Public Health will be offering information sessions for students interested in Public Health. The sessions will cover the Eligibility Form process, a general overview of the three concentrations and Q&A.

When group advising dates are to be determined (TBA), pre-major students who need immediate advising can visit the H&HS Student Success Center.

Date Location Time
TBA    
TBA    
Registration is via Qualtrics. A thank you message will appear to confirm your registration.

Advising: Pre-Major and Prospective Students

The Health & Human Services Student Success Center advises all Pre-major and prospective students interested in Public Health. Please visit their website for the virtual drop-in hour schedule or you can email them directly at: chhs_success_center@csus.edu

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.

Official Transcripts

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.

Contact

Email

publichealth@csus.edu

Department Location & Office Hours

Solano Hall 3002
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.