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BS in Public Health (Health Promotion)
Program Description
The Bachelor of Science in Public Health offers two professional areas of study: Health Promotion and Occupational Safety and Health. Each concentration is designed to give students a well-rounded education in public health, while providing strong preparation in one of these areas.
Health Promotion is the process of enabling individuals and communities to increase control their health and improve overall well-being.
Community Engagement: Engage communities in advocating for changes that keep people safe and healthy.
Risk Analysis & Needs Assessment: Analyze and identify potential threats to public safety and harms to health.
Program Planning and Evaluation: Design and evaluate programs to educate the public and support behavior change.
Advocacy: Advocate for policy and structural changes to improve health and well-being.
Concentration Options
Follow the link below to review the Public Health course catalog.
Program Requirements
Students must be a Public Health Major to enroll. All other courses do not have a major prerequisite/restriction.
- Total Units required for BS degree: 120
- Total Units required for Major: 54-55
Notes:
- ALL courses in the major require a grade of "C" of better.
- Writing Placement for Junior (WPJ) is a prerequisite to enroll in a Writing Intensive 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 their major may be subject to the University's Foreign Language Graduation Requirement.
| Required Lower Division Courses (12 units) | Units | Course Prerequisites? |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 20 Biology: A Human Perspective OR BIO 10 Basic Biological Concepts | 3/3 | No |
| PUBH 50 Healthy Lifestyles | 3 | No |
| PUBH 98 Public Health Professions Seminar | 3 | No |
| STAT 1 Intro. to Statistics | 3 | See Catalog |
| Required Upper Division Courses (18 units) | Units | Course Prerequisites? |
| PUBH 100 Fundamentals of Safety & Health | 3 | No |
| PUBH 116 Public Health Policy, Management & Administration | 3 | No |
| PUBH 118 Introduction to Public Health | 3 | No |
| PUBH 147 Health Data Analysis | 3 | STAT 1 or STAT 10B |
| PUBH 148 Epidemiology | 3 | See Catalog |
| PUBH 151 Intro. to the US Healthcare System | 3 | No |
| Take ALL of the following (21 units) | Units | Course Prerequisites? |
| PUBH 112 Disease Prevention | 3 | No |
| PUBH 114 Human Ecology & Health | 3 | No |
| PUBH 119 Community Health Promotion | 3 | PUBH 118 |
| PUBH 120 Social Marketing in Health Promotion | 3 | PUBH 118 |
| PUBH 122 Health Psychology | 3 | No |
| PUBH 124 Ethical Considerations in Public Health | 3 | Writing Intensive Prerequisites |
| PUBH 144 Community Health Planning & Evaluation | 3 | See Catalog |
| Take ONE of the following (minimum of 3 units) | Units | Course Prerequisites? |
| PUBH 117 Global Health | 3 | No |
| PUBH 130 Alcohol & Other Drugs | 3 | No |
| PUBH 134 Understanding Human Sexuality | 3 | No |
| PUBH 150 Aging & Health | 3 | No |
| PUBH 190 Public Health Study Abroad | 3 | No |
| PUBH 195 Fieldwork - Health or Safety | 3-4 | Permission of Faculty Advisor |
Careers
The Health Promotion 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:
- Community Development & Social Impact: Community Health Program Manager, Health Communication Specialist, Housing & Health Policy Specialist, Public Health Outreach Coordinator
- Disaster & Humanitariam Response: Disaster Response Coordinator, Humanitariam Logistics Officer, Crisis Data Analyst, Emergency Preparedness Specialist
- Disease Prevention: Health Program Director, Behavioral Scientist, Public Health Dentist, Public Health Nurse, Vaccine Program Manager, Epidemiologist
- Food Systems & Nutrition Innovation: Food Policy Analyst, Consumer Safety Officer
- Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health: Reproductive Health Advocate, School-Based Health Coordinator, Youth Health Policy Analyst, Health Educator, Community Health Worker
- Mental & Behavioral Health: Trauma-Informed Care Specialist, Mental Health Researcher, Behaviroal Health Coordinator, Public Health Social Worker
- Nonprofit Management: Grant Writer, Development Director, Program Officer, Volunteer Coordinator
- Public Health Policy & Law: Legislative Health Advisor, Health Policy Analyst, Consumer Protection Specialist, Health Economist
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.
- Visit the Public Health catalog page.
- Select any program listed under Degree Programs.
- 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 encouraged 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.
Professional Associations & Student Clubs
Sac State Student Clubs
Public Health Professional Associations
American Public Health Association (APHA)
California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
California Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems (CAPH)
Association of Schools & Programs of Public Health (ASPPH)
World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA)
Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE)
American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)
Department Contact Information
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.