Program Description

The Public Health minor at Sacramento State provides students with a strong foundation in the principles and practices that shape population health. Students gain interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills that help them understand and address complex health challenges at local, national, and global levels.

Students can expect to be involved in coursework across the core areas of Public Health practice, such as epidemiology, illness/ injury causes and prevention, health service administration, and other personal, occupational, and community health and safety issues.

Undergraduate students in any discipline can choose this minor as part of their curriculum. Graduates with a Public Health minor will be prepared for entry-level positions in health-related organizations, community-based programs, nonprofit agencies, and government sectors, as well as for advanced study in public health and related disciplines.

Note: Students must have a declared major in order to declare a minor.

Program Requirements

Students need to have an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher and be in good academic standing to declare the Minor. Students must complete 3 units of lower-division coursework and 12 units of upper division coursework to complete the minor.

• Total Units required for Minor: 15

Notes:

• All courses in the major require a grade of "C" of better

Careers

Public Health 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:

• Chronic Disease: Health Educator, Health Program Director, Behavioral Scientist, Public Health Dentist
• Disaster Response: Emergency Preparedness Specialist, U.S. Public Health Service Member
• Drug Safety: Clinical Researcher, Pharmacist, Biostatistician, Regulatory Affairs Specialist
• Environmental Health: Toxicologist, Hydrologist, Environmental Engineer, Hazardous Waste Inspector
• Food Safety & Nutrition: Consumer Safety Officer, Food Scientist, Nutrition Consultant
• Global Health: Peace Crops Volunteer, Genetics Researcher, Entomologist, Translator, Ethnographer
• Infectious Disease: Epidemiologist, Medical Officer, Public Health Nurse, Public Health Veterinarian
• Maternal & Child Health: Health Administrator, Home Visit Nurse, Community Health Worker, Nutritionist
• Mental Health: Mental Health Researcher, Public Health Social Worker, Behavioral Health Coordinator
• Nonprofit Management: Grant Writer, Development Director, Program Officer, Volunteer Coordinator
• Occupational Safety: Industrial Hygienist, Occupational Safety Specialist, Sanitarian/Safety Inspector
• Public Health Policy & Law: Policy Analyst, Health Economist, Public Health Attorney, Consumer Advocate
• Public Safety: Injury Prevention Specialist, Emergency Medical Services Director, Forensic Pathologist
• Quality Improvement: Program Evaluator, Informatics Specialist, Patient Safety Specialist, Health Facility Surveyor

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

HHS Student Success Center - GE/Academic/Declare

The Health & Human Services Student Success Center advises all Majors and Minors in Public Health and 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.

Except Holidays (Campus Closed)

Department Location

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/change my major or minor to Public Health, Health Services Administration, or Hospitality & Tourism Management?

Please visit the HHS Student Success Center and meet with an advisor to request a Declaration/Change of Major/Minor form. Visit their website for the most up-to-date advising schedule.

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.