Students in the Community Health Program develop the ability to understand, analyze, problem-solve, and communicate effectively in a complex, rapidly changing world. Students learn how to promote health and wellness through improved health literacy, attitudes, skills, and behaviors. As a result of their preparation, they are able to positively influence health behaviors and disease prevention in order to improve the health status of individuals, families, communities, states, and the nation. The interdisciplinary liberal arts perspective on this community health curriculum prepares students to act as informed and engaged community members and leaders. Courses emphasize prevention and management of injury and disease, emotional health and overall wellbeing, health promotion skill-building, epidemiology, nutrition education, and theories of health behavior. The Community Health program prepares students for careers in county and state public health departments, private health agencies, hospitals, health clinics, nonprofit agencies, and with community organizations. Graduates may also be able to pursue additional training/education in various allied health professions, including accelerated bachelor of science nursing (BSN) programs. Completion of the community health major establishes eligibility to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) examination.
CHL 110 • Introduction to Healthcare 3 Credits
An introduction to various health professions and the healthcare system in the United States. Emphasis on understanding the healthcare system, current issues in healthcare, and healthcare career paths. Development of healthcare literacy and navigating healthcare culture. Students examine education, training, and licensure and/or certification requirements for potential careers.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
CHL 112 • Public and Community Health 4 Credits
An overview of the major concepts and principles of public and community health including population health, trends, and policy. Introduces strategic planning and evidence-based interventions aimed at improving and promoting the public's health. Examines the community and public health policy progress at organizational and governmental levels.
Offered: Spring.
CHL 314 • Foundations, Administration, and Evaluation of Health Education 3 Credits
Introduces the health education and health promotion professions, including historical, philosophical, and theoretical foundations of health education. Explores theories of behavior change, the responsibilities of health educators, and investigates career opportunities. Examines the theoretical and practical basis for planning, implementing, administering, and evaluating health education programs.
Prerequisites: CHL 112. Offered: Spring.
CHL 318 • Epidemiology 3 Credits
Distribution of health and disease in populations and its influential or determining factors. Examines methodological and analytical techniques to summarize health-related indicators in populations. Focuses on tools and epidemiologic methods used to identify, prevent, and control disease and health-related conditions. Reviews the epidemiology of many major diseases and health-related conditions.
Prerequisites: BIO 104/BIO 104D or BIO 120/BIO 120D; BIO 238/BIO 239. Offered: Fall, even # years.
CHL 345 • Disease and Injury Control 3 Credits
Analysis of chronic and infectious diseases, and injuries from both personal and societal perspectives. Focuses on the prevention, identification, and control of diseases and injuries. Examines the relationship of health promotion and lifestyle to disease and injury.
Prerequisites: CHL 112. Offered: Fall, odd # years.
CHL 481 • Community Health Internship 3-4 Credits
Practical, off-campus experience to directly apply academic knowledge and professional skills and achieve personal and professional goals in a variety of work settings.
Prerequisites: Major in community health and Consent of instructor. Offered: Fall, Spring. Special Notes: Students must notify the community health program director at least one semester prior to the intended experience. Failure to notify the program director one semester prior to the course start date may impact ability to participate in an internship.