Public Health

Degree

Bachelor of Science with a major in Public Health
Westbrook College of Health Professions (WCHP)
Department of Health Promotion Studies

Contact

Bethany Fortier, MPH, CHES
Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Health Promotion Studies
bfortier@une.edu

Mission

The mission of SWAGÊÓƵ’s Bachelor of Science with a major in Public Health is to prepare graduates to address the complex public health problems that global populations face through the generation of new knowledge, use of scientific evidence and collaborations with diverse stakeholders.

Major Description

Public health is defined as "all organized measures to prevent disease, promote health, and prolong life among the population as a whole. Its activities aim to provide conditions in which people can be healthy and focus on entire populations, not on individual patients" (World Health Organization, 2016). Therefore, the field of public health focuses on the promotion of health and prevention of disease at a population level. As a student in SWAGÊÓƵ’s Public Health program, you will develop the skills necessary to assess and understand the complexity of health issues that affect diverse populations, and identify potential solutions to address them. Benefiting from small class sizes, hands-on experiences, and one-on-one engagement with experienced faculty, you will learn how to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders and to communicate complex health concepts to diverse audiences. The coursework you complete through our program will expand on the five (5) core areas of public health:

  • Health Policy: Developing laws and regulations to promote and protect health (e.g. seatbelt laws).
  • Environmental Health: Assessing how the environment affects health (e.g. air and water quality).
  • Social and Behavioral Health: Studying how people make health decisions and how to encourage healthier decision-making (e.g. how marketing influences health behavior decisions).
  • Epidemiology: Studying how and why diseases are distributed in a population (e.g. tracing outbreaks of infectious diseases).
  • Biostatistics: Analyzing population-level data to identify trends (e.g. using data to associate tobacco exposure with lung cancer).

SWAGÊÓƵ’s Public Health program offers you the flexibility to pursue a minor in Environmental Studies, Geographic Information Systems, Nutrition, Political Science, or Health, Law and Policy.

Curricular Requirements

WCHP Common RequirementsCredits
BIO 104/104L – General Biology w/Lab4
BIO 208/208L – Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology I w/Lab4
BIO 209/209L – Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology II w/Lab4
BIO 309 – Pathophysiology3
ENG 110 – English Composition4
IHS 130 – Interprofessional Health Care First-Year Experience3
IHS 310 – Ethics for Interprofessional Practice3
MAT 120 – Statistics or MAT 150 – Statistics for Life Sciences3
NUTR 220 – Nutrition3
PSY 105 – Introduction to Psychology3
PSY 250 – Lifespan Development3
SOC 150 – Introduction to Sociology3
One (1) Creative Arts course (with prefix ARH, ART or MUS)3
One (1) Explorations course3
One (1) Social Global Awareness Course3
Total Credits49
Program Required CoursesCredits
BIO 242/242L – Applied Microbiology w/Lab4
BIO 440 – OneHealth3
ENV 104 – Environmental Issues3
EXS 120 – Personal Health & Wellness3
IHS 212 – Health Determinants3
OS 200 – Medical Terminology and Health Literacy (formerly HWOS 200)3
OS 341 – Health & Wellness in Aging Society (formerly HWOS 341)3
OS 434 – Substance Misuse & Prevention (formerly HWOS 434)3
PSC 325 – Politics in Public Health3
PUB 200 – Foundations in Public Health3
PUB 205 – Epidemiology3
PUB 300 – Global Health3
PUB 305/OS 316 – Research Methods (formerly PUB 305/HWOS 316)3
PUB 310 – Social, Behavioral & Enviro. Factors in Public Health3
PUB 400 – Public Health Planning & Evaluation3
PUB 405 – Health Care Organization & Policy3
PUB 410 – Internship Experience/Research/Practicum3–6
PUB 420 – Community Health Assessment3
SOC 355 – Medical Sociology3
Total Credits58–61
Open Elective Courses (as needed to reach 120 credits)Variable
Minimum Total Required Credits120

Academic and Technical Standards

Students in the Bachelor of Science with a major in Public Health are subject to University undergraduate academic standards and requirements set forth by the Westbrook College of Health Professions.

In keeping with the guidelines for the Westbrook College of Health Professions, students must achieve a minimum grade of a C- in the following courses: MAT 120/150, BIO 104, BIO 208, BIO 209, BIO 242, BIO 309, and NUTR 220. Failure to achieve a C- will result in program-level probation, and may affect academic progression.

Students need to achieve a grade of C or better in all Public Health major coursework.

Students who fail to achieve a grade of C- in the above courses and a grade of C in the Public Health major courses may re-take the course only once. Failure to earn a grade of C- in the designated courses or a C in the Public Health major courses the second time will result in the dismissal from the Public Health major.

Competencies

At the conclusion of the Bachelor of Science with a major in Public Health program, the graduate will be able to:

  • Communicate public health information, in both oral and written forms, through a variety of media, to diverse audiences.
  • Locate, use, evaluate, and synthesize public health information.
  • Appreciate the multiple determinants of health.
  • Advocate for evidence-based approaches to improve the health of individuals and communities.
  • Engage in collaborative and culturally relevant approaches to improve local, regional and global public health.
  • Value the relationship between human rights and health.

Minor

The public health minor provides an opportunity for students interested in national and global health, as well as future graduate study in public health and/or other allied health professions to expand their knowledge in the area of public health.

Program Required CoursesCredits
PUB 200 – Foundations of Public Health3
PUB 205 – Epidemiology3
PUB 310 – Social, Behavioral & Environmental Factors in Public Health3
Nine (9) credits of Program Specific Electives (See below)9
Minimum Total Required Credits18
Program Specific ElectivesCredits
ANT 211 – Medical Anthropology3
BIO 440 – Medical Biology Topics: One Health3
ENV 200 – Society, Population, & Environment: A Global Perspective3
ENV 250 – Environmental Policy in Comparative Perspectives3
NUTR 342 – Food Systems and Public Health3
PSC 325 – Politics of Public Health3
SOC 215 – Poverty3
SOC 355 – Medical Sociology3
Any OS Course (formerly HWOS prefix)3–4
Any PUB Course3–4

This is not meant to be an exhaustive list. If a student wants to take a course not listed here as an elective option, they can meet with their advisor to discuss the academic impact of taking a particular course and how it will enhance their public health learning and knowledge.

Transfer Credit

Courses completed at another accredited college can be transferred to this degree program. Transferred courses must be reasonably close in scope and content to the required courses offered at SWAGÊÓƵ in order to count as exact equivalents. Otherwise, they may transfer as general electives. All courses completed must be no older than five (5) years.

Other restrictions apply. See Undergraduate Admissions for more information.

Admissions

For entrance into the Bachelor of Science with a major in Public Health major, students must have completed:

  • Two (2) high school science laboratory courses in subject areas such as biology, chemistry, and physics.
  • Three (3) years of mathematics up through and including Algebra II.

Students seeking admission should have completed a high school curriculum reflective of collegiate preparation which includes: four (4) years of English, three (3) years of mathematics, two (2) years of science with a laboratory, and two (2) years of social science.

Applicants submit their materials to the Office of Admissions during the fall of the year prior to matriculation. Qualified students who apply after the fall are admitted on a space-available basis.

Internal Transfer Students

Students who are enrolled in another major at the SWAGÊÓƵ may apply for admission into the Bachelor of Science with a major in Public Health by completing a change of major form. The Admissions Committee meets at the close of each semester to determine eligibility.

The applicant is encouraged to explore professional possibilities by shadowing a public health professional, exploring professional public health websites, volunteering in a program that provides public health services or education to the community, and speaking with faculty who teach in the program. Please include any of these relevant experiences in the required essay referenced below.

The process to apply for a change of major to the Bachelor of Science with a major in Public Health is as follows:

  1. Meet with a current academic advisor to discuss transferring into Public Health.
  2. Make an appointment and discuss your interest in public health with a faculty/administrator of the program.
  3. Complete and submit a Request to Change a Major form (PDF).
  4. Demonstrate solid achievement in mathematics and science coursework, and academic good standing with a grade point average of 2.5 or better at the time of the request.
  5. Submit all materials to the Public Health Program Administrator by the end of the academic semester.

See Undergraduate Admissions for more information.

Financial Information

TUITION AND FEES

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog

This catalog outlines the academic programs, degree criteria, policies, and events of the SWAGÊÓƵ for the 2024–2025 academic year and serves as the official guide for academic and program requirements for students enrolling at the University during the Summer of 2024, Fall 2024, and Spring 2025 semesters.

The information provided is accurate as of its publication date on April 26, 2024.
The SWAGÊÓƵ reserves the right to modify its programs, calendar, or academic schedule as deemed necessary or beneficial. This includes alterations to course content, class rescheduling, cancellations, or any other academic adjustments. Changes will be communicated as promptly as possible.

While students may receive guidance from academic advisors or program directors, they remain responsible for fulfilling the requirements outlined in the catalog relevant to their enrollment year and for staying informed about any updates to policies, provisions, or requirements.