California State University, Fresno
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Health Science - Degrees



You are in the official 1998-99 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.



Department of Health Science


Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements
Health Science Major


The Health Science Bachelor of Science curriculum consists of a core of five courses providing a foundation of knowledge and skills critical to the theory and practice of the health professional. In addition, students complete a specialized cluster of courses in an option that provides the depth and breadth for the area. A variety of combinations between and within options is possible to meet professional goals. Some students choose to specialize in two or more areas of community health whereas others may meet the requirements for environmental health science/industrial hygiene and supplement this with occupational safety and health coursework. Still others may complete all requirements for two options such as environmental health science/industrial hygiene and occupational safety and health. However, university policy allows only one option to appear on the transcript and diploma.

A major in health science consists of a minimum of 42 units. To complete the major for the B.S. degree, students must complete the health science core (15), one of the options outlined below (27-33), and any additional requirements in related fields as specified. Students are encouraged to complete the additional requirements prior to the major courses as they may meet General Education requirements, and they provide a foundation for the courses in health science.

The General Education requirement, special course requirements, and electives, which may include a minor, complete the 82-85 units, totaling at least 124 units required for the B.S. degree.

Health science students are advised to obtain the advising booklet from the department office. The booklet includes the list of required courses and a recommended four-year program for every option. It is strongly recommended that students follow the progression of coursework shown in the booklet. Students need to consult with their advisers for decisions regarding major and minor courses.

Health science majors may not apply credit/no credit grading toward major requirements for a baccalaureate degree. All substitutions must be approved by the department chair.

Classes offered in the Health Science Department may require field assignments.


Degree Requirements

Health Science Core (15 units)
H S 92, 100, 109, 161, 163

Elect one option below (27-28 units)



Community Health

Due to the increasing number of opportunities in the area of health, we have structured courses in personal, community, environmental, and international health to complement basic courses in safety, first aid, disease, drugs, and human sexuality. The curriculum is designed to prepare individuals not only to be competent instructors in the health areas, but to be health educators in many segments of our society. Upon completion of the degree, students would be eligible to take the certified test to become a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES).

Industry, business, labor, and the military all seek knowledgeable individuals to plan and direct health delivery and information services. Advanced study in health systems and evaluation techniques of health systems is available to qualified undergraduate and graduate students.


Community Health Option

Requirements* (27 units)
H S 90, 110, 114, 124, 131, 133, 135

Elect 6 units from: H S 48, 104, 105, 111, 112, 115, 126, 129, 130, 152T, 182; Nutr 53, 54

Additional requirements (15 units)
Biol 10 or 110; Chem 3A, 3B; PhyAn 33

_________

* H S 92 may also be applied to satisfy the General Education CORE mathematics requirement if intermediate algebra was completed in high school.



Environmental Health Science/Industrial Hygiene Option

The environmental health science/industrial hygiene option prepares an individual for registration as an Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) and provides a balanced theoretical and applied understanding of the concepts and principles of industrial hygiene. The graduates of the program are employed by environmental health programs, industry, government, and research organizations.

The curriculum includes basic science courses, core courses in health science, and foundation courses in chemistry, biology, and health science, including epidemiology, toxicology, environmental health, and industrial hygiene. Graduates of this option will be academically prepared to contribute significantly to the improvement and maintenance of environmental health and the healthful working environments.

The curriculum is designed to permit admission to master's and doctoral degree programs in environmental health and industrial hygiene at major universities throughout the country. The program is accredited by the National Environmental Health Association and approved by the State Department of Health Services.

Environmental Health Science/Industrial Hygiene Option

Requirements* (27-28 units)
H S 105, 147, 160, 162, 165, 167, 168
(3-4 units); 6 units approved electives

Additional requirements (37-39 units)
BioSc 1A, 1B; Chem 3A, 4, 105 or Chem 1A, 1B or Chem 1B, 3A, 4; Micro 20; Chem 8; Math 70; Phys 2A, 2B, HS 175.

The Environmental Health Science/Industrial Hygiene Option is approved by the State of California Department of Health Services and accredited by the National Environmental Health Association. Individuals who wish to become registered must meet state requirements.

__________

* H S 92 may also be applied to satisfy the General Education CORE mathematics requirement if intermediate algebra was completed in high school.


Health Services

The health services option provides a broad based program to prepare the student for generalist administrative positions within the health care system. The curriculum is designed with an emphasis on exposing the student to the principles of health services administration and the application of these principles. For more information, see the departmental adviser.

Health Services Option

Requirements* (27 units)
H S 90, 151; H S 154 or Pl Si 181 or Mgt 104; Econ 131; Mktg 100

Elect 12 units from: H S 104, 114, 115, 129, 143, 168, 185F; HRM 150; Mktg 132, 138; Soc 147

Additional requirements (12 units)
Acct 3; Econ 40 and 50; H S 182

__________

* H S 92 may also be applied to satisfy the General Education CORE mathematics requirement if intermediate algebra was completed in high school.


Occupational Safety and Health

The basic goals of the occupational safety and health option are to provide the specialized knowledge in the physical and social sciences that allow the individual to perform the functions within the scope of the professional safety position, and to successfully provide leadership to conserve life, health, and property. This option is designed to give students a thorough understanding of the great variety of problems met in the occupational safety and health field.

Occupational Safety and Health Option

Requirements* (33 units)
**H S 48, 105, 143, 145, 147, 160, 168, 182; 185F (3 units); 3-unit approved elective

Additional requirements (14 units)
Chem 3A, 3B or 8; Fin 143; Phys 10

Students who desire to meet the recommendations for the Safety Professional should consult with the department adviser for the selection of General Education and elective courses.

_________

* H S 92 may also be applied to satisfy the General Education CORE mathematics requirement if intermediate algebra was completed in high school.
** See department for substitutions.


Health Science Minor

The Minor in Health Science consists of 20 units composed of the health science core requirement and 5 units from the courses required in any one option. Consult the department adviser for assistance in program planning.


Certificate in Alcohol/Drug Studies

The Department of Health Science is participating in a certificate of special study awarded to those students who successfully complete a minimum of 12 units of interdisciplinary academic coursework in the area of alcohol and drug abuse. (For complete details, see Health and Social Work Interdisciplinary Courses in this catalog.)


Master of Public Health Degree Program

This program is designed to prepare students in the broad area of public health. It includes preparation in the public health core and in one of the following options: Environmental and Occupational Health, Health Promotion, or Health Administration. Each option includes an internship and a culminating experience.

Each fall, the MPH program admits students who demonstrate high academic ability and promise and have the professional values and ethics appropriate to maintaining professional standards in the field. Applicants are expected to have a high degree of academic and professional preparation for this program and the ability to make significant contributions to the program.

Admission to the MPH program is a two-phase process. The first phase requires that a candidate meet the graduate divisions requirements for admission to the university, and the second phase is the admission to the MPH program. Applicants are required to complete the application booklet available in the department office.

A. Admission to the university: A candidate must have achieved an under graduate GPA of 2.5 on the last 60 units and submit official copies of university transcripts, and scores on the GRE.

B. Admission to the MPH program: Candidates for admission to the program will be selected based on the following:

  1. Academic ability and preparation as demonstrated by: (a) GPA in the major (b) scores on the GRE (c) official transcripts, and (d) satisfactory completion of all prerequisites.
  2. Professional capabilities as demonstrated through: (a) three letters of recommendation (from employers and at least one from a former faculty member) (b) a statement of intent, and (c) an oral interview.

Once admitted to the program the student will be assigned to a faculty adviser in the option selected, and under the adviser's direction the student will follow a pattern of study designed to be completed in three years of late afternoon and evening study. Admission commences during the fall semester, and each student is admitted for a specific term. If a student is admitted and is unable to start the program, he or she will have to reapply for admission to another term.

The MPH program is designed around the following framework:

Public Health Core (18 units)
Option (12 units)
Elective (3 units)
Field Experience (4 units)
Thesis or Project (4 units)
Total (41 units)

For additional information, please contact the Health Science Department at California State University, Fresno; 2345 E. San Ramon Ave.; Fresno, CA 93740-8031; (559) 278-4014.

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