Global and Community Health
- Undergraduate Programs
- Graduate Programs
- Master of Science in Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Master of Science in Health Science
- Graduate Certificates in Health Science
- Certificate in Biostatistics
- Certificate in Gerontology
- Certificate in International Health
Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor of Science in Health Science
This degree prepares students to become managers and clinicians in a variety of settings including hospitals; clinics; schools; community health, home care, long-term care, employee health, and managed care organizations; group medical practices; manufacturing, medical technology and supply organizations; insurance industry; and financial consultant services. Concentrations are offered in health care coordination, with an accelerated pathway available for students who have associate’s degrees in allied health and gerontology.
The health care coordination traditional and accelerated tracks prepare graduates to work directly with clients, assisting them with managing their health and illness care. Graduates work as health care coordinators, client advocates, and members of interdisciplinary teams in hospitals, long term care agencies, life care facilities, health maintenance organizations, and business and community health settings. The gerontology concentration is designed for students interested in providing services to the elderly in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, community health centers, home health, senior centers, senior housing, long term care and many other service arenas. The program provides foundational knowledge in health science and aging, and is suitable for students who wish to function as clinicians, managers, and advocates for the elderly.
The program may be completed on a full- or part-time basis; the accelerated pathway for graduates of allied health technical programs takes into account the needs of the adult learner. Interested students should contact the health science program before admission. All pathways lead to completion of the objectives of the undergraduate health science program.
A criminal background check is required of all students prior to beginning the internship.
A minimum grade of C must be obtained in all health science courses.
Students pursuing the gerontology concentration must be prepared to complete a 128-hour practicum experience of six to eight hours per week in an appropriate organization.
Students must check with their advisor to ensure that all university general education requirements have been met prior to graduation. Students may substitute three, 3-credit health science courses for the health science internship with the approval of the advisor, depending on work experiences.
Program Requirements
Healthcare Coordination Traditional Track
| Credits | |
|---|---|
| General Education | 38 |
| ENGL 101 and 302 | 6 |
| Communication (COMM 101) | 3 |
| Information Technology (IT 103) | 3 |
| Literature (at 200 level or above; does not include ENGL 101 and 302) | 3 |
| Fine arts | 3 |
| Western civilization | 3 |
| Global understanding | 3 |
| Sociology or Anthropology | 3 |
| Anatomy and Physiology (BIOL 124 and 125) | 8 |
| Statistics (STAT 250) | 3 |
| Required Courses | 27 |
| COMM 305 and 320 | 6 |
| PHIL 309 | 3 |
| PSYC 100, 211, and 321 | 9 |
| ECON 100 or 103 | 3 |
| MGMT 301 and 312 | 6 |
| Health science major HSCI 295, 332, 350, 378, 402, 436, 440, 453, 465, 498 |
36 |
| Electives (two courses must be in HSCI) |
19 |
| Total | 120 |
BIOL 124 and 125 meet the natural science portion of Mason’s general education requirements. HSCI 465 fulfills the university synthesis requirement.
Healthcare Coordination Accelerated Track for Students with Associate’s Degree in Allied Health
| Credits | |
|---|---|
| General Education | 38 |
| ENGL 101 and 302 | 6 |
| Communication (COMM 101) | 3 |
| Information Technology (IT 103) | 3 |
| Literature (at 200 level or above; does not include ENGL 101 and 302) | 3 |
| Fine arts | 3 |
| Western civilization | 3 |
| Global understanding | 3 |
| Sociology or Anthropology | 3 |
| Anatomy and Physiology (BIOL 124 and 125) | 8 |
| Statistics (STAT 250) | 3 |
| Required Courses | 27 |
| COMM 305 and 320 | 6 |
| PHIL 309 | 3 |
| PSYC 100, 211, and 321 | 9 |
| ECON 100 or 103 | 3 |
| MGMT 301 and 312 | 6 |
| Health science major | 55 |
| HSCI 295, 332, 334*, 350, 378, 402, 436, 440, 465, 498 | |
| Total | 120 |
* Upon completion of bridge course HSCI 334, students are awarded 19 advanced placement credits from the associate’s degree program.
BIOL 124 and 125 meet the natural science portion of Mason’s general education requirements. HSCI 465 fulfills the university synthesis requirement.
Concentration in Gerontology
| Credits | |
|---|---|
| General Education | 38 |
| ENGL 101 and 302 | 6 |
| Communication (COMM 101) | 3 |
| Statistics (STAT 250) | 3 |
| Literature (at 200 level or above; does not include ENGL 101 or 302) | 3 |
| Fine Arts | 3 |
| Anatomy and Physiology (BIOL 124 and 125) | 8 |
| Western Civilization | 3 |
| Global Understanding | 3 |
| Psychology 100 | 3 |
| Information Technology (IT 103) | 3 |
| Additional Prerequisites | 6 |
| Sociology 101 | 3 |
| Philosophy 151 or 309 (Ethics) | 3 |
| Health Science and Gerontology Specialization Core Requirements | 36 |
| HSCI 480 Health Aspects of Aging | 3 |
| SOCI 441 Sociology of Aging | 3 |
| PSYC 415 Psychology of Aging | 3 |
| HSCI 307 Philosophy and Management of Assisted Living | 3 |
| HSCI 453 Healthcare Research | 3 |
| HSCI 332 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention | 3 |
| HSCI 436 Leadership and Management in Healthcare | 3 |
| HSCI 440 Community Health and Epidemiology | 3 |
| HSCI 465 Professional Transition Seminar | 3 |
| HSCI 498 Gerontology Internship | 9 |
| Electives for Health Science and Gerontology Specialization | 40 |
| Gerontology Electives | 6 |
| Non-Gerontology Electives | 6 |
| Health Science Electives | 28 |
| Total credits | 120 |
BIOL 124 and 125 meet the natural science portion of Mason’s general education requirements. HSCI 465 fulfills the university synthesis requirement.
Minor in Nutrition
The minor in nutrition offers a variety of courses for students pursuing undergraduate degrees at Mason. Students who may be interested in completing the minor include those pursuing degrees related to nutrition, health, and education. The minor is intended to increase knowledge of nutrition issues. This minor is not equivalent to the registered dietitian license, and does not provide a license to practice therapeutic nutrition.
Minor Requirements
Applications are encouraged from all areas at Mason. Application is made through CHHS. Students are required to take an introductory nutrition course such as HSCI 295. To complete the minor, students are required to pass 15 credits of undergraduate course work. At least 6 credits must be completed at Mason, and no more than 3 credits of C- or D in the minor are accepted.
Course Requirements
| Credits | |
|---|---|
| Required Courses | 12 |
| HSCI 420 Strategies for Nutrition | 3 |
| HSCI 421 Community Nutrition | 3 |
| HSCI 422 Nutrition Throughout the Lifecycle | 3 |
| HSCI 423 Nutrition and Chronic Illness | 3 |
| Electives (Select one) | 3 |
| CHEM 102 Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 463 General Biochemistry | 3 |
| HSCI 530 Nutrition: A Global Perspective | 3 |
| HSCI/NURS 583 Food and Culture: Biocultural Perspectives on Food and Nutrition | 3 |
Undergraduate Certificates in Health Science
Undergraduate Certificate in Gerontology
The undergraduate certificate program in gerontology prepares students for work with older adults, as well as with professionals who are already working with the elderly. The program provides a background of basic knowledge in gerontology, and prepares students in professional skill areas such as counseling, recreation, social work, nursing, and administration.
The certificate program is administered by CHHS. Three other academic units participate in the program: the College of Education and Human Development, Department of Psychology, and Department of Sociology and Anthropology. A Gerontology Certificate Committee determines program policy and curriculum.
Academic advising and an application form are available through CHHS.
Certificate Requirements
The certificate program consists of 24 credits. Students receiving the certificate must already hold a baccalaureate degree, or have earned one from Mason by the time they receive the certificate.
The 24 credits are divided as follows:
- A minimum of 12 core credits selected from the following:
HSCI 480; NURS 505, 570; PRLS 315, 415; PSYC 415; SOCI 441; and SOCW 483
- 6 credits in a practicum in gerontology: PSYC 548, 549.
Students must have completed at least 9 credits of core courses before enrolling in the practicum.
- 6 credits of electives selected from the following:
HEAL 110, 323, 480; HSCI 332; PHED 415, 450, 499; PRLS 210, 310; PSYC 211, 325, 326, 415, 423; PUAD 502, SOCI 350, 390, 599; SOCW 300, 351, 352; reading and research in gerontology from any department
Undergraduate Certificate in Nutrition
This program offers a variety of courses in nutrition for future and present healthcare professionals, researchers, and others who are commonly faced with community related nutrition issues. The program is intended to help healthcare professionals and others who would like to increase their knowledge in nutrition. This certificate is not equivalent to the registered dietitian license, and does not provide a license to practice therapeutic nutrition.
Certificate Requirements
Applicants need not have a bachelor’s degree. Applications are encouraged from all areas of nursing and health sciences. Application is made through CHHS. A requirement for the certificate is 24 credits of undergraduate course work.
Program of Study
| Credits | |
|---|---|
| Required Courses | 21 |
| HSCI 295 Nutrition for Health Professionals | 3 |
| HSCI 420 Strategies for Nutrition Education | 3 |
| HSCI 421 Community Nutrition | 3 |
| HSCI 422 Nutrition Throughout the Lifecycle | 3 |
| HSCI 423 Nutrition and Chronic Illness | 3 |
| One sociology or anthropology course (which may include HSCI/NURS 583) | 3 |
| One developmental course such as psychology or education | 3 |
| General Nutrition Electives | 3 |
| Select one that has not been taken as a required course: | |
| CHEM 102 Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 463 General Biochemistry | 3 |
| HSCI 530 Nutrition: A Global Perspective | 3 |
| HSCI/NURS 583 Food and Culture: Biocultural Perspectives on Food and Nutrition | 3 |
Graduate Programs
Master of Science in Epidemiology and Biostatistics
The program prepares participants to apply epidemiological and statistical principles to quantitative analysis of health care issues. It is aimed at health scientists and professionals in government agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, as well as in pharmaceutical companies, research hospitals, public health agencies, and other medical research organizations with the need to design experiments for medical and health services research. Graduates are expected to analyze and interpret increasingly complex, nonexperimental health-care data. The degree is taught jointly by faculty from the Department of Applied and Engineering Statistics in IT&E, and the Master’s in Epidemiology and Biostatistics Program in CHHS.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree in a discipline related to health science or statistics, with a GPA of 3.00 in the last 60 credits. Courses in calculus at the undergraduate level through multivariate calculus equivalent to Math 113-114-213 with a grade of B or better are required for admission to the program. Strong applicants with the equivalent of Math 113 may be admitted provisionally on completion of STAT 530 with a grade of B or better. STAT 530 does not count toward degree requirements for the master’s degree. Applications to the degree program are made through CHHS. Admission decisions are made by a joint faculty committee from the Department of Applied and Engineering Statistics in IT&E, and the Master’s in Epidemiology and Biostatistics Program in CHHS.
Degree Requirements
Students must complete 36 credits of graduate course work. A graduate course in which a grade of C or below is earned may be repeated only once. Graduate students may repeat no more than two courses in their stated program of study. Students must achieve a 3.00 GPA to graduate.
Program of Study
| Credits | |
|---|---|
| Statistics Requirement (minimum of 21 credits) |
|
| STAT 544 Applied Probability | 3 |
| STAT 554 Applied Statistics | 3 |
| Select a minimum of 5 courses from the following: | |
| STAT 574 Survey Sampling I | 3 |
| STAT 660 Bio-statistical Methods | 3 |
| STAT 663 Statistical Graphics and Data Exploration | 3 |
| STAT 665 Categorical Data Analysis | 3 |
| STAT 668 Survival Analysis | 3 |
| HSCI 800 Advanced Quantitative Data Analysis for Healthcare Research or STAT 656 Regression Analysis |
3 |
| HSCI 801 Advanced Multivariate Statistics and Data Analysis in Healthcare Research or STAT 662 Multivariate Statistical Methods |
3 |
| Epidemiology Requirements (minimum of 15 credits) |
|
| HSCI 712 Epidemiology and Health Service Research | 3 |
| HSCI 726 Advanced Seminar in Epidemiology | 3 |
| Select a minimum of 3 courses from the following: | |
| HSCI 730 Healthcare Decision Analysis | 3 |
| HSCI 586 Process Improvement for Health Services | 3 |
| HSCI 525 Risk Analysis in Health and Biosciences | 3 |
| HSCI 727 Program Evaluation in Healthcare | 3 |
Master of Science in Health Science
This interdisciplinary program prepares students to focus on social, economic, political, and physiological aspects of global and community health.
The concentration in gerontology is designed for students interested in providing services to elderly, conducting research, or influencing public policy concerning aging and the elderly, as program planners and evaluators, and administrators or managers in the field of aging. Opportunities are provided to develop leadership skills in this rapidly developing field, and to advocate for a fast growing population of elderly. The degree is suitable for students who wish to prepare for a career in gerontology, executives or practitioners already in the field, and individuals who wish to increase their understanding of the aging process and human development.
The concentration in international health prepares students to manage healthcare programs operating in third world countries. Students learn about international issues related to management of health care, including demographic patterns, disease burdens, cultural basis of disease, international policies affecting health care, and political economy of health and development. Graduates of this concentration are expected to work in U. S. international organizations.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree and have earned a 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale. They should submit a completed graduate application through CHHS. Students may be admitted provisionally if their GPA is less than 3.00, but they are also required to submit GRE or MAT test scores. Students admitted provisionally must achieve a 3.00 GPA in the first 12 credits of graduate work. If they fail to do so, they will be terminated. Applicants to the gerontology concentration must be prepared to complete a 128-credit hour practicum experience, or six to eight hours per week in an appropriate organization. Applicants to the international health concentration must have 6 credits (or the equivalent) of a foreign language.
Degree Requirements
Students must complete 36 credits of graduate course work. A graduate course in which a grade of C or below is earned may be repeated only once. Graduate students may repeat no more than two courses in their stated program of study. Students must achieve a 3.00 GPA to graduate.
Gerontology Program of Study
| Credits | |
|---|---|
| Health Science Core (minimum of 12 credits) |
|
| HSCI 501 Introduction to Biostatistics | 3 |
| HSCI 712 Epidemiology and Health Services Research | 3 |
| PUAD 620 Organizational Theory and Management Behavior | 3 |
| NURS 660 Ethics of Healthcare | 3 |
| Gerontology Concentration (minimum of 12 credits) |
|
| HSCI 578 Cultural Competence and Diversity in Healthcare | 3 |
| HSCI 637 Normal Aging and Health Deviation | 3 |
| HSCI 762 Aging and health Policy | 3 |
| SOCI 686 The Sociology of Aging | 3 |
| Gerontology Practicum | 6 |
| HSCI 770 Gerontology Practicum I | 3 |
| HSCI 771 Gerontology Practicum II | 3 |
| Electives (minimum of 6 credits) Electives should be selected to provide a focus in a particular role related to gerontology such as gerontological case manager or health educator; or manager, director, or program developer in a gerontological setting. A listing of the electives is provided. Students must confer regularly with their advisor for ongoing guidance and mentoring. |
International Health Program of Study
| Credits | |
|---|---|
| Health Science Core (minimum of 12 credits) |
|
| HSCI 501 Introduction to Biostatistics | 3 |
| HSCI 712 Epidemiology and Health Services Research | 3 |
| PUAD 620 Organizational Theory and Management Behavior | 3 |
| PHIL 510/NURS 660 Seminar in the Ethics of Healthcare (or a course in International Ethics) | 3 |
| International Health Concentration (minimum of 15 credits) |
|
| HSCI 543 Global Health, Trends and Policies | 3 |
| HSCI 530 Nutrition, A Global Perspective | 3 |
| HSCI 699 Practicum in International Health Care | 3 |
| HSCI 590 International Health Organizations | 3 |
| PUAD 794 Internship through Global Education | 3-7 |
| Required Elective | 3 |
| ANTH 631 Refugees in the Contemporary World | 3 |
| Electives (select one or two of the following) |
3-6 |
| HSCI 583 Food and Culture | 3 |
| HSCI 594 The U.S. Role in Health, Nutrition, and Population | 3 |
| GEOG 540 Medical Geography | 3 |
| COMM 506 Communication in International Organizations | 3 |
| COMM 656 Global Communication | 3 |
| PUAD 636 The NGO, Managing the International Nonprofit Organization | 3 |
| GOVT 641 Seminar on Global Systems | 3 |
| PUBP 880 Global and International Public Policy | 3 |
| ITRN 718 Global Economic and Human Development | 3 |
Graduate Certificates in Health Science
Certificate in Biostatistics
This program prepares participants to apply statistical methods to quantitative analysis of healthcare issues. It is aimed at health scientists and professionals in government agencies such as the National Institutes of Health as well as professionals in pharmaceutical companies, research hospitals, public health agencies, and other medical research organizations who design medical experiments and analyze and interpret increasingly complex healthcare data. The program also helps to prepare students to begin careers in such organizations.
The certificate is a joint graduate certificate program from the Department of Applied and Engineering Statistics in IT&E, and the graduate health science program in CHHS. Courses are taught by faculty members from both programs.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education in a discipline related to health science or statistics, with a GPA of 3.00 in the last 60 credits. Such fields include medicine, biology, nursing, health science, biostatistics, statistics, mathematics, and psychology. A course in mathematics (calculus is recommended) at the undergraduate level with a grade of B or higher is required for admission to the program.
Program Requirements
Students must complete one course from each of the five groups.
- STAT 535 or 554
- STAT 665 or 668
- HSCI 800 or STAT 656
- HSCI 801 or STAT 662
- HSCI 730
A minimum of 6 credits must be taken through the health science program.
Certificate in Gerontology
The graduate certificate program in gerontology combines theoretical and applied course work in aging with the student’s graduate curriculum in one of several departments. Because gerontology is by definition multidisciplinary, students are required to take course work outside their major field. Two other academic units participate in the program: the Department of Psychology and the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. The program is administered by CHHS and supervised by a committee with representatives from the participating academic units.
Certificate Requirements
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related discipline. Application is made through CHHS. It requires 18 graduate credits. To earn the certificate, students must complete all courses with a 3.00 GPA.
| Credits | |
|---|---|
| Required Core Course | 6 |
| HSCI 637 Normal Aging and Health Deviations | 3 |
| SOCI 686 Sociology of Aging | 3 |
| Gerontological Electives (minimum 3 credits) |
|
| HSCI 505 Case Management | 3 |
| PSYC 592 Death, Dying, and Grieving | 3 |
| Other Electives (minimum 3 credits) |
|
| HSCI 580 Alternative Healthcare Practices | 3 |
| EDCD 525 Advanced Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| EDCD 605 Introduction to Counseling Theory and Practice | 3 |
| EDCD 607 Advanced Counseling and Development | 3 |
| PHED 630 Exercise, Health & Fitness Program Development | 3 |
| SOCI 651 Health Systems Delivery | |
| Practicum Requirements | 6 |
| HSCI 770 Gerontology Practicum 1 | |
| HSCI 771 Gerontology Practicum 2 | |
| Total | 18 credits |
Certificate in International Health
This program develops an understanding of international health through a practicum as well as a sequence of courses that includes global health, anthropology, international relations, communications, and geography.
Certificate Requirements
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree. Application is made through CHHS.
| Credits | |
|---|---|
| Required courses | 12 |
| HSCI 699 International Healthcare Practicum | 3 |
| NURS 543/HSCI 543 Global Health: Trends and Policy | 3 |
| NURS 583 Food and Culture: Biocultural Perspectives on Food and Nutrition | 3 |
| ANTH 631 Refugees in Contemporary Society | 3 |
| Electives | 6 |
| CONF 501, 709, 720; HSCI 530; GEOG 581 | |
| SOCI 523; NURS 577, 578 | |
| Total | 18 |
To earn the certificate, students must complete all courses with a 3.00 GPA.