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2016-2017 University Catalog 
  
2016-2017 University Catalog

Community Health, BS


Banner Code:  HH-BS-COMH

College: College of Health and Human Services  
Department: Global and Community Health  
 

Community and public health is one of the fastest growing, most exciting, and versatile areas of study on college campuses across the United States today. Community health is the applied science of protecting and improving the health of individuals, families, populations, and communities using evidence-based health promotion and disease prevention programs and policies. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Community Health degree provides students with a basic knowledge and understanding of community and public health systems, and issues and policies related to health promotion, health education and disease prevention in populations of all sizes. Community, public, and global health specialists work in partnership with a variety of health-related organizations and are expected to confront complex behavioral, cultural and social health and well-being issues at the local, national and global levels. Students learn the competencies and skills necessary for entry-level positions in a variety of professional settings such as local, state, and federal agencies and non-governmental and voluntary health organizations. The program also provides a solid foundation for students interested in pursuing graduate degrees in public health or advanced training in a health profession. Students completing the BS in Community Health degree are eligible and strongly encouraged to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam.

In addition, the B.S. in Community Health offers two optional specialized concentrations.

The global health concentration focuses on understanding diseases and other health security threats reflecting the new global landscape, such as tobacco use and obesity, and emerging pandemics such as avian influenza, Ebola, and the Zika virus. Students complete the required course work for the B.S. in Community Health and specialized course work in global health in addition to interdisciplinary course work. This concentration is designed for students interested in public health at the global level and is particularly focused on improving health conditions in less developed countries.

The clinical science concentration prepares students for post-graduate clinical training in a health profession such as medicine, dentistry, nursing, optometry, occupational and physical therapy, and pharmacy. This concentration helps students tailor their curriculum to satisfy pre-requisites for these programs. Students choosing this option are encouraged to check school-specific course work requirements because requirements vary.

A criminal background check and proof of vaccination status may be required of students prior to beginning the internship if required by the internship organization. A minimum grade of C must be earned in all major courses. Students must check with their advisor to ensure that all requirements have been met prior to graduation and should assess their own degree evaluation in Patriot Web each semester.

Degree Requirements


Students must fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees , including the Mason Core  requirements.

Mason Core (30-37 credits)


Written Communication:


  • ENGH 101 - Composition Credits: 3
  • ENGH 302 - Advanced Composition Credits: 3 (Social science section recommended)
  • Nonnative speakers of English with limited proficiency in the language may substitute ENGH 100 for ENGH 101.  Students must attain a minimum grade of C in ENGH 100 or 101, as well as in 302, to fulfill degree requirements.

Oral Communication:


Choose one:

Quantitative Reasoning:


Information Technology:


Literature:


Arts:


Natural Science:


For students in the Global Health concentration or no concentration:

Students in the Clinical Science concentration will complete the Mason Core Natural Science  requirement within their concentration courses.

Global Understanding:


Social Science:


Additional Course Work or Optional Concentration (39-46 credits)


All students in the Community Health major will earn 39-46 credits in additional courses and general electives. Students may fulfill these requirements by choosing to complete an optional concentration, either Global Health or Clinical Science.

Additional Courses (9 credits)


Nine credits of 300- or 400-level courses with any of the following prefixes: GCH, HAP, HEAL, NUTR, RHBS, or another 300- or 400-level course with advisor’s permission.

General Electives (30 credits)


Optional Concentrations


▲ Global Health Concentration (GLOH): 39 credits


The optional global health concentration enables students to look at public health issues through a global lens and increases understanding of the differences in health, well-being, disease, and treatments that exist within an international context.

▲ Clinical Science Concentration (CLNS): 46 credits


The optional clinical science concentration prepares students to apply for graduate programs in fields such as medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, dentistry, pharmacy, and optometry. This concentration does not guarantee entrance into a graduate health professional program. It is important to note that, depending on the type of graduate program in which a student is interested, additional course work may be required. It is the student’s responsibility to determine the essential criteria for admission to their target schools in consultation with the health professions advising office.

General Electives (26 credits)

Total: 120 credits