Health Science B.S. Degree Overview
Effective Fall 2005

The bachelor of science degree program in health science provides graduates with an understanding of a wide range of health-related topics including: diseases and their causes, distributions of diseases, risk factors and prevention, behavior-change theory and application, health promotion program design, research and evaluation. Health science bridges the gap between scientific discoveries and the application of this knowledge to improve the quality of life. The health science program is unique in that it offers a strong emphasis on problem-solving skills and critical thinking while providing a solid foundation in basic and health-related sciences. The bachelor’s degree in health science offers three advisory tracks: health promotion and disease prevention, environmental and occupational health and safety, and special studies. The program may be used to prepare for or to advance careers related to health care and health promotion in various public and private, clinical and non-clinical settings. The program may also be used to prepare students for the national exam to become a certified health education specialist (CHES) or a registered environmental health specialist (REHS) and prepare students for graduate or professional studies in areas such as environmental and occupational health, public health or health promotion.

Advisory Tracks:

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
The disease prevention and health promotion advisory track is a broad-based program emphasizing the optimal development of individual, family and community well-being in multiple settings. Students are required to complete courses in Community Health, Worksite Health and Multi-Cultural health. Students learn to develop, implement and interpret health risk assessments; provide behavior modification and counseling; plan, develop and evaluate individual and group educational programs; and manage and administer health promotion programs. Employment opportunities usually are in private and public health agencies, and other clinical and non-clinical settings. Courses within this advisory track prepare students to qualify and take the certified health education specialist (CHES) exam.

Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety
The environmental and occupational health and safety advisory track encompasses those responsibilities of scientists working in various settings to help ensure a healthy and safe environment. Students are required to complete courses in Environmental Health, Occupational Health and Safety, and Worksite Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation. Students learn to identify hazards, measure exposure to hazards, evaluate hazards and recommend procedures to reduce risks resulting from these exposures. Employment opportunities usually are in environmental consulting firms, large industries and the government. Courses within the advisory track prepare students for graduate or professional studies in these areas. In addition, students may take courses towards meeting eligibility requirements for the Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) 1 exam.

Special Studies
The special studies advisory track, although not a traditional specialty, is designed for students pursuing admission to a professional school or graduate program after completing their undergraduate work. This track allows for flexibility in completing necessary prerequisite course work for programs in dentistry, medicine, nursing, optometry, osteopathy, and physical therapy. It is advised students seek early advisement from the health professions office regarding admission requirements to these schools. Units may be applied towards electives with advisory approval 2 .

1 Students are advised to take an algebra course or higher level math and 30 semester units in the basic sciences (i.e. courses in chemistry, biology, physics, or other physical sciences, as well as sanitary engineering or environmental engineering to qualify for the national exam).
2 It is necessary to have 40 semester units of upper-division coursework to graduate. Electives should be planned carefully.