BSPH-CH : IUPUI Bulletins

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Welcome to the IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health!

Undergraduate

Degree Programs

BSPH-CH

Bachelor of Science in Public Health - Community Health

Many groups of people face significant challenges to living healthy lives. These challenges are influenced not only by individual choices but also by where we live, work and play. Through the BSPH in Community Health, students gain knowledge, skills and hands-on experience that prepares them to tackle these real world problems.

It is an exciting time to be part of the Social and Behavioral Sciences department at the IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health. Join us and be part of our efforts to address the social determinants of health and advocate for better health, while also advancing research to understand and solve emerging issues.

Competencies

The BSPH major in Community Health will prepare students to work in entry-level positions in public health agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), hospitals and health care centers, and other organizations focused on the health and well-being of groups of individuals. It also provides excellent preparation for the Master's in Public Health degree program. Students will have opportunities to develop research skills, cultivate team work and leadership skills, and have international health experiences through additional coursework and practical opportunities. Specific program outcomes (numbered for reference, not to communicate importance) include:

Recognize the social determinants of health that impact individuals and communities.
Explain and apply the principles of epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health care systems, and health policy in public and community health.
Describe the historical role of public health nationally and globally, and identify and understand current and future public health challenges faced by the U.S. and the world.
Select, collect, correctly interpret, and apply quality data for assessment and planning in individual and public health.
Plan, administer, manage, and evaluate community health promotion interventions and programs.
Implement community health promotion interventions and programs.
Conduct evaluation and research related to community health promotion.
Communicate effectively while serving as a resource person to individuals, communities and stakeholders.
Based on evidence and data, advocate for practices, programming, and policies that address health issues.
Demonstrate an understanding of cultural competency and ethical decision making.
Communicate the role of fairness and justice in health equity.

Curriculum

To complete this degree, you will take a minimum of 35 credit hours of general education courses, 69 credit hours of coursework in the major, and 16 credit hours of general electives that together total at least 120 credits. Major requirements can be mapped to fulfill requirements for pre-med and other pre-professional plans.

Students who are interested in this degree are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Services at (317) 274-2000. Our advisors can answer questions about degree requirements, eligible classes, course substitutions, and course waivers. We’re here to help you.

Community Health Curriculum

To complete this degree, you will take a minimum of 35 credit hours of General Education courses, 69 credit hours of coursework in the major, and 16 credit hours of general electives that together total at least 120 credits. The specific distribution of classes is as follows:

Academic Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Public Health - Community Health majors must fulfill the IUPUI General education requirements corresponding the IUPUI's Statewide Transferrable General Education Core.

Social and Behavioral Sciences Core (pick 3 Courses) - Minimum 9 Credit Hours

PSY-B 110 Introduction to Psycology (3 credits)
SOC-R 100 Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
GEOG-G 110 Human Geography in a Changing World (3 credits)
ANTH-A 104 Cultural Anthropology (3 credits)

Public Health Core Courses (5 Courses) - Minimum 15 Credit Hours

Each of the Following five course:

PBHL-A 316 Environmental Health Science (3 credits)
PBHL-H 120 Health Care Delivery in the US (3 credits)
PBHL-S 305 Careers in Public Health (3 credits)
PBHL-E 322 Principles of Epidemiology (3 credits)
PBHL-E 330 Evidence-Based Writing in Public Health (3 credits)

Community Health Courses

Each of the following 12 Community Health core courses:

PBHL-S 220 Navigating the Maze to Healthy Living (3 credits)
PBHL-S 315 Community Organizing for Health Promotion (3 credits)
PBHL-S 330 Theories of Health Behavior Change (3 credits)
PBHL-S 337 Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health (3 credits)
PBHL-S 340 Cultural Competency in the Promotion of Public Health (3 credits)
PBHL-S 349 Research Methods in Community Health (3 credits)
PBHL-S 360 Assessment and Planning for Community Health Promotion P: S120, S330 (3 credits)
PBHL-S 361 Implementation and Evaluation for Community Health Promotion P: S360 (3 credits)
PBHL-S 416 Health Promotion Application P: S361 (3 credits)
PBHL-S 460 Biosocial Approach to Global Health P: S361, S315 (3 credits)
PBHL-S 479 Internship in Community Health P: Senior Standing, 2.5 GPA S361 (6 credits)
PBHL-S 499 Applied Capstone Seminar (3 credits) P: Must Be Last Semester; 2.5 GPA (3 credits)
PBHL-S 469* Practicum in Community Health

* Students can opt to complete PBHL-S 469 and an additional general elective with permission

Required Health Electives (5 Course) - 15 Credit Hours.

Required health electives are organized into groups. Select once course from each group from the options listed below.

Choose 1 course from each group for a total of 15 credit hours