Check departmental information for any additional requirements.
General Information
Practical field training is required as part of the public health curriculum and student teaching is a required part of the health education curriculum. Students are advised that they are responsible for their own transportation to and from the training facilities and all costs associated with these activities.
Major Requirements
The public health program prepares students for professional positions in general public health, health administration, environment and health, and health promotion. Depending on their particular interests, graduates will be involved in developing and communicating health information to the public, planning and managing health service programs and facilities, and investigating and evaluating specific environmental and community health problems. Students aspiring to major in public health should contact a program advisor as early as possible, preferably during their freshman year, for an academic advising. Failure to do so could result in a delayed graduation.
One of the following emphases: General Public Health, Health Administration, Environment and Health, or Health Promotion
Emphasis 1. General Public Health
The general public health emphasis allows students to complete a broad educational foundation in public health.
One of the following (12-30)
A minor offered by the School of Family and Consumer Sciences, or a minor in biological sciences, chemistry, communication studies, communicative disorders, gerontology, environmental management systems, environmental studies, military science, nonprofit and NGO studies, Spanish, psychology, or other course work as approved by public health advisor.
Total Hours for Emphasis 1, General Public Health: 57-82
Emphasis 2. Health Administration
The health administration emphasis teaches students administrative, supportive, planning, and assessment skills that prepares students for careers in managed-care settings; long-term care facilities; hospitals; federal, state, and community public health agencies, and other health-related organizations. Students may qualify to take the Illinois Nursing Home Administrators Licensing Examination.
Total Hours for Emphasis 2, Health Administration: 72-79
Emphasis 3. Environment and Health
The requirements in the school for the environment and health emphasis prepare students to work in a variety of environmental settings that focus on eliminating health disparities of the public. Students who fulfill these requirements would be qualified to sit for the Environmental Health Practitioner - In-Training Exam which leads to a career as an environmental health inspector.
Total Hours for Emphasis 3, Environment and Health: 69-78
Emphasis 4. Health Promotion
The requirements for the health promotion emphasis prepare students to become health educators in health care or social assistance settings. They educate individuals and communities about behaviors that can prevent diseases, injuries, and other health issues. In addition, the health promotion emphasis could qualify students to take the Certified Health Education Specialist Exam (CHES) given by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc., provided that other required qualifications are met.
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