Applied Health Science (BS) Public Health

Summary

Designed for students interested in pursuing a career and/or a graduate degree in public health. Potential employment includes community or public health agencies, worksites, healthcare facilities, and non-profit organizations. Students who complete all major requirements are eligible to become a Certified Health Education Specialist®.

Catalog Year

2024-2025

Degree

Bachelor of Science

Major Credits

53

Total Credits

120

Locations

Mankato

Career Cluster

Health Science

This program satisfies licensure-to-practice standards for Minnesota and may satisfy standards for other states or US territories.

Licensure/Certification Disclosure

Update Your Major

Program Requirements

Required General Education

An introduction to the dimensions of wellness; physical, emotional, occupational, intellectual, financial, interpersonal, cultural, environmental, and spiritual health of the individual.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-10

This a course designed to examine health products, services, and information from the consumer's perspective. Emphasis will be placed on those factors that influence and ultimately determine which products, services, and information sources that you will either accept or reject.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-02

Chemistry - Choose 3 - 5 Credit(s).

This lecture and laboratory course investigates the world of chemistry, the nature of matter and our interactions with chemicals on a daily basis. This course is intended for non-science majors and is not a preparation for CHEM 111 or CHEM 201. Credit will not be given to students who have previously taken a chemistry course at or above Chem 111 and received a passing grade.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-03

This course is an introduction to general chemistry. It is a non-laboratory class designed to prepare students for CHEM 201 or to be utilized as a general education course. This course will address more mathematical relationships than CHEM 106. Credit will not be given to students who have previously taken a chemistry course at or above Chem 111 and received a passing grade.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-03

This course covers fundamental concepts required to understand the general chemistry in living organisms. This is a non-laboratory class. This chemistry course will not prepare students for any Chemistry course at or above the 200 level. High school algebra recommended.

Prerequisites: High school algebra recommended

Goal Areas: GE-03

This course is an introduction to organic chemistry and biological chemistry. The laboratory will reinforce lecture.

Prerequisites: CHEM 106 or high school chemistry

Goal Areas: GE-02, GE-03

Introduction to the basic principles of chemistry including atomic and molecular structure, bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, thermodynamics and states of matter. Laboratory will reinforce lecture concepts. Prereq: C or higher in MATH 112 or the equivalent; high school chemistry or C or higher in CHEM 104

Prerequisites: "C" (2.0) or higher in MATH 112 or the equivalent; high school chemistry or "C" (2.0) or higher in CHEM 104.

Goal Areas: GE-02, GE-03

Communication - Choose 3 Credit(s).

A course designed to improve students' understanding in communication, including the areas of interpersonal, nonverbal, listening, small group and public speaking.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-1B

A course in communication principles to develop skills in the analysis and presentation of speeches.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-1B

Major Common Core

HLTH 260 Introduction to Applied Health Science is required of all Applied Health Science majors and minors. This is the foundation class for the professional preparation of health educators. The course explores the knowledge, skills, and competencies of health educators in various settings.

Prerequisites: none

Prepares students for the workforce and advanced graduate studies within the Applied Health Sciences.

Prerequisites: none

Introduces theories and models in the context of health education. Examines approaches to health education program planning as well approaches to explain and predict health behavior and their application to interventions in health education. NOTE: HLTH 360 may be taken concurrently with HLTH 260 with instructor permission.

Prerequisites: HLTH 260

Health Communication and Advocacy focuses upon the development of communication and advocacy skills for the health educator. Identifying credible sources, communicating public health information, health media campaigns, health advocacy; written and verbal communication skills emphasized.

Prerequisites: HLTH 101, HLTH 360

This course requires students to plan a health promotion and health education program. Skills include assessing needs, determining objectives, identifying measurement and intervention strategies, and developing an evaluation plan. HLTH 361W may be taken concurrently with HLTH 380W with instructor permission.

Prerequisites: HLTH 360, HLTH 361W

The purpose of this course is to develop the knowledge and understanding of the causes, symptoms and methods of controlling and preventing chronic and infectious diseases. Primary and secondary prevention strategies will be identified. Emphasis will be placed on those behaviors that foster and those that hinder well-being.

Prerequisites: none

Examines the philosophy and rationale of current epidemiological practice. Requires the application of epidemiological techniques to selected health concerns. Explores the interaction of agent, host and environment with the emphasis on application of principles of prevention.

Prerequisites: none

This course includes health program evaluation and research, with emphasis on evaluation models and approaches, qualitative and quantitative methods, process and summative evaluation, logic models, and dissemination of results.

Prerequisites: HLTH 380W

Focuses on entry-level competencies related to the administration and management of health education programs. These include obtaining acceptance and support for programs, leadership, managing human resources, facilitating partnerships in support of health education, grant writing, and training individuals involved in the implementation of health education.

Prerequisites: HLTH 380W

Emphasis Common Core

This course is designed for nursing and allied health sciences majors and will prepare them for advanced coursework in their majors. The course will focus on human anatomy and physiology with emphasis on the structure and function of the systems of the body. Special emphasis will be placed on cell structure and function, tissues, metabolism and major organ systems including the integumentary system, the skeletal system, joints, muscle and muscular system, and nervous system, and special senses. Lab included with dissection.

Prerequisites: none

This course is designed for nursing and allied health sciences majors and will prepare them for advanced coursework in their majors. This course will focus on human anatomy and physiology with emphasis on the structure and function of the systems of the body. Special emphasis will be placed on cells, tissues, structure and function of major organ systems including endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems, and development. Lab included with dissection.

Prerequisites: none

To promote identification and analysis of environmental influences upon health status. Health concerns related to residential, occupational, and other environments are explored. Problems pertaining to air, water, solid waste, housing, land use, toxic waste, and sanitation are addressed.

Prerequisites: none

Addresses the history, organization, influences, and delivery of healthcare in the United States (U.S.) and abroad. A focus will be on analyzing the factors that have shaped the healthcare system, including the U.S. Constitution, compared to other parts of the globe. Additional focus will be placed on the legal and social justice framework for urgent public health issues.

Prerequisites: none

This course focuses on the determinants of health, the concept of culture, and the intersection of health issues, culture, and health status. Linkages between health and development are addressed and research methods instrumental for identifying relationships between culture and health are discussed. The course examines diverse strategies for measuring health and explores how public health efforts (domestic and global) benefit from understanding and working with cultural processes. Emphasis is placed on the burden of disease, risk factors, populations most affected by different disease burdens, and key measures to address the burden of disease in cost-effective ways.

Prerequisites: none

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Introduction to statistical analysis as applied to the health sciences. Examines concepts and methods of statistical procedures applied to health problems and issues.

Prerequisites: MATH 110, STAT 154, Or any other mathematics course higher than MATH 110.

Emphasis Restricted Electives

Health - Choose 3 Credit(s).

The science of six nutrient classes, including digestion through metabolism and excretion, sources, functions, deficiencies and excess symptoms. The course covers the foundational knowledge and application of nutrition knowledge to clinical care, including weight control and common chronic conditions requiring nutrition therapy.

Prerequisites: Select One Course: CHEM 106 or CHEM 111

This course provides the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and respond appropriately to cardiac, breathing, and first aid emergencies in order to provide immediate care to an injured or ill person, which include performing CPR/AED and first aid, and to decide whether advanced medical care is needed. This course includes a basic level of First Aid and CPR/AED certification, along with certification in bloodborne pathogens.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

This course provides the knowledge and skills necessary to respond and perform in an emergency to help sustain life, reduce pain, and minimize the consequences of injury or sudden illness. This course includes an advanced level of First Aid certification, including bloodborne pathogens, and all aspects of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillation (CPR/AED) for the Emergency Medical Responder.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Addresses drugs and drug use from psychological, behavioral, pharmacological, historical, legal and clinical perspectives - while examining the effects of drug use on personal health and social functioning.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-05

Explores biological, physiological, and sociological perspectives of human sexuality. The course examines personal and family relationships and addresses family life and sex education teaching methods for school and community settings.

Prerequisites: none

For health care personnel, emphasis on spelling, pronunciation and meaning.

Prerequisites: none

Emphasis is on recognition of, and enhancing awareness about, how stress affects human health and performance. Stress management techniques such as relaxation, effective communication, cognitive-behavioral approaches, eating behaviors, regular exercise, and time management are explored.

Prerequisites: none

This course investigates the physical and mental health concerns of the aging process. Explores specific health problems confronting older persons, and examines preventive health behaviors and health maintenance practices.

Prerequisites: none

Behavior Change Foundations and Strategies (3 semester credits) is a course that focuses upon the complexity of health behavior change and the skills necessary for a health promotion professional to assess, plan, and evaluate behavior change interventions for individuals and communities. Health behavior change theories and strategies will be discussed. Topics covered in class will include: behavior modification, goal setting, self-management, coping skills, and social support. Emphasis will also be given to the impact of policy and environmental influences on behavior.

Prerequisites: none

A concentrated pre-professional work experience for those students preparing for a career in the Applied Health Sciences. Students must schedule placement one semester in advance.

Prerequisites: HLTH 260, HLTH 295, HLTH 360, HLTH 361W, HLTH 380W, HLTH 454, HLTH 460, HLTH 480, HLTH 482W

Mathematics/Statistics - Choose 3 - 4 Credit(s). * May take any MATH course 110 or higher

A survey of mathematics and its relationship to society, showing its development and evolution to meet the needs of mankind.

Prerequisites: Three years high school algebra/geometry or MATH 098

Goal Areas: GE-04

Develop knowledge and application of statistical concepts and methods to facilitate research in social sciences disciplines. Students learn to work with quantitative databases obtained from census, social surveys, and experiments. Develop data analysis skills and use of statistical software programs. Practice data interpretations and statistical decision-making as used in everyday government, non-profit/for-profit, healthcare, academic and research organizations.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-04

An introduction to statistical concepts and methods that is applicable to all disciplines. Topics include descriptive measures of data, probability and probability distributions, statistical inference, tests of hypotheses, confidence intervals, correlation, linear regression, and analysis of variance. The use of statistical software will be emphasized. Prereq: ACT Math sub-score of 19 or higher, successful completion of MATH 098 or appropriate placement scores (see Placement Information under Statistics) Fall, Spring, Summer GE-4

Prerequisites: Satisfy Placement Table in this section, or MATH 098 with grade of P.

Goal Areas: GE-02, GE-04

4-Year Plan

The 4-Year Plan is a model for completing your degree in a timely manner. Your individual 4-Year plan may change based on a number of variables including transfer courses and the semester/year you start your major. Carefully work with your academic advisors to devise your own unique plan.
* Please meet with your advisor on appropriate course selection to meet your educational and degree goals.

First Year

Fall - 15 Credits

Students in this course approach writing as a subject of study by investigating how writing works across a variety of contexts.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-1A

Spring - 15 Credits

An introduction to the dimensions of wellness; physical, emotional, occupational, intellectual, financial, interpersonal, cultural, environmental, and spiritual health of the individual.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-10

Second Year

Fall - 17 Credits

This course is designed for nursing and allied health sciences majors and will prepare them for advanced coursework in their majors. The course will focus on human anatomy and physiology with emphasis on the structure and function of the systems of the body. Special emphasis will be placed on cell structure and function, tissues, metabolism and major organ systems including the integumentary system, the skeletal system, joints, muscle and muscular system, and nervous system, and special senses. Lab included with dissection.

Prerequisites: none

This a course designed to examine health products, services, and information from the consumer's perspective. Emphasis will be placed on those factors that influence and ultimately determine which products, services, and information sources that you will either accept or reject.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-02

HLTH 260 Introduction to Applied Health Science is required of all Applied Health Science majors and minors. This is the foundation class for the professional preparation of health educators. The course explores the knowledge, skills, and competencies of health educators in various settings.

Prerequisites: none

Prepares students for the workforce and advanced graduate studies within the Applied Health Sciences.

Prerequisites: none

Spring - 14 Credits

This course is designed for nursing and allied health sciences majors and will prepare them for advanced coursework in their majors. This course will focus on human anatomy and physiology with emphasis on the structure and function of the systems of the body. Special emphasis will be placed on cells, tissues, structure and function of major organ systems including endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems, and development. Lab included with dissection.

Prerequisites: none

Introduces theories and models in the context of health education. Examines approaches to health education program planning as well approaches to explain and predict health behavior and their application to interventions in health education. NOTE: HLTH 360 may be taken concurrently with HLTH 260 with instructor permission.

Prerequisites: HLTH 260

Third Year

Fall - 16 Credits

Health Communication and Advocacy focuses upon the development of communication and advocacy skills for the health educator. Identifying credible sources, communicating public health information, health media campaigns, health advocacy; written and verbal communication skills emphasized.

Prerequisites: HLTH 101, HLTH 360

To promote identification and analysis of environmental influences upon health status. Health concerns related to residential, occupational, and other environments are explored. Problems pertaining to air, water, solid waste, housing, land use, toxic waste, and sanitation are addressed.

Prerequisites: none

Examines the philosophy and rationale of current epidemiological practice. Requires the application of epidemiological techniques to selected health concerns. Explores the interaction of agent, host and environment with the emphasis on application of principles of prevention.

Prerequisites: none

Introduction to statistical analysis as applied to the health sciences. Examines concepts and methods of statistical procedures applied to health problems and issues.

Prerequisites: MATH 110, STAT 154, Or any other mathematics course higher than MATH 110.

Spring - 14 Credits

This course requires students to plan a health promotion and health education program. Skills include assessing needs, determining objectives, identifying measurement and intervention strategies, and developing an evaluation plan. HLTH 361W may be taken concurrently with HLTH 380W with instructor permission.

Prerequisites: HLTH 360, HLTH 361W

The purpose of this course is to develop the knowledge and understanding of the causes, symptoms and methods of controlling and preventing chronic and infectious diseases. Primary and secondary prevention strategies will be identified. Emphasis will be placed on those behaviors that foster and those that hinder well-being.

Prerequisites: none

Addresses the history, organization, influences, and delivery of healthcare in the United States (U.S.) and abroad. A focus will be on analyzing the factors that have shaped the healthcare system, including the U.S. Constitution, compared to other parts of the globe. Additional focus will be placed on the legal and social justice framework for urgent public health issues.

Prerequisites: none

Fourth Year

Fall - 14 Credits

This course includes health program evaluation and research, with emphasis on evaluation models and approaches, qualitative and quantitative methods, process and summative evaluation, logic models, and dissemination of results.

Prerequisites: HLTH 380W

Focuses on entry-level competencies related to the administration and management of health education programs. These include obtaining acceptance and support for programs, leadership, managing human resources, facilitating partnerships in support of health education, grant writing, and training individuals involved in the implementation of health education.

Prerequisites: HLTH 380W

Spring - 15 Credits

This course focuses on the determinants of health, the concept of culture, and the intersection of health issues, culture, and health status. Linkages between health and development are addressed and research methods instrumental for identifying relationships between culture and health are discussed. The course examines diverse strategies for measuring health and explores how public health efforts (domestic and global) benefit from understanding and working with cultural processes. Emphasis is placed on the burden of disease, risk factors, populations most affected by different disease burdens, and key measures to address the burden of disease in cost-effective ways.

Prerequisites: none

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Policies

Admission Requirements: None

Program Requirements: All required courses require a "C-" or better, except for:

Math/Statistics elective requires a "C" or better.

Progression Requirement: Students must maintain a G.P.A. of 2.5 or better in the major.

Applied Health Science Internship Requirements:

  • The Health Education and Promotion emphasis internship requires the completion of 450 clock hours at an approved internship site.
  • Students are encouraged to take no more than 12 credits of coursework, including the 9 credits of HLTH 496 during the internship semester.
  • The optional internship for all other emphases requires a minimum of 50 clock hours per credit hour at an approved internship site.
  • Some internship sites require a background check prior to acceptance. Students are responsible for the fees associated with the background checks.

Internship Prerequisites:

  • a "C-" or better in all Major Common Core courses;
  • a minimum G.P.A. of 2.5;
  • a meeting with the Director of the Applied Health Science Internship Program one semester in advance of their anticipated internship semester;
    • official approval of the site is required by the Internship Director;
  • eligibility for the internship sites is subject to terms and policies of the internship site (e.g., background checks);
  • submission of required application materials by the designated due date;
  • Application Due Dates
    • Fall Semester – May 1st;
    • Spring Semester – October 1st;
    • Summer Semester – March 1st;
  • students may not engage in any internship activities until there is a signed contract between the internship site and the university;
  • students may not engage in any internship activities until students have registered for HLTH 496;
  • students may not register until a signed contract between the internship site and the university is completed.

Graduation Requirement: Students must have a G.P.A. of 2.5 or better in the major.

Academic Integrity Policy. The Department of Health Science values and supports an environment conducive to learning as well as academic integrity. Therefore, students are expected to comply with Minnesota State Mankato student responsibilities and policies for academic integrity. Academic integrity includes meeting one's responsibilities in an honest and forthright manner and avoiding acts of dishonesty, plagiarism, cheating, collusion, and other forms of academic misconduct. An act of dishonesty, cheating, collusion, and/or any other form of academic misconduct will result in a 0 on the assessment and a full letter grade deduction from the final course grade (e.g., "A-" to "B-"). An act of plagiarism will result in a 0 on the assessment or assessments and the student will be encouraged to meet with the chair of the Department of Health Science and receive remediation related to plagiarism. Two acts of any form of academic misconduct will result in a final course grade of "F". Evidence related to any act of academic misconduct will be submitted to the Chairperson of the Department of Health Science. Two acts of academic misconduct in any Health Science course or courses will result in discontinuance from, or eligibility to enroll in, the academic programs offered by the Department of Health Science. Additionally, evidence related to academic misconduct will be submitted, as appropriate, to the Office of Academic Affairs and/or the College of Education. Please note: Policy reflects minimum departmental standards. Individual instructors may impose more severe sanctions for an act of academic dishonesty within their courses.