Public Health

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Public Health
WCHP
Public Health

Contact

Michele Polacsek, Ph.D., MHS

mpolacsek@une.edu

Mission

The mission of UNE’s Bachelor of Science in Public Health is to prepare graduates to collaborate with diverse stakeholders to identify strategies for addressing complex population health problems through the promotion of health and prevention of disease.

Major Description

Public health is defined as "all organized measures to prevent disease, promote health, and prolong life among the population as a whole. Its activities aim to provide conditions in which people can be healthy and focus on entire populations, not on individual patients" (World Health Organization, 2016). Therefore, the field of Public Health focuses on the promotion of health and prevention of disease at a population level. As a student in UNE’s Public Health program, you will develop the skills necessary to assess and understand the complexity of health issues that affect diverse populations, and identify potential solutions to address them. Benefiting from small class sizes, hands-on experiences, and one-on-one engagement with experienced faculty, you will learn how to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders and to communicate complex health concepts to diverse audiences. The coursework you complete through our program will expand on the five core areas of Public Health:

  1. Health Policy: Developing laws and regulations to promote and protect health (e.g. seatbelt laws).
  2. Environmental Health: Assessing how the environment affects health (e.g. air and water quality).
  3. Social and Behavioral Health: Studying how people make health decisions and how to encourage healthier decision-making (e.g. how marketing influences health behavior decisions).
  4. Epidemiology: Studying how and why diseases are distributed in a population (e.g. tracing outbreaks of infectious diseases).
  5. Biostatistics: Analyzing population-level data to identify trends (e.g. using data to associate tobacco exposure with lung cancer).

UNE’s Public Health program offers you the flexibility to pursue a minor in Environmental Studies, Geographic Information Systems, Nutrition, Political Science, or Health, Law and Policy.

Curricular Requirements

Courses

Credits
Year 1 30-33

BIO 104- General Biology

4

BIO 208- Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology I

4

ENG 110- English Composition OR ENG 122 & ENG 123

4-7

IHS 130- Interprofessional Health Care First Year Experience

3

MAT 150- Statistics for Life Sciences

3

PSY 105- Introduction to Psychology

3

SOC 150- Introduction to Sociology

3

One (1) Creative Arts Course

3

One (1) Explorations Course

3
   
Year 2 29

BIO 209 or 209G- Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology II

4

BIO 242 or 242G - Applied Microbiology

4

IHS 310- Ethical Practice in Health Professions

3

IHS 220- Nutrition

3

CMM 122- Oral Communication OR

3

SPC 100- Effective Public Speaking

 

ENV 104- Environmental Issues

3

EXS 120- Personal Health & Wellness

3

PUB 200- Foundations in Public Health

3

PUB 205- Epidemiology

3
   
Year 3 31

PUB 310- Social, Behavioral & Enviro. Factors in Public Health

3

PSY 250- Lifespan Development

3

HWOS 331- Principles of HP, DZ Prevention

3

One (1) SGA course

3

Two (2) Electives 

6

BIO 309- Pathophysiology

3

PUB 305- Research Methods

3

PUB 300- Global Health

3

HWOS 424- Theories of Education & HP

4
   
Year 4 31

PUB 400- Public Health Planning & Evaluation

4

HWOS 341- Health & Wellness in Aging Society

3

SOC 335- Medical Sociology

3

Two (2) Electives

6

PUB 405- Health Care Organization & Policy

3

PUB 410- Internship Experience/Research/Practicum (135 hours)

3

HWOS 434- Substance Abuse & Prevention

3

CGH 490- Global Humanties Seminar

3
PUB 420- Community Health Assessment 3
   
Total Credits

121-123

Academic & Technical Standards

Students in the Bachelor of Science in Public Health major are subject to University undergraduate academic standards, as well as requirements set forth by the Westbrook College of Health Professions.

In keeping with the guidelines of the University of New England, all undergraduate students must achieve a minimum semester-end grade point average as follows:

First Year 1.70
Fall of Second Year 1.70
Spring of Second Year 1.80
Fall of Third Year 1.80
Spring of Third Year 1.90
Fall of Fourth Year 1.90
Graduation 2.00

Failure to maintain minimum grade point average requirements will result in academic probation as described in the Undergraduate Catalog of the University of New England.

In keeping with the guidelines for the Westbrook College of Health Professions, students must achieve a minimum grade of a “C” in the following courses:  MAT 120/150; BIO 104; BIO 208; BIO 209; BIO 242; BIO 309; and IHS 220. Failure to achieve a “C” will result in program level probation, and may affect academic progression.

Students need to achieve a grade of “C” or better in all Public Health major coursework.

Students who fail to achieve a grade of “C” in the math, science and Public Health major courses may re-take the course only once. Failure to earn a grade of “C” the second time will result in dismissal from the Public Health major.

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of the Bachelor of Science, Public Health program, the graduate will be able to:

  1. Analyze knowledge from physical, natural, social and behavioral science as it relates to population health.
  2. Demonstrate critical thinking and reflective analysis in promoting population health on a local, regional and global level.
  3. Appraise both personal and ethical responsibility in promoting health in the delivery of care to diverse populations.
  4. Use interprofessional and collaborative approaches to improve population health.
  5. Practice health promotion, policy, and organizational practices that promote population health.
  6. Demonstrate the ability to provide population-based health education in a coordinated manner, utilizing an array of media.
  7. Analyze the impact of health disparities on populations.
  8. Demonstrate a commitment to life-long learning and continuous personal development.

Transfer Credit

Courses completed at another accredited college can be transferred to this degree program.  Transferred courses must be reasonably close in scope and content to the required courses offered at UNE in order to count as exact equivalents.  Otherwise, they may transfer as general electives.  All courses completed must be no older than five years.  Other restrictions apply.  See Undergraduate Admissions also.

Admissions

For entrance into the Bachelor of Science in Public Health major, students must have completed:

  • 2 high school science laboratory courses in subject areas such as biology, chemistry, and physics.
  • 3 years of mathematics up through and including Algebra II.

OR  Students seeking admission should have completed a high school curriculum reflective of collegiate preparation (4 years of English, 3 years of mathematics, 2 years of science with a laboratory, and 2 years of social science).

Applicants submit their materials to the Office of Admissions during the fall of the year prior to matriculation. Qualified students who apply after the fall are admitted on a space-available basis.

Internal Transfer Students

Students who are enrolled in another major at the University of New England may apply for admission into the Bachelor of Science in Public Health by completing a change of major form.  The Admissions Committee meets at the close of each semester to determine eligibility.

The applicant is encouraged to explore professional possibilities by shadowing a public health professional, exploring professional public health websites, volunteering in a program that provides public health services or education to the community, and speaking with faculty who teach in the program.  Please include any of these relevant experiences in the required essay referenced below.

The process to apply for a change of major into the Bachelor of Science in Public Health is as follows:

  1. Meet with current academic advisor to discuss transferring into Public Health.
  2. Make an appointment and discuss interest in Public Health with a faculty/ administrator of the program.
  3. Complete and submit a Request to Change a Major form.  This document is located at the University of New England Registrar’s home page.
  4. Compose an essay of 300 words (approximately) describing the rationale for change of major into the Bachelor of Science in Public Health program, including personal interest, appropriate relevant experience, individual aptitude, and personal strengths that complement the major.
  5. Demonstrate solid achievement in mathematics and science course work, and academic good standing with a grade point average of 2.5 or better at the time of the request.
  6. Submit all materials to the Public Health Program Administrator by the end of the academic semester.

Financial Information

TUITION AND FEES

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog

This Catalog documents the academic programs, policies, and activities of the University of New England for the 2016-2017 academic year. The information contained herein is accurate as of date of publication April 29, 2016.

The University of New England reserves the right in its sole judgment to make changes of any nature in its programs, calendar, or academic schedule whenever it is deemed necessary or desirable, including changes in course content, the rescheduling of classes with or without extending the academic term, canceling of scheduled classes or other academic activities, in any such case giving such notice thereof as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances.

While each student may work closely with an academic advisor, he or she must retain individual responsibility for meeting requirements in this catalog and for being aware of any changes in provisions or requirements.