Public Health

Department Chairperson: Carolyn Rodgers

The Department of Public Health offers a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health (BSPH). The mission of the department is consistent with the university’s mission to recruit and graduate culturally and economically diverse health care professionals.

The department also aims to produce graduates who are responsible, service-oriented, discerning, and informed global citizens.

The Bachelor of Science degree program draws heavily from a sound knowledge of liberal arts, the medical sciences, communications, social determinants of health, and the core disciplines of public health (biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental and occupational health, health policy and administration, and social and behavioral sciences). The curriculum is a model of interdisciplinary education because it entails courses from various departments within and outside of the College of Health Sciences. The curriculum permits the close interaction of students enrolled in other health sciences disciplines (pre-occupational therapy, nursing, and health information administration), thereby enhancing the students’ ability to function together as members of a health team. The program focuses on urban health, emphasizing social determinants of health.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Public Health at Chicago State University (CSU) is to provide public health to a culturally diverse, nontraditional, and traditional student body. Our academic programs promote interdisciplinary educational experiences in the classroom setting and service learning experiences in the community where students apply their critical thinking skills.

Vision Statement

The Department of Public Health at CSU seeks national recognition and international recognition as a leader in teaching, research, and service. We motivate our students to contribute to public health delivery by addressing health disparities locally and beyond.

Public Health Opportunities in the Community

Graduates of the public health program are educated to enter the job market as health educators, fitness consultants, health administrators, project managers, consumer information directors, and community outreach coordinators who are trained to promote healthy lifestyles through behavior modification, physical activity, and proper nutrition to prevent chronic and infectious diseases such as obesity, high blood pressure, cancer, HIV, or heart disease. Our graduates are also able to serve as advocates for improving health policies that can address such issues as violence, substance abuse, and access to health care.

Student Learning Outcomes

Following the completion of the Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Public Health, the graduates will:

Apply psychological and sociological theories in explaining human behaviors in different clinical scenarios.
Comprehend the factors that influence health and well-being.
Promote health and prevent disease by positively influencing the behavior of clients.
Evaluate the individual and public health needs by using valid health information and appropriate evaluative methods.
Understand the United States health care system and respond ethically to health care dilemmas.
Comprehend published research in public health.

Admission Process and Graduation Requirements

Applications for the Bachelor of Science in Public Health (Professional Program) are accepted for the fall semester only. Applicants must complete the general university admission requirements and successfully complete the required university examinations. All students admitted to the public health program must successfully complete 120 - 121 credit hours of coursework, which consists of 36 credits of general education and 84-85 credits to include additional natural sciences, College of Health Science Core Courses, Professional Sequence public health core courses, and public health-supportive electives. A minimum grade point average of 2.5 is required to remain in the program. Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses. Any course with a grade of D (except University General Education courses) must be repeated.