Public Health and Health Information Administration

Department Chairperson: Carolyn Rodgers, Ph.D., MSPH, MHS, MCHES®, NASM-YES & GPTS

Phone:(773) 995-3931

Location:BHS 217

Department Overview

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Public Health Program Overview

The Department of Public Health offers a fully online four-year Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) degree. The Bachelor of Science in Public Health 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 and wellness team. The program focuses on general and urban health, emphasizing social determinants of health, health inequities, health promotion, education, data analytics, and health policy and management.

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Health Information Administration (HIA) Program Overview

The Health Information Administration (HIA) Program offers a four-year online professional program that results in a Bachelor of Science degree. Students enrolled in the program can prepare for jobs in hospitals, clinics, health agencies, health information systems, medical research, or other health-related organizations. Graduates are eligible to take the National Certification Examination conducted by the American Health Information Management Association. After passing this exam, graduates earn the credential of Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA). The program provides a flexible online curriculum for individuals who have already earned a Registered Health Information Technician credential and want to advance to a Registered Health Information Administrator. The Health Information Administration Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Public Health (MPH) Degrees, MPH to PharmD and Joint PharmD/MPH Degrees, and Certificates

The Bachelor’s, Master’s, Joint and Certificate Programs in Public Health draw 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 that include aspects from various departments within and outside of the College of Health Sciences. The program focuses on general and urban health, emphasizing social determinants of health, health inequities, health promotion, education, data analytics, and health policy and management.

Public Health and Health Information Administration Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Public Health and Health Information Administration (HIA) at Chicago State University (CSU) mission is to deliver accessible, competency-based, high-quality education and experiences that prepares a culturally diverse student body to:

Advance population health and equity through evidence-informed public health practice.
Innovate and lead within ever-evolving health information management and technology systems.
Uphold the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality, ethical stewardship of health data which drives our curricula, experiential learning, community engagement, and scholarship, ensuring graduates are ready to improve health outcomes and information governance locally and globally.

Public Health and Health Information Administration Vision Statement

The Department of Public Health and Health Information Administration (HIA) at CSU aspire to be a model of excellence, recognized for pioneering interdisciplinary education that:

Empowers graduates to shape healthier, more equitable communities through leadership in public health and health information sciences.
Translates robust data and analytics into policies and practices that enhance individual and population well-being.
Fosters innovation in curriculum and technology to anticipate the needs of tomorrow’s health workforce.
By 2030, our programs will serve as catalyst for transformative change in both fields, locally and around the world.

Public Health and Health Administration Values

The values of the Department of Public Health and Health Information and Administration (HIA) align with those of the University and the College of Health Sciences, to include:

Equity & Social Justice
Integrity & Confidentiality
Diversity & Inclusion
Lifelong learning & Innovation
Collaboration & Leadership

Public Health Program Goals

Engage with community organizations and public health associations to provide students and faculty the opportunity to participate in service learning at the local, state, national, and international levels.
Provide an accessible, competency-based, high-quality education offered by qualified and experienced public health professionals and determined by the communities and students served.
Create a supporting environment for faculty and students to engage in scholarship to advance the field of public health.

Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree Learning Objectives

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 to advocate for the protection and promotion of the public’s health.
Comprehend the factors that influence health and well-being at the intra-personal, interpersonal, community, and public levels.
Assess the needs of the individual, community, and public using appropriate research methods while taking cultural context into account.
Promote health and wellness, and disease prevention nationally and internationally.
Evaluate the needs of the individual, community, and public by using best practices that are ethical and from valid health sources.
Understand United States healthcare and the impact of systems thinking and organizational dynamics in business to respond ethically to healthcare dilemmas.
Demonstrate effective leadership skills and apply systems thinking to successfully collaborate with others in team settings.
Participate in professional networking activities and understand the importance of professional memberships.
Communicate accurate public health information to the public.

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.

Bachelor of Science in Public Health Admission Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) applications are now accepted on a rolling admission basis. Students interested in applying into the Public Health program can do so upon entry into the University and check public health as your major.

Please see the following checklist before applying.

GPA of 2.5 or higher

Students seeking admission need to apply through the Admissions Office and meet with the Public Health Department Undergraduate Faculty Advisor or Contact the department chair. Transfer students must follow the same procedures through the Admissions Office. All incoming first-year students are required to take Placement Exams. Start your admissions application by clicking here: https://www.csu.edu/admissions/undergraduate/

BS Degree Program in Health Information Administration (HIA)

Entering freshmen and transfer students must meet the general admission requirements of the university and must complete the required university examinations and courses in English and mathematics. The mathematics placement testing can be waived for students with transfer credits in College Algebra and Basic Statistics.

The program will accept from transfer students only those prerequisite courses and courses in the major with a grade of C or better.

Health Information Administration (HIA) Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Health Information Administration (HIA) program, the graduates will

Produce organization-wide health record documentation guidelines.
Analyze clinical data to identify trends that demonstrate quality, safety, and effectiveness of health care.
Create and implement organization-wide confidentiality policies and procedures.

See HIA program handbook for a complete set of explicit goals

Admission to the Professional Phase of the BS in Health Information Administration HIA Degree Program

Admission to the professional phase of the degree program is based on the following requirements and acceptance by the Admissions Committee. All students must complete the prescribed prerequisites as specified in the current curriculum pattern with a grade of C or higher and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. The formal application includes:

Completed application form
A professional statement of educational goals
Completed pre-professional grade form
Two recommendations on the prescribed College of Health Sciences form emailed directly to the HIA Program by the evaluators

Applications and supporting documents should be received in the Health Information Administration Program by May 31st for consideration for fall admission to the professional program. Applicants will receive a written response by June 30. Applications will continue to be accepted until July 15th, if places are unfilled.

Health Information Administration (HIA) Progression Policy

Progression of students requires the successful completion of all courses with a grade of C or better. Students are required to assume responsibility for transportation and incidental expenses in connection with the academic program, including professional practice experiences and field trips. Before entering the senior year, students must pass a comprehensive examination for the technical level courses. Students are required to complete the professional program within five years of admission to the program. Students who leave the program for more than one semester will be required to complete the requirements that are in effect at the time of their return to the Health Information Administration Program.

Health Information Administration (HIA) Graduation Policy

All students must achieve a satisfactory grade of C or better in each health information administration course and co-requisite course. Health information administration courses can be re-taken only once. Also, students must successfully pass all end-of-course examinations and successfully pass the senior competency examination to qualify for graduation.Students must pass a comprehensive examination covering all professional course content to pass HIA 4700, which is a requirement for graduation. Students who do not pass the comprehensive examination will be given one additional opportunity to pass an equivalent examination. Students who fail to pass at least one of the examinations will receive a grade of F for HIA 4700.

Health Information Administration (HIA) Dismissal Policy

A grade of C or higher must be maintained in all professional-level courses. A course with a grade lower than C must be repeated, and a student who earns lower than a C in more than two professional courses will be dismissed from the program. A student who receives a D or F in a repeated course will be dismissed from the program.

Health Information Administration (HIA) Readmission Policy

Students who have been dismissed from the Health Information Administration Program for academic reasons may apply for readmission after a waiting period of one year. The usual application procedure is required.

Health Information Administration (HIA) Grievance Policy

Students are required to become familiar with the program, and college grievance policies. The policies and procedures can be found in the university catalog, the Health Information Administration student handbook, and on the program’s webpage.

Programs

Bachelor of Science

Minor

Health Sciences Minor