California State University Fullerton

Public Health B.S. Degree Overview

The bachelor of science degree program in public health provides graduates with an understanding of a wide range of health-related topics including: core functions and disciplines of public health, diseases and their causes, distributions of diseases, risk factors and prevention, behavior-change theory and application, health promotion program design, and research and evaluation. This degree emphasizes problem-solving skills and critical thinking while providing a solid foundation in public health.

The bachelor’s degree offers five concentrations:

• General Studies - learn about this field from the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErBECLCWNOk .
• Global Health - for some quick facts about global health, check out the video "The State of Global Health" at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4mz5r6KiYo .
• Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (EOHS) - learn more about this field by watching the American Public Health Association's Environmental Health video at: https://vimeo.com/32226544 .
• Health Education and Promotion
• Public Health Nutrition

Graduates are prepared for careers or professional studies related to public health, health care, and health promotion in various public and private, clinical and non-clinical settings. With academic advising, the program may also be used to prepare students for national exam to become a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), registered environmental health specialist (REHS) or Associate Safety Professional (ASP). 

Admission into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., social security number or tax payer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees, or any associated costs, to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements. Information concerning licensure and credentialing requirements are available within each program.