As a community and public health student, you can prepare for a variety of career paths with a science-heavy courseload. See yourself working in health care with a twist toward engaging with your community in marketing, public health or education? A degree in community and public health may be for you.
Here are five courses required under the program curriculum that may pique your interest:
NUTR 111 – Food, People and the Environment
A 100-level class that all students pursuing community and public health majors are required to take, and may be in your schedule as a first-year student. This course surveys food cultures from around the world, how they use natural resources and how they may impact the environment. It also covers how food is processed after harvesting and covers land grant philosophies in terms of food production.
BIOL 221-221L – Human Anatomy and Lab
Learn in-depth about the human body and how it functions through classroom and lab-based instruction. You have the hands-on opportunity to dissect cadavers and learn about the human body hands-on. The course is the first step toward becoming part of the dissection team, made up of older students that lead Human Anatomy Lab dissections.
HLTH 320 – Community Health
Hospital groups and health agencies often have numerous staff members, and it is important for organizational leaders to understand the various roles.This course helps students understand organization, political functions and roles of these health agencies. Students also learn in-depth about the role of community health educators, professional associations and what career opportunities those with this degree can pursue.
PSYC 417 – Health Psychology
Psychology can not only impact one’s mental health, but physical health as well. This course explores disorders and disease processes, and highlights how psychological intervention can prevent diseases, disorders and in some instances, resolve them. You’ll also learn more about the human brain and its effects on the body.
HLTH 445 – Epidemiology
Epidemiology is a very important factor of the overall health and well-being of a community, and is the foundation of public health. This 400-level course is often taken by juniors or seniors and focuses on diseases, how they are spread, prevented and how they can impact communities if not treated or prevented initially. Sometimes, students find they are very interested in this aspect of the community and public health major and continue to pursue a master’s degree such as a Master of Public Health degree.
Do these courses interest you? Want to make a difference promoting healthy lifestyles? Explore a degree in community and public health at SDState and prepare you for your future career.
