Public Health
Department Website: Public Health
Public health majors at Gonzaga can customize their experience with our robust elective choice.
You also have the choice to prepare for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) examination.
Health Education Specialists develop programs, materials and events to teach people about wellbeing and other health concerns.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for Health Education Specialists is projected to grow 7 percent through 2033, faster than other occupations.
Passing the CHES exam can help you stand out when applying for jobs.
Public Health (BA) Major
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PUBH 101 | Introduction to Public Health | 3 |
| MATH 121 | Introductory Statistics | 3 |
| PUBH 251 | Social Determinants of Health | 3 |
| PUBH 260 | Health Communication and Theories of Human Behavior | 3 |
| PUBH 320 | Epidemiology and Applied Biostatistics | 3 |
| PUBH 450 | Health Policy and Political Determinations of Healthcare | 3 |
| PUBH 499 | Public Health Practicum | 3 |
| Select five of the following electives: | 15 | |
| Environment, Climate Change, and Health | ||
Health: | ||
| Global Health Issues and Strategies | ||
| Sociology of Health & Medicine | ||
| Sociology of Reproduction | ||
| Public Health Advocacy 1 | ||
| Health Leadership and Management | ||
Management: 1 | ||
| Public Health Planning 1 | ||
| Public Health Implementation and Evaluation | ||
Evaluation: | ||
| Scientific Inquiry: and Scientific Inquiry Lab (Indigenous Science) | ||
| Themes in Literature (Disability in Literature) | ||
| Health Care Ethics | ||
| Health and Pediatric Psychology | ||
| FYS: (Religion & Medical Science) | ||
| Christian Sexual Ethics | ||
| Environmental Sociology | ||
| Feminism and Science | ||
Courses accepted as PUBH electives for students with double majors/minors and appropriate prerequisites: | ||
| Advanced Genetics: | ||
| Parasitology | ||
| Immunology | ||
| Virology | ||
| Health Economics | ||
| Medical Spanish and Cultural Competency | ||
| Total Hours | 36 | |
- 1
Students wishing to sit for the Community Health Education Specialist (CHES) Exam must complete these courses.
Public Health Minor
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PUBH 101 | Introduction to Public Health | 3 |
| NURS 251 | Social Determinants of Health | 3 |
| PUBH 260 | Health Communication and Theories of Human Behavior | 3 |
| PUBH 320 | Epidemiology and Applied Biostatistics | 3 |
| PUBH 340 | Environment, Climate Change, and Health | 3 |
| PUBH 360 | Global Health Issues and Strategies | 3 |
| PUBH 450 | Health Policy and Political Determinations of Healthcare | 3 |
| Total Hours | 21 | |
Courses
PUBH 101. Introduction to Public Health. (3 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
This course provides an overview of the field of public health, its history, key concepts, and the role of public health in promoting and protecting the health of populations. The course will also explore public health professions and Essential Public Health Services. (fall, annually)
PUBH 251. Social Determinants of Health. (3 Credits)
This course introduces the ecological framework of health and focuses on one's physical and social environments and access to health care as determinants of health, health disparities, and health inequities. Students will gain an understanding of factors that contribute to illness versus wellness, as well as factors that affect health outcomes and recovery from illness. Students will learn basic community assessment skills, including how to use and interpret basic epidemiological measures.
Prerequisites: Prerequisites exist. Refer to Zagweb.
Equivalent: NURS 251
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Public Health or Public Health.
PUBH 260. Health Communication and Theories of Human Behavior. (3 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
This course explores the social and behavioral factors that influence health and the strategies used to promote healthy behaviors and prevent disease. The course will explore the role of logical fallacies, cognitive biases, disinformation, and misinformation in health decision-making process. Students will integrate evidence-based communication strategies, professional ethics, and cultural humility to promote health goals consistent with personal values. This course also provides an exploration of the intersection between health communication and theories that underpin human behavior change within the context of public health. (spring, even years)
PUBH 280. Public Health Advocacy. (3 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
This course explores the role of advocacy in public health efforts through coalition-building, social networking and mobilization, interpersonal communication, and negotiation, as well as the use of media and social platforms for generating public discourse. Students will explore the use of counseling, public campaigns, and political processes to advocate for health among diverse populations. Students will integrate cultural humility and professional ethics to promote health goals consistent with personal values. (spring, odd years)
Prerequisites: PUBH 101 with a minimum grade of D
PUBH 310. Health Leadership and Management. (3 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
This course examines principles of health leadership and management in the context of public health organizations. Students will explore leadership theories, management strategies, and the application of these concepts to address contemporary challenges in public health. Special attention will be given to coordinating relationships with partners and stakeholders. Students will apply Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) standards and enhance continuing cultural competence within a workplace context. (spring, even years)
Prerequisites: PUBH 101 with a minimum grade of D
PUBH 320. Epidemiology and Applied Biostatistics. (3 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
This course explores the distribution and determinants of diseases in populations. Students will learn basic epidemiological principles and methods used to investigate and analyze health-related issues. Students will interpret statistical public health research and draw conclusions. (spring, even years)
PUBH 340. Environment, Climate Change, and Health. (3 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
This course explores the intricate connections between the environment, climate change, and public health. Students will examine the impact of environmental factors on health outcomes, assess the impact of climate change on health disparities and vulnerable populations, and develop an understanding of how climate change poses challenges and opportunities for public health interventions. (fall, odd years)
Prerequisites: PUBH 101 with a minimum grade of D
PUBH 360. Global Health Issues and Strategies. (3 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
This course investigates health issues that transcend national borders and explores the challenges and opportunities of addressing health disparities on a global scale. Students will analyze the critical issues affecting global health, while appreciating the complexities, challenges, and opportunities in the field. Topics include infectious and chronic diseases, health disparities, healthcare delivery systems, and the impact of socio-economic and cultural factors on health outcomes.
(fall, even)
Prerequisites: PUBH 101 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of D
PUBH 450. Health Policy and Political Determinations of Healthcare. (3 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
The course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between health policy, political determinants of health, and health disparities. (fall, odd years)
Prerequisites: PUBH 101 with a minimum grade of D
PUBH 480. Public Health Planning. (3 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
This course will enable students to plan a targeted public health promotion program using evidence-based program design. Students will apply health content knowledge, communication skills, and behavior change theory to gain necessary skills for securing grant funding and program support. Emphasis will be placed on developing and understanding needs assessment, program rationale, logic modeling, mission statements, goals and objectives. (fall, odd years)
Prerequisites: PUBH 101 with a minimum grade of D
PUBH 490. Public Health Implementation and Evaluation. (3 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
This course will enable students to create a detailed and effective public health intervention and evaluation using evidence-based practices. Emphasis will be placed on developing and understanding public health marketing practices, implementation plans, budget development, evaluation protocols, and effective public health promotion program advocacy. Students will present their comprehensive, capstone project (building from summative project created in PUBH 480) at the conclusion of the course. (spring, odd)
Course Fee: 100
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Fourth Year (96+ credits).
PUBH 499. Public Health Practicum. (3-12 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
The Public Health Capstone and Internship course is designed as the culminating experience for students in the Public Health program, providing an opportunity to integrate and apply the knowledge, skills, and competencies gained throughout their academic journey. This course combines a structured capstone project with a hands-on internship, offering students a comprehensive and practical understanding of public health principles and practices. (prerequisite of senior status, PUBH 101). (spring)
Prerequisites: PUBH 101 with a minimum grade of D
Course Fee: 100
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Fourth Year (96+ credits).