Applied Health Science (BS) Health Education & Promotion

Summary

Designed for students interested in pursuing a career in health promotion and disease prevention. Potential employment includes community or public health agencies, worksites, healthcare facilities, and nonprofit organizations. Students who complete this major are eligible to become a Certified Health Education Specialist®.
Catalog Year

2023-2024

Degree

Bachelor of Science

Major Credits

120

Total Credits

120

Locations

Mankato

Program Requirements

Required General Education

An introduction to the dimensions of wellness; physical, emotional, occupational, intellectual, financial, interpersonal, cultural, environmental, and spiritual health of the individual.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-10

This a course designed to examine health products, services, and information from the consumer's perspective. Emphasis will be placed on those factors that influence and ultimately determine which products, services, and information sources that you will either accept or reject.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-02

Chemistry - Choose 3 - 5 Credit(s).

This course is an introduction to general chemistry. It is a non-laboratory class designed to prepare students for CHEM 201 or to be utilized as a general education course. This course will address more mathematical relationships than CHEM 106. Credit will not be given to students who have previously taken a chemistry course at or above Chem 111 and received a passing grade.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-03

This course covers fundamental concepts required to understand the general chemistry in living organisms. This is a non-laboratory class. This chemistry course will not prepare students for any Chemistry course at or above the 200 level.

Prerequisites: Student must demonstrate math placement requirements at or above MATH 112 in the placement chart. See Mathematics for details.

Goal Areas: GE-03

This course is an introduction to organic chemistry and biological chemistry. The laboratory will reinforce lecture.

Prerequisites: CHEM 106 or high school chemistry

Goal Areas: GE-02, GE-03

Introduction to the basic principles of chemistry including atomic and molecular structure, bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, thermodynamics and states of matter. Laboratory will reinforce lecture concepts. Prereq: C or higher in MATH 112 or the equivalent; high school chemistry or C or higher in CHEM 104

Prerequisites: "C" (2.0) or higher in MATH 112 or the equivalent; high school chemistry or "C" (2.0) or higher in CHEM 104.

Goal Areas: GE-02, GE-03

Communication - Choose 3 Credit(s).

A course designed to improve students' understanding in communication, including the areas of interpersonal, nonverbal, listening, small group and public speaking.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-1B

A course in communication principles to develop skills in the analysis and presentation of speeches.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-1B

Major Common Core

HLTH 260 Introduction to Applied Health Science is required of all Applied Health Science majors and minors. This is the foundation class for the professional preparation of health educators. The course explores the knowledge, skills, and competencies of health educators in various settings.

Prerequisites: none

Prepares students for the workforce and advanced graduate studies within the Applied Health Sciences.

Prerequisites: none

Introduces theories and models in the context of health education. Examines approaches to health education program planning as well approaches to explain and predict health behavior and their application to interventions in health education. NOTE: HLTH 360 may be taken concurrently with HLTH 260 with instructor permission.

Prerequisites: HLTH 260

Health Communication and Advocacy focuses upon the development of communication and advocacy skills for the health educator. Identifying credible sources, communicating public health information, health media campaigns, health advocacy; written and verbal communication skills emphasized.

Prerequisites: HLTH 101, HLTH 360

This course requires students to plan a health promotion and health education program. Skills include assessing needs, determining objectives, identifying measurement and intervention strategies, and developing an evaluation plan. HLTH 261W may be taken concurrently with HLTH 380W with instructor permission.

Prerequisites: HLTH 360, HLTH 361W

The purpose of this course is to develop the knowledge and understanding of the causes, symptoms and methods of controlling and preventing chronic and infectious diseases. Primary and secondary prevention strategies will be identified. Emphasis will be placed on those behaviors that foster and those that hinder well-being.

Prerequisites: none

Examines the philosophy and rationale of current epidemiological practice. Requires the application of epidemiological techniques to selected health concerns. Explores the interaction of agent, host and environment with the emphasis on application of principles of prevention.

Prerequisites: none

This course includes health program evaluation and research, with emphasis on evaluation models and approaches, qualitative and quantitative methods, process and summative evaluation, logic models, and dissemination of results.

Prerequisites: HLTH 380W

Focuses on entry-level competencies related to the administration and management of health education programs. These include obtaining acceptance and support for programs, leadership, managing human resources, facilitating partnerships in support of health education, grant writing, and training individuals involved in the implementation of health education.

Prerequisites: HLTH 380W

Emphasis Common Core

Systems approach to the structure of the human body. The course is designed for students majoring in biology or health related programs. Lab included.

Prerequisites: none

Emphasis Restricted Electives

Internship - Choose 9 Credit(s).

A concentrated pre-professional work experience for those students preparing for a career in the Applied Health Sciences. Students must schedule placement one semester in advance.

Prerequisites: HLTH 260, HLTH 295, HLTH 360, HLTH 361W, HLTH 380W, HLTH 454, HLTH 460, HLTH 480, HLTH 482W

Biology - Choose 4 Credit(s).

Introductory course designed for students not majoring in science. Focuses on basic biological principles with special emphasis on the human species. Includes scientific problem solving, biodiversity, human and social aspects of biology, ecology, cellular processes and organ function, human reproduction, pre-natal development, and heredity. Lecture, laboratory, and small group discussions.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-03, GE-08

Study of biological processes at the suborganismal level including cell chemistry, metabolism, reproduction, genetics, and complex tissue physiology. Laboratory and discussion sessions stress problem solving and experimental design.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-03

An introduction to the general principles and methods used in the study of microorganisms. Lab included. Prereq: One BIOL course and one semester of chemistry from among CHEM 104, CHEM 106, CHEM 111, or CHEM 201. Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisites: One BIOL course and one semester of chemistry from among CHEM 104, CHEM 106, CHEM 111, or CHEM 201

Goal Areas: GE-03

Principles of functions of human cells, organs, and systems with an emphasis on organ/system interactions. Designed for majors that do not require a strong medical and research emphasis. Includes an active learning laboratory to facilitate learning the complex lecture material.

Prerequisites: BIOL 220, CHEM 104 or CHEM 106 or CHEM 111 or CHEM 201

Principles of functions of human cells, organs, and systems with an emphasis on organ/system interactions. This course is designed for students majoring in biology, chemistry, or related sciences, and medically-related areas. Includes a laboratory with a research and medical emphasis.

Prerequisites: BIOL 220, CHEM 104 or CHEM 106 or CHEM 111 or CHEM 201

Health - Choose 6 Credit(s).

The science of six nutrient classes, including digestion through metabolism and excretion, sources, functions, deficiencies and excess symptoms. The course covers the foundational knowledge and application of nutrition knowledge to clinical care, including weight control and common chronic conditions requiring nutrition therapy.

Prerequisites: BIOL 220, CHEM 106 or CHEM 111

Provides the knowledge and skills necessary in an emergency to help sustain life, reduce pain, and minimize the consequences of injury or sudden illness. Includes First Aid certification for the non-professional and all aspects of CPR for the non-professional and professional.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Addresses drugs and drug use from psychological, behavioral, pharmacological, historical, legal and clinical perspectives - while examining the effects of drug use on personal health and social functioning.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-05

Explores biological, physiological, and sociological perspectives of human sexuality. The course examines personal and family relationships and addresses family life and sex education teaching methods for school and community settings.

Prerequisites: none

This course presents a study of the essential nature and characteristics of total health. The course explores dimensions of mental, physical, social, and spiritual wellbeing. Various approaches to holistic health and wellness are considered.

Prerequisites: none

For health care personnel, emphasis on spelling, pronunciation and meaning.

Prerequisites: none

This course explores current issues, controversies and concerns affecting women's health. Relationships between social, cultural, psychological, environmental and physical factors of women's health status are examined.

Prerequisites: none

An in-depth review of significant current health concerns and controversies in health science using the elements of reasoning as the framework for critiquing the issues.

Prerequisites: none

Explores the relationship of death concerns to the process of meaningful living. Uses a variety of learning strategies to examine death attitudes, values and related behaviors.

Prerequisites: none

To promote identification and analysis of environmental influences upon health status. Health concerns related to residential, occupational, and other environments are explored. Problems pertaining to air, water, solid waste, housing, land use, toxic waste, and sanitation are addressed.

Prerequisites: none

Emphasis is on recognition of, and enhancing awareness about, how stress affects human health and performance. Stress management techniques such as relaxation, effective communication, cognitive-behavioral approaches, eating behaviors, regular exercise, and time management are explored.

Prerequisites: none

This course investigates the physical and mental health concerns of the aging process. Explores specific health problems confronting older persons, and examines preventive health behaviors and health maintenance practices.

Prerequisites: none

This course will explore transdisciplinary research design with emphasis related to the areas of allied health and nursing sciences and disciplines. Basic overview of research methodologies commonly utilized in health sciences and approaches to transdisciplinary research will be explored through review of original research. Students will be required to produce and revise scientific writing with specific focus on inter/transdisciplinary studies. Team-based problem centered research questions will be developed and investigated using transdisciplinary methodology with current health-related issues.

Prerequisites: none

An examination of the system of delivery of health care in the United States from a historical, social, political, and economic perspective.

Prerequisites: none

This course focuses on the determinants of health, the concept of culture, and the intersection of health issues, culture, and health status. Linkages between health and development are addressed and research methods instrumental for identifying relationships between culture and health are discussed. The course examines diverse strategies for measuring health and explores how public health efforts (domestic and global) benefit from understanding and working with cultural processes. Emphasis is placed on the burden of disease, risk factors, populations most affected by different disease burdens, and key measures to address the burden of disease in cost-effective ways.

Prerequisites: none

Diverse Cultures: Purple

An examination of the judicial system and the development, enactment and enforcement of laws as they relate to the public's health.

Prerequisites: none

Introduction to statistical analysis as applied to the health sciences. Examines concepts and methods of statistical procedures applied to health problems and issues.

Prerequisites: MATH 110, STAT 154, Or any other mathematics course higher than MATH 110.

Behavior Change Foundations and Strategies (3 semester credits) is a course that focuses upon the complexity of health behavior change and the skills necessary for a health promotion professional to assess, plan, and evaluate behavior change interventions for individuals and communities. Health behavior change theories and strategies will be discussed. Topics covered in class will include: behavior modification, goal setting, self-management, coping skills, and social support. Emphasis will also be given to the impact of policy and environmental influences on behavior.

Prerequisites: none

The course examines approaches to promote health and prevent disease and injury, and explores other health related issues at the workplace. Assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation strategies are addressed. Model programs are reviewed and analyzed.

Prerequisites: none

Statistics - Choose 3 - 4 Credit(s).

Develop knowledge and application of statistical concepts and methods to facilitate research in social sciences disciplines. Students learn to work with quantitative databases obtained from census, social surveys, and experiments. Develop data analysis skills and use of statistical software programs. Practice data interpretations and statistical decision-making as used in everyday government, non-profit/for-profit, healthcare, academic and research organizations.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-04

An introduction to statistical concepts and methods that is applicable to all disciplines. Topics include descriptive measures of data, probability and probability distributions, statistical inference, tests of hypotheses, confidence intervals, correlation, linear regression, and analysis of variance. The use of statistical software will be emphasized. Prereq: ACT Math sub-score of 19 or higher, successful completion of MATH 098 or appropriate placement scores (see Placement Information under Statistics) Fall, Spring, Summer GE-4

Prerequisites: Satisfy Placement Table in this section, or MATH 098 with grade of P.

Goal Areas: GE-02, GE-04

4-Year Plan

The 4-Year Plan is a model for completing your degree in a timely manner. Your individual 4-Year plan may change based on a number of variables including transfer courses and the semester/year you start your major. Carefully work with your academic advisors to devise your own unique plan.
* Please meet with your advisor on appropriate course selection to meet your educational and degree goals.

First Year

Fall - 15 Credits

Students in this course approach writing as a subject of study by investigating how writing works across a variety of contexts.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-1A

Course in Emphasis * 3 credits

General Education Course * 4 credits

General Education Course * 3 credits

General Education Course * 1 credits

Spring - 16 Credits

An introduction to the dimensions of wellness; physical, emotional, occupational, intellectual, financial, interpersonal, cultural, environmental, and spiritual health of the individual.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-10

Systems approach to the structure of the human body. The course is designed for students majoring in biology or health related programs. Lab included.

Prerequisites: none

Required General Education Course * 3 credits

General Education Course * 3 credits

General Education Course * 3 credits

Second Year

Fall - 15 Credits

This a course designed to examine health products, services, and information from the consumer's perspective. Emphasis will be placed on those factors that influence and ultimately determine which products, services, and information sources that you will either accept or reject.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-02

HLTH 260 Introduction to Applied Health Science is required of all Applied Health Science majors and minors. This is the foundation class for the professional preparation of health educators. The course explores the knowledge, skills, and competencies of health educators in various settings.

Prerequisites: none

Prepares students for the workforce and advanced graduate studies within the Applied Health Sciences.

Prerequisites: none

Required General Education Course * 3 credits

General Education Course * 1 credits

General Education Course * 4 credits

Spring - 16 Credits

Introduces theories and models in the context of health education. Examines approaches to health education program planning as well approaches to explain and predict health behavior and their application to interventions in health education. NOTE: HLTH 360 may be taken concurrently with HLTH 260 with instructor permission.

Prerequisites: HLTH 260

Course in Emphasis * 4 credits

General Education Course * 3 credits

General Education Course * 3 credits

General Elective Course * 3 credits

Third Year

Fall - 15 Credits

Health Communication and Advocacy focuses upon the development of communication and advocacy skills for the health educator. Identifying credible sources, communicating public health information, health media campaigns, health advocacy; written and verbal communication skills emphasized.

Prerequisites: HLTH 101, HLTH 360

Examines the philosophy and rationale of current epidemiological practice. Requires the application of epidemiological techniques to selected health concerns. Explores the interaction of agent, host and environment with the emphasis on application of principles of prevention.

Prerequisites: none

Course in Emphasis * 3 credits

General Elective Course * 4 credits

General Elective Course * 1 credits

Spring - 15 Credits

This course requires students to plan a health promotion and health education program. Skills include assessing needs, determining objectives, identifying measurement and intervention strategies, and developing an evaluation plan. HLTH 261W may be taken concurrently with HLTH 380W with instructor permission.

Prerequisites: HLTH 360, HLTH 361W

The purpose of this course is to develop the knowledge and understanding of the causes, symptoms and methods of controlling and preventing chronic and infectious diseases. Primary and secondary prevention strategies will be identified. Emphasis will be placed on those behaviors that foster and those that hinder well-being.

Prerequisites: none

Course in Emphasis * 3 credits

General Elective Course * 3 credits

General Elective Course * 3 credits

Fourth Year

Fall - 16 Credits

This course includes health program evaluation and research, with emphasis on evaluation models and approaches, qualitative and quantitative methods, process and summative evaluation, logic models, and dissemination of results.

Prerequisites: HLTH 380W

General Elective Course * 3 credits

General Elective Course * 3 credits

General Education Course * 3 credits

Spring - 12 Credits

A concentrated pre-professional work experience for those students preparing for a career in the Applied Health Sciences. Students must schedule placement one semester in advance.

Prerequisites: none

General Elective Course * 3 credits