Health Science Information | Health Science Programs | Health Science Courses
Program in Health Education
Health education programs help participants enhance health, prevent disease and disability, as well as help improve the well-being of people in organizations, schools, businesses, and communities. The program focuses on environmental influences, which include the cultural and societal context in which health behavior occurs; it also emphasizes processes for developing and changing individual attitudes and behaviors toward health.
The focus of health education is on planned change. Individuals are encouraged to take responsibility for their own health and to assume responsibility for the health of their families and communities.
As our society continues to change, health problems are redefined. Future health advances will not only come from new technology, but also as the result of community, group, and individual actions. These factors will impact education, lifestyle, environment, and the organization and delivery of health services.
Brochures that describe each of the programs are available at the Health Science Department office.
Courses are designed to satisfy Health Science requirements for:
1. general education,
2. the baccalaureate degree major,
3. Single Subject Teaching Credential in Health Science,
4. Master of Science Degree with a Major in Health Science,
5. Master of Public Health Degree in Community Health Education.
6. Master of Science in Nursing/Master in Public Health
Bachelor of Science in Health Science
The basic University requirements for graduation with a B.S. Degree in Health Science consist of:
1. completion of general education requirements,
2. completion of all courses identified on the Program Planner for the Option selected, with no grade lower than a "C" for each listed course or approved substitute,
3. completion of a minimum of 120 units, at least 40 units of which must be upper division. Upper division courses are numbered 300 to 499.
Major Core Requirements
All Health Science majors must complete the required core. The core of the Health Science program contains five areas of competence: Statistics, Program Development, Professionalism, Health Services Organization and Health Promotion. All majors must complete at least one course from each competency area. Courses must be selected in consultation with an advisor.
Option in Radiation Therapy (code HSC_BS01) (135 units)
Admission Under Impaction
The number of applicants to the Radiation Therapy Option exceeds the number that can be accepted. For this reason, the Radiation Therapy Option has been designated as impacted by the California State University. Applicants are subject to supplemental criteria in addition to the requirements for admission to the University. Admission is on a competitive basis and is determined on the basis of meeting all of the following supplemental criteria.
Option in Radiation Therapy Technology. Applicants must have met requirements for admission to the university as a freshman or transfer student. Applicants must have completed the following prerequisite courses, each with a grade of "C" or better: BIOL 200, 207, and 208; MICR 101; H SC 200; MATH 199A; PHYS 100A and B; I S 233; and ENGL 102 (15 of these 35 units may be double-counted as General Education). Applicants must have completed a 40-hour observation period in a department of radiation therapy and an observation packet. Applicants must submit a supplemental application to the department by February 1 for the fall semester. The application must be accompanied by 3 letters of recommendation (at least one from a radiation therapist at the observation site noted below, and the others from either employers or instructors), a written personal statement, a summary of academic and work history, and documentation of the availability of transportation to clinical sites for the required internship. Applicants must participate in an interview with the Radiation Therapy Career Advisement Committee. The number of applicants who can be admitted is limited by space availability. Eligible applicants will be selected for admission on a space-available basis according to the faculty’s judgment of their ability to succeed in the program.
To apply to the Radiation Therapy Option, students must meet all of the requirements listed above.
Admission Under Impaction for Continuing Students
Students who indicate a Radiation Therapy Option major when they enter as freshmen will be assigned a pre-Radiation Therapy major code. Acceptance into the pre-major by the university does not imply or assure subsequent acceptance into the Option by the Department. Students who are not accepted into the Option cannot continue as pre-Radiation Therapy majors.
Prior to admission to the Radiation Therapy Option, continuing students must
1. Complete all of the basic criteria listed above
2. Complete HSC 200 Orientation to Radiation Therapy with a grade of “C” or better.
3. Submit Option Application by February 1.
Admission Under Impaction for Transfer Students
Students must be eligible for admission to the university as transfer students and must apply for admission to the university no later than November 30 for admission the following fall. Students who are not admitted to the Option will not be admitted to the university unless they have listed a second choice of major on the application form.
Prior to admission to the Radiation Therapy Option, transfer students must:
1. Complete all of the basic criteria listed above
2. Schedule an appointment with the Radiation Therapy Program Director or Clinical Coordinator
3. Attend a group Radiation Therapy Orientation session
4. Submit by February 1 the Option application
The Radiation Therapy Option is designed for individuals who wish to pursue a professional preparation program leading to membership in the health care team using ionizing radiation in the treatment of malignant and some benign diseases. The Option is competency-based and integrates didactic courses and clinical experience to prepare entry level radiation therapists to become integral partners in the health care team and contributing members of the profession. On a daily basis, the registered radiation therapist is involved in:
1. Operation of sophisticated radiotherapeutic equipment to deliver prescribed doses of ionizing radiation for the treatment of malignant and some benign diseases.
2. Providing psychological and emotional support to patients who are dealing with the stress of their illness.
3. Providing education to the patient and their family about their disease and all aspects of treatment.
4. Observing patient progress and recognizing medical problems that require a physician’s attention.
5. Constructing devices to aid in treatment positioning, beam modification, and treatment planning.
6. Calculation of doses and use of treatment planning computers to determine dose distributions.
Successful completion of the Option requirements allows the student eligibility to apply for licensure examinations at the state and national levels to practice as a registered radiation therapist.
This program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 900, Chicago, Il 60606-2901, phone 312-704-5300) and the State of California, Department of Health Services, Radiologic Health Branch.
Required Radiation Therapy Option Courses
Students will take the following courses in sequence: HSC 150, 320, 310, 340, 341, 315, 492A (5 units), 492A summer (2 units), 470A, 445A, 330, 311, 403, 470B, 445B, 342, 415, 435, 492B summer (2 units), 492B (5 units), 316, 451, 455, 475, 475L, 480 and 465.
All Radiation Therapy courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better. If a student earns a lower grade, the student must repeat the course and earn an acceptable grade before advancing to the next level of courses.
Option in Community Health Education (code HSC_BS02) (120 units)
The Community Health Education option is designed for persons whose occupational objective is to serve as a community health educator with an official, voluntary, or corporate health agency.
Lower Division: BIOL 200, 205, and either CHEM 100 or 111A; MICR 101; an additional anatomy and physiology, BIOL or MICR course approved by department advisor; Spanish (3 units) or language approved by Department Advisor.
Upper Division: H SC 301, 400, 401, 402, 403, 405, 421, 430, 435, 440, 485; Three courses selected from the following: H SC 420, 422, 423, 425I, 427, 429, 490, 499; one course selected from the following: NUTR 132 or 430; one course selected from the following: PSY 351 or SOC 335I; one course selected from the following: SOC 320, 336, 462, 464; and one course selected from the following: COMM 334, 335.
Option in School Health Education (code HSC_BS03) (120 units)
The School Health Option is designed for persons who wish to become health science teachers in California middle/high schools. The program is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and meets subject matter competence requirements for the Health Science Preliminary Single Subject Credential (code 130).
In addition to meeting the subject matter competence requirement for the Preliminary Single Subject Credential in Health Science, prospective Health teachers are also required to complete an additional 44 units of professional preparation in the Single Subject Credential Program, including student teaching. Students may begin the professional preparation courses as early as the junior year. With careful planning, it is possible to complete all of the credential program courses, except for student teaching as an undergraduate. Courses may also be completed as post-baccalaureate student. Refer to the Single Subject Teacher Education section of this catalog or the Single Subject Credential Program website (www.ced.csulb.edu/single-subject) for a description of the professional preparation requirements, courses, and application procedures. A student may enroll in the credential program prerequisite course, EDSS 300D, after completing 80% of the required lower division, upper division, and subject matter courses. Prospective students should consult the department's Health Science Single Subject Advisor early to plan their program.
The Health Science Subject Matter Program is being revised to meet new state standards. When the revised program has been approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the new course requirements will be in effect and supersede current requirements.
Requirements
Lower Division: BIOL 200, 205; MICR 101; CHEM 100 or 111A, approved anatomy and physiology, BIOL or MICR course. PSY 100, Spanish (3 unit minimum) or language equivalent approved by HSC department advisor.
Upper Division: COMM 335 or approved upper division COMM course, EDP 302 or HDEV 307 or PSY 361, ETEC 444, NUTR 132 or 430. Select one course from: ANTH 329, FCS 319, HSC 420, PSY 378, SOC 320, 423.
Subject Matter Courses: HSC 210, 301, 401, 403, 421, 422, 423, 425I, 427, 430, 435, 440
Option in Health Care (code HSC_BS04) (120 units)
The Option in Health Care is designed for those individuals who have received certification and/or license from an approved allied health/health care program and desire a Bachelor of Science degree. The focus of this option is the development of professional skills for people whose goal is: (a) providing service, or (b) instructing in the health care setting.
Admission Requirements
Once admitted to the University, students are required to complete the following prior to acceptance into the Health Care Option.
1. Obtain certification and/or license from an allied health/health care program from an institution that has been accredited by either a Committee on Post-secondary Accreditation (COPA) approved accreditation agency or the Committee on Allied health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA). Those individuals who do not have appropriate certification will be counseled by the Department of Health Science regarding where to obtain an appropriate accredited program, and, when possible, concurrent enrollment may be utilized;
2. Earn a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Lower Division: Completion of general education requirements to include: ENGL 100; one of the following: ANTH 120, SOC 100 or PSY 100; and minimum of 12 units in Natural Sciences, approved by department advisor equivalent to: BIOL 200, 205, MICR 101 and an additional anatomy and physiology, BIOL or MICR course approved by faculty advisor; either CHEM 100 or 111A, .
Upper Division: (39 units): Required Core: 15 units (three units from each area); courses must be selected in consultation with an option advisor:
A. Statistics: H SC 403 or ED P 419;
B. Program Development: H SC 430 and H CA 320, or
H SC 455 and 316;
C. Professionalism: H SC 451 or HCA 340;
D. Health Organization: H SC 401 or 420;
E. Health Promotion: H SC 435 or HCA 402;
Additional Coursework
H SC 400 and one of the following: HDEV 320 or H SC 405; one of the following: ANTH 353, NUTR 430, H SC 424, or SOC 462; one of the following: POSC 329, or ECON 300;
An emphasis in either:
A. Providing Services (12 units): HCA 410, 465; one of the following: ED P 434B, H SC 421 or 492A/B and one of the following: ANTH 319, GERN 400I, 482, or NRSG 482; or
B. Instructing in the Health Care Setting (12 units): HCA 410, 465 and one of the following: H SC 492A/B (3 units), or ED P 432; and one of the following ED P 305, 434B or HSC 421.
Minor in Health Science (code HSC_UM01)
Twenty-four units as follows: H SC 301, 401, 430, 435, 440, and three courses from: H SC 400, 420, 421, 422, 423, 425I, 427.
Single Subject Credential in Health Science (code 130)
The Single Subject Teaching Credential in Health Science prepares one to teach health science in California middle/high schools. Requirements include: a) Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Science with a completion of the school health option from a program approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing or BS/BA and a passing score on the CSET in Health Science b) GPA of 2.75 on the last 60 semester units c) Professional education courses beyond the B.S. which begin with EDSS 300D: Introduction to Teaching Health Science d) student teaching in health science. See the Health Science Single Subject Advisor.
The Health Science Subject Matter Program is being revised to meet new state standards when the revised program has been approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the new course requirements will be in effect and supersede current catalog copy.
For additional information about teaching in California middle/high schools, see the Single Subject Teacher Education Program.
Graduate Program in Health Education
Accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (Council on Education for Public Health, 1015 Fifteenth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005, phone: 202-789-1050).
In order to be admitted to the graduate program for study toward a degree, a prospective candidate must apply both to this department and the University. Contact the Director of Graduate Studies for current requirements.
Master of Science in Health Science (code HSC_MS01)
The Master of Science program is designed to provide students with:
1. intensive study of health education concepts, theories, and processes;
2. introduction to public health concepts and issues;
3. research methodology appropriate to the in-depth examination a health topic.
The graduate student is also prepared for a leadership role in a school or community setting and for admission to doctoral programs at other colleges and universities. Admitted graduate students must contact the Director of Graduate Studies for advisement early in their first semester of enrollment in order to develop an approved program of study.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must apply both to the Department and the University. Applications are available from the Department office.
1. Each applicant must request a copy of official transcript(s) of all work be sent to the Graduate Director in the Health Science Department in addition to the transcripts required by the Office of Enrollment Services.
2. A bachelor’s degree with a major in health education, which articulates with the course requirements for the same degree at California State University, Long Beach; or a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline with a minimum of 21 units of upper division course work comparable to that required of the Health Science major at the University; or a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and willingness to make up any deficiencies in prerequisite Health Science courses. Prerequisites for all courses carrying graduate credit must have been completed within seven years of taking the graduate courses. If any prerequisite is outdated, it may be repeated or credit obtained by (1) written examination on the subject matter or (2) providing documented evidence of currency in the subject area.
3. An overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. Students with less than a 3.0 GPA on the last 60 units of undergraduate units attempted, but who show promise in all other aspects, may be given special consideration after petitioning for conditional admission into the program through the Director of Graduate Studies.
4. Acceptance by the University as a student with graduate standing.
5. A maximum of 9 units of approved graduate work at the post-baccalaureate level may be credited to a student’s program requirements upon Departmental acceptance to the graduate program.
6. Submission of the analytic, quantitative and verbal scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and a copy of the CSU graduate application to the Department.
7. Three letters of recommendation from persons with whom the candidate has worked and who have direct knowledge of the applicant’s qualifications and potential as a community health educator.
8. A separate personal statement of reasons for pursuing this field of study and comments about interests and experience that are germane to career objectives. Submit a personal resume reflecting the applicant's education and relevant work experience.
Advancement to Candidacy
1. Satisfy the general University requirements for advancement to candidacy:
A. fulfill the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR);
B. maintain at least a 3.0 average for all course work attempted as a graduate student;
C. complete H SC 500, 503, and 570;
2. Approval by the Director of Graduate Studies and the Associate Dean of Academic Programs of the College of Health and Human Services.
Requirements for Completion of the Master of Science
1. A minimum of 43 units of approved upper division and graduate courses including:
A. 21 units of Health Science courses, which include HCA 502, H SC 500, 503, 570, 581, 696;
B. 18 units of electives in a specialty field;
C. 4 units of H SC 698;
2. A thesis with an oral exam.
Master of Public Health
Option in Community Health Education (code HSC_MH01)
The Master of Public Health in Community Health provides an opportunity for students to specialize in community health education and health promotion within the general context of Public Health, to increase competence in designing, implementing, and evaluating social behavior changes in program planning in preparation for serving in various health agencies, prepare for teaching at college and university levels and for administrative positions in public and private health agencies.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must apply both to the Department and the University. Applications are available from the Department office.
1. Each applicant must request that a copy of official transcript(s) of all work be sent to the Director of Graduate Studies (in addition to the copies required by the Office of Enrollment Services).
2. A bachelor’s degree with a major in health education, which articulates with the course requirements for the same degree at California State University, Long Beach; or a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline with a minimum of 21 units of upper division course work comparable to those required of the Health Science major at the University; or a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and willingness to make up any deficiencies in prerequisite Health Science courses. Prerequisites for all courses carrying graduate credit must have been completed within seven years of taking the graduate courses. If any prerequisite is outdated, it may be repeated or credit obtained by (1) written examination on the subject matter or (2) providing documented evidence of currency in the subject area.
3. An overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. Students with less than a 3.0 GPA on the last 60 units of undergraduate units attempted, but who show promise in all other aspects, may be given special consideration after petitioning for conditional admission into the program through the Director of Graduate Studies.
4. Acceptance by the University as a student with graduate standing.
5. A maximum of 9 units of graduate work at the post-baccalaureate level may be credited to a student’s program requirements upon Departmental acceptance to the graduate program.
6. Submission of a copy of the CSU graduate application and quantitative and verbal scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) to the Department.
7. Three letters of recommendation from persons with whom the applicant has worked who have direct knowledge of the applicant’s professional and academic potential as a health educator.
8. A separate personal statement of reasons for pursuing this field of study and comments about interests and experience that are germane to career objectives. Submit a personal resume reflecting the applicant’s education and relevant experience.
9. At least one year’s full-time (or equivalent) paid or volunteer experience in Health Education or a closely related health field. Preference will be given to those with greater experience and ability.
Advancement to Candidacy
1. Satisfy the general university requirements for advancement to candidacy:
A. fulfill the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR);
B. maintain at least a 3.0 average for all course work attempted as a graduate student;
C. complete H SC 500, 503, and 570;
2. Approval by the Director of Graduate Studies and Associate Dean for Academic Programs of the College of Health and Human Services.
Requirements
1. A minimum of 42 units of approved upper division and graduate-level courses including:
A. Core: HCA 502, H SC 500 or MICR 429, H SC 503 or BIOL 565 (4), 508, 528, 570, 581, 624, 625, 626, 696;
B. Electives at the 500/600 level;
C. H SC 585, a supervised internship experience (6 units)
2. A comprehensive written examination (see Department for guidelines).
Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Public Health (code NRSGMN01)
The Departments of Nursing and Health Science offer a concurrent Master of Science and Master of Public Health degree available to qualified students who desire advanced preparation in the area of public health nursing with a practice focus on primary prevention, illness prevention, and health promotion. The concurrent program leading to both degrees represents the core accreditation requirements of each degree. Coursework is integrated between the two Departments in each semester in order to provide an intense learning experience.
The philosophy of graduate nurse education is that the practice of nursing is constantly changing as health needs and health delivery systems are altered. Integral to nursing is an ability to work effectively and cooperatively with other disciplines and community services to promote health. The Master of Science and Master of Public Health (Health Education Option) provides the opportunity for students to specialize in advanced practice public health nursing within the general context of the Masters of Public Health, to increase competence in designing, implementing, and evaluating behavior change programs in preparation for serving in various health agencies. The focal point in this curriculum is the Nursing Process, Epidemiological Process Model, and Population Based Theory complemented by behavioral science concepts. Courses are interdependent and have been structured to provide clinical depth in the area of advanced practice public health nursing.
Each applicant should request a copy of official transcript of all college course work be sent to the Department Graduate Advisor of Nursing in addition to the copies required by the Office of Admissions and Records.
Admission Requirements
1. Bachelors degree in nursing or currently enrolled in accelerated RN to Masters program. Those nurses with Baccalaureate degrees in health related fields may be conditionally admitted.
2. Current license to practice as a registered nurse in California.
3. Admission to graduate standing at the University.
4. An upper division or graduate course in biostatistics (HSC 403 or Ed. Stat 419) and an ethics course (HSC 451).
5. Public Health Nurse Certificate, or eligibility for certificate in California.
6. An overall GPA of 3.0 or better; an upper division nursing GPA of 3.0 or better and a science GPA of 3.0 or better. Students who fall below these averages will be evaluated on an individual basis.
7. Submission of quantitative and verbal scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
8. Three letters of recommendation from persons with whom the applicant has worked and who has direct knowledge of the applicant’s qualifications.
9. A separate personal statement of applicant's reasons for pursuing this field of study and comments about interests and experiences, which are germane to career objectives.
10. Current professional resume describing the applicant’s relevant experience.
Advancement to Candidacy
A joint committee, consisting of Nursing and Health
Science faculty involved in the program, will review files and make determination to advance a candidate to graduate status.
Student Criteria for Advancement
1. Satisfy the general University requirements for advancement to candidacy in Nursing and Health Science.
A. fulfill the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)
B. have at least a 3.0 grade point average for all course work attempted as a graduate student
2. Joint approval by the Department of Nursing and Health Science, and the Associate Dean for Academic Programs of the College of Health and Human Services.
Requirements
1. A minimum of 57 units of approved Nursing and Health Science upper division and graduate level courses including: HSC 500 or MICR 429; HSC 503 or BIOL 565; HSC 508, 528, 535, 570, 581, 624, 625; NRSG 660B, 680A, 680B, 680C; NRSG 680AL, 680BL, 680CL or HSC 626 (in lieu of one 3 unit 680L); NURS 696 or HSC 696; NRSG 695 or HSC 697 or NURS 698
2. An overall GPA of 3.0 or better in all courses
3. Comprehensive written examination or directed project or a thesis
4. Graduate degrees obtained previously will be accepted toward meeting the unit requirements of the concurrent MSN/MPH degree program
5. If a student after entering the concurrent MSN/MPH program returns to a single degree program, all requirements for the single degree program must be met
6. Transfer units will not be accepted toward the concurrent MSN/MPH program.