Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Option in Health Advocacy and Policy

Policy Statement 25-24
October 17, 2025

(This new degree option was approved by the CSULB Academic Senate on September 10, 2025, approved by the President on September 24, 2025, and approved by the CSU Chancellor’s Office on October 17, 2025.)

(120 Units)


The Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Option in Health Advocacy and Policy is designed for individuals interested in developing a comprehensive education in public health principles, combined with specialized training in health policy analysis, advocacy strategies, and the policymaking process. Students gain a solid foundation in epidemiology, environmental health, and health behavior, while also developing skills in crafting compelling narratives, leveraging data to inform policy decisions, engaging communities in advocacy efforts, and navigating the complexities of health policymaking at various levels of government.

The program prepares graduates for careers in government agencies, non-profits, advocacy groups, healthcare systems, and research institutions, where they can contribute to advancing health equity, shaping public policies, and promoting the well-being of diverse populations.

Admission Criteria for the Bachelor of Science in Public Health Degree Option in Health Science

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.

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.

Lower Division

Take the following courses: (9 units)

  • HSC 201: Introduction to Public Health (3 units)
  • HSC 210: Personal Health and Wellness (3 units)
  • PSY 100: General Psychology (3 units)

Take EITHER BIOL 205 or BOTH BIOL 207 and BIOL 208: (4-8 units)

  • BIOL 205: Human Biology (4 units) or
  • BIOL 207: Human Physiology (4 units) and BIOL 208: Human Anatomy (4 units)

Take ONE of the following courses: (3-4 units)

  • BIOL 201: General Microbiology for Health Professionals or
  • HSC 250: Public Health Biology (3 units)

Take ONE of the following courses: (3-4 units)

  • HDEV 190: Elementary Statistics (4 units)
  • PSY 110: Introductory Statistics (4 units)
  • SOC 170: Elementary Statistics (4 units)
  • STAT 108: Statistics for Everyday Life (3 units)
  • STAT 118: Introductory Business Statistics (3 units)

Upper Division

Take ALL the following courses. A “C” or better is required. (42 units)

  • HSC 327: Advanced Substance Use Policy and Advocacy (3 units)
  • HSC 350: Introduction to Health Advocacy and Policy (3 units)
  • HSC 400: Principles of Epidemiology (3 units)
  • HSC 401: Community Health Education (3 units)
  • HSC 402: Applied Concepts of Community Health Education (3 units)
  • HSC 403: Community Health Statistics (3 units)
  • HSC 405: Health Education Program Evaluation and Measurement (3 units)
  • HSC 407: Health Equity & Social Justice in the US (3 units)
  • HSC 421: Health Behavior (3 units)
  • HSC 426: HIV/AIDS Policy and Advocacy (3 units)
  • HSC 430: School Health Program (3 units)
  • HSC 435: Health Promotion Risk Reduction (3 units)
  • HSC 440: Applied Concepts of Health Science (3 units)
  • HSC 485: Internship in Community Health Education (3 units)


EFFECTIVE: Fall 2026
Academic Plan Code: HSC_BS05U1
CIP: 51.2201
CSU Major Code: 12141 Career: Bachelor’s
College: College of Health and Human Services
Department: Health Science
Delivery: Hybrid
Summer Requirement: No mandatory summer enrollment required.