The University of San Francisco (USF) offers a Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) that prepares students for careers in public health. The major requires the completion of 120 semester units, with 60 units of core public health courses and 60 units of electives.
Core Public Health Courses
The core public health courses provide students with a solid foundation in the principles and practices of public health. These courses include:
- Introduction to Public Health
- Biostatistics
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
- Health Policy and Management
- Social and Behavioral Science for Health
Electives
Students can choose from a wide range of elective courses to tailor their degree to their interests and career goals. Elective courses include:
- Community Health
- Global Health
- Health Education
- Health Psychology
- Nutrition
- Physical Activity and Health
Field Experience
In addition to coursework, students are required to complete a field experience in public health. The field experience provides students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting. Students can choose from a variety of field experience placements, such as:
- Community health centers
- Government agencies
- Nonprofit organizations
Career Outlook
Graduates of the BSPH program are prepared for careers in a variety of settings, including:
- Public health agencies
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Community organizations
- Research institutions
Why Public Health Matters
Public health is essential for protecting and improving the health of communities. Public health professionals work to prevent and control disease, promote healthy behaviors, and improve access to healthcare.
Benefits of a Public Health Degree
A public health degree provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to make a difference in the world. Graduates of public health programs are in high demand and enjoy excellent job prospects.
Tips for Success in the Public Health Major
To succeed in the public health major, students should:
- Maintain a strong academic record. Public health programs are competitive, so it is important to maintain a high GPA.
- Get involved in extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities can help students develop leadership skills, networking opportunities, and a sense of community.
- Seek out mentorship opportunities. Mentors can provide students with guidance and support throughout their academic and professional careers.
- Apply for scholarships and fellowships. Scholarships and fellowships can help students offset the cost of their education.
How to Apply to the Public Health Major at USF
To apply to the public health major at USF, students must submit an application to the university. The application includes:
- A completed application form
- Official transcripts from all previous colleges and universities attended
- A personal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
Deadlines
The deadline to apply to the public health major at USF is November 1st.
Contact Information
For more information about the public health major at USF, please contact the Department of Public Health at (415) 422-6440 or [email protected].
Tables
Table 1: Core Public Health Courses
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Public Health | This course provides an overview of the field of public health, including its history, principles, and methods. |
| Biostatistics | This course introduces students to the principles of biostatistics, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation. |
| Environmental Health | This course examines the relationship between environmental factors and human health. |
| Epidemiology | This course introduces students to the principles of epidemiology, including the study of disease patterns and the factors that influence them. |
| Health Policy and Management | This course examines the health policy and management issues that affect the delivery of public health services. |
| Social and Behavioral Science for Health | This course examines the social and behavioral factors that influence health. |
Table 2: Elective Courses
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| Community Health | This course examines the health issues facing communities, including access to healthcare, health disparities, and community health promotion. |
| Global Health | This course examines the health issues facing global populations, including infectious diseases, maternal and child health, and health systems strengthening. |
| Health Education | This course introduces students to the principles of health education, including health promotion, disease prevention, and behavior change. |
| Health Psychology | This course examines the psychological factors that influence health, including stress, coping, and resilience. |
| Nutrition | This course introduces students to the principles of nutrition, including the role of food in health and disease. |
| Physical Activity and Health | This course examines the relationship between physical activity and health, including the benefits of physical activity for chronic disease prevention and management. |
Table 3: Field Experience Placements
| Placement | Description |
|---|---|
| Community health centers | Community health centers provide primary care and preventive services to underserved populations. |
| Government agencies | Government agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), work to protect and improve the health of populations. |
| Nonprofit organizations | Nonprofit organizations, such as the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society, work to improve health outcomes through research, education, and advocacy. |
Table 4: Scholarships and Fellowships
| Scholarship/Fellowship | Description |
|---|---|
| USF Public Health Scholarship | This scholarship is awarded to incoming freshmen who have demonstrated a commitment to public health. |
| CDC Public Health Prevention Service Fellowship | This fellowship provides funding for students to work in public health agencies for one year. |
| WHO Global Health Leadership Fellowship | This fellowship provides funding for students to work in global health organizations for one year. |
