Department of Public Health
In keeping with the mission of the School of Nursing, the Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health prepares individuals to provide public health services in a variety of settings to diverse clients across the lifespan. The Public Health curriculum provides foundational knowledge on the principles of health promotion and disease prevention to prepare graduates within a liberal arts environment to serve as health educators, interventionists, policy makers, leaders, consumers of research, candidates for advanced studies, and contributing members of the public health profession.
Program Objectives
Graduates of the Public Health Program will be able to:
1. Assess and monitor population health.
2. Investigate, identify, and address health hazards and root causes.
3. Communicate effectively to inform and educate.
4. Identify, support, and mobilize community partners.
5. Examine and summarize public health policies and programs.
6. Improve equitable access to resources through systematic evaluation, research and quality improvement.
7. Provide health education to promote health, support wellness, and prevent injury and disease.
8. Apply legal and regulatory practices.
*objectives adopted from the 10 Essential Public Health Services published by the American Public Health Association.
Program Requirements
Students may declare Public Health as their major upon admission to Lander University.
1. Students must have a 2.5 overall GPA for progression to upper-level of PUBH major.
2. A minimum grade of “C” (2.0) in each core requirement course is required for graduation.
Public Health Minor
Students who are pursuing a major in any area other than Public Health may pursue this minor.
The Public Health (PUBH) minor compliments several health-related majors offered at Lander University. The course work in the PUBH minor provides entry-level skills for students interested in a career in public health, with special focus on program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Genetic Health Studies Certificate
The Genetic Health Studies Certificate program is specifically designed to provide a specialized focus for the broader Public Health major. The certificate is intended for Public Health majors who are interested in studying the role of genetics and genomics in the promotion of health and the prevention of disease. The Genetic Health Studies Certificate will prepare graduates to work in clinical support level positions in genetic healthcare settings, and to pursue graduate education for genetic counseling.
Any Lander student may pursue the certificate in Genetic Health Studies; it is not necessary that the student be in the Public Health major. Students who complete the B.S. in Public Health with a concentration in Genetic Health Studies will also be awarded the Genetic Health Studies Certificate.
Students must earn at least a “C” in all courses to receive the Genetic Health Studies certificate.
Because state law specifies that four-year degree-granting institutions may not offer undergraduate degrees lower than a baccalaureate, Lander University offers certificate programs to students who are required to either 1) already have completed a baccalaureate degree, and/or 2) be concurrently enrolled in a baccalaureate program at Lander University. In the event that a student completes the coursework for the certificate and does not graduate from Lander with a baccalaureate degree, the courses for the certificate will appear on the student’s transcript, but the certificate will not be awarded.