Public Health (PH)

PH 1310. Foundations of Personal Health.

This course introduces students to core concepts related to personal health and wellness, including nutrition, physical fitness, mental health, substance use, sexual health, infectious and chronic diseases, and environmental health. Emphasizing the examination of health trends and health-related behaviors across populations, the course incorporates interactive learning activities that support the analysis of health-related information, attitudes, and behaviors within personal and broader socio-ecological contexts. Attention is given to the ways individual, environmental, and social factors influence health-related decision making.

PH 1320. Introduction to Public Health.

This course provides students with a basic understanding of public health history, core concepts, and principles. Emphasis is on the structure and function of the U.S. public health system, an exploration of careers in public health, and the settings in which public health professionals work. Students are introduced to historical foundations of the profession, public health-related laws and policies, ethical dimensions of public health practice, disease surveillance techniques, and how to access information and resources for health promotion.

PH 2338. Substance Use.

This course examines substance use and its implications for personal, public, and population health. Students explore the historical context of drug use, the neurophysiology and pharmacology of psychoactive substances, factors associated with patterns of substance use, and populations that may be at increased risk. Students learn about the acute and chronic effects of using various substances and examine a range of prevention strategies, including treatment, harm reduction, policy approaches, community-based programs, and public health interventions.

PH 2340. Community Health.

This course acquaints students with foundational knowledge about societal functions of public health with emphasis on community health concepts. Students learn about public health organizations and agencies at different levels, monitoring and controlling disease within a population, and the basics of health promotion program planning. Students also explore the role of the school, health across the lifespan, mental health, substance use, environmental health, worksite health, and the healthcare delivery system from a community health lens. Corequisite: PH 1320 with a grade of "C" or better.

PH 3301. Environmental Health.

This course provides an overview of environmental health concepts, as they relate to public health practice. Using real‑world examples from the United States and around the globe, students explore the effect environmental factors have on human and animal health across a variety of settings. Additionally, this course allows students to analyze environmental regulations, policies, and programs that protect population health, gaining experience in interpreting evidence, and understanding how these approaches are developed and applied in public health practice.

PH 3315. Statistics in Public Health.

This course emphasizes the analysis and interpretation of health-related data in public health contexts. Students examine descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, including measures of central tendency and variability, estimation, ANOVA, and regression, to better understand factors associated with contemporary health issues. Emphasis is placed on interpreting statistical results, selecting appropriate analytic approaches, and applying statistical reasoning to real-world data. Through applied coursework, students develop foundational skills in data interpretation, critical evaluation of findings, and evidence-based reasoning that support informed decision-making in public health practice and research. Prerequisites: MATH 1312 or MATH 1315 or MATH 1317 or MATH 1319 or MATH 1329 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471 with a grade of "C" or better.

PH 3321. Health in the School Setting.

This course offers a foundation in health promotion, education methods, and instructional strategies for the elementary and secondary school teacher. Students are provided with an overview of child and adolescent health topics, current issues in health education, and the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child model. Emphasis is placed on aligning instruction with state and national health standards, writing measurable learning objectives, lesson planning for health education, identifying health education resource materials, and opportunities for cross-curricular instruction.

PH 3348. Prevention of Disease.

This course provides an overview of the etiology of communicable and noncommunicable human disease, with emphasis on the biological and behavioral factors that influence disease development and prevention. The course examines foundational public health concepts related to disease prevention and health promotion, with attention to population-based approaches used to reduce disease incidence. Through applied learning activities, students analyze disease prevention strategies and develop an understanding of how public health interventions address disease prevention needs across communities and populations.

PH 3350. Consumer Health.

This course examines consumer health issues and the ecological factors that influence health-related decision making. Through applied learning activities, students explore the historical development of consumer protections, including laws and agencies that regulate health products and health care services. Emphasis is placed on locating and evaluating current and evidence-based health information, comparing health systems, reviewing public policies related to health and end of life planning, and analyzing factors relevant to selecting health products, services, providers, insurance options, and health care facilities.

PH 3360. Issues in Human Sexuality.

This course examines human sexuality as a lifelong process involving the acquisition of information and the development of behaviors related to reproductive and sexual health. Through applied learning activities, students analyze the biological, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of sexuality at the individual, community, and societal levels. Additional topics include interpersonal relationships and communication, pregnancy and childbirth, reproductive health conditions such as sexually transmitted infections and cancers, considerations related to parenting preparation, and sexual decision making.

PH 3370. Epidemiology.

This course introduces students to core epidemiological concepts used to study the distribution and determinants of health and disease in populations. Topics include patterns of disease occurrence, population health descriptive techniques, the use of health indicators, the utility of secondary data sources, and disease reporting. Through applied learning activities, students examine measures used to assess epidemiologic risk and apply foundational methods to interpret data related to population health trends. Emphasis is placed on understanding how epidemiologic information informs public health practice, decision-making, and disease prevention efforts. Prerequisite: MATH 1312 or MATH 1315 or MATH 1317 or MATH 1319 or MATH 1329 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471 or HON 2302A or HON 2302B and with a grade of "D" or better.

PH 3374. Global Health.

This course provides students with an overview of the global functions of public health. Students explore global health priorities, the effects of globalization on population health, global health financing, comparative health systems, and public health interventions within the global community. Emphasis is on factors that influence differences in health status around the world, the development of communicable and noncommunicable disease, injury prevention, maternal health, nutrition, and promoting healthy living across the lifespan using a global lens.

PH 3376. Worksite Health Promotion.

This course introduces students to the field of worksite health promotion. Students learn about health conditions affecting workers in different settings, job responsibilities and roles in worksite health promotion, and characteristics of effective worksite promotion programs. The current issues, policies, financing, and research influencing the implementation of worksite health promotion are addressed. Emphasis is on the planning and evaluation of worksite health promotion programs, including site assessment, writing goals and objectives, budgeting, and identifying resources and interventions.

PH 4100. Professional Development in Public Health.

This course prepares students for participation in a community or public health internship by focusing on professional development and career readiness. Students engage in activities related to resume and cover letter development, professional communication, networking, and exploration of internship and graduate education opportunities. Emphasis is placed on preparing application materials and developing skills relevant to entry into professional and academic settings. Completion of this course is required the semester prior to enrolling in an internship for course credit.

PH 4331. Health Outcome Disparities.

This course introduces students to the wide range of factors that influence health outcomes. Through applied learning activities, students examine health indicators, contributing conditions, and public health approaches that are used to address identified population health needs. Emphasis is placed on understanding the contexts in which health patterns develop, interpreting how public health efforts respond to emerging trends, and applying foundational concepts, data, and frameworks to analyze differences in health outcomes in population-based public health settings.

PH 4335. Public Health Leadership.

This course examines discipline-specific leadership skills and leadership approaches relevant to managing public health and health promotion programs. Emphasis is placed on management fundamentals, leadership theories, organizational dynamics, staffing, human resource development and policy, finance and budgeting, public relations, facilities, and ethical considerations. Through applied learning activities, students analyze the role of leadership in program, employee, and site evaluation. Additional topics include an overview of public health organizations, coordination, and emergency management.

PH 4336. Health Behavior Theory.

This course introduces health behavior theories used to understand and influence health-related decision making, including cognitive, operant, social, and ecological frameworks. Students examine how theoretical constructs can explain or predict behavior at individual, interpersonal, and community levels, explore their relevance to public health problems across populations, and apply theory to health scenarios. Students develop the ability to locate, use, and synthesize information to identify theory-informed strategies, propose public health intervention, and support health behavior change. (WI) Prerequisites: PH 1320 and PH 2340 both with grades of "C" or better.

PH 4347. Independent Study in Public Health.

This course is designed for undergraduate students who demonstrate the potential for independent inquiry in public health. Students work individually with a supervising faculty member to design, conduct, and complete an independent study or project focused on a public health topic. Students practice locating, using, evaluating, and synthesizing public health information with extra emphasis placed on applying appropriate research methods, analyzing information, and communicating findings. Enrollment is by departmental approval. The course may be repeated for credit with different emphasis. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

PH 4360. Internship in Public Health.

This course provides a part-time internship experience in which students apply public health concepts within a community, organizational, or public health practice setting. Students gain exposure to professional roles, responsibilities, and workplace practices relevant to public health. As part of the course, students engage in supervised, hands-on experiences within an organization or agency and apply classroom knowledge to real-world public health activities. A minimum of 200 supervised contact hours is required. This course is designated as writing intensive (WI). Prerequisite: PH 4100 with a grade of "C" or better and a minimum 3.0 major GPA and departmental approval. Corequisite: PH 4640 with a grade of "C" or better.

PH 4640. Public Health Program Planning and Evaluation.

This course examines the application of professional knowledge and analytical skills in the design, implementation, and evaluation of public health programs. Students analyze methods for conducting needs assessments, collecting and analyzing data, designing measurement instruments, and interpreting findings used in evidence-based program planning and decision making. Through applied learning activities, the course emphasizes applying theoretical concepts to practice and evaluating program development and improvement processes within public health settings. Prerequisite: PH 1320 and PH 2340 both with grades of "C" or better. Corequisite: PH 4336 with a grade of "C" or better.

PH 4660. Internship in Public Health.

This course provides an internship experience in which students apply public health concepts within a community, organizational, or public health practice setting. Students gain exposure to professional roles, responsibilities, and workplace practices relevant to public health. As part of the course, students engage in supervised, hands-on experiences within an organization or agency and apply classroom knowledge to real-world public health activities. A minimum of 400 supervised contact hours is required. This course is designated as writing intensive (WI). Prerequisites: PH 4100 and PH 4640 both with grades of "C" or better and a minimum 3.0 major GPA and departmental approval.

PH 5199B. Thesis.

This course represents thesis enrollment for graduate students completing a Public Health thesis. Thesis credit is awarded upon successful completion of the required thesis hours and approval of the final manuscript. The thesis provides an opportunity to work with a faculty advisor to design and conduct an original research project that demonstrates integration of foundational public health knowledge and competencies, including data analysis, evidence-based reasoning, and professional communication, consistent with Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) expectations.

PH 5299B. Thesis.

This course represents thesis enrollment for graduate students completing a Public Health thesis. Thesis credit is awarded upon successful completion of the required thesis hours and approval of the final manuscript. The thesis provides an opportunity to work with a faculty advisor to design and conduct an original research project that demonstrates integration of foundational public health knowledge and competencies, including data analysis, evidence-based reasoning, and professional communication, consistent with Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) expectations.

PH 5301. Environmental Health Issues.

This course provides an in-depth examination of environmental health issues affecting the United States and global communities. The interconnections among human health, animal health, and ecosystem health are explored from an ecological and systems-based perspective. Emphasis is placed on analyzing environmental health policies, evaluating scientific research, and examining the roles of community partnerships and public health initiatives in addressing environmental exposures and associated health outcomes across various geographic, social, and regulatory settings.

PH 5302. Current Issues in Public Health.

This course emphasizes applied practice in public health by investigating and proposing evidence-based interventions for contemporary issues affecting public health on the local and national levels. Students collaborate with professionals in the field to assess organizational and/or community needs and develop public health projects. Attention will be paid to aligning experiences with the U.S. Healthy People 2030 goals and objectives and to the Core Functions of Public Health and the 10 Essential Public Health Services.

PH 5303. Social Determinants of Health.

This course examines social ecological conditions using public health frameworks and theories to analyze health outcome disparities across populations. Emphasis is placed on factors at the individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy levels that influence quality of life. Topics include socioeconomic stability, education access and quality, health care access and quality, neighborhood and built environment, and social and community context. The course also explores the relationship between social determinants of health and national initiatives such as Healthy People 2030. Students engage with data and research to assess how social determinants shape population health outcomes.

PH 5305. Grant Proposal Writing in Public Health.

This course provides foundational instruction in developing grant proposals within the social sciences and public health contexts. Students examine the components of competitive proposals from concept development through submission. Instruction includes defining program goals and measurable objectives, identifying appropriate strategies and implementation plans, developing evaluation approaches, and preparing detailed budgets and budget justifications. Emphasis is placed on aligning proposals with funding priorities, using evidence to support program design, and applying structured proposal development processes.

PH 5310. History and Philosophy of Public Health Education and Promotion.

This course provides an analytical overview of historical milestones and philosophical contributions to public health, health education, and health promotion. Emphasis is placed on evaluating philosophical perspectives, comparing theoretical approaches, and examining how these frameworks have influenced professional practice across various settings. The course also examines historical and contemporary social, behavioral, and public health policy issues, with attention to how evolving social contexts, policy developments, and professional standards have shaped the public health discipline over time.

PH 5315. Applied Behavioral Statistics in Public Health.

This course focuses on introductory and intermediate statistical methods commonly used in public health practice and research. Emphasis is placed on selecting appropriate methods, interpreting results, and understanding the assumptions underlying common analyses. Students use SPSS statistical software to manage data, conduct statistical analyses, and interpret output using real-world datasets. The course covers application of statistical reasoning to evaluate research findings and support analytic decision-making in public health contexts.

PH 5320. Foundations of Public Health.

This course provides an in-depth examination of public health practice, past and present. Students study the organization, structure, and function of the United States public health system while analyzing how public health professionals use assessment data to understand population health trends. Emphasis is placed on evaluating public health programs and policies and understanding how the Core Functions of Public Health and the 10 Essential Public Health Services guide the delivery of services. Students engage in evidence-based inquiry and interpret institutional frameworks.

PH 5321. Advanced Health Behavior Theory.

This course examines major theoretical frameworks used to understand and analyze health behavior across research and practice settings. Emphasis is placed on critical comparison, practical application, and integration of individual, interpersonal, community, and systems-level theories relevant to public health. The course explores the role of theory in health behavior research, intervention development, and program implementation while examining the strengths, limitations, and application of commonly used theoretical approaches across various populations, public health issues, and professional practice contexts.

PH 5325. Ethical Principles in Public Health.

This course provides an in-depth analysis of ethical standards, principles, and behaviors related to the field of public health and public health education and promotion. Students explore different ethical perspectives, ethical frameworks for decision-making and analysis, and codes of ethics for the profession. Course content emphasizes the analysis of case studies and scenarios to support ethical reasoning and application. Emphasis is placed on learning how to apply, monitor, and demonstrate an understanding of ethical standards within public health practice and professional settings.

PH 5331. Health Outcome Disparities.

This course examines patterns in population health outcomes and factors associated with variation across communities. Students analyze population-level data, interpret health trends, and evaluate evidence that informs public health programs and policies. Emphasis is placed on data interpretation, critical appraisal of research, and analytical reasoning. Through applied assignments, health outcome patterns are analyzed, the strength of available evidence is assessed, and potential strategies relevant to the population health outcomes are examined. The course also emphasizes stakeholder perspectives, ethical considerations, and effective communication of findings to inform decision-making in various public health settings.

PH 5335. Public Health Leadership.

This course examines leadership and management principles essential to public health practice, including organizational dynamics, staffing, budgeting, program administration, communication, and evaluation. Students explore leadership frameworks and ethical considerations across public health systems and organizational settings while analyzing real-world challenges that influence decision making. By the end of the course, students develop the ability to evaluate leadership approaches and create practical strategies to support effective management and organizational performance in public health contexts.

PH 5345. Public Health Issues in Human Sexuality.

This course provides an in-depth study of sexual health across the lifespan with a focus on public health principles and ecological influences. Students explore body systems, disease prevention strategies, policies related to sexual health, educator preparation and training, curriculum approaches, global perspectives, and approaches used in sexual health education. Emphasis is placed on evaluating sexual health education practices, analyzing factors that influence decision making, and interpreting information and resources relevant to the planning and implementation of sexual health instruction.

PH 5346. Public Health Research and Population Surveillance.

This course examines applied research methods and population surveillance approaches used in public health, with emphasis on study design, data collection, and interpretation for research and program evaluation. Students explore quantitative and qualitative methodologies commonly used in social and behavioral sciences and public health practice and assess their relevance to population health problems. By the end of the course, students develop the ability to analyze public health data, evaluate research designs, and create evidence-informed research plans to support decision making in public health settings.

PH 5347. Independent Study in Public Health.

This course provides students the opportunity to engage in an independent study project focused on a public health topic of individual interest or professional relevance. Under the supervision of a faculty member, students design and complete a research or applied experience that aligns with an approved learning plan. Projects may involve literature analysis, methodological development, applied practice activities, or other public health inquiry. The course supports individualized learning and development of competencies through structured academic guidance. It may be repeated once for credit with approval of the Program Coordinator and a different topic emphasis. Prerequisites: Instructor approval.

PH 5348. Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

This course provides an overview of the etiology of communicable and noncommunicable diseases, with an emphasis on public health initiatives and health promotion activities related to disease incidence and impact at both the individual and population levels. Disease patterns are examined across the lifespan, with attention to variation in causes and prevention approaches across age groups. The course also emphasizes application of scientific evidence to the critical assessment of health-related information presented across various media platforms.

PH 5350. Advanced Public Health Program Planning and Evaluation.

This course examines the use of Intervention Mapping to analyze social ecological influences on population health within the context of public health program planning. Emphasis is placed on applying epidemiological data and behavioral theory to inform development of health education and health promotion initiatives. Core concepts include needs assessment, theory- and evidence-informed strategy selection, partnership and coalition development, implementation planning, and formative, process, and outcome evaluation approaches relevant to population-based public health programs.

PH 5360. Internship in Public Health.

This course consists of a 200-hour supervised internship that provides structured professional experience in public health settings. Students engage with organizations serving a variety of populations and complete a project developed in collaboration with the internship site. The experience emphasizes application of public health principles within practice environments, including program planning, implementation, evaluation, and professional collaboration. Internships are approved and supervised by the Program Coordinator or assigned faculty in accordance with program requirements. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

PH 5370. Applied Epidemiology.

This course introduces students to foundational epidemiological concepts, including determinants of health, patterns of disease in populations, population health descriptive techniques, the use of health indicators, secondary data sources, and disease reporting systems. Emphasis is placed on measures used to assess epidemiological risk and distribution, as well as interpretation of population-level data. Students also examine the foundations of epidemiologic reporting and the role of epidemiology in describing and monitoring population health trends across various populations.

PH 5371. Epidemiology Practice and Principles.

This course provides an examination of epidemiologic practice and principles, with attention to how population‑level patterns of health and disease are measured, evaluated, and interpreted. Students will study key concepts such as exposure assessment, outcome measurement, and the design of observational and experimental epidemiologic studies. Emphasis is placed on calculating and interpreting disease rates, measures of frequency, and measures of association used in public health research. Throughout the course, students analyze the strengths and limitations of different epidemiologic methods and consider how these tools support evidence‑based decision‑making across a range of public health contexts.

PH 5374. Global Public Health.

This course focuses on principles of international health across global populations by analyzing how social determinants of health influence differences in health outcomes, infectious diseases, reproductive health and nutrition, noncommunicable diseases, mental health, and injury prevention. Emphasis is placed on exploring epidemiological burdens of global disease, as well as the process of assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating prevention strategies. Students explore roles of public health practitioners collaborating with providers of health services to various populations.

PH 5376. Health Promotion in the Workplace.

This course examines evidence-based approaches to workplace health promotion, with emphasis on needs assessment, program design, implementation, and evaluation across organizational settings. Students analyze worksite environments and employee health data to inform intervention strategies grounded in health behavior theory. By the end of the course, students develop the ability to evaluate workplace health initiatives and create practical, theory-informed programs that support healthy behavior change in occupational contexts.

PH 5399A. Thesis.

This course represents thesis enrollment for graduate students completing a Public Health thesis. Thesis credit is awarded upon successful completion of the required thesis hours and approval of the final manuscript. The thesis provides an opportunity to work with a faculty advisor to design and conduct an original research project that demonstrates integration of foundational public health knowledge and competencies, including data analysis, evidence-based reasoning, and professional communication, consistent with Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) expectations.

PH 5399B. Thesis.

This course represents thesis enrollment for graduate students completing a Public Health thesis. Thesis credit is awarded upon successful completion of the required thesis hours and approval of the final manuscript. The thesis provides an opportunity to work with a faculty advisor to design and conduct an original research project that demonstrates integration of foundational public health knowledge and competencies, including data analysis, evidence-based reasoning, and professional communication, consistent with Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) expectations.

PH 5599B. Thesis.

This course represents thesis enrollment for graduate students completing a Public Health thesis. Thesis credit is awarded upon successful completion of the required thesis hours and approval of the final manuscript. The thesis provides an opportunity to work with a faculty advisor to design and conduct an original research project that demonstrates integration of foundational public health knowledge and competencies, including data analysis, evidence-based reasoning, and professional communication, consistent with Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) expectations.

PH 5660. Internship in Public Health.

This course consists of a 400-hour supervised internship that provides structured professional experience in public health settings. Students engage with organizations serving a variety of populations and complete a project developed in collaboration with the internship site. The experience emphasizes application of public health principles within practice environments, including program planning, implementation, evaluation, and professional collaboration. Internships are approved and supervised by the Program Coordinator or assigned faculty in accordance with program requirements. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

PH 5999B. Thesis.

This course represents thesis enrollment for graduate students completing a Public Health thesis. Thesis credit is awarded upon successful completion of the required thesis hours and approval of the final manuscript. The thesis provides an opportunity to work with a faculty advisor to design and conduct an original research project that demonstrates integration of foundational public health knowledge and competencies, including data analysis, evidence-based reasoning, and professional communication, consistent with Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) expectations.

PH 7321. Applied Theories of Health Behavior.

This course examines advanced applications of health behavior theory in public health research and practice, with emphasis on critical analysis, integration across frameworks, and theory-driven problem solving. Students evaluate individual, interpersonal, community, and systems-level theories and assess their utility in addressing complex population health challenges. By the end of the course, students develop the ability to critically evaluate theory use in applied settings and create theory-informed strategies to advance research, interventions, and organizational practice.