Public Health (B.S.)
Faculty
Dr. Nicole Betschman, Director of Public Health and Health Services Programs: Assistant Professor of Health Services
Dr. Christopher Howard, Assistant Professor of Public Health
Faculty representing diverse disciplines in the School of Nursing and Health Professions, College of Arts & Sciences and School of Professional Studies collaborate with and contribute to the Public Health program
Description
Trinity’s Bachelor of Science in Public Health focuses on the study of the scientific principles of public health and the skills needed to promote disease prevention, health education, and health policy. With an emphasis on community health issues within the Washington, DC region, Trinity’s public health curriculum will explore topics and core concepts in epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, public policy, social and behavioral health. The public health program is designed to provide academic, experiential, and service learning opportunities as well as training through internships and practica. Public Health graduates can go on to pursue an advanced degree and work in any number of medical, science, social science, or public health fields.
Public Health Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate effective communication skills, orally and in writing.
- Describe and discuss essential services that public health programs provide to protect and improve the health of populations.
- Use research tools and analytical methods to critically analyze, monitor and assess the health status of populations.
- Interpret the impact of policies and legislation on individual and population health.
- Understand cultural differences among populations and interact sensitively, effectively, and professionally with persons from diverse and culturally rich backgrounds.
- Apply public health principles to a current public health-related issue.
- Compare and contrast health challenges encountered in different regions across the globe and understand the variety of strategies employed to address them.
- Distinguish microorganisms that cause the most common infectious diseases around the globe, as well as methods to identify these organisms and treat and/or prevent the disease.
Public Health Pre-requisites/General Education Requirements
Pre-Public Health students enter through the College of Arts and Sciences where they complete their general education and public health prerequisite courses. The required courses are listed in sequence below:
Freshman Year, First Semester (16 credits)
- CRS 101 Critical Reading and Writing Seminar IThis course strengthens critical reading and academic writing skills through engagement with liberal arts texts with a focus on "Discovering your strength" as a Trinity woman. The ability to comprehend and write about arguments in academic texts is essential for success in all liberal arts courses and in lifelong learning. Students will develop the ability to identify a text's main argument and the evidence used to support that argument. Students will also reflect comprehension by accurately and clearly paraphrasing and summarizing texts' arguments. Students will also use annotation and argumentation strategies to respond to liberal arts texts with their own ideas.
All students will be expected to work toward the following learning goals:
Explore and develop values, especially those relating to social justice, race, and gender, through the study of and response to a variety of academic texts;
Develop confidence as readers and writers;
Actively read, summarize, and analyze texts;
Articulate and support an argument;
Write clearly, logically, and with attention to audience;
Formerly CRS 101 - Critical Reading Seminar.
4 credits
Prerequisitea: None.
- PSYC 101 Introductory PsychologyIntroduces the student to the scientific study of the mind and behavior. All major sub-areas of psychology (social, developmental, clinical, physiological, motivation and emotion, sensation and perception) are explored, as well as the major theoretical perspectives (behavioral, cognitive, psychoanalytic, and humanistic). Formerly PSY 121 Introductory Psychology.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area V
Core: Area II
- HPNU 120 Medical TerminologyThis is an 8-week course designed for individuals interested in learning the language of medicine required to work within a variety of health care fields. The student will acquire word-building skills in the field of medicine and will have a solid understanding of basic medical language and a foundational start on basic medical science and health related concepts that will be useful for other courses within the health professions.
1 credit
Prerequisites: None
- MATH 108 Finite MathematicsThis is a quantitative literacy and reasoning course designed for education majors and those students intending to study nursing and other allied health fields. Topics include: problem solving, set theory, logic, algebra, and measurement; including unit conversions and dimensional analysis. Additional topics include functions, graphs, systems of equations and inequalities, as well as probability and statistics. Real-world applications will be emphasized throughout the course. Formerly MATH 108 and MAT 108 Elementary Mathematical Modeling.
4 credits
Prerequisites: None
General Education Area: Foundational Skills
- BIOL 101 Introduction to BiologyExplores various aspects of biology from cell structure to metabolism, diversity and ecology. The course consists of two hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Recommended for non-science majors. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly BIO 101 Introduction to Biology.
4 credits
FLC Area I
Core Area II
General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry
Freshman Year, Second Semester (17 credits)
- CRS 102 Critical Reading and Writing Seminar IIThis course further develops the critical reading and academic writing skills addressed in CRS 101 through engagement with texts in a particular academic discipline. Students will choose a CRS 102 course that addresses an interesting, meaningful or important disciplinary question, and build reading and writing skills through close readings and written responses to the assigned texts. CRS 102 courses are offered on a variety of academic topics, and students choose the one that is most compelling to them.
All students will be expected to work toward the following learning goals:
-Describe and apply comprehension strategies
-Summarize textual ideas accurately and in their own words
-Compare, contrast and organize textual ideas and arguments into writing
-Apply revision and editing strategies to writing
-Acknowledge sources according to disciplinary conventions
-Locate, differentiate between and evaluate the credibility of academic sources
Formerly CRS 102 - CRS: Prof & Career Success in the Health Professions.
3 credits
Prerequisite: CRS 101.
This course is usually taken simultaneously with English 107.
- ENGL 107 College CompositionDevelops effective writing of evidence-based, thesis-centered academic essays. Emphasizes the research and documentation skills necessary for successful academic writing. Focuses on argumentative essays that build to a substantive research paper. Formerly ENG 107 College Composition.
3 credits
General Education: Foundational Skills Area
FLC Area I Core Area I: Skills for Work and Life
- BIOL 121 Human Anatomy and Physiology IA systematic approach to the study of the human body. The first part of this year -long course emphasizes the tissues, the integumentary system, the bones and skeletal tissue, muscles and muscle tissue, and the nervous system. Students have the opportunity to apply concepts discussed during the lecture portion of the class to clinical questions presented throughout the semester. Three hours of laboratory per week. Does not fulfill Biology major requirement. There is an additional laboratory fee.
4 credits
Pre-/Co-requisite: MATH 102, MATH 108 or MATH 109.
Pre-requisite: BIOL 101 (SPS); pass BIOL 101 with a C or better or placement test score (CAS).
General Education: Knowledge and Inquiry Area.
- CHEM 113 Chemistry for the Health SciencesIntroduces students to basic concepts in chemistry, including the nature of matter, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, solutions, principles of organic chemistry, and the chemistry of the most important biomolecules. The course also introduces students to the proper use of basic laboratory equipment as well as basic laboratory techniques. Lab experiments are designed to provide the student with the tools to understand connections between theory and results found in the lab.
4 credits
General Education Requirements: Knowledge and Inquiry (Science and Mathematics)
Prerequisites: MATH 108
- SOCY 100 Introduction to SociologyIntroduces students to the science of sociology and prepares students for upper-level social science course work. Formerly SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area V
Core Area II: Understanding the Self and Society
Sophomore Year, First Semester (17 credits)
- BIOL 122 Human Anatomy and Physiology IIA systematic approach to the study of the human body. The second part of this year-long course emphasizes the endocrine, lymphatic, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Students have the opportunity to apply concepts discussed during the lecture portion of the class to clinical questions presented throughout the semester. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Does not fulfill Biology major requirement. Prerequisite: C or better in BIOL 121. There is an additional laboratory fee.
4 credits
- BIOL 130 Microbiology for the Health ProfessionsAn introduction to the study of microorganisms with emphasis on disease-causing bacteria. Topics include the nature of microorganisms, their relationships with humans, infectious diseases, and immunity. Three hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week. Does not fulfill microbiology requirement for Biology major. There is an additional laboratory fee.
4 credits
- MATH 110 Introduction to StatisticsThis course presents the basic principles of statistics with applications to the social sciences. Topics include descriptive statistics, graphical representations of data, normal probability distributions and the Central Limit Theorem, linear correlation and regression and probability theory. This course also offers an introduction to the use of statistical software. Formerly MAT 110 Introduction to Statistics.
3 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 102, MATH 108, MATH 109 or higher level mathematics course.
- SNHP 201 Introduction to Public HealthIntroduces the population health approach to public health, including a history of public health and an overview of core disciplines, current events, and issues in the field. Topics range from infectious disease outbreaks and control, the role of diet and physical activity in chronic disease, and the intersection of emergency services and preparedness with public health. Examines public health institutions and systems at the local/state, federal and global levels, and explores the future of public health.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
- COM 150 Critical Reasoning and Oral ArgumentationThe course is designed to improve the capacity for reasoning and to gain the strategies necessary for assessing the variances in messages in everyday interactions. The course also assists students to construct convincing arguments and critically evaluate the claims and premises in written and oral communication. The course fits into the larger first year curriculum by giving a set of methodological tools with which to critique complex arguments, assess the sufficiency and relevance of social scientific evidence, and prepare creative and well-reasoned arguments in a variety of written and oral communicative contexts.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None or PHIL 150 Critical Reasoning and Oral ArgumentationThe course is designed to improve the capacity for reasoning and to gain the strategies necessary for assessing the variances in messages in everyday interactions. The course also assists students to construct convincing arguments and critically evaluate the claims and premises in written and oral communication. The course fits into the larger first year curriculum by giving a set of methodological tools with which to critique complex arguments, assess the sufficiency and relevance of social scientific evidence, and prepare creative and well-reasoned arguments in a variety of written and oral communicative contexts.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
Sophomore Year, Second Semester (15 credits)
- PHIL 251 BioethicsExamines the legal and moral issues in areas dealing with the biology of human health and development, for example, experimentation on human subjects, organ transplants, euthanasia, abortion, fetal tissue use, contraception, and other aspects of human reproduction, as well as questions regarding rights to health care. Formerly PHI 211 Applied Ethics: Bioethics.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Values and Beliefs
- Choose a Foreign Language I
- General Education Courses:
Public Health Major Courses
Post formal acceptance into the Bachelor of Science in Public Health, the major requirements are outlined below in recommended sequence:
Junior Year, First Semester (15 credits)
- SNHP 301 Introduction to EpidemiologyFocuses on how diseases are spread within human populations and in communities. Applies epidemiologic methods and procedures to the study of determinants and distribution of health and disease markers, injuries, disability, morbidity and mortality. Discussion topics range from sudden-onset infectious diseases (such as some foodborne illnesses) to non-infectious chronic diseases, and U.S. and global approaches to epidemiologic research.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: Admittance into the Public Health Program or Premission by Department Chair
- SNHP 342 Health Care FinanceThis course focuses on the concepts, principles, tools, finances and strategies used in managing operations within a performance improvement model. Students will explore problem solving and decision making models as well as tools and techniques for planning, organizing, directing, controlling, reporting, and improving the productivity and performance of resources within a healthcare system. Additionally, topics will include healthcare finance reimbursement, budgeting processes (capital and operating), and cost/benefits analysis.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
- SNHP 220 Health Promotion, Policy and PoliticsThis course explores political factors that influence patient outcomes and health promotion strategies to enhance health and health care systems. Students are engaged in understanding how health care policy shapes health care systems, determining accessibility, accountability and affordability. Students will evaluate how health care delivery systems are organized and financed, and the effect this has on patient care.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
General Education Curriculum: Applications Area
- SNHP 330 Research and Evidence-Based PracticeIntroduces fundamentals of research design, methods, data collection, analyzing results, and discussion of findings. Focuses on the entire research cycle from forming a research question, drafting a proposal, designing protocols, understanding research ethics such as IRB guidelines, patient safety and rights, to presenting or disseminating findings in professional and scientific settings. Outcomes include development of a student research project.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: C or better in MATH 110
Gen Ed V: Capstone Seminar
- Choose a Foreign Language II
Junior Year, Second Semester (15 credits)
- SOCY 320 Sociology of Health and Illness (Medical Sociology)The course presents an in-depth conceptual and topical introduction of medical sociology, based on the premise that we cannot understand health by focusing only on the biomedical factors, rather we must also consider the social, cultural, political and economic forces that are instrumental in shaping health outcomes. The course applies the sociological perspective to understand the experience and social distribution of health and illness as well as the organization of health care and health care delivery systems and associated patient outcomes.
3 credits
Prerequisite: SOCY 100
- SNHP 321 Health & Wellness ProgrammingThe course focuses on theoretical approaches to behavior change while examining public health issues. Students will examine various methods of planning and implementing programs to fit various populations, paying attention to underserved populations and how to be culturally competent. Formally EXSC 321.
*3 credits
- SNHP 224 Health Care Systems and Global HealthThis course provides an interdisciplinary overview of approaches to global public health. Students will interpret how issues related to public health can be understood from local, state, national, and international perspectives. Students will synthesize the evidence about leading and managing people in health care organizations and systems. Issues addressed included how health care systems are organized and administered in varying national and local contexts; the impact of cultural, economic and political factors on public health outcomes; and key policy and ethical debates related to the provision of global public health. Formerly Health Care Systems and Global Health
Prerequisites: None
3 credits
- Elective
- Elective
Senior Year, First Semester (15 credits)
- SNHP 405 Informatics and Data ManagementThe focus of this course is on the integration of nursing, computer, and information science for the support of professional nursing practice including critical thinking and clinical reasoning. Discussion and examination will be conducted of: ethical considerations in nursing informatics use of social networking tools, handheld computers and e-portfolios in health care environments.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
- SNHP 491 Health InternshipFosters connections between academic coursework, applied experiences in health professions, and relations with client communities through internships in healthcare organizations such as local, state, or federal public health agencies, not-for-profit entities, or private sector companies. Provides supervised observation or application of skills and knowledge in health services and/or public health fields. May include opportunities for project-based service-learning with a community-based organization to uniquely enhance knowledge and professional development and practice entry-level skills in community settings.
3 credits
Prerequisite: Senior status
- Elective
- Elective
- Elective OR, one Master in Public Health Course:
- SNHP 510 Theor Found of PH and HEFocuses on the historical foundations and theoretical concepts in public health and health education through an interdisciplinary and global lens. Covers the history, impact, and importance of public health and health education in various settings within healthcare systems and in the community. Presents the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of prevention in public health and analyzes the relationship between health disparities and diverse societal issues. Theories and models include the Socioecological Model, Health Belief Model, Transtheoretical Model, Social Cognitive Theory, Theory of Reasoned Action/Planned Behavior, and more. Applies various Public Health Competencies using a case study approach.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
Senior Year, Second Semester (15 credits)
- SNHP 499 Senior Health SeminarInterdisciplinary capstone focuses on analysis of health-related issues from local, national, and global perspectives with the goal of recommending interventions for various specific problems. Practical applications include producing a scholarly thesis identifying and critically evaluating theories and empirical findings regarding hypothesized relationships between biological, sociopolitical, psychological, behavioral, and environmental variables and outcomes in a topic area. Various leadership theories will be introduced to promote understanding of one?s own and others? leadership styles as entry-level health professionals.
3 credits
Prerequisites: Graduating Senior status; Health Services or Public Health major
- Elective
- Elective
- Elective
Elective OR, one Master in Public Health Course
- SNHP 641 Public and Community HealthProvides an overview of concepts and issues in public and community health, with a focus on the skills and knowledge required for the management and development of community health services. The course addresses epidemiological, policy, and ethical issues in preventive health services, and discusses the history, purpose, and results of public and community health activities. Formerly ADMN 641 Public and Community Health.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
Recommended Electives
- BADM 110 Foundations of ManagementFoundations of Management would provide an overview of key concepts and practices in the field of management and organization. Topics would include structure and design, decision making, goals and effectiveness, culture and performance measures. Th is course would introduce students to a broad range of the basics of management preparing them for more specialized courses in the business program.
3 credits
General Education Applications Area: Leadership
- BADM 226 Organizational BehaviorThis course will provide an overview of selective OB theories relevant to the practice of management and decision making. Issues will include motivation and morale, perception, job satisfaction and quality of work /life and change management. The course work will consist of discussion, role play, case studies and practitioners presentations.
3 credits
Prerequisites: BADM 101 or BADM 110 or EXSC 321 (exercise science students only) or by Permission of Instructor
- BADM 236 Theories of LeadershipThis course will survey significant leadership theories, discuss current leadership issues (ethics, motivation, conflict) and relate theory to practice through case discussion.
3 credits
Prerequisites: BADM 101 or BADM 110, or EXSC 321 (exercise science students only) or by Permission of Instructor
- COM 201 Interpersonal CommunicationOffers an introduction to the fundamental theories and principles of interpersonal communication with emphasis on analyzing and assessing the communication skills necessary to create and sustain effective communication in personal and professional relationships.
3 credits
Core Area II: Understanding Self, Society, and Nature
- COM 225 Intercultural CommunicationApplies basic principles of intercultural communication to the analysis of specific situations involving cultural differences. Emphasis is on the influence of culture on the communication process, including differences in values, assumptions, and communication. Models of intercultural communication analysis are developed and applied to issues dealing with relations between a dominant society and subcultures, social change, and international relations.
3 credits
Core Area I: Skills for Work and Life
- ECON 101 Microeconomics ITeaches how to think like an economist and make more informed decisions. Builds models of economic activity that provide a framework for understanding the real world. Explores the supply-demand model of competitive markets, followed by other models that show how markets operate when they aren't purely competitive. Assesses the proper role of government in the marketplace and how government can improve welfare when markets fail to be efficient. ECON 101 is a prerequisite for all higher-level economics courses and fulfills the Social Science General Education requirement.
3 credits
- ECON 102 Macroeconomics IPresents key variables that summarize an economy. Uses economic analysis to explain why economies grow over time but also exhibit repeated cycles of boom and bust. Explores government-level policies that affect an economy as a whole, and models for analyzing their effects. Fulfills the Civic Knowledge General Education requirement and is required for upper level economics courses.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ECON 101 is preferred, but students may take ECON 102 first.
- HPNU 200 Nutrition, Diet Therapy, and Health PromotionComprehensive survey of the biochemical basis of nutrition and disease for those intending to major in nursing or clinical health professions. Provides a foundation for understanding metabolic syndromes such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, as well as the impact of diet therapy on optimal health in wellness planning. Addresses social, physiological, psychosocial, behavioral and cultural influences on nutritional status and allows students to examine and analyze their own dietary values and beliefs. While not required, a basic understanding of chemistry is recommended.
3 credits
- HUMR 211 Introduction to Social WorkIntroduces the profession of social work and the wide range of factors that influence generalist social work practice. Surveys the historical development of pro-social policy and practices of the profession, with particular focus on issues of social justice. Methods, fields of practice, knowledge and skills fundamental to social work are presented throughout. Discussion will also include current issues confronting the profession, volunteer and para-professional experiences, and guest speakers. Formerly HRE 200.
3 credits
- PEH 121 Nutrition & WellnessIdentifies nutritional challenges affecting overall health. Topics include making conscious choices regarding nutrition, incorporating new food groups, identifying signs of emotional eating, body image issues, stress and time management, online tools to evaluate one?s food consumption and activity levels, and finding and utilizing available nutrition resources.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
- PSYC 211 Social PsychologyStudies the individual interacting in a social context. Theories of attitude formation and change, social perception, and small group behavior are examined, as well as current theories, research, and methodology. Formerly PSY 255 Social Psychology.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor
- PSYC 235 Psychology of AgingStudies human development from early adulthood to old age. Interaction of social, psychological, and physiological aspects of development are emphasized. The course is of special relevance to students planning careers to serve the growing population of senior citizens. Formerly PSY 231 Psychology of Aging.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor
- PSYC 262 Psychology of WomenEmphasizes the experience of women and girls using theories and research about development across the lifespan. The course stresses the inter-relationships of biological, socio-cultural and psychological factors. Central issues explored in the course include: identity, interpersonal relationships, gender roles in various cultures, and women's roles in the workplace.
Prerequisites: PSYC 101
Credits: 3
- PSYC 343 Drugs and Human BehaviorFocuses on the use and abuse of psychoactive drugs, including medications (anti-depressants, neuroleptics) as well as alcohol and illegal substances (narcotics, hallucinogens, stimulants, etc.). Creative class formats utilize video, exercises, discussion, and readings to examine the biological, behavioral, cognitive, and psychosocial consequences of drug use and effective approaches to treatment. Formerly PSY 212 Drugs and Human Behavior.
3 credits
FLC Seminar II
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and BIOL 101 or BIOL 111 or BIOL 112
General Education: Capstone Seminar
- PSYC 385 Ethnic & Cross Cultural-PsychologyExplores cultural components in theory and research in psychology. The interplay of individual, ethnic, and societal factors in psychosocial development will be emphasized.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101, SOC 100, and at least three additional credits in Psychology
- SNHP 228 Patient AdvocacyThe focus of this course is on patient advocacy. The course considers patient advocacy within the background and development of the health care delivery system in the United States and the forces associate d with q uality of care. The course explores trends and issues impacting health care delivery and the role of the advocate in health promotion and health education in a complex health care delivery landscape.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
- SNHP 230 Community Health Workers in the U.SThis course focuses on the role of Community Health Workers in different populations. Students will focus on advocacy, cultural awareness, and access of services in communities. The course will include various group activities and simulations for conflict resolution, client-centered outreach, and behavior change.
3 credits
- SOCY 321 Inequality and SocietyExamines classical and contemporary theories of social stratification. Are we all created equal? Can we become equal? Particular emphasis is on the American class structure, its impact on social institutions, and the importance of gender and race as factors contributing to inequality in society. Formerly SOC 378 Inequality and Society.
3 credits
Prerequisites: SOCY 100
- SOCY 361 The Black FamilyProvides a multidisciplinary approach to the study of Black families, including immigrant families from Africa and the Caribbean. The course covers four broad content areas: historical/theoretical approaches to the study of Black families; Black family patterns (including socioeconomic, demographic, and intergenerational patters); socialization within Black families; and advocacy for and gender relations within Black families. Formerly SOC 302 The Black Family.
3 credits
Prerequisite: SOCY 100.
- SOCY 381 Understanding AIDS: Interdisciplinary SeminarProvides students with a multi-dimensional approach to understanding AIDS. The course examines AIDS as a social construct utilizing Writing Across the Curriculum and cooperative learning techniques to build an interdisciplinary knowledge of AIDS. Formerly INT 340 and SOC 340 Understanding AIDS: Interdisciplinary Seminar.
3 credits
Gen Ed V: Capstone Seminar
Minor Requirements
Students must obtain permission of the Program Chair to minor in Public Health.
Required Core Courses (16 credits)
All of the following:
- HPNU 120 Medical TerminologyThis is an 8-week course designed for individuals interested in learning the language of medicine required to work within a variety of health care fields. The student will acquire word-building skills in the field of medicine and will have a solid understanding of basic medical language and a foundational start on basic medical science and health related concepts that will be useful for other courses within the health professions.
1 credit
Prerequisites: None
- SNHP 201 Introduction to Public HealthIntroduces the population health approach to public health, including a history of public health and an overview of core disciplines, current events, and issues in the field. Topics range from infectious disease outbreaks and control, the role of diet and physical activity in chronic disease, and the intersection of emergency services and preparedness with public health. Examines public health institutions and systems at the local/state, federal and global levels, and explores the future of public health.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
- SNHP 224 Health Care Systems and Global HealthThis course provides an interdisciplinary overview of approaches to global public health. Students will interpret how issues related to public health can be understood from local, state, national, and international perspectives. Students will synthesize the evidence about leading and managing people in health care organizations and systems. Issues addressed included how health care systems are organized and administered in varying national and local contexts; the impact of cultural, economic and political factors on public health outcomes; and key policy and ethical debates related to the provision of global public health. Formerly Health Care Systems and Global Health
Prerequisites: None
3 credits
- SNHP 301 Introduction to EpidemiologyFocuses on how diseases are spread within human populations and in communities. Applies epidemiologic methods and procedures to the study of determinants and distribution of health and disease markers, injuries, disability, morbidity and mortality. Discussion topics range from sudden-onset infectious diseases (such as some foodborne illnesses) to non-infectious chronic diseases, and U.S. and global approaches to epidemiologic research.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: Admittance into the Public Health Program or Premission by Department Chair
- SNHP 342 Health Care FinanceThis course focuses on the concepts, principles, tools, finances and strategies used in managing operations within a performance improvement model. Students will explore problem solving and decision making models as well as tools and techniques for planning, organizing, directing, controlling, reporting, and improving the productivity and performance of resources within a healthcare system. Additionally, topics will include healthcare finance reimbursement, budgeting processes (capital and operating), and cost/benefits analysis.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
- SOCY 320 Sociology of Health and Illness (Medical Sociology)The course presents an in-depth conceptual and topical introduction of medical sociology, based on the premise that we cannot understand health by focusing only on the biomedical factors, rather we must also consider the social, cultural, political and economic forces that are instrumental in shaping health outcomes. The course applies the sociological perspective to understand the experience and social distribution of health and illness as well as the organization of health care and health care delivery systems and associated patient outcomes.
3 credits
Prerequisite: SOCY 100
Accelerated Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) Degree Program
During senior year, public health majors have the unique opportunity to take up to two graduate-level courses in the Maser of Public Health graduate program (one each semester). Students must get approval from the Program Director for this opportunity.
Program Policies
I. Application Process
Applying to the BS in Public Health is a 2-step process:
Step One: Apply to Trinity. Upon admission to Trinity, pre-public health students complete their pre-requisite coursework before applying for acceptance into the public health program.
Step Two: Apply to the Public Health program. Pre-public health students apply for formal acceptance into the Public Health program when completing their last semester of pre-requisite coursework.
Public Health program application deadlines:
- Spring admission – October 1
- Fall admission – February 1
To apply to the public health program contact your advisor or Program Director.
A student’s application should contain the following:
- Public Health Program Application (completed online by the student)
- Pre-Public Health Curriculum Plan (from applicant’s academic advisor)
- Transcripts (from all institutions where pre-requisite and general education/core curriculum courses have been taken)
- Essay (students will be contacted via email with instruction on completing the essay after applications have been received)
II. Acceptance Criteria
Overall GPA of at least 2.75
Science GPA of at least 2.75
Personal Essay reflection on why this degree will further your personal and professional goals.
Pre-public health program students should direct any questions about the process for formal acceptance into the Public Health program to their undergraduate advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) or the program director.
Students will be notified by the Director of the Public Health Program of the results of their application after all criteria for considering the application have been received and evaluated.
III. Transfer Policy
Students transferring to Trinity in or after Fall 2002 from another appropriately accredited institution of higher learning for a bachelor’s degree must earn a minimum of 45 of their final 60 credits through course work at Trinity, excluding credits for experiential learning. (See Transfer Policies)
IV. Public Health Senior Assessment
Students must earn a C+ or above in Senior Seminar.
V. Internship
BLS/CPR certification is required for the health care provider.
Internship placement sites may have additional health or safety requirements that students must meet prior to receiving access to the internship site. NOTE: No student will be allowed to participate in internship experiences unless and until these other requirements have been satisfied.
VI. Transportation
Students are required to provide their own transportation to and from internship placement sites. Trinity’s free shuttle service connects the Main campus with the Brookland Metro station.
VII. Advanced Placement:
Credits earned through AP examinations do not fulfill requirements of the health services major.
VIII. CLEP Policy:
Credits earned through CLEP examinations do not fulfill requirements of the health services major.
IX. Grades in Major Courses
A minimum of a 2.75 (“B-”) cumulative GPA average must be earned in the required courses for the major. A grade of C- may be counted toward fulfilling the requirements, at the discretion of the program faculty, if the overall average in the required courses is at least a 2.0. This policy applies to the required Health Service core courses except MATH 110 and PHIL 251.
X. Pass/No Pass
The pass/no pass grading option is not accepted for courses within the major. Students are required to earn a grade of “C” (2.0) or better in all courses counted to fulfill requirements for the major. A grade of C- may be counted toward fulfilling the requirements, at the discretion of the program faculty, if the overall average in the required courses is at least a 2.0. The pass/no pass grading option may apply to other courses that meet the degree requirement including MATH 110 and PHIL 251.
XI. TELL Policy:
Students applying for credit in experiential learning should consult with the program faculty.