Health Education Major, Public Health Concentration (B.S.) - Undergraduate - 2012 University Catalog

You are viewing the 2012 University Catalog. Please see the newest version of the University Catalog for the most current version of this program's requirements.

 Coordinator: Dr. Mary Jo Belenski
Office: University Hall, Room 4157
Phone Number: (973) 655-7122
Email: belenskim@mail.montclair.edu


When many people think about careers in health, they think about medical careers (such as doctor or nurse) that involve treating individuals who have diseases or injuries. Health education is a different kind of health career. Health educators try to affect the health of whole populations, not just individuals. They focus on prevention rather than treatment. Health education is the practice of developing, implementing, and evaluating programs designed to improve the health of a population.

The Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences offers a BS in Health Education with a concentration in Public Health. The program offers an integrated approach to health education and public health that addresses local, national, and global health and environmental issues. It provides future leaders with the skills and knowledge they will need to devise and implement strategies and policies to prevent leading and emerging health threats, and to reduce health disparities.

Public health educators work in a variety of settings (government agencies, community clinics, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, corporations) and focus on a variety of age groups, populations, and problems. Many experts agree that major advances in the improvement of health over the next decades will not come from new medical findings or cures, but rather through prevention. Health educators will be in high demand, and will find professional opportunities as Community Health Educators, Health Program Managers, Health Communication Writers, and Health Promotion Specialists. Health educators may work in hospitals, colleges and universities, clinics, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, private corporations, and health departments.


PUBLIC HEALTH CONCENTRATION

Complete 76 semester hours including the following 4 requirement(s):

  1. REQUIRED CORE COURSES

    Complete the following 5 courses:

    HLTH 200 Introduction to Public Health (3 hours lecture) 3
    HLTH 240 Foundations of Environmental Health (3 hours lecture) 3
    HLTH 307 The Study of Human Diseases (3 hours lecture) 3
    HLTH 330 Foundations of Health Education (3 hours lecture) 3
    HLTH 411 School Health and Community Services (3 hours lecture) 3
  2. PUBLIC HEALTH REQUIRED COURSES

    Complete the following 7 courses:

    HLTH 105 Medical Terminology (3 hours lecture) 3
    HLTH 405 Senior Seminar/CHES (2 hours seminar) 2
    HLTH 425 Vital Statistics (3 hours lecture) 3
    HLTH 450 Health Disparities and Social Justice (3 hours lecture) 3
  3. PUBLIC HEALTH CONCENTRATION

    Complete the following 3 requirement(s):

    1. Complete the following 2 requirements:

      1. Complete the following 1 course:

        HLTH 245 Observation of Health Agencies 2-3
      2. Complete 1 course from the following for 6 semester hours:

        COED 401 Cooperative Education Experience I 3-8
        HLTH 350 Field Study in Health 2-6
    2. Complete 2 courses from the following:

      HLTH 430 Health Counseling (3 hours lecture) 3
      HLTH 444 Community Organization and Health Advocacy (3 hours lecture) 3
      HLTH 460 Systems of Health Services Delivery (3 hours lecture) 3
      HLTH 475 Health Communication and Social Marketing (3 hours lecture) 3
    3. Complete 3 courses from the following:

      ANTH 440 Medical Anthropology (3 hours lecture) 3
      HLTH 207 Safety, Accidents and Emergency Care (3 hours lecture) 3
      HLTH 213 Perspectives on Drugs (3 hours lecture) 3
      HLTH 220 Mental Health (3 hours lecture) 3
      HLTH 375 Women's Health (3 hours lecture) 3
      HLTH 433 Behavioral Aspects of Diet, Activity and Health (3 hours lecture) 3
      HLTH 440 Health Aspects of Aging (3 hours lecture) 3
      SOCI 309 Sociology of Health and Illness (3 hours lecture) 3
  4. PUBLIC HEALTH REQUIRED COLLATERALS

    Complete the following 6 courses:

    BIOL 107 Biology for Survival (3 hours lecture) 3
    BIOL 240 Mammalian Anatomy and Physiology I (2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab) 3
    BIOL 241 Mammalian Anatomy and Physiology II (2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab) 3
    HLTH 290 Human Sexuality (3 hours lecture) 3
    MATH 109 Statistics (3 hours lecture) 3
    NUFD 182 Nutrition (3 hours lecture) 3

Course Descriptions:

ANTH440: Medical Anthropology (3 hours lecture)

Examination of cross-cultural concepts of illness, health and medical care. Ecological and historical aspects of diseases in human evolution are also studied. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: ANTH 301 or ANTH 310 or ANTH 330 or ANTH 340 or ANTH 350 or ANTH 360 or ANTH 370 or ANTH 380 or departmental approval.

BIOL107: Biology for Survival (3 hours lecture)

Basic concepts of biology that focus on social implications of pollution, population control, radiation, drugs, pesticides, the genetic revolution, etc. For non-science majors. Biology majors may only take this course as a free elective. 3 sh.

BIOL240: Mammalian Anatomy and Physiology I (2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)

Human anatomy and physiology for health education and physical education majors. Not for biology majors. Biology majors may only take this course as a free elective. 3 sh.

BIOL241: Mammalian Anatomy and Physiology II (2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)

Human anatomy and physiology for health education and physical education majors. Not for biology majors. Biology majors may only take this course as a free elective. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: BIOL 240.

COED401: Cooperative Education Experience I

Cooperative Education is an internship program that integrates academic study and classroom theory with on-the-job experiences. It involves an educational partnership among Montclair State, business and non-profit organizations for the profesional development of students. Academic faculty assess the learning and award credits and a supervisor/employer evaluates progress. Students may not exceed 16 credits through enrollment in multiple co-op courses. 3 - 8 sh.

Prerequisites: Determined by individual academic departments.

HLTH105: Medical Terminology (3 hours lecture)

A basic health course introducing elements of medical terminology describing body parts, systems, functions and medical procedures. Emphasis will be placed on development of medical vocabulary and communication skills. The course will provide learning episodes in formulating medical abbreviations and translating complex terminology into lay terms, that ultimately will be applicable to careers in medical writing, health care delivery and management. 3 sh.

HLTH200: Introduction to Public Health (3 hours lecture)

This course provides students with a basic understanding of the field of public health, the breadth of its scope, and the variety of scientific disciplines that inform its practice. It gives student a "taste" of public health and puts public health topics within a context of population-based issues and health. These topics include: AIDS and other emerging infectious diseases, environmental hazards, alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse, access to health care and other health disparities, and social and distributive justice. Emphasis is given to contemporary public health issues and the forces that shape them. Meets Gen Ed 2002 - Interdisciplinary: Scientific Issues. 3 sh.

HLTH207: Safety, Accidents and Emergency Care (3 hours lecture)

Provides for study of major safety areas including transportation, public safety, industrial and home safety. Emergency health care, first aid treatment, and preventive measures are considered in the context of individual, agency and institutional responsibilities. 3 sh.

HLTH213: Perspectives on Drugs (3 hours lecture)

Provides for the study of licit as well as illicit drug use in contemporary society from the perspective of selected biomedical and psychosocial disciplines. Examines the effects of drugs on the individual and society in the context of changing social conditions and technological developments. Analyzes complex nature of the drug problem and rehabilitative and preventive measures and tentative solutions to this important aspect of human existence. 3 sh.

HLTH220: Mental Health (3 hours lecture)

Provides for the study of human emotional adjustment throughout the life cycle from biomedical and psychosocial perspectives. The factors that foster the development of emotional and mental well-being and the forces that contribute to the breakdown of human adjustment capabilities are identified and analyzed in light of research and clinical literature. Special attention is given to the strategies for the prevention of mental disorders and promotion of mental health. 3 sh.

HLTH240: Foundations of Environmental Health (3 hours lecture)

Prepares student to make informed decisions concerning the avoidance or elimination of disease-causing environmental exposures by providing an understanding of the scientific principles by which these exposures are identified, measured, and judged as to their acceptability. 3 sh.

HLTH245: Observation of Health Agencies

An introductory field course designed to acquaint students with a wide range of school and community health programs and professional specializations in health. Provides a series of field visits and short-term placements under professional supervision. Open to all. 2 - 3 sh.

HLTH290: Human Sexuality (3 hours lecture)

Students will explore many interacting cultural, personal and health factors relating to human sexual development, attitudes, and behaviors. Historical, anthropological, biological/physiological, socio-cultural and psychological factors will be introduced to encourage a broad perspective. Discussion of differing philosophical, ethical and moral positions will also aid students in making a critical assessment of intimate human relationships and acquaint them with criteria and processes for understanding themselves as sexual beings. Meets Gen Ed 2002 - Social Science, Social Science. 3 sh.

HLTH307: The Study of Human Diseases (3 hours lecture)

Provides a comprehensive study of diseases, their etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Includes a review of causation theories and incidence patterns and focuses on major degenerative, neoplastic, metabolic, immunologic, and infectious diseases. Attention is given to prevention and control measures with an emphasis on the role of selected health/medical resources in disease management. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: HLTH 105 or HPEM 150 or ATTR 201 and at least one 200-level course in HLTH, HPEM, or ATTR.

HLTH330: Foundations of Health Education (3 hours lecture)

Provides a comprehensive study of the scientific, social, behavioral, educational, and legal foundations of health education. Traces the evolution and interprets the impact of related professions on school, community, and allied health education. Meets the University Writing Requirement for majors in Health. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Health Education major or departmental approval.

HLTH350: Field Study in Health

Selected experiences in community health work through arrangements with various kinds of health agencies. Major projects developed under supervision of a faculty member and a qualified person in the health professions agency. 2 - 6 sh.

Prerequisites: HLTH 245.

HLTH375: Women's Health (3 hours lecture)

This course offers perspectives on women's health and health care, focusing predominately on the United States but with some attention to international and global issues. Students will receive an overview of the health status and major health concerns of women. Acute and chronic problems will be addressed across the lifespan. This course includes fieldwork experience. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Health Education major or WMGS 102 or departmental approval.

HLTH405: Senior Seminar/CHES (2 hours seminar)

This course provides in-depth information about the profession of health education including the range of positions available, the varied job responsibilities, and the spectrum of work settings. A major emphasis of this course is placed on preparation for the Certified Health Education Specialist Examination (CHES) offered by the National Commission of Health Education Credentialing, Inc. This course provides a culmination of the material presented in the previous courses of the student's tenure in this major. 2 sh.

Prerequisites: HLTH 330, junior or senior standing and Public Health concentration or departmental approval.

HLTH411: School Health and Community Services (3 hours lecture)

Provides for an in-depth understanding of the school health program and community services. Includes study of school and health services, healthful school environment, and health education and community health services. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Health Education major or departmental approval.

HLTH425: Vital Statistics (3 hours lecture)

This course covers the basic concepts in the application of statistics as they relate to health and biological problems. Emphasis is placed on the tools and techniques used to evaluate the health status of a community, including births, deaths, and illness rates. Additionally, the biological issues underlying national and local health policies are explored. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: HLTH 325.

HLTH430: Health Counseling (3 hours lecture)

Course focuses on factors influencing health and illness behavior with implications for behavioral intervention in health care. Included are the intervention strategies of prevention, crisis intervention, postvention and compliance, and the intervention techniques of assessment, interviewing, counseling skills and small group dynamics. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: HLTH 220 or HLTH 222 or departmental approval.

HLTH433: Behavioral Aspects of Diet, Activity and Health (3 hours lecture)

This course provides students with an understanding of population-based dietary and physical activity patterns, their social and behavioral contexts and meanings, their relationships with chronic diseases, and public health intervention approaches. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Health Education major or departmental approval.

HLTH440: Health Aspects of Aging (3 hours lecture)

This course focuses upon changes in aspects of health during the middle and later years of life. Includes anatomy and physiology, nutritional requirements, sensoria and those phenomena associated with aging and sexuality. Common causes of morbidity and mortality explored as they relate to the aged. Attention given to the psychosocial and economic needs of the elderly as well as to those aspects of gerontology which deal with legislation and community organization. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Health Education major or departmental approval.

HLTH444: Community Organization and Health Advocacy (3 hours lecture)

This course focuses on the context of community-based health organizations (CBHO's) and their functions. Emphasis is placed on the political and economical management of these organizations and their future role in improving health outcomes. Included is an examination of the advocacy model of community health and development of the strategies and skills necessary to become an effective health advocate. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Health Education major or departmental approval.

HLTH450: Health Disparities and Social Justice (3 hours lecture)

This course explores how broad social, cultural and economic inequalities in society affect health. By closely examining pressing problems in global health, the course guides the students in efforts to improve the health conditions of those overburdened by poverty, marginalization and social injustice. By the end of the course, students will have gained an understanding of how social forces become embodied as pathologies and how specific political, economic and historic processes influence the distribution of disease among different populations. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Health Education major or departmental approval.

HLTH460: Systems of Health Services Delivery (3 hours lecture)

The organization, administration and functions of health services in the United States and other major nations; the social and professional policies which determine their scope and nature. Principal methods currently employed in the U.S. for analysis and evaluation of health care systems. Offers opportunity to students to relate these general understandings to those segments of the health services system of particular professional interest to themselves. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Health Education major or departmental approval.

HLTH475: Health Communication and Social Marketing (3 hours lecture)

This course provides students with the ability to plan, implement and evaluate a health communications program for a community health services institution. It focuses on the evolution of health communication in the United States, health communication theories and cultural differences. It provides for hands-on development of computer-based communications including newsletters, websites, and databases. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Health Education major or departmental permission.

MATH109: Statistics (3 hours lecture)

Introduction to the use of statistics in the real world. Topics include: analysis and presentation of data, variability and uncertainty in data, techniques of statistical inference and decision-making. Computer assisted including lecture, individual and small group tutoring in Mathematics Computer Laboratory. Meets Gen Ed 2002 - Mathematics. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: MATH 051 or MATH 061 or MATH 071 or placement through the Montclair State University Placement Test (MSUPT). Not for majors in Mathematics (MATH), Mathematics with Applied Math concentration (MAAM) or Mathematics-Teacher Education (MTED).

NUFD182: Nutrition (3 hours lecture)

This course is designed to give students a general knowledge of the components of the food we eat, the nutrients necessary for a healthy life, the functions of nutrients and the interrelationships and metabolism of nutrients. The factors which influence the recommended dietary intake of nutrients, and theories and guidelines for screening nutrition risk and disease and prevention are presented. Meets Gen Ed 2002 - Interdisciplinary Core, Scientific Issues. 3 sh.

SOCI309: Sociology of Health and Illness (3 hours lecture)

The focus of this course is on the relationship between society and health with a special emphasis on the role of culture and social structure. Health inequalities and the sociology of disability will be central concerns. Other topics will include social and cultural definitions of health and illness, the social role of the "sick", comparative medical beliefs and practices and medical institutions. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: SOCI 201 or SOCI 204 or SOCI 205 or SOCI 206 or SOCI 209 or SOCI 220 or SOCI 230 or FCST 200 or departmental approval.

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