Public Health (Community and Public Health), BS

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People interested in assisting individuals and communities live healthier, happier lives choose Public Health as a major. Public Health Specialists work with groups of people, usually in a community setting, promoting physical activity, protecting and preserving health. The Public Health Educator then works as a catalyst to assist the individual or community to modify and enhance lifestyles to promote health and prevent disease. Public Health Specialists are interested in developing community-based education programs that promote healthy lifestyles that help prevent disease.

In preparation towards becoming a Public Health Specialist, students will learn skills that will enable them to assist communities and individuals in achieving their goal of a healthy lifestyle and risk management reduction. These skills then become the tools to aid in the healthy lifestyle changing process. Skills taught include assessing individual/community needs and assets; planning, implementing, and administering health education programs; evaluating the effectiveness of health education programs; and facilitating/understanding group dynamics and individuals across the lifespan.

The curriculum is designed following the Council on Education for Public Health Foundational Knowledge Areas and Competencies. In addition, the coursework assures that graduates have the needed areas of responsibilities and specific competencies to become Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES). The Public Health program is designed to provide advanced areas of study dependent on the individual’s unique needs and interests. Students in Public Health may sit for one of the following certification exams: CHES, CPH, or other approved certifications

All Public Health majors must select a specific concentration from the following: Community and Public Health, Nonprofit Administration, Pre-Occupational Therapy, or Pre-Physical Therapy.

The concentration in Community and Public Health is an enhanced study of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities.

Public Health: Articulations with local community colleges

Students that complete the Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs at Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) can transfer to the LSUS Public Health program as part of the articulation agreement. Students can transfer no more than ½ of the required hours from a 2-year college to LSUS. Students wishing to pursue this option should meet with the Chair of the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science.

BPCC Degree	LSUS Degree	Hours Transferred
Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapy Assistant	Bachelor of Science in Public Health	60
Associate of Occupational Therapy	Bachelor of Science in Public Health	60

Students that complete the Radiologic Technology, Surgical Technology, Medical Laboratory Technician, Health Information Technology, Dental Hygiene, or Respiratory Therapy Technology Programs at Southern University in Shreveport (SUSLA) can transfer to the LSUS Public Health program as part of the articulation agreement. Students can transfer no more than ½ of the required hours from a 2-year college to LSUS. Students wishing to pursue this option should meet with the Chair of the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science.

SUSLA Degree/Certificate	LSUS Degree	Hours Transferred
Dental Hygiene	Bachelor of Science in Public Health	60
Health Information Technology
Radiologic Technology
Respiratory Therapy Technology
Medical Laboratory Technician
Surgical Technology