Gwynedd Mercy University
AY2022-2023 Undergraduate Academic Catalog
populations and communities . It encompasses diverse domains such as epidemiology , disease prevention , health education and promotion , environmental health , health policy , and advocacy . The field of public health is grounded in a social justice philosophy and strives to eliminate health disparities and inequities , often by focusing on social determinants of health . Graduates from the BSPH program are prepared to sit for the CHES ( Certified Health Education Specialist ) credential exam , enter an MPH ( Master in Public Health ) program , and / or enter the public health workforce as an entry-level professional . The public health program also offers the opportunity for eligible students to apply for Early Entry to the Master in Public Health program . Students who are approved may take up to 12 credits of coursework from the MPH degree program , which will count as undergraduate open electives and may also be used towards the MPH degree .
Program Student Learning Outcomes : PLO1 Describe the history and philosophy of public health as well as its core values , concepts and functions across the globe and in society ; PLO2 Explain the basic concepts , methods and tools of public health data collection , use and analysis , and why evidence-based approaches are an essential part of public health practice ; PLO3 Identify the concepts of population health , and the basic processes , approaches and interventions that identify and address the major health-related needs and concerns of populations ; PLO4 Recognize the underlying science of human health and disease , including opportunities for promoting and protecting health across the life course ; PLO5 Summarize the socioeconomic , behavioral , biological , environmental and other factors that impact human health and contribute to health disparities ; PLO6 Explain the fundamental concepts and features of project implementation , including planning , assessment and evaluation ; PLO7 Compare the fundamental characteristics and organizational structures of the US health system as well as the differences between systems in other countries ; PLO8 Describe basic concepts of legal , ethical , economic and regulatory dimensions of health care and public health policy and the roles , influences and responsibilities of the different agencies and branches of government ; PLO9 Use basic concepts of public health-specific communication , including technical and professional writing and the use of mass media and electronic technology
NOTE : For Major Requirements , see Program Handbook and Curriculum Sheets . For Curriculum Sequence , see Program Handbook .
Academic Criteria for Admission , Progression and Retention
Program Admissions Requirements and Procedures : Any student accepted into the University may declare Public Health as a major .
Change of Major / Internal Transfers : Students interested in changing their major to the Bachelor of Science in Public Health program may do so at any time but must have earned a GPA of 2.5 or higher . Internal transfers will meet with the Program Director to discuss their interest , the requirements of the program , and the transfer of credits from their previous major . Students will have to take the general education and prerequisite courses required for the BSPH . Students who are re-admitted to the University after a long period away must meet with the Program Director to discuss their interest ,
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