Nov 21, 2024  
2024-2025 Academic Bulletin 
    
2024-2025 Academic Bulletin

Public Health, Social and Behavioral Sciences Concentration BSPH


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs by Department

Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) program with Social and Behavioral Sciences concentration is designed for students pursuing a professional degree in the field of Public Health. This program prepares students for public health careers that focus on lifestyles and behaviors in the context of the socio-economic and cultural aspects of individuals.

Our constant interactions with our surroundings require an understanding of the complex relationships between social systems and health in order to improve the health of the public and prevent disease. A holistic approach to medical care is needed to address the conditions in the social system that contribute to illness. Thus, an understanding of the organization and motivation behind social forces and individual lifestyles can be used to improve the lives of individuals and the society as a whole.

The focus of the BS in Public Health program with Social and Behavioral Sciences concentration is to train students as public health professionals who can pursue careers such as Preventive Care, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, other health professions, Research, Policy, Health Promotion, Social Justice and Integrative Health. Careers may also be pursued in business, politics and government, counseling, psychology and mental health, education and even law. The concentration addresses individual lifestyle factors, social and community networks and general socioeconomic, cultural and environmental conditions that impact the health of the public.

BSPH Program Mission:

To prepare public health professionals who can plan, manage, evaluate and solve public health problems in the public and private sector. This mission will improve the health and well-being of individuals, communities, and populations, while preparing students to become Christ-centered scholars and global leaders in public health.

Accreditation:

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health at Andrews University is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), 1010 Wayne Avenue, Suite 220, Silver Spring, MD 20910. www.ceph.org

Total Credits - 120


Major - 56


Additional Requirements


Graduation is dependent upon the completion of all curriculum requirements for the professional BSPH degree with the maintenance of at least a minimum overall GPA of 2.85 in major and a minimum overall GPA of 2.75. At least 124 semester hours are recommended for graduation.

Portfolio

Students are expected to complete a professional development portfolio during the BSPH program outlining their goals and accomplishments, including experiential activities conducted at both public and private public health agencies and organizations.

Experiential Activity

All students are required to complete a cumulative, integrative and scholarly (or applied) experience that serves as a capstone to the educational experience. This can also be an inquiry project. These experiences may include, but are not limited to, internships, service learning projects, senior seminars, portfolio projects, research papers or honors thesis. Exposure to local-level public health professionals and/or agencies that engage in public health practice is encouraged.

Cognates - 14


General Education (Andrews Core Experience)


Students must fulfill all Bachelor’s Degree requirements listed in the Andrews Core Experience .

Admission Requirements


Prospective students enter the Pre-Public Health (Pre-BSPH) program upon acceptance to Andrews University. Students must apply to the BSPH program at the end of their sophomore year and have completed at least 12 credits of Public Health courses.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs by Department