Applied Health Science
Undergraduate Programs
Description
The Community Health Education major prepares health professionals to have expertise in public health, health promotion and disease prevention, and health education. Students completing this major are prepared for employment in educational settings, governmental agencies, private and voluntary health organizations, health care facilities, and business and industry. The Community Health Education major emphasizes the following skills necessary to become a Certified Health Education Specialist through the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc.: assess needs, resources, and capacity for health education/promotion; plan and implement health education/promotion; conduct evaluation and research related to health education/promotion; administer and manage health education/promotion; serve as a health education/promotion resource person; communicate, promote, and advocate for health, health education/promotion, and the profession. Students are encourage to earn this certification upon graduation with a major in Community Health Education.
Majors |
Program | Locations | Total Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community Health Education BS | BS - Bachelor of Science |
|
120 |
Policies & Faculty
Policies
Academic Integrity Policy. The Department of Health Science values and supports an environment conducive to learning as well as academic integrity. Therefore, students are expected to comply with Minnesota State Mankato student responsibilities and policies for academic integrity. Academic integrity includes meeting ones responsibilities in an honest and forthright manner and avoiding acts of dishonesty, plagiarism, cheating, collusion, and other forms of academic misconduct. An act of dishonesty, cheating, collusion, and/or any other form of academic misconduct will result in a 0 on the assessment and a full letter grade deduction from the final course grade (e.g., “A-” to “B-”). An act of plagiarism will result in a 0 on the assessment or assessments and the student will be required to meet with the chair of the Department of Health Science and receive remediation related to plagiarism. Two acts of dishonesty, cheating, collusion, and/or any other form of academic misconduct and/or an act of plagiarism after remediation will result in a final course grade of “F”. Evidence related to any act of academic misconduct will be submitted to the Chairperson of the Department of Health Science. Two acts of academic misconduct or a repeated act of plagiarism after remediation in any Health Science course or courses will result in discontinuance from, or eligibility to enroll in, the academic programs offered by the Department of Health Science. Additionally, evidence related to academic misconduct will be submitted, as appropriate, to the Office of Academic Affairs and and/or the College of Education. Please note: Policy reflects minimum departmental standards. Individual instructors may impose more severe sanctions for an act of academic dishonesty within their courses.
Community Health Education BS. Program Information: Students must earn a “C-” or better in all required general education courses (except Chemistry), required major courses (except Human Anatomy), and elective courses in the Community Health Education major. Students must also maintain a G.P.A. of 2.5 or better in the major (required general education, required, and elective courses). A G.P.A. of 2.5 in the major is also required for graduation in Community Health Education.
Admission Requirements. CHE major admission requirements include:
- completion of a minimum of 32 credit hours,
- a minimum cumulative G.P.A of 2.5,
- a “C-” or better in HLTH 101: Health and the Environment,
- a “C-” or better in HLTH 260: Introduction to Health Education.
Community Health Education Internship. The internship requires the completion of 450 clock hours at an approved internship site.
Maximum Number of Credit Hours During the Community Health Education Internship. Students may take no more than 12 credits of coursework, including 9 credits of HLTH 496: Internship: Health Education, during the internship semester.
Background Check. Students involved in any field experience need to undergo a criminal background check prior to registering for HLTH 496 Internship: Health Education. Students are responsible for the fees associated with the background checks. This information is provided to health agencies and organizations for their determination of suitability for placement. The Department of Health Science coordinates the background check process.
Internship Prerequisites. Pre-requisites for the Community Health Education internship (HLTH 496: Internship: Health Education) include:
- a “C-” or better in all Major Common Core courses (except Human Anatomy);
- a minimum G.P.A. of 2.5;
- a meeting with the Director of the Community Health Education Internship Program one semester in advance of their anticipated internship semester;
- submission of required application materials by the designated due date;
- official approval of the site by the Internship Director. Note: Eligibility for selection at internship sites may be subject to terms and policies of the internship site (i.e. background checks, criminal history, etc.) and the Community Health Education Program;
- completion of a criminal background check.
Contact Information
213 Highland Center North
Main Office (507) 389-1527Faculty
Coordinator
- Joseph Visker, PhD MCHES
Faculty
100 Level
Credits: 3
This course is designed to introduce the wellness concept, encouraging development of physical, mental, social and environmental health of the individual. The course ultimately fosters decision-making through a variety of instructional strategies.Prerequisites: none
Goal Areas: GE-10
200 Level
Credits: 3
Provides the knowledge and skills necessary in an emergency to help sustain life, reduce pain, and minimize the consequences of injury or sudden illness. Includes First Aid certification for the non-professional and all aspects of CPR for the non-professional and professional.Prerequisites: none
Goal Areas: GE-11
Credits: 3
This course is an overview of Human Sexuality with special emphasis on how sexuality relates to marginalized populations. This course requires a supervised fieldtrip.Prerequisites: none
Goal Areas: GE-07
Diverse Cultures: Purple
Credits: 3
This a course designed to examine health products, services, and information from the consumer's perspective. Emphasis will be placed on those factors that influence and ultimately determine which products, services, and information sources that you will either accept or reject.Prerequisites: none
Goal Areas: GE-02
Credits: 3
This course provides information on a variety of topics related to chemical use, abuse and dependency. Students will be exposed to chemical dependency counseling, assessment and intervention techniques. Different drug classifications will be discussed in detail. Counselor core functions and ethics will be discussed also.Prerequisites: none
Goal Areas: GE-05
Credits: 3
Addresses drugs and drug use from psychological, behavioral, pharmacological, historical, legal and clinical perspectives - while examining the effects of drug use on personal health and social functioning.Prerequisites: none
Goal Areas: GE-05
Credits: 3
HLTH 260 Introduction to Health Education is required of all Health Science majors and minors. This is the foundation class for the professional preparation of health educators. The course explores the knowledge, skills, and competencies of health educators in various settings.Prerequisites: HLTH 101
300 Level
Credits: 3
Explores biological, physiological, and sociological perspectives of human sexuality. The course examines personal and family relationships and addresses family life and sex education teaching methods for school and community settings.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course presents a study of the essential nature and characteristics of total health. The course explores dimensions of mental, physical, social, and spiritual wellbeing. Various approaches to holistic health and wellness are considered.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course provides School Health teaching majors the knowledge, skills and dispositions they will need to be a part of a coordinated school health program team and teach comprehensive school health education in middle/junior and senior high schools. SpringPrerequisites: none
Credits: 3
For health care personnel, emphasis on spelling, pronunciation and meaning.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Introduces theories and models in the context of health education. Examines approaches to health education program planning as well approaches to explain and predict health behavior and their application to interventions in health education. NOTE: HLTH 360 may be taken concurrently with HLTH 260 with instructor permission.Prerequisites: HLTH 101, HLTH 260. HLTH 260 may be taken concurrently with HLTH 360 with instructor permission.
Credits: 4
Health Communication and Advocacy focuses upon the development of communication and advocacy skills for the health educator. Identifying credible sources, communicating public health information, health media campaigns, health advocacy; written and verbal communication skills emphasized.Prerequisites: HLTH 360
Credits: 3
This course requires students to plan a health promotion and health education program. Skills include assessing needs, determining objectives, identifying measurement and intervention strategies, and developing an evaluation plan.Prerequisites: HLTH 360, HLTH 361W
400 Level
Credits: 3
This course explores current issues, controversies and concerns affecting women's health. Relationships between social, cultural, psychological, environmental and physical factors of women's health status are examined.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
The focus of this course is on the foundations of ethics and professionalism for addictions professionals. The course will cover professional and ethical codes as well as topics related to continued development as a professional.Prerequisites: HLTH 225
Credits: 3
This course provides information on characteristic and classifying information, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, behavioral effects, and pharmacotherapy options for drugs of abuse. The course will focus on the application of topics in alcohol and drug professional settings.Prerequisites: HLTH 225
Credits: 3
This course explores counseling theories and strategies and how they can be applied to clients in alcohol and drug treatment programs. The course also provides an overview of primary functions of addictions professionals and methods to deliver effective services.Prerequisites: HLTH 225
Credits: 3
An in-depth review of significant health concerns and controversies in health science using critical thinking as the framework for critiquing the issues.Prerequisites: none
Diverse Cultures: Purple
Credits: 3
An in-depth review of significant current health concerns and controversies in health science using the elements of reasoning as the framework for critiquing the issues.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course contains content associated with achieving entry-level certifications for wellness coaching. Health behavior change strategies are emphasized within the context of the health coaching theory, coaching relationship skills, well-being assessment, and goal setting.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course provides School Health teaching majors the knowledge and skills they will need to be a part of a coordinated school health program team and teach comprehensive school health education in middle/junior and senior high schools.Prerequisites: HLTH 320
Credits: 3
Explores the relationship of death concerns to the process of meaningful living. Uses a variety of learning strategies to examine death attitudes, values and related behaviors.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Course is designed for health educators preparing for employment in a medical/health care setting and includes an overview of hospital-clinic based educational program. Patient interviewing and counseling skills are presented for professional and paraprofessional health care personnel. Course emphasis is on developing and preparing a teaching module in patient education.Prerequisites: HLTH 454
Credits: 3
To promote identification and analysis of environmental influences upon health status. Health concerns related to residential, occupational, and other environments are explored. Problems pertaining to air, water, solid waste, housing, land use, toxic waste, and sanitation are addressed.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Emphasis is on recognition of, and enhancing awareness about, how stress affects human health and performance. Stress management techniques such as relaxation, effective communication, cognitive-behavioral approaches, eating behaviors, regular exercise, and time management are explored.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
The purpose of this course is to develop the knowledge and understanding of the causes, symptoms and methods of controlling and preventing chronic and infectious diseases. Primary and secondary prevention strategies will be identified. Emphasis will be placed on those behaviors that foster and those that hinder well-being.Prerequisites: BIOL 310 or BIOL 330
Credits: 3
This course investigates the physical and mental health concerns of the aging process. Explores specific health problems confronting older persons, and examines preventive health behaviors and health maintenance practices.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course is designed to provide students with practical knowledge and application techniques in assessing an individual with a chemical use/dependency problem. Various assessment techniques will be presented and discussed as to appropriate utilization. This course meets the criteria or Rule 25 training in Chemical Dependency Assessment.Prerequisites: HLTH 225
Credits: 3
This course will explore transdisciplinary research design with emphasis related to the areas of allied health and nursing sciences and disciplines. Basic overview of research methodologies commonly utilized in health sciences and approaches to transdisciplinary research will be explored through review of original research. Students will be required to produce and revise scientific writing with specific focus on inter/transdisciplinary studies. Team-based problem centered research questions will be developed and investigated using transdisciplinary methodology with current health-related issues.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1-3
An in-depth study of specific topics of current interest in the Health Science discipline.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Examines the philosophy and rationale of current epidemiological practice. Requires the application of epidemiological techniques to selected health concerns. Explores the interaction of agent, host and environment with the emphasis on application of principles of prevention.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
An examination of the system of delivery of health care in the United States from a historical, social, political, and economic perspective.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course focuses on the determinants of health, the concept of culture, and the intersection of health issues, culture, and health status. Linkages between health and development are addressed and research methods instrumental for identifying relationships between culture and health are discussed. The course examines diverse strategies for measuring health and explores how public health efforts (domestic and global) benefit from understanding and working with cultural processes. Emphasis is placed on the burden of disease, risk factors, populations most affected by different disease burdens, and key measures to address the burden of disease in cost-effective ways.Prerequisites: none
Diverse Cultures: Purple
Credits: 3
An examination of the judicial system and the development, enactment and enforcement of laws as they relate to the public's health.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
The focus of this course is on assessment and treatment of persons with coexisting mental disorders as well as chemical dependency.Prerequisites: HLTH 225
Credits: 3
Introduction to statistical analysis as applied to the health sciences. Examines concepts and methods of statistical procedures applied to health problems and issues.Prerequisites: MATH 110, STAT 154, Or any other mathematics course higher than MATH 110.
Credits: 3
Behavior Change Foundations and Strategies (3 semester credits) is a course that focuses upon the complexity of health behavior change and the skills necessary for a health promotion professional to assess, plan, and evaluate behavior change interventions for individuals and communities. Health behavior change theories and strategies will be discussed. Topics covered in class will include: behavior modification, goal setting, self-management, coping skills, and social support. Emphasis will also be given to the impact of policy and environmental influences on behavior.Prerequisites: HP 290, HP 414
Credits: 3
This course includes health program evaluation and research, with emphasis on evaluation models and approaches, qualitative and quantitative methods, process and summative evaluation, logic models, and dissemination of results.Prerequisites: HLTH 380W
Credits: 4
Focuses on entry-level competencies related to the administration and management of health education programs. These include obtaining acceptance and support for programs, leadership, managing human resources, facilitating partnerships in support of health education, grant writing, and training individuals involved in the implementation of health education.Prerequisites: HLTH 380W
Credits: 3
The course examines approaches to promote health and prevent disease and injury, and explores other health related issues at the workplace. Assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation strategies are addressed. Model programs are reviewed and analyzed.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1-6
Supervise individual research or investigation in Health Science under guidance of a faculty mentor. Culminating research project with paper and/or presentation required.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1-5
A university-based experience related to pedagogy for Health Science majors under the guidance of a faculty member. Faculty permission required.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1
A seminar for students preparing for a career in Health Education. Emphasis on: reviewing coursework, identifying and securing an internship site, and exploring employment opportunities within community organizations, public health agencies, worksites, healthcare facilities, and educational settings for health education.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1-9
A concentrated pre-professional work experience for those students preparing for a career in community health. Student must schedule placement one semester in advance. Prereq: completion of all Community Health core coursesPrerequisites: BIOL 220, BIOL 310, HLTH 260, HLTH 361, HLTH 380W, HLTH 454, HLTH 460, HLTH 475, HLTH 480, HLTH 482, HLTH 495
Credits: 1-12
A concentrated pre-professional experience for those preparing for a career in chemical dependency counseling. All course work must be completed prior to placement. Student must schedule placement one semester in advance. Prereq: Completion of all Alcohol and Drug Studies required core courses.Prerequisites: Completion of all Alcohol and Drug Studies required core courses.
Credits: 1-6
An in-depth study on a topic of particular interest to the student and project supervisor.Prerequisites: none
