University of Texas at El Paso Academic Catalog

Academic Catalog

BS in Public Health

Graduates in Public Health are health education specialists who are likely to pursue career paths as: health educators working for hospitals, non-profit organizations, government agencies, private business, and colleges and universities.

Marketable Skills

Students will develop the following skills:

  1. Communication: Reach mutual understanding through effective exchange of information, ideas, and feelings
  2. Leadership: Step up, think, and act critically and creatively to bring others together to accomplish a common task
  3. Problem-solving: Find solutions to difficult or complex issues
  4. Research: Be able to search, investigate and critically analyze information in response to a specific research question
  5. Social responsibility: Act ethically and responsibly for the benefit of society and the public good
  6. Stress management: Be able to identify causes of stress, identify effective coping mechanisms, and take action to change the situation
  7. Teamwork: Participate as an effective, efficient member of a group in order to meet a common goal

Additionally, students will learn:

  1. Grant writing, use effective writing to apply for funding to agencies to implement public health programs in the community
  2. Health behavior, use of effective mechanisms to help individuals make informed decisions about lifestyle modifications
  3. Health education techniques

The Public Health Degree prepares graduates to function as successful professionals in community health and public health settings as health education specialists. Health education specialists work in a variety of settings such as community, public health departments, private business, and schools. The curriculum is designed to provide a broad general-educational foundation as well as the basic skills, experiences, and professional competencies specific to the practice of health promotion/education. Graduates of this 120-semester hour program function in planning, implementing, evaluating, and administering health promotion and health education strategies, interventions and programs. The curriculum renders the graduate eligible to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) national examination for certification. 

Students in the Public Health Major select one of two concentrations:

  • Students in the General Concentration complete a common core of courses in Public Health and then may select a minor, certificate, or complete electives in consultation with a Public Health Sciences faculty member or advisor. The General Concentration includes a practicum component. Students who participate in practicum will be required to pass a background checks and complete clinical compliance requirements in order to complete program requirements. 
  • Students in the All-Level Health Education concentration complete a core of Public Health courses and a minor in All-Level Education while preparing to earn teacher certification and becoming health teachers in the school system. This program requires students apply to the College of Education and successfully pass a background check to be eligible for field experience, student teaching, and applying for a teaching certificate. 
  • Students in the BS  Public Health cannot declare the Public Health minor or the Undergraduate Certificate in Public Health.

All undergraduate students majoring in Public Health must obtain a minimum grade of C in all HSCI courses in order to graduate. Students who do not meet this requirement must retake the courses and achieve a minimum grade of “C.”

Degree Plan

BS in Public Health with General Concentration

Designated Core
General Biology
and Topics in Study of Life I C
Human Anat/Physiology I
and Human Anat/Physio Lab I C
Math for Social Sciences I C
Calculus I
Precalculus
Trigonometry and Conics
University Core Curriculum
Complete the University Core Curriculum requirements.42
Public Health Support Courses
Required Courses:
BIOL 2313
BIOL 2113
Human Anat/Physiology II
and Human Anat/Physio Lab II
4
CHEM 1307
CHEM 1107
Intro to General Chemistry
and Intro General Chemistry Lab
4
or
CHEM 1305
CHEM 1105
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1305
3
PSYC 1303Statistical Methods C3
RWS 3359Technical Writing3
Public Health Major- General Concentration (All courses require a grade of C or better.)
Required Courses:
HSCI 1301Fnd. of Hlth Sci. & Hlth Promo C3
HSCI 2302Fundamentals of Nutrition C3
HSCI 3301Community Health C3
HSCI 3306Environmental Health C3
HSCI 3308Disease Charc/Prevnt/Contrl C3
HSCI 3311Introduction to Epidemiology C 3
HSCI 3312Theories & Meth of Hlth Behav C 3
HSCI 3315Research For The Health Prof C 3
HSCI 4304Public Health Administration C3
HSCI 4307Hlth Promo Plan & Implement C 3
HSCI 4309Program Eval in Health Science C3
HSCI 4312Grant Writing in Hlth Profess C3
HSCI 4313Practicum I C3
HSCI 4314Practicum II C 3
Electives
Select 20 hours of electives from any subject at any level. Students are encouraged to consider a minor or certificate to fill elective credits20
TOTAL HOURS120
C

Courses require a grade of C or better.

BS in Public Health with All-Level Health Education Concentration

GPA for Certification
This degree plan prepares students for teacher certification in the State of Texas. Although a 2.0 GPA is required to earn a degree from UTEP, the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) requires a 2.75 GPA to become certified to teach in the State of Texas. For additional information, please contact your advisor.
Background Check Required
A complete background check is required of all students who wish to receive teacher certification in the State of Texas. Students will be required to pass a background check before certification will be conferred by the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC).
Designated Core
General Biology
and Topics in Study of Life I C
Human Anat/Physiology I
and Human Anat/Physio Lab I C
Math for Social Sciences I C
Calculus I
Precalculus
Trigonometry and Conics
University Core Curriculum
Complete the University Core Curriculum requirements.44
Public Health Support Courses
BIOL 2313
BIOL 2113
Human Anat/Physiology II
and Human Anat/Physio Lab II
4
CHEM 1307
CHEM 1107
Intro to General Chemistry
and Intro General Chemistry Lab
4
or
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1305
PSYC 1303Statistical Methods C3
RWS 3359Technical Writing3
Public Health Major- All-Level Health Education Concentration (All courses require a grade of C or better.)
HSCI 1301Fnd. of Hlth Sci. & Hlth Promo C3
HSCI 2302Fundamentals of Nutrition C3
HSCI 3301Community Health C3
HSCI 3306Environmental Health C3
HSCI 3308Disease Charc/Prevnt/Contrl C3
HSCI 3311Introduction to Epidemiology C3
HSCI 3312Theories & Meth of Hlth Behav C3
HSCI 3315Research For The Health Prof C3
HSCI 4101Health Ed Elem Schl Teach Lab C1
HSCI 4304Public Health Administration C3
HSCI 4307Hlth Promo Plan & Implement C3
HSCI 4309Program Eval in Health Science C3
HSCI 4312Grant Writing in Hlth Profess C3
SCED 3312General Methods in Sec School3
All-Levels Education Minor
Required Courses:
BED 4317Tch & Empwr ELLs in Sec Schls3
EDPC 3300Intro to Youth Dev & Spec Ed3
RED 3342Content Area Literacy3
SCED 3311Curriculum Plan-Secondary Schl3
TED 4699Internship-All Levels Inclusiv6
Electives
4 Credit open electives4
Total Hours120

University Core Curriculum

The department may make specific suggestions for courses which are most applicable towards your major.

All courses require a C or better

I. Communication (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on developing ideas and expressing them clearly, considering the effect of the message, fostering understanding, and building the skills needed to communicate persuasively. Courses involve the command of oral, aural, written, and visual literacy skills that enable people to exchange messages appropriate to the subject, occasion, and audience.
Select six hours of the following: 6
For students whose secondary education was in English:
Written and Oral Communication
Writing About Literature
Rhetoric & Composition I
Rhetoric & Composition 2
Rhetoric, Composition & Comm
For students whose secondary education was not in English:
Expos Engl Compos-Spkr Esl
Res & Crit Writng Spkr Esl
Total Hours6

II. American History (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on the consideration of past events and ideas relative to the United States, with the option of including Texas History for a portion of this component area. Courses involve the interaction among individuals, communities, states, the nation, and the world, considering how these interactions have contributed to the development of the United States and its global role.
HIST 1301History of U.S. to 18653
HIST 1302History of U.S. Since 18653
Total Hours6

III. Language, Philosophy & Culture  (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on how ideas, values, beliefs, and other aspects of culture express and affect human experience. Courses involve the exploration of ideas that foster aesthetic and intellectual creation in order to understand the human condition across cultures.
Select one of the following:3
Intro-African Amer Studies
Latina/o Presence in the U.S.
English Literature
English Literature
Intro to American Fiction
Intro to American Drama
Intro to American Poetry
Making of the "Other" Americas
World History to 1500
World History Since 1500
Introduction to Philosophy
Ethics
Introduct to Religious Studies
Seeing & Naming: Conversations
Introduction to Womens Studies
Global Feminisms
Total Hours3

IV. Mathematics  (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on quantitative literacy in logic, patterns, and relationships. Courses involve the understanding of key mathematical concepts and the application of appropriate quantitative tools to everyday experience.
Select one of the following:3
College Algebra
Trigonometry and Conics
Math in the Modern World
Math for Social Sciences I
Calculus I
Precalculus 1,2
Math for Social Sciences II
Statistical Literacy
Elementary Statistical Methods
1 A higher-level course in the calculus sequence can be substituted.
2 TCCN MATH 1314 will also satisfy this requirement.
Total Hours3

V. Life & Physical Sciences  (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on describing, explaining, and predicting natural phenomena using the scientific method. Courses involve the understanding of interactions among natural phenomena and the implications of scientific principles on the physical world and on experiences.
Select one of the following:1-4
Astronomy Lab I
Elem Astronomy-Solar System
Elem Astr Stars & Galaxies
Introductory Biology Lab
Human Biology Laboratory
Topics in Study of Life I
Organismal Biology Laboratory
Introductory Biology
Human Biology
General Biology
Organismal Biology
Human Anat/Physio Lab I
Human Anat/Physio Lab II
Human Anat/Physiology I
Human Anat/Physiology II
Laboratory for CHEM 1305
Laboratory for CHEM 1306
Intro General Chemistry Lab
Intro Organic & Biochem Lab
General Chemistry
General Chemistry
Intro to General Chemistry
Intro Organic & Biochemistry
Environmental Sci. Lab
Non-major Lab for ESCI 1301
Intro to Environment Science 2
Intro to Environmental Sci
Laboratory for GEOG 1306
Physical Geography
Lab for GEOL 1313
Lab for GEOL 1314
Principles of Earth Sci - Lab
Laboratory for Geology 1212
Principles of Earth Sciences
Principles of Earth Science
The Blue Planet
Natural Hazards
Intro to Physical Geology
Intro to Historical Geol
Fundamentals of Nutrition
Wellness Dynamics
Microorganisms and Disease
General Physics I
General Physics II
Laboratory for PHYS 2320
Laboratory for PHYS 2321
Introductory Mechanics
Introductory Electromagnetism
Total Hours 6

VI. Political Science  (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on consideration of the Constitution of the United States and the constitutions of the states, with special emphasis on that of Texas. Courses involve the analysis of governmental institutions, political behavior, civic engagement, and their political and philosophical foundations.
Required Courses:
POLS 2310Introduction to Politics3
POLS 2311American Gover & Politics3
Total Hours6

VII. Social and Behavioral Sciences  (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on the application of empirical and scientific methods that contribute to the understanding of what makes us human. Courses involve the exploration of behavior and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, and events, examining their impact on the individual, society, and culture.
Select one of the following:3
Intro-Phys Anth/Archeolog
Intro-Cultural Anthropology
Cultural Geography
Intro to Linguistics
Econ for Engrs & Scientists
Intro to Chicano Studies
Asian American Studies
Interpersonal Communication
Mass Media and Society
Principles of Macroeconomics
Principles of Microeconomics
Introduction to Ed Psychology
Action Research in Classrooms
Introduction to Linguistics
Cultural Geography
Community Service
An Intro. to Linguistics
Lang. Inside & Out: Sel Topics
Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Sociology
Cultural Geography
Total Hours3

VIII. Creative Arts (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on the appreciation and analysis of creative artifacts and works of the human imagination. Courses involve the synthesis and interpretation of artistic expression and enable critical, creative, and innovative communication about works of art.
Select one of the following:3
Art Appreciation
History of Art I
History of Art II
Chicana/o Fine Arts Appreciat
Dance Appreciation
Intro-Art of Motion Pict.
Music Appreciation
Jazz to Rock
Music, Culture, and Society
Introduction to Theatre
Total Hours3

IX. Component Area Option (six hours)

a. A minimum of 3 SCH must meet the definition and corresponding Core Objectives specified in one of the foundational component areas. b. As an option for up to 3 semester credit hours of the Component Area Option, an institution may select course(s) that: (i) Meet(s) the definition specified for one or more of the foundational component areas; and (ii) Include(s) a minimum of three Core Objectives, including Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, and one of the remaining Core Objectives of the institution's choice.
Intro to Global Business
Public Speaking
Business/Profession Comm
Intro-Computational Thinking
Computer Programming Sci/Engr
Eng Innovation and Leadership
Introduction to Leadership
Inquiry in Math & Science
Seminar/Critical Inquiry
Total Hours0

4-Year Sample Degree Plan 

BS Public Health  - General Concentration

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PUBLIC HEALTH
GENERAL CONCENTRATION
FRESHMAN
Fall
BIOL 1305
BIOL 1107
General Biology
and Topics in Study of Life I
4
HIST 1301History of U.S. to 18653
MATH 1320Math for Social Sciences I3-5
or MATH 1508 Precalculus
or MATH 1411 Calculus I
or MATH 1310 Trigonometry and Conics
RWS 1301Rhetoric & Composition I3
Component Core I3
Spring
BIOL 2311
BIOL 2111
Human Anat/Physiology I
and Human Anat/Physio Lab I
4
HIST 1302History of U.S. Since 18653
HSCI 1301Fnd. of Hlth Sci. & Hlth Promo3
RWS 1302Rhetoric & Composition 23
Language, Philosophy, and Culture3
SOPHOMORE
Fall
BIOL 2313
BIOL 2113
Human Anat/Physiology II
and Human Anat/Physio Lab II
4
Component Core II3
HSCI 2302Fundamentals of Nutrition3
POLS 2310Introduction to Politics3
PSYC 1303Statistical Methods3
Spring
CHEM 1307
CHEM 1107
Intro to General Chemistry
and Intro General Chemistry Lab
4
Or
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1305
HSCI 3301Community Health3
POLS 2311American Gover & Politics3
Creative Arts Core3
Social & Behavioral Sciences3
JUNIOR
Fall
HSCI 3312Theories & Meth of Hlth Behav3
HSCI 3315Research For The Health Prof3
HSCI 4304Public Health Administration3
HSCI 4307Hlth Promo Plan & Implement3
RWS 3359Technical Writing3
Elective3
Spring
HSCI 3306Environmental Health3
HSCI 3308Disease Charc/Prevnt/Contrl3
HSCI 4309Program Eval in Health Science3
Elective3
Elective3
Elective3
SENIOR
Fall
HSCI 3311Introduction to Epidemiology3
HSCI 4312Grant Writing in Hlth Profess3
HSCI 4313Practicum I3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Spring
HSCI 4314Practicum II3
Elective3
Total Hours121-123

BS Public Health ‐ Health Education Concentration with All‐Level Education Minor

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PUBLIC HEALTH
HEALTH EDUCATION CONCENTRATION WITH ALL-LEVEL EDUCATION MINOR
FRESHMAN
Fall
BIOL 1305
BIOL 1107
General Biology
and Topics in Study of Life I
4
HIST 1301History of U.S. to 18653
MATH 1320Math for Social Sciences I3-5
or MATH 1508 Precalculus
or MATH 1411 Calculus I
or MATH 1310 Trigonometry and Conics
RWS 1301Rhetoric & Composition I3
Component Core I3
Spring
BIOL 2311
BIOL 2111
Human Anat/Physiology I
and Human Anat/Physio Lab I
4
HIST 1302History of U.S. Since 18653
HSCI 1301Fnd. of Hlth Sci. & Hlth Promo3
RWS 1302Rhetoric & Composition 23
Language, Philosophy, and Culture3
SOPHOMORE
Fall
BIOL 2313
BIOL 2113
Human Anat/Physiology II
and Human Anat/Physio Lab II
4
Component Core II3
HSCI 3301Community Health3
POLS 2310Introduction to Politics3
PSYC 1303Statistical Methods3
Spring
CHEM 1307
CHEM 1107
Intro to General Chemistry
and Intro General Chemistry Lab
4
Or
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1305
HSCI 3315Research For The Health Prof3
POLS 2311American Gover & Politics3
Creative Arts Core3
Social & Behavioral Sciences3
JUNIOR
Fall
HSCI 2302Fundamentals of Nutrition3
HSCI 3312Theories & Meth of Hlth Behav3
HSCI 4307Hlth Promo Plan & Implement3
RWS 3359Technical Writing3
RED 3342Content Area Literacy3
Elective 3
Spring
HSCI 3306Environmental Health3
HSCI 3308Disease Charc/Prevnt/Contrl3
HSCI 4101Health Ed Elem Schl Teach Lab1
HSCI 4309Program Eval in Health Science3
SCED 3312General Methods in Sec School3
SCED 3311Curriculum Plan-Secondary Schl3
SENIOR
Fall
EDPC 3300Intro to Youth Dev & Spec Ed3
HSCI 3311Introduction to Epidemiology3
HSCI 4304Public Health Administration3
HSCI 4312Grant Writing in Hlth Profess3
BED 4317Tch & Empwr ELLs in Sec Schls3
Elective1
Spring
TED 4699Internship-All Levels Inclusiv6
Total Hours120-122