Health (HLTH)
HLTH 1370 Health and Wellness 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
Designed to increase student awareness of fitness, health concepts and lifestyle modification. The class includes laboratories and practical activities, which help students in their attempt to improve their quality of life and achieve well being.
HLTH 1373 Foundations of Public Health 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
This course is designed to provide students with foundational knowledge of public health and related issues. The course gives an emphasis on key historical moments and developments, public health organizations and systems, theoretical foundations of public health, its practical applications, role of public health within society, disparities in health status, determinants of health, cultural competency, infectious and chronic disease prevention, as well as challenges and achievements. Topics on ethics, professional responsibilities and competencies, analytical tools utilized to assess public health problems in communities, applications of health education and promotion theories to developing interventions for improving community health are also examined.
HLTH 2374 Public and Consumer Health 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
Traditional and modern methods of meeting public and consumer health needs; investigation and analysis of public and consumer health problems; functions and organization of consumer services at the local, state, regional and national levels.
HLTH 2380 Health Behavior Theory 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
This course provides an in-depth introduction to social and health behavior theories that shape public health practice, emphasizing their application in understanding and modifying health-related behaviors. Students will explore how these theories drive health promotion strategies and interventions at individual, community, and policy levels through real-world case studies and practical examples. A central focus is placed on health inequities and inequalities among diverse populations in the United States, examining how cultural, social, and structural determinants influence health outcomes. By critically analyzing these factors, students will develop the skills necessary to design and implement effective, equity-focused public health initiatives that address the root causes of health disparities.
HLTH 3320 Health Communications 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
This course provides hands-on experience developing and implementing effective health communication strategies across diverse media and platforms. Students will explore key theoretical foundations, behavioral change models, and audience segmentation techniques to craft impactful health messages tailored to various populations. Emphasizing both traditional and emerging communication channels, the course examines critical factors influencing health communication, including cultural competency, health literacy, and the role of digital media.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 1315
HLTH 3337 U.S. and International Health Disparities 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
This course explores geographical, socio-cultural, political, biological, and economic influences on population disparities in health and well-being in the U.S. and internationally. Strategies for health improvement among various population segments will be explored.
HLTH 3360 Epidemiology 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
This covers application of epidemiologic methods and procedures to the study of the distribution and determinants of health and diseases, morbidity, injuries, disability and mortality in the population. The course treats emidemiology as a basic science of preventive medicine as well as examines the basic concepts, methods and findings of epidemioloy, and sets forth a historical framework of epidemiology's evolution as a tool to elucidate health problems in society.
HLTH 3363 Healthcare Systems 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
This course explores the healthcare structure, resources and delivery systems in the United States and other countries around the world. Contemporary issues affecting healthcare delivery systems; and service provision, physician reimbursement, hospitals, pharmaceuticals, adoption of new technologies and expenditures in public or private sectors will be discussed. The role of prevention in population health outcomes key management and policy issues in contemporary health systems, the process of policy development and its impact on the prospect of health systems will be examined.
HLTH 3370 Contemporary Public Health Issues 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
This course is designed to identify and analyze current prevailing critical public health issues facing the US population. The relationship between lifestyle and health as well as strategies for advancing individual and population health are examined. Topics addressed include health determinants, indicators, physical activity, overweight and obesity, nutrition, tobacco use, substance abuse, responsible sexual behavior, mental health, injury and violence, suicide, food safety, environmental quality, vaccination, climate change, access to health care, chronic and infectious diseases and consumerism.
HLTH 3372 Drug Use and Abuse 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
A study of a wide range of drug related issues and problems in our society. The class provides current information and perspectives to help students understand: reasons why drug use and abuse occur, the results of drug use and abuse, how to prevent drug use and abuse, and how drugs can be used effectively for therapeutic purposes.
HLTH 3378 Human Sexuality 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
This course is concerned with the basic information regarding the physical, psychological, social and comparative aspects of family health, sexual behavior, sex education and sexually transmitted diseases. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship between personal health and human sexuality. the understanding of human sexuality through self-awareness, value clarification and decision-making will also be a concern.
HLTH 3380 Healthcare Administration 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
This course explores the practice of managing, leading, overseeing and administrating the operation of dynamic complex public health and health care systems and entities such as hospitals and its networks, long term health care facilities, nursing homes, pharmacies and health insurance providers. Topics related to leadership, administration, human and financial resource management, health programs, health policy, communication, planning, coordination and implementation of medical and health services will be discussed.
HLTH 4300 Individual Study in Health 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
Selected problems in health. Not to be used in lieu of a required course.
May be Repeated for a maximum of 9 hours
Restriction(s):
Students with a class of Freshman, Junior or Sophomore may not enroll.
HLTH 4301 Workshop In Health 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
A number of workshops are designed to advance the professional competence of students. For each description, the particular area of study will be indicated. May be repeated for credit when nature of workshop differs from one previously taken. Not to be used in lieu of required health courses.
May be Repeated for a maximum of 12 hours
HLTH 4309 Environmental Hlth & GIS Apps 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
This course is designed to introduce students to important issues and concepts in the field of environmental health and how Geographic Information System (GIS) can be applied to better understand and analyze issues. Students will explore the relationship between the environment and health. Topics such as air, water, and environmental quality, health threats posed by the pollution, global warming, infectious diseases, and population explosion will be explored. Students will learn ways in which they can influence the quality of the environment and enhance its protection.
HLTH 4310 Introduction to Grant Writing in Public Health Education 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
This course provides an in-depth exploration of the grant writing process within the field of public health, integrating theory and practical application to develop competitive funding proposals. Students will synthesize key concepts in public health education, needs assessment, program planning, implementation, and evaluation to design grant proposals that align with community needs and funding priorities. Emphasizing the Areas of Responsibility for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES), the course guides students through the entire grant development cycle, from identifying funding sources and crafting persuasive narratives to budgeting and outcome evaluation. Through hands-on projects, peer review, and real-world case studies, students will develop the skills necessary to secure funding for public health programs and initiatives.
Prerequisite(s): HLTH 4340
HLTH 4315 Health Economics 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
This course examines the application of economics tools to issues regarding the organization, efficiency, effectiveness, quantity and prices, quality and patient outcomes in the production, consumption, delivery of healthcare services, the functioning of healthcare systems and health affecting behaviors. Topics on financing of health services, allocation of resources, health service efficiency, health development and health economic regulation are explored. Emphasis will be placed on strategies for improving health by reducing the waste of resources devoted to health care.
Prerequisite(s): ECON 1301
HLTH 4320 Introduction to Women’s and Reproductive Health 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
This course is designed to explore the health needs unique to women’s and reproductive health, including growth and development, nutrition, exercise, reproductive health, pregnancy, chronic diseases, interpersonal/family issues, and navigation of the healthcare system to provide students with opportunities to create strategies to improve women's health. Particular attention will be given to issues that affect women in under-served populations and how to serve their needs more effectively.
HLTH 4330 Research Methods in Public Health 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of public health research, equipping them with the skills necessary to design, conduct, and analyze research studies addressing public health challenges. Students will explore various research methodologies, including quantitative, qualitative, mixed-method, and participatory approaches while gaining hands-on experience in data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Emphasis is placed on ethical research practices, study design, sampling techniques, and data management to ensure rigorous and impactful research. Through real-world case studies and applied exercises, students will develop the ability to critically evaluate public health research and effectively communicate findings to diverse audiences.
HLTH 4340 Public Health Program Planning 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
This course is designed to prepare the student to assess a population for their health needs, plan an effective program and successfully implement the program. Theory and practice in evaluation of community- and school-based programs and effective health promotion strategies will be presented.
HLTH 4342 Workplace and Occupational Health 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
This course explores knowledge and skillsets needed to establish, actively promote and maintain a healthy and safe work environment. Skills for identifying health-related issues, assessing needs, planning, implementing and evaluating worksite health promotion programs, identifying and controlling of the risks that arise from physical, chemical and other worksite hazards are studies. Students will be able to blend knowledge in public health, exercise, science, nutrition and related disciplines in developing and coordinating worksite programs and maintaining occupational health and safety. Models of delivery of health promotion, disease prevention and occupational health or safety programs to employee populations are examined.
HLTH 4350 Professional Development and Leadership in Public Health 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
This course provides students with essential professional development and leadership skills to excel in public health and healthcare administration. Students will explore career pathways, enhance their understanding of professionalism, ethics, and communication, and prepare for the job market through resume building, interviewing strategies, and networking. Emphasis is placed on internship preparation, including site selection, negotiation of responsibilities, and alignment with the Areas of Responsibility for Health Education Specialists. Through hands-on activities and self-reflection, students will cultivate a personal leadership philosophy and develop the skills to effectively manage and lead public health education and promotion programs.
HLTH 4370 Community Health 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
This course is designed to present aspects of community-related health. Students learn the application of multi-sector and multi-disciplinary collaborative enterprises that uses public health science, evidence-based strategies and other approaches to engage and work with communities, in a culturally appropriate manner, to optimize the health and quality of life of all person who live, work, or are otherwise active in a defined community or communities. Organizations and function of community, system management, analyses of community mobilization procedures, coordination of community health organizations and motivation and plans for action in the community.
Restriction(s):
Students with a class of Freshman or Sophomore may not enroll.
HLTH 4372 Public Health Intervention Strategies 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
This course is designed to prepare students in community and public health to help individuals and communities achieve a greater impact towards improving their health and well-being. The course addresses concepts and principles underlying the use of educational, epidemiological and surveillance outreach, screening, social marketing and policy development strategies to prevent disease and promote health in a variety of settings, including community organizations, schools and colleges, clinics, hospitals, corporations and beyond.
HLTH 4376 Public Health Emergency Preparedness 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
This course introduces the principles and practices of public health emergency preparedness and response, covering emergency management systems at local, state, national, and global levels. Students will examine various public health emergencies, including infectious disease outbreaks, natural disasters, bioterrorism, and environmental hazards. Through case studies, they will explore risk assessment, emergency planning, crisis communication, and the role of public health agencies in disaster response. Emphasis is placed on ethical considerations, community engagement, and resilience-building in vulnerable populations. By the end of the course, students will gain practical knowledge to contribute effectively to emergency preparedness and response efforts.
HLTH 4380 Human Diseases 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
This course will introduce students to the basic knowledge, concepts and understanding of human diseases, mechanisms of diseases, pathologic conditions, etiology, management and prevention of diseases. Conditions such as developmental diseases, cardiovascular diseases, hereditary, cancer, infectious and other common diseases will be explored. Current trends in diagnosis, treatment and preventive measures will be examined.
HLTH 4660 Health Capstone 6 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
Supervised internship at a community, public or private health agency/organization. The purpose of the course is to complete a supervised fieldwork experience in a professional community health promotion setting. This course requires 280 total hours at least 20 hours per week for at least 14 weeks, for 6 credit hours.
Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): HLTH 1370
Restriction(s):
Students with a class of Freshman, Junior or Sophomore may not enroll.
HLTH 5190 Capstone I 1 Credit
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
This course engages students in the development of a research proposal and a seminar that requires students to focus on an area of interest in health promotion; define a problem; review the literature on this subject, include appropriate theoretical and conceptual frameworks; detail the methodology for data collection and analysis; collect the data; indicate the findings; and discuss implications and potential solutions for future practice or research.
Restriction(s):
Undergraduate level students may not enroll.
HLTH 5191 Capstone II 1 Credit
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
This course engages students in the development of a research proposal and a seminar that requires students to focus on an area of interest in health promotion; define a problem; review the literature on this subject, include appropriate theoretical and conceptual frameworks; detail the methodology for data collection and analysis; collect the data; indicate the findings; and discuss implications and potential solutions for future practice or research.
Restriction(s):
Undergraduate level students may not enroll.
HLTH 5192 Capstone III 1 Credit
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
This course engages students in the development of a research proposal and a seminar that requires students to focus on an area of interest in health promotion; define a problem; review the literature on this subject, include appropriate theoretical and conceptual frameworks; detail the methodology for data collection and analysis; collect the data; indicate the findings; and discuss implications and potential solutions for future practice or research.
Restriction(s):
Undergraduate level students may not enroll.
HLTH 5300 Independent Study 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
Designed to develop abilities in location and evaluation of literature and research in Health Promotion and allied fields.
Restriction(s):
Undergraduate level students may not enroll.
HLTH 5303 Biostatistics 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
This course meets the biostatistics core course requirement for all degrees and concentrations in the Public Health Program. Presentation of the principles and methods of data description and elementary parametric and non-parametric statistical analysis as well as sample size estimation are covered.
Restriction(s):
Undergraduate level students may not enroll.
HLTH 5304 Foundations of Health Education in Diverse Communities 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
This course is designed to familiarize students with the health sciences related to health education and promotion, and to provide experiences in the use of the literature related to the health sciences. The philosophy, historical development, and purposes for health promotion are investigated. Emphasizes social and behavioral science theories, models, and concepts that can be applied to public health problems and interventions.
Restriction(s):
Undergraduate level students may not enroll.
HLTH 5308 Social Epidemiology 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
Study of social and cultural factors affecting disease transmission and prevention. Skill development and practical application in assessing, tracking, identifying and accumulating appropriate measures for preventing the spread of disease and promoting disease eradication.
Restriction(s):
Undergraduate level students may not enroll.
HLTH 5309 Environmental Health Sciences 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
The course explored essential and contemporary environmental and occupational challenges to human health. Specifically, it examines health issues, scientific understanding of causes, and possible future approaches to control of the major environmental health problems in low and high income countries.
Restriction(s):
Undergraduate level students may not enroll.
HLTH 5310 Social & Behavioral Sciences 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
Study of appropriate procedures for objective program assessment, development, planning, and implementing of health community organization and behavior theory promotion programs for individuals, groups, and communities from a multicultural, diverse, and demographic perspective. Skill development and practical application in assessing needs, designing, planning, implementing, monitoring, and delivering effective health education programs, resources, and services in different settings.
Restriction(s):
Undergraduate level students may not enroll.
HLTH 5313 Health Literacy of Diverse populations: Challenges and Intervention Strategies 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
Health Literacy of Diverse populations: Challenges and Intervention Strategies
In this course students will be introduced to the topic of health literacy. Approaches to the assessment of fundamental health literacy skills associated to health outcomes, techniques and approaches for the assessment and creation of print material appropriate for low literate audiences will be discussed. Various health communication challenges associated with health professionals, health care providers and clients or patients are covered. Steps that health professionals and health care providers should take to improve communication with clients or the public regarding health related issues will be discussed.
Restriction(s):
Undergraduate level students may not enroll.
HLTH 5314 Economics and Financing Health Care 3 Credits
Department: College of Education Human Dev
This course meets the Health Care Financing core course requirement for all degrees and concentrations in the Public Health program. This course will provide a comprehensive overview of the economics, financial structure, market forces, controls and techniques used in the health care financial management and the perspectives of the various stakeholders involved including providers (physicians, health care workers, hospitals, clinics, and health care market place vendors), insurers, policy makers, patients and the general public.
Restriction(s):
Undergraduate level students may not enroll.
HLTH 5315 Public Health Surveillance and Emergency Preparedness 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
This course offers dual comprehensive introductions to the public health emergency preparedness and response system, including bioterrorism events and threat, as well as the systematic, ongoing assessment of the health of a community based on the collection, interpretation, and use of health data. Topics include bio-surveillance, crisis and emergency risk communication, creating a surveillance system, analyzing and interpreting public health surveillance data, ethics, and communicating public health surveillance information. Students will explore existing surveillance systems at local, state, national, and international levels. Case studies and a variety of practice-related exercises serve as a basis for learner participation in real world public health problem-solving simulations.
Restriction(s):
Undergraduate level students may not enroll.
HLTH 5320 Research Methods in Health Education in Diverse Populations 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
Study of the appropriate quantitative and qualitative evidence based research methods and relevant statistical technology used in community health promotion. Skill development and practical application in the ability to use decipher and use appropriate, valid, and reliable measures regarding current and future health education methods, and research.
Restriction(s):
Undergraduate level students may not enroll.
HLTH 5323 Health Program Planning and Evaluation in Diverse Communities 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
Basic concepts and principles of program development and implementation including data collection methods, decision making, and problem-solving techniques. Application of program development techniques to specific interventions. With particular emphasis on Health Disparities and appropriate populations. Provides students with the knowledge, competencies, and skills to plan, implement, and evaluate health promotion-disease prevention programs for a defined population at risk.
Restriction(s):
Undergraduate level students may not enroll.
HLTH 5331 Health Program Administration 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
Study of appropriate procedures for objective program administration, conducting, monitoring, coordinating, delivering, managing, and interpreting health promotion programs for individuals, groups, and communities from a multicultural, diverse, and demographic perspective. Skill development and practical application in decision-making, group processes, service, communications, critiquing, and serving as a leader in health promotion.
Restriction(s):
Undergraduate level students may not enroll.
HLTH 5332 Current Hlth Issues/Hlth Promo 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
This course will explore current events and issues in health education theory, research, practice, and delivery. It will also provide students with skill development and practical application in interpreting concepts, critical analysis, communication and the ability to serve as a resource person in health promotion.
Restriction(s):
Undergraduate level students may not enroll.
HLTH 5337 U.S. and International Health Disparities 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
This course explores geographical, socio-cultural, political, biological, and economic influences on population disparities in health and well-being. Disease burden, health care, key players in health, role of multinational corporations, culture, environment, and other complex factors that contribute to poor community health status in the U.S. and internationally will be examined. Strategies for health improvement among various population segments will be explored.
Restriction(s):
Undergraduate level students may not enroll.
HLTH 5344 Worksite Health & Disparities 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
Examines elements needed to design and implement an effective safety and health program in workplaces. Assessment, planning, implementing and evaluation of health promotion programs in workplace settings will be emphasized. Topics covered include stress management techniques, culturally appropriate communication skills, organizational culture and influence on health, influence of culture on individual health and wellness, and physical activity and proper nutrition.
Restriction(s):
Undergraduate level students may not enroll.
HLTH 5380 Human Diseases 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
This course will introduce students to understanding and recognition of human diseases, ethology, pathophysiology, management, and prevention of diseases. Conditions such as developmental diseases, cardiovascular diseases, hereditary, cancer, infectious, and other common diseases will be explored. Current trends in diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures will be examined.
Restriction(s):
Undergraduate level students may not enroll.
HLTH 5392 Capstone IV 3 Credits
Department: Nursing and Health Professions
The goal of the capstone is to provide students with the opportunity to apply public health academic theory and acquired skills from their concentration to community-based research and service in a practice setting.
Restriction(s):
Undergraduate level students may not enroll.