Department of Public Health
The Department of Public Health offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Public Health, as well as minors in Community Health and Wellness.
The B.S. degree in Public Health with concentrations in Health Promotion and Health Services provides students the opportunity to prepare for health careers in city, county, state and national government health agencies; non-profit organization and other health agencies. The degrees require both academic coursework and practical experience via an internship. Additionally this program prepares students for admission to graduate programs in public health, community health, and health promotion. The Health Services concentration may also allow students to meet prerequisites for health profession programs. Students interested in pursuing a major in public health or one of two minors offered (community health and wellness) are required to consult with their academic advisor.
Department Honors
The Department of Public Health awards Department Honors to certain outstanding students and provides the opportunity for advanced study under close faculty supervision.
Selection of honors designation is based on the student’s academic performance and recommendation by the faculty of the student’s major discipline. To be eligible for the program, students must have a minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 at UTSA and a minimum grade point average of 3.5 in their major at UTSA. The minimum grade point averages must be maintained for students to receive the approval of the Department Honors Committee and the discipline faculty. Students applying for Department Honors are expected to enroll in the appropriate honors thesis course during their final two semesters. The completed thesis must be approved by the supervising faculty sponsor and another departmental faculty member. Students interested in this program should contact their professors for additional information.
Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Health
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Public Health is offered for students who are interested in gaining knowledge and developing skills needed in a variety of health and public health related areas, including environmental health, administration, epidemiology, and health behavior. The degree requirements consist of the University Core Curriculum, major core requirements, elective courses in areas of interest, a foreign language, and an internship. The major core introduces students to the fundamental subjects and the essential knowledge necessary for working in any field related to public health. The degree program is offered in two concentrations: (1) Health Services and (2) Health Promotion.
The degree program prepares students for health related careers in government, private, and nonprofit organizations. In addition, graduates of this program will be competent in pursuing graduate studies in a variety of academic fields, including public health, allied health, public policy, nutrition, business, and law. For students in the Health Services concentration, it can provide a pathway to advanced studies in medicine or dentistry, if the students use the electives to fulfill the additional admission requirements for medical and dental schools.
The minimum number of semester credit hours required for this degree, including Core Curriculum requirements, is 120. Thirty-nine of the total semester credit hours required for the degree must be at the upper-division level. All candidates seeking this degree must fulfill the Core Curriculum requirements and the degree requirements, which are listed below.
Internship Policy
Experiential learning is a valuable element for health professionals. An internship enables the student to gain practical experience as a professional under conditions conducive to educational development. The internship is a time-limited, supervised period of public health activities carried out in a health-oriented organization or research center. All Public Health majors are expected to complete an internship (6 semester credit hours, 300 hours of time on site).
Internship Eligibility
Public Health majors are eligible to apply for an internship if they have met the following criteria:
- Have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5.
- Have completed HTH 2413, HTH 3503, HTH 3663, and HTH 3713.
- Are within 30 credits of completing the BS in Public Health degree.
Additionally, students must follow the guidelines outlined in the internship manual for the Department of Public Health. Students are responsible for reviewing the Department of Public Health’s internship website for specific processes the semester before they plan to complete the internship.
Students who do not meet the GPA requirement will not be allowed to complete the internship. The program coordinator will assign students who do not meet the GPA requirement two upper-level courses (3 credit hours each) to take in place of the internship course.
Students requesting an internship at a site that requires a criminal background check are responsible for having the background check completed and submitted to the internship site for approval. Students are responsible for paying any fees associated with the completion of the background check. Students must have the background check completed and accepted by the internship site when the materials for the internship are submitted.
Appeal Process
Students who wish to appeal the internship requirement due to prior work experience may do so by completing and submitting the appeal materials, available from the internship coordinator, with written documentation. Prior work experience is defined as a minimum of one year of public health work experience. Written documentation submitted with the materials includes: 1) a letter from the student detailing the work experience, how it fits into one's degree plan and career goals; 2) the student’s resume; and 3) letter(s) from work supervisor(s) verifying employment and stating the extent of their job responsibilities and the relationship to the degree. Work appeals must be submitted by the deadline specified for that semester on the Department of Public Health's internship website. The internship coordinator will make a recommendation to the Department Chair regarding acceptance of the work appeal. All decisions by the Department Chair are final.
Core Curriculum requirements (42 semester credit hours)
Students seeking the B.S. degree in Public Health must fulfill University Core Curriculum requirements in the same manner as other students. The courses listed below satisfy both degree requirements and Core Curriculum requirements; however, if these courses are taken to satisfy both requirements, then students may need to take additional courses in order to meet the minimum number of semester credit hours required for this degree.
STA 1053 may be used to satisfy the core requirement in Mathematics as well as a major requirement. BIO 1203 and BIO 1223 OR BIO 1233 and BIO 1243 may be used to satisfy the core requirement in Life and Physical Sciences as well as major requirements. HTH 2413 may be used to satisfy the core requirement in Social and Behavioral Sciences.
For a complete listing of courses that satisfy the Core Curriculum requirements, see Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements.
Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements
First Year Experience Requirement (3 semester credit hours)
All students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AIS 1203 | Academic Inquiry and Scholarship | 3 |
| AIS 1213 | AIS: Architecture, Construction, and Planning | 3 |
| AIS 1223 | AIS: Arts and Humanities | 3 |
| AIS 1233 | AIS: Business | 3 |
| AIS 1243 | AIS: Engineering, Mathematics, and Sciences | 3 |
| AIS 1253 | AIS: Interdisciplinary Education | 3 |
| AIS 1263 | AIS: Life and Health Sciences | 3 |
| AIS 1273 | AIS: Social Sciences and Public Policy | 3 |
Communication (6 semester credit hours)
Students must complete the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| WRC 1013 | Freshman Composition I | 3 |
| WRC 1023 | Freshman Composition II | 3 |
Mathematics (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CS 1173 | Data Analysis and Visualization | 3 |
| MAT 1023 | College Algebra with Applications | 3 |
| MAT 1043 | Introduction to Mathematics | 3 |
| MAT 1053 | Mathematics for Business | 3 |
| MAT 1073 | Algebra for Scientists and Engineers | 3 |
| MAT 1093 | Precalculus | 3 |
| MAT 1133 | Calculus for Business | 3 |
| MAT 1193 | Calculus for the Biosciences | 3 |
| MAT 1214 | Calculus I | 4 |
| STA 1053 | Basic Statistics | 3 |
Life and Physical Sciences (6 semester credit hours)
Students must complete two of the following courses for a total of 6 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ANT 2033 | Introduction to Biological Anthropology | 3 |
| AST 1013 | Introduction to Astronomy | 3 |
| AST 1033 | Exploration of the Solar System | 3 |
| BIO 1203 | Biosciences I for Science Majors | 3 |
| BIO 1223 | Biosciences II for Science Majors | 3 |
| BIO 1233 | Contemporary Biology I | 3 |
| BIO 1243 | Contemporary Biology II | 3 |
| CHE 1083 | Introduction to the Molecular Structure of Matter | 3 |
| CHE 1093 | Introduction to Molecular Transformations | 3 |
| ES 1113 | Environmental Botany | 3 |
| ES 1123 | Environmental Zoology | 3 |
| ES 1213 | Environmental Geology | 3 |
| ES 2013 | Introduction to Environmental Science I | 3 |
| ES 2023 | Introduction to Environmental Science II | 3 |
| GEO 1013 | The Third Planet | 3 |
| GEO 1033 | Geology of North American National Parks | 3 |
| GEO 1123 | Life Through Time | 3 |
| GES 2613 | Intro to Physical Geography | 3 |
| PHY 1943 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers I | 3 |
| PHY 1963 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers II | 3 |
Language, Philosophy and Culture (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AAS 2013 | Introduction to African American Studies | 3 |
| AAS 2113 | African American Culture, Leadership and Social Issues | 3 |
| ANT 2063 | Language, Thought, and Culture | 3 |
| ARC 1113 | Introduction to the Built Environment | 3 |
| ARC 2423 | Global History of Architecture and Urbanism: Renaissance to 19th Century | 3 |
| CHN 1014 | Elementary Chinese I | 4 |
| CLA 2013 | Introduction to Ancient Greece | 3 |
| CLA 2023 | Introduction to Ancient Rome | 3 |
| CLA 2323 | Classical Mythology | 3 |
| CSH 1103 | Literary Masterpieces of Western Culture I | 3 |
| CSH 1113 | Literary Masterpieces of Western Culture II | 3 |
| CSH 1213 | Topics in World Cultures | 3 |
| CSH 2113 | The Foreign Film | 3 |
| ENG 2013 | Introduction to Literature | 3 |
| ENG 2023 | Literature and Film | 3 |
| ENG 2213 | Literary Criticism and Analysis | 3 |
| ENG 2383 | Multiethnic Literatures of the United States | 3 |
| ENG 2423 | Literature of Texas and the Southwest | 3 |
| ENG 2443 | Persuasion and Rhetoric | 3 |
| FRN 1014 | Elementary French I | 4 |
| FRN 2333 | French Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| GER 1014 | Elementary German I | 4 |
| GER 2333 | German Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| GES 1023 | World Regions & Global Change | 3 |
| GLA 1013 | US in Global Context | 3 |
| GRK 1114 | Introductory Classical Greek I | 4 |
| HIS 2123 | Introduction to World Civilization to the Fifteenth Century | 3 |
| HIS 2133 | Introduction to World Civilization since the Fifteenth Century | 3 |
| HIS 2533 | Introduction to Latin American Civilization | 3 |
| HIS 2543 | Introduction to Islamic Civilization | 3 |
| HIS 2553 | Introduction to East Asian Civilization | 3 |
| HIS 2573 | Introduction to African Civilization | 3 |
| HIS 2583 | Introduction to South Asian Civilization | 3 |
| HUM 2093 | World Religions | 3 |
| ITL 1014 | Elementary Italian I | 4 |
| ITL 2333 | Italian Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| JPN 1014 | Elementary Japanese I | 4 |
| LAT 1114 | Introductory Latin I | 4 |
| MAS 2013 | Introduction to Chicano(a) Studies | 3 |
| PHI 1043 | Critical Thinking | 3 |
| PHI 2013 | Basic Philosophical Problems | 3 |
| PHI 2023 | Introduction to Ancient Philosophy | 3 |
| PHI 2033 | Introduction to Early Modern Philosophy | 3 |
| PHI 2123 | Contemporary Moral Issues | 3 |
| RUS 1014 | Elementary Russian I | 4 |
| RUS 2333 | Russian Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| SPN 1014 | Elementary Spanish I | 4 |
| SPN 2333 | Hispanic Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| WGSS 2013 | Introduction to Women’s Studies | 3 |
| WGSS 2023 | Introduction to LGBTQ Studies | 3 |
Creative Arts (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AHC 1113 | Art History I | 3 |
| AHC 1123 | Art History II | 3 |
| ARC 1513 | Great Buildings and Cities of the World | 3 |
| ARC 2413 | Global History of Architecture and Urbanism: Prehistory to Medieval | 3 |
| ART 1103 | Introduction to Visual Arts | 3 |
| BBL 2023 | Latino Cultural Expressions | 3 |
| CLA 2033 | Introduction to Classical Literature | 3 |
| DAN 2003 | Introduction to Dance | 3 |
| HUM 2023 | Introduction to the Humanities I | 3 |
| HUM 2033 | Introduction to the Humanities II | 3 |
| HUM 2053 | History of Film | 3 |
| MAS 2023 | Latino Cultural Expressions | 3 |
| MUS 2243 | World Music in Society | 3 |
| MUS 2633 | American Roots Music | 3 |
| MUS 2653 | Music in Culture | 3 |
| MUS 2663 | History and Styles of Jazz | 3 |
| MUS 2673 | History and Styles of Rock | 3 |
| MUS 2683 | History and Styles of Western Art Music | 3 |
| MUS 2713 | History of Recorded Music | 3 |
| MUS 2743 | Music and Film | 3 |
| PHI 2073 | Philosophy of Art | 3 |
American History (6 semester credit hours)
Students must complete two of the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HIS 1043 | United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era | 3 |
| HIS 1053 | United States History: Civil War Era to Present | 3 |
| HIS 2053 | Texas History | 3 |
Government-Political Science (6 semester credit hours)
Students must complete two of the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| POL 1013 | Introduction to American Politics | 3 |
| and one of the following two courses: | ||
| POL 1133 | Texas Politics and Society | 3 |
| POL 1213 | Civil Rights in Texas and America | 3 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AMS 2043 | Approaches to American Culture | 3 |
| ANT 1013 | Introduction to Anthropology | 3 |
| ANT 2043 | Introduction to Archaeology | 3 |
| ANT 2053 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| BBL 2003 | Language, Culture, and Society | 3 |
| BBL 2243 | Bilingual Families, Communities, and Schools: National and Transnational Experiences | 3 |
| BIO 1033 | Drugs and Society | 3 |
| CRJ 1113 | The American Criminal Justice System | 3 |
| ECO 2003 | Economic Principles and Issues | 3 |
| ECO 2023 | Introductory Microeconomics | 3 |
| EGR 1343 | The Impact of Modern Technologies on Society | 3 |
| ES 1003 | Survey Topics in Environmental Studies | 3 |
| GES 1013 | Fundamentals of Geography | 3 |
| GES 2623 | Human Geography: People, Place, Culture | 3 |
| HTH 2413 | Introduction to Community and Public Health | 3 |
| HTH 2513 | Personal Health | 3 |
| IDS 2113 | Society and Social Issues | 3 |
| PSY 1013 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| SOC 1013 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SOC 2013 | Social Problems | 3 |
| SOC 2023 | Social Context of Drug Use | 3 |
Component Area Option (CAO) (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete either one of the following courses or any additional Core Curriculum course not previously used to satisfy a core component area requirement, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| COM 2113 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| EGR 1403 | Technical Communication | 3 |
| ENG 2413 | Technical Writing | 3 |
| PAD 1113 | Public Administration and Policy in American Society | 3 |
| PHI 2043 | Introductory Logic | 3 |
Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements
| First Year Experience Requirement | 3 | |
| Communication | 6 | |
| Mathematics | 3 | |
| Life and Physical Sciences | 6 | |
| Language, Philosophy and Culture | 3 | |
| Creative Arts | 3 | |
| American History | 6 | |
| Government-Political Science | 6 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Component Area Option | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 42 | |
Gateway Courses
Students pursuing the B.S. degree in Public Health must successfully complete each of the following Gateway Courses with a grade of “C-” or better in no more than two attempts. A student who is unable to successfully complete these courses within two attempts, including dropping a course with a grade of “W” or taking an equivalent course at another institution, will be required to change their major.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HTH 2413 | Introduction to Community and Public Health | 3 |
| HTH 3503 | Theories of Health Behavior | 3 |
Degree Requirements
All candidates for the B.S. degree in Public Health must complete the following 90 semester credit hours, which includes 12 -14 semester credit hours of Core Curriculum requirements.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A. Public Health Foundation courses | ||
| All candidates for this degree must complete the following 42 semester credit hours of coursework: | ||
| HTH 2413 | Introduction to Community and Public Health | 3 |
| HTH 2623 | Database Management in Community and Public Health | 3 |
| HTH 2713 | Human Disease Etiology, Prevention and Treatment | 3 |
| HTH 3503 | Theories of Health Behavior | 3 |
| HTH 3663 | Program Planning and Evaluation | 3 |
| HTH 3713 | Effective Messaging in Public Health | 3 |
| or COM 3293 | Introduction to Health Communication | |
| HTH 4043 | Global Health | 3 |
| HTH 4053 | Health Care System | 3 |
| HTH 4503 | Epidemiology | 3 |
| HTH 4543 | Environmental Health and Safety | 3 |
| HTH 4563 | Health Policy, Law and Ethics | 3 |
| SOC 3223 | Population Dynamics and Demographic Techniques | 3 |
| SOC 4683 | Health Disparities | 3 |
| STA 1053 | Basic Statistics | 3 |
| B. Public Health Concentrations. All candidates for the degree in Public Health must complete the requirements for one of the following concentrations: | ||
| Health Services Concentration | ||
| All candidates for the degree in Public Health with a Health Services Concentration must complete the following 18 semester credit hours of coursework: | 18 | |
| Biosciences I for Science Majors and Biosciences I Laboratory for Science Majors | ||
| Biosciences II for Science Majors and Biosciences II Laboratory for Science Majors | ||
| Field-Based Skills in Community Health and Preventive Services | ||
| Select at least 9 semester hours of the following: | ||
| Medical Anthropology | ||
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I | ||
| Human Anatomy and Physiology II | ||
| Genetics | ||
| General Physiology | ||
| Physiology Laboratory | ||
| Neurobiology | ||
| Microbiology | ||
| Microbiology Laboratory | ||
| Brain and Behavior | ||
| Medical Geography | ||
| Medical Sociology | ||
| All candidates for the degree in Public Health with a Health Promotion Concentration must complete the following 18 semester credit hours of coursework: | 18 | |
| Health Promotion Concentration | ||
| Contemporary Biology I | ||
| Contemporary Biology II | ||
| Community Health | ||
| Select at least 9 semester credit hours from the following list of courses: | ||
| Principles of Weight Management | ||
| Physical Activity and Health | ||
| Drugs and Health | ||
| Growth and Development | ||
| Emotional Wellness | ||
| Child and Adolescent Health Promotion | ||
| Consumer Health | ||
| Understanding Human Sexuality | ||
| Nutrition and Health | ||
| Exercise Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Organization Theory, Behavior, and Management | ||
| Psychology of Health | ||
| Medical Sociology | ||
| C. Advanced Public Health Requirement | ||
| All candidates for this degree must complete 6 semester credit hours of an internship in public health and a 1 semester credit hour Capstone course. | ||
| HTH 4936 | Internship in Health | 6 |
| HTH 4921 | Capstone for Public Health | 1 |
| D. Foreign Language | ||
| All candidates for this degree must complete 6 hours of coursework in a single foreign language. | 6 | |
| E. Free electives | ||
| All candidates for this degree must complete up to 17 hours of free electives to meet the 120 hour minimum for the degree, including a sufficient number of electives at the upper-division level to meet the UTSA minimum of 39 upper-division hours. | 17 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 90 | |
Course Sequence Guides for B.S. Degree in Public Health
These course sequence guides are designed to assist students in completing the requirements for their UTSA undergraduate Public Health degree. These are merely guides and students must satisfy other requirements of this catalog and meet with their academic advisor for individualized degree plans. Progress within these guides depends upon such factors as course availability, individual student academic preparation, student time management, work obligations, and individual financial considerations. Students may choose to take courses during Summer terms to reduce course loads during long semesters.
B.S. in Public Health, Health Services – Four-Year Academic Plan
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| AIS 1203 | Academic Inquiry and Scholarship (core) | 3 |
| HTH 2413 | Introduction to Community and Public Health (core and major) | 3 |
| STA 1053 | Basic Statistics (core and major) | 3 |
| WRC 1013 | Freshman Composition I (core) | 3 |
| Language, Philosophy & Culture (core) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIO 1203 & BIO 1201 | Biosciences I for Science Majors and Biosciences I Laboratory for Science Majors (core and major) | 4 |
| HIS 1043 | United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era (core) or United States History: Civil War Era to Present or Texas History | 3 |
| WRC 1023 | Freshman Composition II (core) | 3 |
| HTH 2713 | Human Disease Etiology, Prevention and Treatment | 3 |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| BIO 1223 & BIO 1221 | Biosciences II for Science Majors and Biosciences II Laboratory for Science Majors (core and major) | 4 |
| HIS 1043 | United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era (core) or United States History: Civil War Era to Present or Texas History | 3 |
| HTH 3503 | Theories of Health Behavior | 3 |
| HTH 2623 | Database Management in Community and Public Health | 3 |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| HTH 2601 | Field-Based Skills in Community Health and Preventive Services | 1 |
| HTH 3663 | Program Planning and Evaluation | 3 |
| HTH 3713 | Effective Messaging in Public Health | 3 |
| SOC 3223 | Population Dynamics and Demographic Techniques | 3 |
| Component Area Option (core) | 3 | |
| Creative Arts (core) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| POL 1013 | Introduction to American Politics (core) | 3 |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| HTH 4043 | Global Health | 3 |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Foreign language (semester I) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| HTH 4503 | Epidemiology | 3 |
| POL 1133 or POL 1213 | Texas Politics and Society (core) or Civil Rights in Texas and America | 3 |
| HTH 4053 | Health Care System | 3 |
| HTH 4563 | Health Policy, Law and Ethics | 3 |
| Foreign language (semester II) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| HTH 4543 | Environmental Health and Safety | 3 |
| SOC 4683 | Health Disparities | 3 |
| Concentration course (upper-division) | 3 | |
| Concentration course | 3 | |
| Concentration course | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| HTH 4936 | Internship in Health | 6 |
| HTH 4921 | Capstone for Public Health | 1 |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Free elective (to meet 120 hour minimum) | 2 | |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 120 | |
B.S. in Public Health, Health Promotion Concentration – Four-Year Academic Plan
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| AIS 1203 | Academic Inquiry and Scholarship (core) | 3 |
| HTH 2413 | Introduction to Community and Public Health (core and major) | 3 |
| STA 1053 | Basic Statistics (core and major) | 3 |
| WRC 1013 | Freshman Composition I (core) | 3 |
| Language, Philosophy & Culture (core) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIO 1233 | Contemporary Biology I (core and major) | 3 |
| HIS 1043 | United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era (core) or United States History: Civil War Era to Present or Texas History | 3 |
| POL 1013 | Introduction to American Politics (core) | 3 |
| WRC 1023 | Freshman Composition II (core) | 3 |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| BIO 1243 | Contemporary Biology II (core and major) | 3 |
| HIS 1043 | United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era (core) or United States History: Civil War Era to Present or Texas History | 3 |
| HTH 3503 | Theories of Health Behavior | 3 |
| POL 1133 or POL 1213 | Texas Politics and Society (core) or Civil Rights in Texas and America | 3 |
| Creative Arts (core) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| HTH 2623 | Database Management in Community and Public Health | 3 |
| HTH 3663 | Program Planning and Evaluation | 3 |
| SOC 3223 | Population Dynamics and Demographic Techniques | 3 |
| HTH 2713 | Human Disease Etiology, Prevention and Treatment | 3 |
| Component Area Option (core) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| HTH 3713 | Effective Messaging in Public Health | 3 |
| HTH 4043 | Global Health | 3 |
| HTH 3513 | Community Health | 3 |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Foreign language (semester I) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| HTH 4503 | Epidemiology | 3 |
| HTH 4543 | Environmental Health and Safety | 3 |
| HTH 4053 | Health Care System | 3 |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Foreign language (semester II) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| HTH 4563 | Health Policy, Law and Ethics | 3 |
| SOC 4683 | Health Disparities | 3 |
| Concentration course (upper division) | 3 | |
| Concentration course | 3 | |
| Concentration course | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| HTH 4936 | Internship in Health | 6 |
| HTH 4921 | Capstone for Public Health | 1 |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Free elective (to meet 120 hour minimum) | 2 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 120 | |
Accelerated Master of Public Health: (4+1) Program for Public Health Majors
This is a collaborative program between The University of Texas at San Antonio and UTHealth Houston - School of Public Health.
Program Description
The Accelerated Master of Public Health (MPH) 4+1 program provides a direct line for Public Health students to enroll in and complete their master’s coursework over the course of five years, as opposed to the traditional four years of undergraduate work and two years of graduate work. The Accelerated MPH Program between The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and UTHealth Houston - School of Public Health (UTHealth Houston SPH) allows undergraduate public health majors to streamline and advance their education efficiently.
The student will graduate with a baccalaureate degree in public health while earning a certificate in public health from UTHealth Houston SPH. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to complete a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program in one additional year instead of the customary two years. Upon graduation from UTSA, students can immediately transition to master’s status and continue on to complete the remaining degree requirements at UTHealth Houston SPH. Students who do not wish to continue with the master’s degree will graduate with a certificate in public health from UTHealth Houston SPH.
Graduates will be expected to acquire the education, skill-set and experience needed to enter the professional work force in any of the varied fields of public health, or be well prepared to continue with their education through doctoral studies or in professional degrees such as medicine, dentistry and pharmacy.
Requirements
Students in good standing in the Bachelor of Science in Public Health program who have a minimum cumulative grade point average of a 3.2 or higher and ideally have completed select degree foundation courses can apply for acceptance into the Accelerated MPH program during their third full year of study. Students who are accepted into the Accelerated MPH program will then complete selected online or in person graduate courses during their last year of study at the UTHealth San Antonio Regional Campus. This coursework will simultaneously satisfy remaining undergraduate requirements, as well as the core courses for the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree. After satisfying the undergraduate degree requirements students will then apply for and finish the graduate program.
Minor in Community Health
All students pursuing the Minor in Community Health must complete the following 18 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HTH 2413 | Introduction to Community and Public Health | 3 |
| HTH 2623 | Database Management in Community and Public Health | 3 |
| HTH 3503 | Theories of Health Behavior | 3 |
| HTH 3513 | Community Health | 3 |
| HTH 3663 | Program Planning and Evaluation | 3 |
| One additional course selected from the following: | 3 | |
| Survey of Drugs and Health | ||
| Survey of Human Nutrition | ||
| Survey of Human Sexuality | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 18 | |
Minor in Wellness
All students pursuing the Minor in Wellness must complete the following 18 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HTH 3003 | Survey of Drugs and Health | 3 |
| HTH 3013 | Survey of Human Nutrition | 3 |
| HTH 3023 | Survey of Human Sexuality | 3 |
| HTH 3553 | Emotional Wellness | 3 |
| Two additional courses selected from the following: | 6 | |
| Fitness and Wellness Concepts | ||
| Personal Health | ||
| Principles of Weight Management | ||
| Growth and Development | ||
| Consumer Health | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 18 | |
To declare a Minor in Community Health or Wellness or to obtain advice, students should consult their academic advisor.
Health (HTH) Courses
HTH 2413. Introduction to Community and Public Health. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course is a survey of the profession of public health and the competencies required of health educators, including examination of philosophies, ethics and current trends. This course serves as a foundation for other courses in the health degree. May be applied toward the Core Curriculum requirement in Social and Behavioral Sciences. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: LRC1 $12; LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
HTH 2513. Personal Health. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = PHED 1304)
Emphasizes the concept of mind, body, and spirit as necessary components of total well-being; principles of preventive health; and self-responsibility for personal health behaviors. May be applied toward the Core Curriculum requirement in Social and Behavioral Sciences. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: LRC1 $12; LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
HTH 2601. Field-Based Skills in Community Health and Preventive Services. (1-0) 1 Credit Hour.
Prerequisite: HTH 2413.
This course introduces students to practices and skills that are commonly used in community health and preventive health services. These include health screening skills and skills for communicating and interpreting screening results. The course offers hands-on practice of these skills. Course Fees: KSM1 $10; LRHC $10; STHC $6.
HTH 2623. Database Management in Community and Public Health. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course will focus on practical issues in database management. Students will learn how to perform basic query and reporting operations, migrate data between various file formats, share data using cloud data management systems such as Dropbox, prepare data for statistical analysis, conduct statistical analyses common in community and public health, perform data quality control and assurance procedures and develop formal documents for reporting outcomes. Database management and statistical software such as SPSS, Microsoft Access and SQL will be used. (Formerly titled "Applied Technology for Research and Health Education.") Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
HTH 2713. Human Disease Etiology, Prevention and Treatment. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
An in-depth look at the etiology, prevention, and treatment of communicable and non-communicable diseases afflicting humans. Generally offered Fall and Spring. Course fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 3003. Survey of Drugs and Health. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Study of the use and abuse of drugs and other substances. Examines addiction, dependence, tolerance, motivation for use, and effects of substance abuse on health and society. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 3013. Survey of Human Nutrition. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
An overview approach to understanding the principles of nutrition and their effect on health and fitness. Emphasis on major nutritional issues throughout the human life cycle; self-evaluation of diet and fitness habits. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 3023. Survey of Human Sexuality. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
A study examining the breadth of human sexuality, including psychosocial, cultural and physical aspects, and its impact on our lives. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 3031. Peer Education in Health. (2-2) 1 Credit Hour.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Course offers the opportunity for students to participate in the Student Health Services Peer Educator Program. Students will have the opportunity to learn about health topics relevant to the college student population and implement outreach activities to educate and encourage the adoption of healthy behaviors among the UTSA student community. May be repeated for credit for a maximum of 6 semester credit hours. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, or Summer. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $6.
HTH 3043. Principles of Weight Management. (3-1) 3 Credit Hours.
An in-depth study of the field of prevention and management of obesity. This course provides practical application of nutritional, psychological, and physical activity principles that help individuals manage their own weight and is suitable for students in health, kinesiology, psychology, biology, counseling, or others. A noncompetitive, monitored activity component is required. Generally offered: Spring. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 3303. Physical Activity and Health. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: HTH 3503 and HTH 3663.
The course provides a survey of the health-related effects and social-cultural and behavioral determinants of physical activity and exercise. Biological/physiological mechanisms for adaptations to physical activity are also addressed. Generally offered: Fall. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 3503. Theories of Health Behavior. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Designed to provide an overview of health behavior theories, program planning models and multi-level interventions typically used in public health. Each level of the socio-ecological model will be discussed including individual, interpersonal, organization, community and policy. Directed field experience is required. (Formerly titled "Foundations of Health Theory.") Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
HTH 3513. Community Health. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: HTH 2413 and HTH 3503.
Study of community health problems and the function and organization of public, private, and voluntary health agencies, application of health theories and models and program planning methods. Directed field experience is required. Offered Fall Semester only. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 3533. Drugs and Health. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: HTH 2413, HTH 3503, and HTH 3663.
Study of the use and abuse of drugs and other substances. Examines addiction, dependence, tolerance, motivation for use, and effects of substance abuse on health and society. Application of theories and models for program development, implementation and evaluation. Health majors and minors only. Offered Spring Semester only. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
HTH 3543. Growth and Development. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Physical, social, and psychological development throughout the lifespan. Implications for health professionals at all stages of development (prenatal to death) are addressed. Offered Spring Semester only. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 3553. Emotional Wellness. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Practical application of techniques for shaping healthier emotional behavior; emphasis on personality, stress management, and fulfilling relationships. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
HTH 3563. Child and Adolescent Health Promotion. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Designed for students who are interested in promoting the health of youth, as well as those students pursuing academic training in education and community health. The primary goal of this course is to improve the health literacy of teachers and health promotion specialists through understanding and application of evidence-based child and adolescent health promotion concepts. Offered Fall Semester only. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 3663. Program Planning and Evaluation. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: HTH 2413 and HTH 3503.
This course provides students with a basic understanding of planning, implementing, and evaluating health promotion programs in a variety of settings, including worksite, healthcare, and community and at a various levels (individual, organization, community, policy.) Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 3713. Effective Messaging in Public Health. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: HTH 2413. Reviews the basic concepts of public health-specific communication, including technical and professional writing and how to leverage the use of mass media and other emerging technologies. Generally offered Fall and Spring. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 4043. Global Health. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Covers the field of global health, particularly the serious health problems facing developing world populations. The course begins with an introduction to the global burden of disease and then examines the complex social, economic, political, environmental, and biological factors that structure the origins, consequences and possible treatments of disease. Provides an introductory survey of the basic issues and initiatives in contemporary international public health, and develops student awareness of the socioeconomic and cultural complexity of health problems in developing nations. (Formerly SOC 4043 and PUB 4043. Credit can only be earned for one of the following: HTH 4043, PUB 4043, or SOC 4043). Generally offered: Fall and Spring. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 4053. Health Care System. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Covers the complexities of health care organization and finance and presents a general overview of how the U.S. health care systems work and how the major components within the system fit together. Covers basic structures and operations of the U.S. health system - from its historical origins and resources, to its individual services, cost, and quality. Compares and contrasts the U.S. health care system with other health care systems around the world. (Formerly SOC 4053 and PUB 4053. Credit can only be earned for one of the following: HTH 4053, PUB 4053, or SOC 4053). Generally offered: Fall and Spring. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 4503. Epidemiology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: HTH 2413 and HTH 2713. Provide basic knowledge about epidemiological applications, including the investigative methods and research designs for studying disease outbreaks, new epidemics and chronic disease. Generally offered Fall and Spring. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 4513. Consumer Health. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Study of the consumer’s selection of health products and services; health frauds, scams and quackery; and the acquisition of basic knowledge for making responsible decisions when selecting professional, complementary, or alternative health care services and products. Offered Fall Semester only. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
HTH 4523. Understanding Human Sexuality. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: HTH 2413, HTH 3503, and HTH 3663.
An in-depth study of human sexuality, including psychosocial, cultural and physical aspects. Application of theories and models for program development, implementation and evaluation. Health majors and minors only. Directed field experience is required. Offered Spring Semester only. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
HTH 4533. Nutrition and Health. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: HTH 2413, HTH 3503, HTH 3663, and HTH 3013, BIO 2043, or NDT 2043.
An in-depth examination of the principles of nutrition and their effects on health and fitness. Emphasis on critical thinking and translation of nutritional knowledge to real-world settings. Includes self-evaluation of diet and fitness habits. Application of health theories and models for program development, implementation, and evaluation in nutritional context. Health majors and minors only. Generally offered: Fall. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
HTH 4543. Environmental Health and Safety. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Intensive coverage of the aspects of a human being’s health and safety in a changing environment. Considers applicable factors of ecology, including problems related to water, waste, pesticides, foods, radiation, population, and other aspects of the total ecosystem, as well as personal and occupational safety within these parameters. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 4563. Health Policy, Law and Ethics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: HTH 2413. Introduction to health policy issues including related interventions, theoretical motivations, influence of the political, bureaucratic, and social environments on policy, and population health consequences of policy. Legal and ethical components are also discussed. Generally offered Fall and Spring. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
HTH 4911. Independent Study. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.
Prerequisites: Permission in writing (form available) from the instructor, the student’s advisor, the Department Chair, and Dean of the College in which the course is offered.
Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours of independent study, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Course Fee: STHC $6.
HTH 4913. Independent Study. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: Permission in writing (form available) from the instructor, the student’s advisor, the Department Chair, and Dean of the College in which the course is offered.
Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours of independent study, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Generally offered: Spring. Course Fee: STHC $18.
HTH 4921. Capstone for Public Health. (1-0) 1 Credit Hour.
This course aids students in synthesizing their classroom and internship experiences to reinforce critical skills and key responsibilities for students in public health. This course will provide students with an overview of resources, skills, and recommendations regarding their professional development. Students are required to take this course during their last semester. Course Fees: DL01 $25; LRHC $10; STHC $6.
HTH 4936. Internship in Health. (0-0) 6 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: Student must be within 30 credits of graduation, have a 2.5 GPA, and have completed HTH 2413, HTH 3503, HTH 3663, and HTH 3713; if student does not have a 2.5 GPA, they should contact the department about substitution options.
The course provides the opportunity for work experience related to public health. Opportunities are developed in consultation with the Department of Public Health and local organizations. No more than 6 semester credit hours of internship will apply to a bachelor’s degree. (Same as KIN 4936. Credit cannot be earned for both HTH 4936 and KIN 4936.) Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fees: STFK $57; STHC $36.
HTH 4951. Special Studies in Health. (1-0) 1 Credit Hour.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study in an area of health not available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Studies may be repeated for credit when topics vary, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $6.
HTH 4952. Special Studies in Health. (2-0) 2 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study in an area of health not available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Studies may be repeated for credit when topics vary, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $12.
HTH 4953. Special Studies in Health. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study in an area of health not available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Studies may be repeated for credit when topics vary, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
HTH 4993. Honors Thesis. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: Enrollment limited to candidates for honors in the Department of Health and Kinesiology during the last two semesters; consent of the Honors College.
Supervised research and preparation of an honors thesis. May be repeated once for credit with advisor’s approval. Course Fee: STHC $18.