Co-Directors: Saritha Bangara and George Diggs
Faculty: Mathias Akuoko, Lisa M. Brown, Karánn Durland, Michael Fairley, Steve Goldsmith, David Griffith, Huy Nguyen, Joyce Mauk, Kerri-Anne Mitchell, Stephen Ramsey, Kelly Reed, Peter Schulze, Ashley Tharayil, Ivette Vargas-O’Bryan, Brian Watkins
PUBLIC HEALTH
Public Health at Austin College promotes a multidisciplinary approach to studying the varied and interconnected ways of preventing disease, promoting health, and prolonging life through organized efforts, both public and private. The curriculum includes courses from the social sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, and humanities, and is designed to give students insight into the breadth of the field. The program emphasizes involvement at the local level in conjunction with a global perspective.
A student who elects to major or minor in public health will obtain an understanding of the nature of the scientific approach, the importance of statistical analysis, and the effects of social, economic, behavioral, political, and cultural factors on health.
A background in public health can prepare a student to enter a diverse range of careers, varying widely both in focus (local, regional, national, global) and in sector. For example, careers are available in local, state, and federal government, hospitals and health departments, nonprofit organizations, corporations, and universities. A number of these careers require graduate study (for example, a Master of Public Health degree). A broad-based liberal arts education that includes training in public health is also a strong background for many other graduate and professional programs ranging from medicine and other health careers to hospital administration, public policy, health economics, human rights, and diverse programs in the natural sciences and social sciences.
Students are encouraged to consider in which aspect of public health their primary interests lie (e.g., policy/management, economics, environmental, scientific/biological, communications, etc.) and to choose additional coursework that will position them strongly for graduate work or the job market.
Students who are interested in the public health major or minor are strongly encouraged to consult with Saritha Bangara or George Diggs at their earliest convenience.
Degree Plans Offered in Public Health and Health Care Administration
Major in Public Health
Minor in Public Health
Major in Health Care Administration
A major in public health consists of:
Core requirements (4 courses)
PUBH 235 Fundamentals of Public Health
PUBH 332 Epidemiology
PUBH 345 Global Health
PUBH 354 Introduction to Social and Behavioral Health
Policy Component (select 1 course)
PSCI 317 Public Policy
ENVS 379 Environmental Policy
PUBH 379 Health Management and Policy
Science of Health and/or Disease Component (select 1 course)
BIOL 115 Evolution, Behavior, and Ecology
BIOL 228 Genetics
BIOL 230 Microbiology
BIOL 340 Immunology
BIOL 347 Cancer Biology
PUBH 250 Environmental and Evolutionary Health
PUBH 342 Cancer Risk and Prevention
PUBH 432 Advanced Epidemiology
SCI 201 Emerging Viral Diseases (or equivalent course)
SCI 202 Microbes and Human Health (or equivalent course)
Behavioral, Social and Cultural Aspects of Health Component (select 1 course)
ANTH 123 Cultural Anthropology
COMM 222 Interpersonal Communication
COMM 453 Health Communication
COMM 455 Intercultural Communication
EAS 270 Chinese Medicine
ECO 280 Health Economics
ECO 371 Econometrics
ENVS 135 Fundamentals of Environmental Studies
ENVS 236 Environmental Justice
ENVS 245 Food Systems
PHIL 209 Ethics and Medicine
PSY 222 Environmental Psychology
PSY 255 Health Psychology
PSY 265 Psychology of Human Sexuality
PSY 281 Psychopathology
PUBH 250 Social Constructions of “Wellness”
PUBH 336 Health Care Law and Regulation
PUBH 346 Health Care Administration
PUBH 347 Introduction to Maternal & Child Health
PUBH 350 Advocacy and Policy in Public Health
PUBH 350 Culture and Mental Health
PUBH 350 Social Determinants of Health
PUBH 350 Health Insurance & Managed Care
PUBH 350 Public Health Service-Learning Experience
PUBH 350 Research Methods in Public Health
PUBH 350 Essentials of Health Behavior and Promotion
PUBH 357 Health Care Law
PUBH 370 Legislative & Policy Leadership Experience
REL 220 Medicine and Public Health in Asian Traditions
Additional course from the three components above (select 1 course)
Policy, Science of Health and/or Disease, or Behavioral, Social and Cultural Aspects of Health course
Required supporting course
PUBH 120 Introduction to Biostatistics (or other approved statistics courses including MATH 120, PSY 120 or PSCI 271)
Other Considerations When Planning for the Major:
- At least six courses must be at the 200 level or above.
- At least three courses must be at the 300 level or above (e.g., PUBH 332, PUBH 345, PUBH 354, PUBH 379).
- An internship or other similar experience or individual research project is highly encouraged.
Total Credits Requirement = 8 course credits
A minor in public health consists of:
Core requirements (3 courses)
PUBH 235 Fundamentals of Public Health
PUBH 332 Epidemiology
PUBH 354 Introduction to Social and Behavioral Health OR PUBH 379 Health Management and Policy
Policy Component
PSCI 317 Public Policy
ENVS 379 Environmental Policy
PUBH 379 Health Management and Policy
Science of Health and/or Disease Component
BIOL 115 Evolution, Behavior, and Ecology
BIOL 228 Genetics
BIOL 230 Microbiology
BIOL 340 Immunology
BIOL 347 Cancer Biology
PUBH 250 Environmental and Evolutionary Health
PUBH 342 Cancer Risk and Prevention
PUBH 432 Advanced Epidemiology
SCI 201 Emerging Viral Diseases (or equivalent course)
SCI 202 Microbes and Human Health (or equivalent course)
Behavioral, Social, and Cultural Aspects of Health Component
ANTH 123 Cultural Anthropology
COMM 222 Interpersonal Communication
COMM 453 Health Communication
COMM 455 Intercultural Communication
EAS 270 Chinese Medicine
ECO 280 Health Economics
ECO 371 Econometrics
ENVS 135 Fundamentals of Environmental Studies
ENVS 236 Environmental Justice
ENVS 245 Food Systems
PHIL 209 Ethics and Medicine
PSY 222 Environmental Psychology
PSY 255 Health Psychology
PSY 265 Psychology of Human Sexuality
PSY 281 Psychopathology
PUBH 250 Social Constructions of “Wellness”
PUBH 336 Health Care Law and Regulation
PUBH 346 Health Care Administration
PUBH 347 Introduction to Maternal & Child Health
PUBH 350 Advocacy and Policy in Public Health
PUBH 350 Culture and Mental Health
PUBH 350 Social Determinants of Health
PUBH 350 Health Insurance & Managed Care
PUBH 350 Public Health Service-Learning Experience
PUBH 350 Research Methods in Public Health
PUBH 350 Essentials of Health Behavior and Promotion
PUBH 354 Introduction to Social and Behavioral Health
PUBH 357 Health Care Law
PUBH 370 Leadership & Policy Legislative Experience
REL 220 Medicine and Public Health in Asian Traditions
Required supporting course
PUBH 120 Introduction to Biostatistics (or other approved statistics course including MATH 120, PSY 120 or PSCI 271)
Other Considerations When Planning for the Minor:
- At least four courses must be at the 200 level or above.
- At least one course must be at the 300 level or above (e.g., PUBH 332, PUBH 354, PUBH 379).
Total Credits Requirement = 5 course credits
All elective courses for the major and minor should be selected in consultation with the program director based on student interests and career objectives.
HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
The Health Care Administration major provides an interdisciplinary approach to prepare students in leadership, management, and administration as applied to health and health care organizations. The program curriculum, through close cooperation between the Department of Economics and Business Administration and the Public Health program, consists of courses that provide students with background in the business and management side of health care but also the policies and the complexities of human needs in the modern health context. It also promotes the critical thinking skills necessary in the ever-changing and rapidly growing health care industry. Further, it encourages students to gain real-world experiences, such as internships, volunteer work, or other experiential activities through the many private and public health care institutions within the North Texas area.
Students are encouraged to choose additional coursework in addition to their major that will position them strongly for graduate school or the job market. Of special importance are courses that will broaden their perspective (e.g., a health-related ethics course, literature, medicine and culture, health communication, health psychology, etc.). Likewise, choosing a minor (or second major) that would complement their interest in Health Care Administration could potentially be valuable to their career path.
Students who are interested in the health care administration major are strongly encouraged to consult with Mathias Akuoko at their earliest convenience.
A major in health care administration consists of:
Core requirements* (8 courses)
ACCT 261 Financial Accounting
BA 361 Finance
ECO 280 Health Economics
PUBH 235 Fundamentals of Public Health
PUBH 357 Health Care Law
PUBH 379 Health Management & Policy
PUBH/BA 346 Health Care Administration
PHIL 209 Ethics and Medicine (Or other approved ethically relevant course)
*NOTE: For almost all of these courses students need PUBH 235 Fundamentals of Public Health and/or ECO 101 Principles of Microeconomics as prerequisites.
Required supporting courses
ECO 101 Principles of Microeconomics
PUBH 120 Biostatistics or MATH 120 Elementary Statistics or PSY 120 Psychological Statistics or PSCI 271 Quantitative Methods (an introductory Political Science statistics course) or SSCI 120 Social Science Statistics.
Other Useful Courses:
BA 252 Business Analytics (Prerequisites: ECO 101 or 102 or ACCT 261)
BA 455 Management (Prerequisites: ECO 101 or 102 & ACCT 261)
BA 495 Strategic Management (Prerequisites: ECO 101 & 102 & BA 361)
ECO 371 Econometrics (Prerequisites: MATH 120 or equivalent)
ECO 372 Predictive Analytics (Prerequisite: MATH 120 or equivalent)
LEAD 250 Conflict Resolution
PUBH 350 Advocacy and Policy in Public Health
PUBH 350 Health Insurance & Managed Care
Total Credits Requirement = 8 course credits
COURSES IN PUBLIC HEALTH
PUBH 120 Introduction to Biostatistics
An introduction to selected topics in biostatistical analysis and reasoning with a focus on analyzing health-related data. Topics will include descriptive statistics and graphical displays, sampling methods and types of studies, tools for describing central tendency and variability of data, the basics of probability theory, random variables, discrete distributions, the normal distribution, the chi-squared distribution, hypothesis testing for means and comparison of means (including t tests), confidence intervals, correlation, and regression analysis. A section will be included on how statistics can be misused or can lead to wrong conclusions. Health-related examples will be used throughout. Students can receive credit for only one statistics class: Public Health 120, Psychology 120, Mathematics 120, Social Science 120, etc. Requirements met: Quantitative Competency (pre-Fall 2019) and Quantitative Competency (Fall 2019 & after). (Each year starting 2016-17).
PUBH 235 Fundamentals of Public Health
An overview of the fundamentals of public health. Topics covered will include the definition of public health, the history and accomplishments of the field, an examination of relevant cultural, social, and behavioral issues, and an examination of core public health sub-disciplines. These include an introduction to epidemiology of infectious and chronic diseases, environmental health, global health, health promotion, and health policy and management. Requirements met: Non-Lab Science Breadth/Discover. (Each semester)
PUBH 250 Topics in Public Health
A study of selected topics for beginning students based on faculty and student interests. Offered on an occasional basis. Course may be repeated when the topic varies. 1 course credit.
PUBH 260 Intermediate Directed Study
Student investigation of topic of interest working in collaboration with a faculty member resulting in significant oral and written work. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. Special permission required. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
PUBH 294 Intermediate Student Research
Intended for less experienced students to develop and execute a research project related to public health, beyond the constraints of the normal classroom, suitable for public dissemination on or off-campus under mentorship of a faculty member. Typically, this work results in a formal presentation, written work, or creative works. Course credit varies from 0-1.00. PREQ: Instructor permission required.
PUBH 332 Epidemiology
An introduction to and examination of the field of epidemiology. The course will cover the principles and methods of epidemiology including an analysis of the distribution, causes, and prevention of illness and premature death in populations. It will include quantitative analysis of the biological, social, economic, and environmental conditions that affect health, as well as an examination of the potential sources of bias in health studies. A laboratory component is included. PREQ: Public Health 235 and Mathematics 120, Psychology 120, or Social Sciences 120. Requirements met: Quantitative Competency (Fall 2019 & after). (Each year starting 2015-16)
PUBH 336 Health Care Law & Regulation
This course will examine how law can both promote and impede the public’s health. It will introduce students to the legal concepts that underlie the public health system and that inform public health policymaking in the United States. Topics to be covered include the role of law in public health care and policy (e.g., governmental powers vs. civil liberties, regulation of public health, tobacco regulation), managed care and public health, the role of public health officials in shaping law and policy, and public health law reform. Meet the Policy Component of the Public Health major. PREQ: Public Health 235 or instructor permission. (Each year starting 2016-17)
PUBH 342 Cancer Risk & Prevention
This course is designed to help students develop the interdisciplinary skills required for evaluating various existing and hypothetical public health interventions aimed at reducing the burden of cancer in the US and worldwide. The course will familiarize students with various exposures associated with the risk of developing cancer with emphasis on a population perspective. This course will be taught in a combined lecture and discussion format. Each student, with guidance, will choose a current problem in cancer epidemiology/prevention and, following an initial presentation of the problem, and develop an approach to the problem that is discussed in class. After incorporating relevant feedback, the student will present a formal presentation on a prevention approach and submit a term paper that represents a short proposal for a research project. In addition to conventional lectures on fundamental topics of cancer epidemiology relevant scientific papers describing recent advances in the field will be discussed. PREQ: Public Health 235. Requirements met: Non-Lab Science Breadth/Discover. (Usually each fall starting 2021-2022)
PUBH 345 Global Health
An introduction to Global Health, including major global health challenges, programs, and policies. It will examine the global distribution and social and cultural costs of disease and mortality, the determinants of global health disparities, the making of global health policies, and the results of global health interventions. PREQ: Public Health 235. (Each spring starting 2015-16)
PUBH 346 Health Care Administration
The course explores how health care organizations are managed in a rapidly changing environment. Using literature from management, social science, policy analysis, and health services, students will examine the environments in which health care managers work. Students will also be introduced to the essential analytical tools and managerial skills for managing health care organizations. Topics include health care leadership, organization design, teamwork, communication, power and conflict, change and innovation, quality improvement, strategic thinking, competitive advantage, strategic alliances, health policy, information systems, consumerism, ethics, and globalization. Crosslists with Business Administration 346: Health Care Administration. PREQ: Public Health 235 or instructor permission (As schedules allow)
PUBH 347 Introduction to Maternal & Child Health
This course introduces students to the field of maternal and child health. Emphasis is given to the determinants – including poverty, lack of education, place of residence, and various forms of discrimination-, programs, and systems issues such as family conditions, community factors, and public policies that affect the health of families, women, children, and adolescents in the United States and around the world. Focusing on the “Life Course Model” as a framework for understanding maternal and child health problems and issues, this course will analyze some programs and current intervention strategies that promote and maintain the health, safety, and well-being of women and children. The health of every nation depends on the health of its women and children. Therefore, students will learn to advocate for programs and policies aimed at reducing morbidity, mortality, and health disparities among women and children. PREQ: Public Health 235. Requirements met: Social Science Breadth/Discover and Advanced Writing Competency.
PUBH 350 Advanced Topics in Public Health
An investigation of selected topics for more advanced students based on faculty and student interests. Offered on an occasional basis. Course may be repeated when topic varies. Prerequisites vary. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00. 1 course credit.
PUBH 354 Introduction to Social and Behavioral Health
This course will provide an overview of social and behavioral determinants of health and social and behavioral approaches to improving health outcomes at the population level. Topics covered will include the definition of social and behavioral health, the history and accomplishments of the field, an examination of current social and behavioral health-related issues. This course will also introduce students to several social and behavioral theories that are commonly used in the field to improve our understanding of health-related behaviors and how they can be changed to improve health outcomes. We will also review how these theories have been applied in real-world settings to promote health. Classes will typically be composed of brief lectures and class discussions to encourage students to process the ideas and concepts presented in the readings. There will also be several opportunities to work individually and in groups on class exercises to gain practice applying these concepts and ideas. Students will work in groups to develop a proposal for a mini online health communication campaign aimed to promote a health behavior change and reduce the impact of an identified public health problem among an adversely affected target population. PREQ: Public Health 235. Requirements met: Social Science Breadth/Discover. (Fall terms)
PUBH 357 Health Care Law
This course is designed to introduce students to the legal foundations of health care in the United States. Health care is bought in the market as a commodity. Yet, Americans believe health care should be a fundamental right of every American. The conflict or in this case the balance between these opposing view is the result of the complex health care system we have. Promoting and protecting the health and welfare of Americans is a key responsibility of our governments. Such actions sometimes come with regulations and restrictions. Understanding how, we as a nation, balances the promotion and protection of health and welfare, while respecting and upholding individual rights and welfare is the cornerstone of this class. PREQ: Public Health 235 or instructor permission. (Fall terms)
PUBH 360/460 Advanced Directed Study
Student investigation of topic of interest related to the major or minor working in collaboration with a faculty member resulting in significant oral and written work. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Junior or Senior standing. Special permission required. Offered for variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
PUBH 370 Leadership & Policy Legislative Experience
This course provides experiential learning regarding health policy in the United States. It is intended to familiarize the student with the public institutions and processes which govern health policy. In addition to regular class session, students will be exposed to a Texas Legislative session, learn on-site in Austin, observe and participate in legislative activities, and interact/hold meetings with legislators, staff, advocates, and other key actors in the legislative process. As part of the class, each student will select, track, and analyze a proposed bill and present this analysis in writing and to their peers and instructor through oral presentations. In addition to other assignments, students will also be required to prepare a reflection paper, and an Op Ed to be submitted to their bill sponsor based on their analyses. PREQ: Public Health 235 and one introductory political science course. Requirements met: Social Science Breadth/Discover. (Every other spring beginning 2022-2023)
PUBH 379 Health Management and Policy
This course builds upon Fundamentals of Public Health and incorporates key ideas from a number of other disciplines in a study of policy options for responding to health challenges. The course examines both theoretical and practical approaches to solving, mitigating, or preventing a variety of health problems. PREQ: Public Health 235. Requirements met: Advanced Writing Competency. (Each year starting 2015-16)
PUBH 394/494 Advanced Student Research
Intended for advanced students to develop and execute a research project related to public health suitable for public dissemination under mentorship of a faculty member. Students are expected to present the results of their research in a public forum. Typically, this work results in a formal presentation, written work, or creative works. Course credit varies from 0-1.00. PREQ: Instructor permission required.
PUBH 432 Advanced Epidemiology
This course is designed to introduce undergraduate public health students to graduate-level concepts in epidemiology. We will build on fundamental applied theories and methodologies with which students became acquainted in the introductory course PUBH 332. Students will learn how to interpret data, critique research, and develop appropriate study designs. This course will also provide insight into how epidemiology can be used to resolve a wide variety of issues affecting us at a community as well as at a global level. PREQ: Public Health 332. (Each fall)
PUBH 450 Advanced Topics in Public Health
This course builds upon Fundamentals of Public Health and incorporates key ideas from a number of other disciplines in a study of policy options for responding to health challenges. The course examines both theoretical and practical approaches to solving, mitigating, or preventing a variety of health problems. PREQ: Public Health 235.
COURSES IN HEATH CARE ADMINISTRATION
ECO 280 Health Economics (see Economics 280)
ACCT 261 Financial Accounting (see Accounting 261)
BA 361 Finance (see Business Administration 361)