Undergraduate Program
Bachelor of Science in Health, Community Health

The Department of Public Health offers a program in Community Health through the Bachelor of Science in Health (B.S.H.) degree. The goal of the Community Health program is to provide students with the education and skills needed for entry-level positions in community health and for graduate studies. Community Health professionals encourage healthy lifestyles and wellness through informing and educating individuals and communities about behaviors that promote healthy living and prevent disease and illness. Careers may involve developing, planning, managing, or evaluating health promotion and disease prevention programs, or grant writing, conducting public health related research and mass media campaigns. Graduates are typically employed in governmental and non-profit health agencies, health care facilities, work site wellness programs or school settings.

The purpose of the Community Health program is to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for entry-level community health positions, Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) certification, and graduate studies. Graduates will be trained to plan, implement and evaluate health programs, develop theoretically based strategies, and demonstrate problem solving, critical thinking and technical skills. Through excellence in teaching, research and service, the UNF Community Health Program will meet the growing needs of enhancing health at both the individual and community levels.

UNF’s Community Health program faculty are dedicated to providing a quality educational experience. Students receive individual attention and can enjoy relatively small class sizes. Students are encouraged to get to know the faculty, and office hour visits are welcomed.

The curriculum includes coursework addressing the seven CHES competencies as identified by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) and the five core areas of public health as identified by Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). The curriculum focuses on knowledge and skills for determining, understanding, and modifying factors that influence health with an emphasis on behavior change. Graduates are eligible to become a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) by passing the exam offered by the NCHEC.

Community Health Internship (HSC 4814)

The Community Health program requires a 300 hour internship to be completed during the student’s last semester of enrollment prior to graduation and serves as an opportunity for the student to put into action the knowledge, skills and abilities which they have acquired during their degree program.

Program of Study