Public Health Degrees Available at California State University Fullerton
California State University, Fullerton appears in our ranking of the 10 Cheapest MPH Degrees in California.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in public health are expected to grow by 18 percent over the next ten years and the annual salary for a public health position averages $99,730. California State University Fullerton offers several degree programs designed to prepare students for careers in public health.
Bachelor of Science in Public Health
The Bachelor of Science in Public Health provides students with an understanding of basic health-related topics. These topics include core functions and disciplines of public health as well as diseases, their causes and distributions. The program also covers risk factors and prevention, behavior-change theory, health promotion program design as well as research and evaluation. Students are able to concentrate their studies in the following areas:
- Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety
- General Studies
- Global Health
Courses required may include:
- Concepts in Public Health
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
- Health Science Planning, Research, and Evaluation
- Introduction to Public Health
- Introduction to the U.S. Healthcare System
- Measurements and Statistics in Health Science
- Personal Health
- Program Design in Kinesiology and Health Promotion
- Promoting Health in a Diverse Population
Students must also complete an internship in health science.
Master of Public Health
The Master of Public Health program prepares students with the knowledge and skills necessary to define, assess, evaluate and resolve public health problems. Students gain a common educational grounding that enables them to work in a broad spectrum of areas in public health. The program is ranked among the “Top Public Western Universities Master’s Institutions” in the country by US News & World Report. It is also ranked as one of the “Best Value Colleges” in the country by Forbes. Courses are offered on campus in the late afternoon or evening. The program combines the study of biological, economic, physical, psychological and social forces that can impact public health. Students are able to analyze public health problems as well as organizational, behavioral, socio-cultural and political constraints that may exacerbate these problems. Courses required may include:
- Advanced Methods in Epidemiology
- Advanced Study in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
- Issues in Public Health
- Program Planning and Evaluation
- Public Health Administration
- Research Methods in Health Science
- Statistical Methods in Health Science
Students must also complete an internship.
About California State University Fullerton
California State University Fullerton was founded in 1957 as Orange County State College, the 12th in California to be authorized by the state. A campus was established in Fullerton the following year and classes began in 1959. In July 1962, the name was changed to Orange State College and, two years later, it became California State College at Fullerton. In 1972, the name was amended to California State University, Fullerton, when the campus received university status.
Today, there are 39,774 students enrolled at the University with an average age of 24 years.US News & World Report ranks the school as one of the top National Universities as well as in the top ten for awarding bachelor’s degrees to underrepresented students. Money ranks the school in the top 12 percent of the best colleges for the money and Washington Monthly ranks the school in the top third of national universities for the lowest price.
California State University Fullerton Accreditation Details
California State University Fullerton is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission. Regional accreditation indicates that the school has the resources necessary to meet its stated goals and objectives. The University undergoes periodic evaluation to confirm that programs offered continue to meet or exceed the Commission’s criteria and agrees to address any areas that are identified as needing improvement. Programs throughout the school are also accredited by:
- Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
- Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
- Public Relations Society of America
California State University Fullerton Application Requirements
Applicants to the Bachelor of Science in Public Health who have not earned college credit after high school graduation must provide official transcripts as well as proof of high school graduation or equivalent. They must provide official ACT or SAT scores. Applicants who have earned college credit after high school graduation who have more than 60 transferrable credits must have a 2.0 GPA or higher in all transfer credits and be in good standing at the last school attended. Students with less than 60 transfer credits are not accepted at California State University Fullerton.
Applicants to the Master of Public Health must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. They must also provide two letters of recommendation as well as a 300-500 word narrative statement that explains how the degree pertains to their professional goals. A current resume must be provided as well. Applicants must have completed three units of statistics and research methods with a “B” or higher. They must also have an appropriate educational background for the public health program. Applicants must have a 2.7 cumulative GPA and provide official GRE scores. Paid or volunteer experience in public health, health education or related health area is also required.
California State University Fullerton Tuition and Financial Aid
Undergraduate tuition for full-time attendance at California State University Fullerton is $27,346 for in-state residents and for out-of-state residents it is $36,850 per year. Part-time undergraduate tuition is $1,665 per credit hour for residents and $2,061 per credit hour for non-residents. Tuition for the Master of Public Health is $2,082 per credit hour for residents and $2,478 for non-residents.
Financial aid is available and all students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify. All students should apply regardless of income as some assistance is merit-based rather than need-based. Undergraduate students may be offered grants, scholarships, loans or work-study. Graduate students may be offered loans, fellowships or assistantships.
California State University Fullerton strives to combine the best qualities of teaching and research in order to engage students as well as faculty to work in close collaboration in order to grow knowledge.