ANSWERS - to Frequently Asked Questions

About the Undergraduate program:

Q: Who are the Health Education faculty advisors? What are their office hours and how do I contact them?

A: All full-time faculty in the Department are available for advising.  Please see the directory and bios.

For general advising on credits, general ed. requirements, course sequencing, etc, please see the CHHS Student Resource Center in HSS 329 or phone 415-405-3533.

Undergraduate Student Advisors (Peer Mentor Advisors or PMAs) are also a great source of information.

Q: What are the requirements for BS in Health Education?

A: For details on the requirements for a Bachelor’s of Science in Health Education, please see the Undergraduate Program section of our website. For a general overview, please view the Bachelor’s of Science in Health Education PDF file.

Q: What can I do with my undergraduate degree?

A: Students interested in assisting individuals and communities live a healthier, happier life, choose health education as a major. A health educator works with groups of people, usually in a community setting, to identify the things in their lives-be it social status, behavior and/or the environment - that have a negative impact on health as well as assets for positive, healthy living. The health educator then works as a catalyst to empower the community or individual to promote health and prevent disease.

Health educators do many things in a variety of different settings. We work in:

• public health departments;
• health maintenance organizations;
• hospitals;
• community non-profit agencies;
• schools;
• private corporations.

For more information and a detailed list of job titles, please visit the Career Options page on our website.

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About the Master of Public Health (MPH) in Community Health Education program:

Q:What are the course requirements for a Master’s in Public Health?

A:The course work is scheduled in the evenings to accommodate working professionals. It is a 53 unit, three year degree requiring a commitment to take most courses in sequence. Classes are held two evenings per week and one weekday afternoon each week of the semester. A 200 hour internship (one month full time or two months part-time) is required in the summer after the second year.

For a list of courses required for this degree, please click on the curriculum outline (PDF).  For further details, please visit the MPH section of our website.

Q:When are the orientations for students interested in applying to the Master’s in Public Health program?

A:Before applying to the program applicants are strongly encouraged to attend an orientation meeting. The orientation sessions describe the program and the admission/selection procedures. Group orientation sessions will be held once a month from September to February at San Francisco State University.

To view orientation session dates, please go to the MPH Prospective Students section of our website.

Please email hed@sfsu.edu or call (415-338-1413) to reserve a space in the orientation session you plan to attend. 

Q:What is the application process and timeline for applying to the Master’s in Public Health program?

A:For the Application Process  and deadlines, please see the Prospective Students section within the MPH of our website.

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About Holistic Health:

Q:What is the Institute of Holistic Healing Studies? What are their office hours?

A:To find out detailed information on the Holistic Health minor, certificate program, individual courses, the Institute for Holistic Health Studies, the Holistic Health Learning Center, and advisors within Holistic Health, please see the Holistic Health section of this website.

Q:What is the difference between Holistic Health Certificate and Holistic Health Minor?

A:A minor in Holistic Health complements many SFSU majors, provides unique learning opportunities, and expands career options. Benefits to HH minors include priority waiting list for HH courses, individual advising with HH faculty and collaboration with others interested in complementary healing.

The Holistic Health Certificate Program is available to degree and non-degree students. The Certificate of Study in Holistic Health is offered by IHHS as a resource for health care professionals seeking career enrichment and for those pursuing personal growth and a deeper understanding of holistic health.

Note: Non-degree students apply through the College of Extended learning (415) 338-1373. For additional information visit www.cel.sfsu.edu.

For more information on Holistic Health studies please see the Holistic Health section of our website.

Q:Who are the Holistic Health faculty advisors? What are their office hours and how do I contact them?

A:Any member of the core Holistic Health faculty - Adam Burke, Kenn Burrows, Rick Harvey, or Eric Peper – can advise you on your program of study.  For office hours and contact information see Directory and Bios.

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About the Department and HSS:

Q:What are the department office hours of operation?

A:The department office, location in HSS 326, is open Monday, 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Go to Contact for more details.

Q:Where are the College Computer Labs? Do they have SPSS?

A:There is a computer lab located in HSS 219. There are additional labs located in Burk Hall 217.  The CHHS computer lab page has additional information.  These computers do have SPSS.

Q:Where is the Tutoring Lab/Learning Assistance Center?

A:Please visit the Learning Assistance Services page for locations and more details.

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