Health Education  {SF State Bulletin 2015 - 2016}

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Health Education

 

College of Health and Social Sciences

Interim Dean: Alvin Alvarez

 

Department of Health Education

HSS 326
Phone: 415-338-1413
Fax: 415-338-0570
Email: hed@sfsu.edu
Undergraduate Advising Email: hedadv@sfsu.edu

MPH Program Email: hedmph@sfsu.edu
Web: http://healthed.sfsu.edu/

Chair: Mary Beth Love
Graduate Program Co-Coordinators: Mary Beth Love and Sally Geisse
Undergraduate Program Coordinator: Michele Eliason
IHHS Certificate Program Coordinator: Adam Burke

 

Institute for Holistic Health Studies

Holistic Health Studies Program
HSS 326
Phone: 415-338-1413
Fax: 415-338-0570
Email: hed@sfsu.edu
Web: http://healthed.sfsu.edu/holistic
Director: Adam Burke

 

Faculty

Professors: Burke, Elia, Love, Peper
Associate Professors: Castellblanch, Chávez, Eliason, Fernández-Peña, Harvey, Mamo, Moore, Sanchez-Vaznaugh, van Olphen
Assistant Professor: Martinson
Lecturers: Bhatnagar, Burrows, Chen, Craig, Delfino, Geisse, Kased, Malik, Martinez, Ochoa, Ottoson, Poulain, Quijano, Rath, Tapper, Trowbridge, Turalba, Wolin, Wongking

 

Programs

B.S. in Health Education

Minor in Health Education

Minor in Holistic Health Studies

Minor in Women's Health Issues

Certificate in Holistic Health Studies

Master of Public Health

 

 

Program Scope

Mission. The mission of the Health Education Department at San Francisco State University is to promote individual and community health, health equity and social justice in urban communities through community-based research, advocacy, and the preparation of public health leaders. We provide a participatory learning environment that integrates theory and practice, honors diversity, and fosters leadership, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication skills.

 

The department’s Institute for Holistic Healing Studies (IHHS) offers a model program in undergraduate education, integrative medicine, self-care, and the role of holistic perspectives in health and healing. IHHS seeks to provide the University and its broader community with knowledge and skills that encourage and support health through natural means focusing on a rich cross-cultural, transhistorical vision of human well-being.

 

Together, the health education faculty have developed a unique learning context designed to prepare students for entry and master’s level positions in health and human services careers, including professional health educator, and the emerging field of integrative medicine. The department enhances the preparation of students for these careers through exposure to applied scholarship, active engagement in participatory learning, and the thoughtful integration of theory, research, and practice. In addition, the program also places a significant emphasis on the cultivation of team skills, leadership abilities, and effective communication.

 

The ultimate aim of the program is to explore, implement, and disseminate best practices in public health and holistic health, and to prepare leaders capable of advancing the work of disease prevention and health promotion in culturally appropriate and globally conscious ways.

 

Advising. Undergraduate health education majors and MPH students have consistent access to both faculty and staff advisors to assist with timely completion of required coursework, as well as to address curricular or professional development questions or concerns. In addition, in the case of undergraduate majors, fellow health education majors serve as peer mentor advisors (PMAs).

 

Supplemental Credential

Individuals who already possess a single subject credential in another area may add health sciences to their existing teaching credential by completing a specified number of semester hours in health sciences. Individuals seeking a supplemental credential should seek the assistance of an advisor in the health education department.

 

Metro College Success Program
Metro Academy of Health

The Metro Academy of Health (Metro) is a three-semester sequence of courses for first-and second year students at SF State. It is comprised of seven courses that blend general education required course work with content on urban health and social justice. The aim of the sequencing is to prepare diverse students to write effectively, speak powerfully, and think critically. Our mission is to increase equity in college completion through engaging, supportive, rigorous, and socially relevant education. Participation in Metro is geared toward those interested in a career in public health, community health education, social services, the non-profit sector, clinical health professions or community organizing. The course sequence was designed to facilitate learning and help students progress more quickly toward graduation. Students begin with a first-year experience course orienting them to the university and to urban health and human rights. In the following two semesters, students participate in a learning community of two linked courses that share common themes. The Metro core course combines urban health and social justice content, linked with a general education course which is infused with health and social justice examples. In addition to these courses, students will also complete other required courses working from a list of classes whose themes are close to those of Metro.

 

Students begin with a first-year experience course orienting them to the university and to urban health and human rights. In the following two semesters, students participate in a learning community of two linked courses that share common themes. The Metro core course combines urban health and social justice content, linked with a general education course which is infused with health and social justice examples. In addition to these courses, students will also complete other required courses working from a list of classes whose themes are close to those of Metro.

 

Bachelor of Science

The community health education program is designed to facilitate voluntary changes in individual health behaviors as well as to advocate for social and economic policies which lead to health promotion and disease prevention for all. This program prepares individuals to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate programs for health and human services such as public health departments, voluntary health agencies, community-based organizations, community clinics, and hospitals.

 

The course work and field experience in health education have three primary objectives: (1) to provide a theoretical and philosophical foundation in principles of community health education; (2) to facilitate the development of professional skills in program planning, implementation, and evaluation; and (3) to offer broad course work in personal, community, and school health. Students are also expected to complete course work in biological, social, and behavioral sciences.

 

The B.S. in Health Education has 11 units of prerequisites, 42 core units and 9 - 12 elective units to be chosen in one of the three areas described below.

 

Emphasis Areas

Community-based Public Health (Emphasis: 9 units) is an approach that unites the community by organizing, empowering, and participating in shared-leadership partnerships for health. This emphasis gives students freedom to choose electives from their particular health-related area of interest. Students design programs rooted in the values, experiences, knowledge, and interests of the community itself.

 

Holistic Health Studies (Emphasis: 12 units) explores diverse cultural, historical, and interdisciplinary concepts and practices from around the world providing students with a deeper understanding of health, healing, and optimal well-being. A holistic perspective informs course content, recognizing the fundamental interdependence of life on this planet. Experiential learning is an essential component of the curriculum.

 

School Health (Emphasis: 12 units) fills the need of recent increases in demand for credentialed teachers in public schools. The emphasis provides essential course work that satisfies the newly developed California State Standards in Health Science. Upon graduation, students will be ready to enter the teaching credential program with virtually all course work in the single subject program completed.

 

Minors & Certificates

Minor in Health Education. The Minor in Health Education is an 18-unit program. The minor complements many major programs offered by other University departments and has been designed for maximum flexibility. Individuals must work with a health education advisor to select appropriate courses.

 

Minor in Women’s Health Issues. The Minor in Women's Health Issues is a natural complement to a variety of majors such as nursing, health education, counseling, psychology, urban studies, or other human service careers. The program offers three areas of focus: (1) theory about women’s social roles and status implications for women’s health; (2) organizing and managing health services, health education, and health delivery systems; (3) politics, policy analysis, and strategies for changing women’s health policies. Students take a core course in each of these areas, then choose three electives which may be concentrated within one area or drawn from several areas, and then complete a culminating research project or internship. The choice of electives and final research project or internship is chosen in consultation with an advisor in order to meet the needs and interests of the individual student.

 

Institute for Holistic Health Studies

Minor in Holistic Health Studies. The Institute for Holistic Health Studies offers a Minor in Holistic Health Studies. The minor is taken in conjunction with one’s bachelor's degree and appears on the diploma along with the major. A minor in holistic health studies is an excellent complement to many SF State majors. It provides unique learning opportunities, a chance to explore or expand career options, and a way to improve personal health and well-being. Course content is interdisciplinary, examines human experience and health from an interdependent or holistic perspective, and focuses on practical, experiential learning in diverse areas such as stress management, autogenic training, East Asian medicine, meditation, yoga, biofeedback, guided imagery and more. Additional benefits to minors include priority wait listing for holistic health studies courses, individual advising with faculty, and collaboration with others interested in complementary and alternative health practices. The minor involves taking 18 units of holistic health studies courses – 9 units of core courses (Eastern, Western, and Global Perspectives), 9 units of elective courses – and 4 units of anatomy or physiology, for a total of 22 units (see description of minor below).

 

Certificate in Holistic Health Studies. The Certificate in Holistic Health Studies is available to anyone admitted through the College of Extended Learning/Open University. It is also available to matriculated students who have completed the minor in holistic health studies. The curriculum includes an additional 8 units beyond the units required for the minor. The certificate is ideally suited for individuals who already have an academic degree, who are already in a health profession, or who may be exploring career options. Also, since a holistic health perspective encourages self-care and self-regulation, the program can be an excellent choice for stress reduction, personal growth, and health promotion. Classes can also be taken without enrolling in the program, an ideal way to explore specific interests. (See description of the program below.)

 

Master of Public Health in Community Health Education

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program in Community Health Education at San Francisco State University shares the department’s mission to prepare public health professionals to work at individual and community levels for health equity and social justice, through a participatory learning environment that integrates theory, research and practice; honors diversity through a cultural humility lens; and fosters teamwork, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication skills.

 

To further this mission, the MPH program:

  1. Provides professional preparation in the core competencies, functions, and responsibilities required of master level community health educators.
  2. Embraces an ecological approach, including a curriculum that addresses determinants of health at the individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy levels.
  3. Builds the specialized professional competencies required to promote health and prevent disease among culturally diverse populations.
  4. Incorporates the principles of adult learning in the application of knowledge and skills to specific problems.
  5. Integrates theory, research, and practice in a community-based public health framework.
  6. Emphasizes collaborative leadership and team building through a cohorted learning community approach.
  7. Engages students in applied public health research that addresses the social determinants of health, reduces social inequalities in health, and contributes to building healthy communities.
  8. Serves the campus community and the communities of the Bay Area through developing mutually beneficial partnerships with communities, community-based organizations, health care departments, and other public and private institutions.

 

Career Outlook

A variety of career opportunities are open to individuals graduating from the Bachelor of Science program. Results from a recent survey of program graduates indicate that in addition to positions specifically titled health educator, many also hold positions as program planners, assistant administrators, assistant personnel directors, in-service education coordinators, community outreach workers, health counselors, health writers, environmental workers, and pharmaceutical-medical detail professionals. Employers include hospitals, government and voluntary agencies, school districts, private industries, and some individuals are self-employed.

 

Graduates of the B.S. in Health Education program also select careers outside the health care field. The professional skills developed in the degree programs have numerous applications in non-health employment settings. Additionally, some health education graduates continue graduate studies in public health, administration, social services, dentistry, medicine, and law.

 

Holistic Health Studies, as a minor, emphasis area, or certificate program is a practical career choice on many levels. As a result of growing national interest in complementary and alternative health practices, there are expanding opportunities in the areas of medical care, health promotion, and consumer demand for more natural products and services. Healthcare providers, such as nurses, physicians, pharmacists and psychologists, need to understand the use of alternative health practices by their patients. There is an increasing need for practitioners in emerging healthcare fields, including naturopathy and acupuncture. Innovative approaches to health promotion and lifestyle that incorporate alternative and complementary health practices are also becoming increasingly important, leading to career opportunities in business, teaching, research and counseling. A Minor or Certificate in Holistic Health Studies provides an understanding of important holistic health concepts and practices relevant to many health and social service related careers.

 

Graduates of the Master of Public Health program in Community Health Education are prepared for advanced level public health professional positions in diverse settings, such as a variety of community-based organizations, government agencies including public health departments, academic and research institutions, health maintenance organizations, hospitals and medical centers, and private consulting firms. Nationally, the emphasis is on prevention and population-based management of health, making the professional skills of community health educators a market demand.

 

Bachelor of Science in Health Education

 

The following foundation courses or their equivalents must be completed prior to graduation. While it is not mandatory to complete the foundation courses before taking the core courses, individuals are encouraged to work toward completion of foundation courses prior to the junior year. Students entering from the community college system, or other four-year universities, should have their transcripts evaluated by a department advisor in order to receive credit for equivalent courses taken elsewhere. To determine whether courses taken at another college or university may be accepted as foundation courses, individuals should seek the assistance of an advisor in the Department of Health Education. Some foundation courses may be counted for SF State general education credit; a health education advisor will help determine this. Effective Fall 2008, undergraduates who are first-time college students may satisfy the GWAR (Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement) by earning a C or better in a GWAR-designated course 1. The Health Education GWAR course is H ED 400 GW. For undergraduates who are first-time college students prior to Fall 2008, this requirement can be met by passing ENG 414, 410 or 411. Students must pass ENG 414/410/411 before enrolling in H ED 431.

 

Health Education (B.S.) — 62 - 65 units

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

Prerequisites for the major: (11 units)

3 units selected from the following:

(Another course may be substituted on advisement.)

Required Courses (39 units)

Sequenced courses

Must be taken in order, except H ED 400 GW and H ED 405, which must be taken concurrently.

Non-Sequenced Courses

Emphasis (9 - 12 units)

Units selected from one of the emphases listed below:

• Community-Based Public Health Emphasis (9 units)

Units selected from the following on advisement
(one course must have a H ED prefix):

• School Health Emphasis (12 units)
• Holistic Health Studies Emphasis (12 units)

9 units selected from the following courses:

3 units selected from the following on advisement:

 

Minor in Health Education

 

Health Education, Minor — 18 units

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

Required Courses (6 units)

Electives (12 units)

Electives in Health education from the following, holistic health or related fields on advisement as related to student’s needs and interests
(at least 6 units must be upper-division)

 

Minor in Holistic Health Studies

Holistic Health Advisors: Burke, Burrows, Harvey, Peper, Wang

 

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

 

Holistic Health Studies, Minor — 22 units

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

Core Courses (9 units)

Select three courses.

Holistic Health Emphasis (9 units)

chosen from the areas listed below:

Western Perspectives
Eastern Perspectives
Human Nature and Global Perspectives
Human Anatomy/Physiology (4 units)

Completion of a college-level course in human anatomy/physiology.
(BIOL 100/BIOL 101, BIOL 328, or BIOL 610/BIOL 611 are acceptable.)

 

Minor in Women's Health Issues

 

Women's Health Issues, Minor — Minimum 21 units

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

Core Courses (9 units)

Social Determinants
Health Services and Education
Politics and Policy

Electives (9 - 12 units)

Units selected from one or more of the areas of focus in consultation with an advisor:

Social Determinants
Health Services and Health Education
Politics and Policy
Final Integrative Project/Internship

One of the following (3 - 6 units) in consultation with the advisor:

 

Certificate in Holistic Health Studies

Holistic Health Advisors: Burke, Burrows, Harvey, Peper, Wang

 

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

 

Note: Non-degree students apply through the College of Extended Learning, (415) 405-7700. For additional information, visit www.cel.sfsu.edu.

 

Holistic Health Studies, Certificate — 30 units

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

Completion of Minor (22 units)

(see above.)

Required Course (3 units)

Electives: (5 units)

Elective units can be selected from remaining Holistic Health Studies courses or from any appropriate course (on advisement) from throughout SF State. An example of appropriate courses outside of the HHS curriculum would include:

Note: Students fulfilling the Holistic Health Studies Minor or Certificate Program are eligible to apply for a Certification in Stress Management Education given by the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America (BCIA). Also, students who take the biofeedback courses and fulfill some further requirements may be eligible to apply for Biofeedback Certification given by BCIA. See a Holistic Health Studies advisor for details.

 

Master of Public Health

Graduate Advisors: Chávez, Eliason, Fernández Peña, Geisse, Harvey, Love, Mamo, Martinson, Moore, Sanchez-Vaznaugh, van Olphen

 

Admission Criteria

  • A minimum of 4,000 total hours (two years full-time work equivalent) of previous health-related work experience, paid and/or volunteer positions; application strengthened by public health/health equity positions, particularly post-baccalaureate and leadership roles, and by additional public health/health equity work experience years beyond the minimum required
  • Evidence of academic excellence, as reflected in a grade point average of 3.0 or higher in a baccalaureate degree or in the last 60 attempted semester (90 quarter) units of higher education coursework, or a previously earned post-baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university
  • Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General Test
  • Graduate-level proficiency in written English, as demonstrated by a 4.0 or higher on the Analytical Writing Section of the GRE General Test
  • A completed college course in each of four areas: statistics or calculus, social science, composition, and cultural, ethnic, or social diversity (CESD). Strong academic performance in all four prerequisite course areas strengthens the application. View detailed information about the prerequisite courses on the departmental website: http://healthed.sfsu.edu/. The statistics/calculus course should have been completed with a grade of C+ or higher within six years of the MPH program application year. If an applicant has not completed the statistics/calculus course within six years of applying to the program, or did not earn the minimum grade requirement, admission to the program may still be recommended, but the on condition that satisfaction of the requirement will be met before program fall semester begins.
  • If applicable, TOEFL test or equivalent: http://grad.sfsu.edu/
  • Linguistic competence in English and a second language strengthens the application.

 

Admission Procedures

Step 1. Strongly Recommended: Attend a Prospective MPH Student Information Session. See the Department Events website for the calendar of information sessions offered during the fall semester each academic year: http://healthed.sfsu.edu/events. These faculty-led sessions provide detailed information about the program, curriculum, admission criteria, selection procedures, and the application process. Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend one of these sessions. RSVP required; reserve a space by emailing hedmph@sfsu.edu with your name, your email address, and the date of the session. For directions, parking and a campus map, view the SF State Parking & Transportation website: http://parking.sfsu.edu/. Out-of-area applicants unable to attend an information session can email hedmph@sfsu.edu to receive a set of program informational documents by email.

 

Step 2. Application Process: The graduate admission application to San Francisco State University is a two-part process. You must submit Part A and Part B of your graduate admission application simultaneously by February 1 to be considered for fall admission. All application materials must be submitted or postmarked by the deadline.

  1. Submit University application to the Division of Graduate Studies via CSU Mentor for a Graduate Program at: https://secure.csumentor.edu/admissionapp/grad_apply.asp. Further University application requirements can be found here: http://grad.sfsu.edu/content/prospective/domestic/domestic-application-submission.
  2. To complete the required Department of Health Education application process, follow the steps for applying and download the departmental application materials available on the Department of Health Education website: http://healthed.sfsu.edu.

 

Step 3. Admission Decision Notification. In mid‑to‑late March, applicants will receive an admission decision notification from the Division of Graduate Studies.

 

Step 4. MPH Student Move to Classified Status. Admitted MPH applicants enroll in the program with conditionally classified status. To be moved to classified status, a student must meet all of the conditions specified by the Division of Graduate Studies and the Department of Health Education. These include any specialized conditions indicated in the Department of Health Education admission recommendation letter and MPH Student Handbook, both the Level One and Level Two written English proficiency requirements for Master of Public Health students, completion of at least two consecutive semesters of coursework of 3.0 or higher grade point average, and the demonstration of professional ethics and effective collaborative learning skills. In addition, in order to continue in the program, a student must make satisfactory progress toward degree completion each semester, including meeting all standards as stipulated by the department. Departmental standards, detailed in the MPH Student Handbook, include meeting stipulated departmental grade thresholds for individual courses. MPH students are allowed a maximum of two attempts to complete a required course at or above the threshold grade specified in the MPH Students Handbook. A course withdrawal counts as a course completion attempt. Students who do not meet the grade threshold after two attempted will be declassified.

 

Application Period

The application period is October 1 through February 1 for admission to the following fall semester. New students are admitted as a cohorted learning community for fall semesters only - there are no spring admits.

 

Written English Proficiency Requirement

The University has a requirement for written English proficiency that is to be assessed at two different levels.

Level I: Students must demonstrate graduate-level proficiency in written English prior to admission with a score of 4.0 or higher on the Analytical Writing Section of the GRE. An applicant who scores below a 4.0 on the Analytical Writing Section of the GRE may be admitted to the program, but with the stipulation that the student engage in additional writing skills development activities before program commencement and/or during program enrollment, and that the student progress in the program by meeting the Level II written English proficiency as specified below.

Level II: The student’s ability to write in a scholarly manner in the major field must be demonstrated by successful completion of the first semester, first year courses of H ED 810, H ED 815, and H ED 884.

 

Curriculum

The MPH curriculum emphasizes critical thinking skills, collaborative learning, problem solving, practical experience, social justice, and advocacy. The program consists of 44 units, scheduled to accommodate working professionals while maintaining sound pedagogy. The program can be completed in a minimum of five semesters, which translates into two academic years, including a summer semester between the first and second year., More moderately paced degree completion plans are also available.

 

Master of Public Health — 44 units

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

Required Courses (44 units)

 

Footnotes

  1. Students who have satisfied GWAR in a discipline other than Health Education are still required to complete H ED 400 GW as requirement of the major.

 

 

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