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Archived
November 21, 2014

 

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
Web: http://healthed.sfsu.edu/

Chair: Mary Beth Love
Associate Chair: John Elia
Graduate Program Coordinator: Mary Beth Love
Undergraduate Program Coordinator: John Elia
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 Professors: Martinson, Wang
Lecturers: Bhatnagar, Burrows, Chen, Cox, Craig, Doss, Geisse, Kased, Malik, Martinez, Ochoa, Ottoson, Poulain, Quijano, Rath, Tapper, 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

 

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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 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 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. A feature of Metro is strong academic support and student advising

 

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 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 39 core units and 12 - 15 elective units to be chosen in one of the three areas described below.

 

Emphasis Areas

Community-based Public Health (Emphasis: 12 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: 15 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: 15 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 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. The MPH program also provides a participatory learning environment that integrates theory and practice, honors diversity, and fosters leadership, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication skills.

 

To further this mission, the MPH program:

1. Provides professional preparation in the core competencies, functions, and responsibilities for 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 student skills and competencies required to promote health and prevent disease among culturally diverse urban populations.
4. Incorporates the principles of adult learning in the application of skills and knowledge to specific problems.
5. Integrates theory 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 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 skills and competencies 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.

 

Minor in Health Education

 

Health Education, Minor — 18 units

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

 

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.

 

Minor in Women's Health Issues

 

Women's Health Issues, Minor — Minimum 21 units

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

 

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.

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: Burke, Castellblanch, Chávez, Elia, Eliason, Fernández Peña, Harvey, Love, Mamo, Martinson, Moore, Sanchez-Vaznaugh, van Olphen

 

Admission Criteria

In addition to the completed Health Education departmental MPH application materials downloadable from the departmental website, the completion of the online Division of Graduate Studies application process, and transcripts of all previous college coursework, application for admission to the MPH program requires:

• 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 college course in each of four areas: statistics or calculus, social science, composition, and in cultural, ethnic, or social diversity (CESD or its equivalent); application strengthened by strong academic performance in these courses and by having completed an inferential statistics course within three years of date of application, and with a grade of B or higher
• 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
• Three references familiar with the applicant’s professional and academic preparation
• A current resume or CV
• A statement of purpose
• If applicable, TOEFL test or equivalent: http://sfsu.edu/~gradstdy/
• Strengthens the application to have linguistic competence in English and a second language.

 

Admission Procedures

Step 1. Strongly Recommended: Attend a Prospective MPH Student Information Session. These sessions detail the program, the curriculum, MPH degree career opportunities, applicant selection criteria, and the application process. Before applying to the program, applicants are strongly encouraged to attend one of these information sessions. Dates and locations for the information sessions are posted on the departmental website. Out-of-area applicants unable to attend a session can email hed@sfsu.edu to receive a set of program informational documents by email

 

Step 2. Submission of Documents. Complete and submit all required documents, including standardized test scores, on or before the application deadline of the February 1st prior to the fall semester for which the applicant is applying for admission.

 

Submit to the Division of Graduate Studies the application fee or fee waiver petition, as well as the completed Graduate Studies online application, official transcripts, required standardized test scores, and any additional documents required by the University. For more details and to complete the Graduate Studies online application process, visit the Division of Graduate Studies website: www.sfsu.edu/~gradstdy.

 

Submit to the Department of Health Education the completed departmental application form, unofficial transcripts, a photocopy of GRE and any additional standardized tests, score reports, three completed reference forms, a current resume or CV, a statement of purpose, the program requirements contract, and the department application checklist. For more details and to download these required departmental application materials, visit the department website: http://healthed.sfsu.edu.

 

Note: The February 1st application deadline applies to both the Division of Graduate Studies online application process and the Health Education departmental application documents.

 

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 Fully Classified Status. Admitted MPH applicants enroll in the program with conditionally classified status. After meeting any specialized conditions indicated in the Department of Health Education admission recommendation letter, 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 demonstration of professional ethics and effective collaborative learning skills, an enrolled student is officially moved from conditionally classified to fully classified status. A student must meet all of these conditions to be moved to fully classified status. 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.

 

Application Period

New students are admitted to the MPH program to commence in the fall semester only. The application period commences on October 1 in the calendar year previous to the fall semester for which the applicant is applying and closes on February 1 in the same calendar year of the fall semester for which the applicant is applying.

 

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 by receiving 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 program may require that the student engage in additional writing skills development activities before program commencement and/or during program enrollment.

Level II: The student’s ability to write in a scholarly manner in the major field must be demonstrated by the student earning a grade of B- or higher in the first semester courses of H ED 810, H ED 815, and H ED 884. If a student earns less than a B- in any of these courses, the student will repeat the course(s) the next academic year. A student must have earned a B- or higher in H ED 810, H ED 815, and H ED 884 to enroll in the team practice courses of H ED 820 and H ED 821. In exceptional circumstances, an appeal to this policy may be initiated by MPH faculty, and must be approved by the Health Education department chair.

 

Curriculum

The MPH curriculum, designed for working professionals, emphasizes critical thinking skills, collaborative learning, problem solving, practical experience, social justice, and advocacy. The program consists of 44 units and can be completed in either five semesters (Track 1) or six semesters (Track 2). More moderately paced degree completion plans for either the Track 1 or Track 2 options are also available.

 

Coursework and sequencing requirements for the first four semesters in the program are the same for all students. During the course of the fourth semester in the program (fall year two), in consultation with the faculty advisor and instructor of the culminating experience project coursework, students choose whether to finish the program as a Track 1 or a Track 2 student.

 

Track 1 (five semesters)

• Students will develop a culminating experience project with a scope and methods suitable for finishing the project in the spring semester of the second year (fifth semester) in the program.
• Students take a 3 unit elective course at any time during the program.
• Students will enroll in the culminating experience H ED 895: Applied Research Project in Community Health Education (3 units) in the fifth and final semester (spring of the second year) to complete their culminating experience project.

 

Track 2 (six semesters)

• Students will develop a culminating experience project with a wider scope and/or more complex methods suitable for finishing the project in the fall semester of the third year (sixth semester in the program).
• Students take H ED 899: Independent Study (3 units) in the spring semester of the second year to finalize their culminating experience project.
• Students take H ED 895: Applied Research Project in Community Health Education (3 units) to complete their culminating experience project in the sixth and final semester (fall of the third year).

 

Master of Public Health — 44 units

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

 

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.