Health Education
College of Health and Human Services
Dean: Don Taylor
Department of Health Education
HSS 326
Phone: 415-338-1413
Fax: 415-338-0570
Email: hed@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: 415-338-1210
Fax: 415-338-0570
Email: ihhs@sfsu.edu
Web: www.sfsu.edu/~ihhs
Director: Adam Burke
Faculty
Professors: Burke, Elia, Love, Peper
Associate Professors: Castellblanch, Chávez, Fernández-Peña, Mamo, Moore, van Olphen
Assistant Professors: Eliason, Harvey, Sanchez-Vaznaugh, Wang
Lecturers: Bhatnagar, Burrows, Chen, Cox, Geisse, Goldberg, Jesdale, Malik, Martinson, Ochoa, Ottoson, Poulain, Quijano, Tapper, Wolin
Programs
Minor in Holistic Health Studies
Minor in Women's Health Issues
Certificate in Holistic Health Studies
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.
Within the Department of Health Education, the 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 advisers 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 adviser in the Department of Health Education.
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. degree has 39 core units and 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 Department of Health Education offers a 18-unit minor program. The minor complements many major programs provided by other university departments and has been designed for maximum flexibility. Individuals must work with a health education adviser to select appropriate courses.
Minor in Women's Health Issues. The minor 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 adviser in order to meet the needs and interests of the individual student. A minor in women's health is a natural complement to a variety of majors such as nursing, health education, counseling, psychology, urban studies, or other human service careers.
Institute for Holistic Health Studies
Minor in Holistic Health Studies. The Institute for Holistic Health Studies, within the Department of Health Education, offers a Holistic Health Studies Minor. 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 program is available to anyone admitted through Extended Learning/Open University. It is also available to matriculated students who have completed the minor. The curriculum for the Certificate includes an additional 8 units beyond the minor. The Holistic Health Studies 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 Certificate program can be an excellent choice for stress reduction, personal growth, and health promotion. Classes can also be taken individually without enrolling in the Certificate program, an ideal way to explore specific interests. (See description of the Certificate program below.)
Master of Public Health in Community Health Education
The MPH program in Community Health Education at San Francisco State University shares the departmental 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:
- Provides professional preparation in the core competencies, functions, and responsibilities for master level community health educators.
- Embraces an ecological approach, including a curriculum that addresses determinants of health at the individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy levels.
- Builds the specialized professional student skills and competencies required to promote health and prevent disease among culturally diverse urban populations.
- Incorporates the principles of adult learning in the application of skills and knowledge to specific problems.
- Integrates theory and practice in a community-based public health framework.
- Emphasizes collaborative leadership and team building through a cohorted learning community approach.
- 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.
- 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 health education B.S. 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.
Health Education B.S. graduates 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 various settings, including hospitals, health maintenance organizations, public health departments, private consulting firms, and a variety of community-based organizations. 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
Undergraduate Advisers:Burke, Castellblanch, Chávez, Elia, Eliason, Fernández-Peña, Harvey, Moore, Peper, Sanchez-Vaznaugh, van Olphen, Wang
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 adviser 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 adviser in the Department of Health Education. Some foundation courses may be counted for SF State general education credit; a health education adviser 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 the JEPET (Junior English Proficiency Test) or ENG 414, 410 or 411. Students must pass the JEPET or ENG 414/410/411 before enrolling in H ED 431.
On-line course descriptions are available.
Prerequisites for the major:
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 100 | Human Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 101 | Human Biology Laboratory | 1 |
| BIOL 210 | General Microbiology and Public Health | 3 |
| BIOL 211 | General Microbiology and Public Health Laboratory | 1 |
Units selected from the following (another course may be substituted on advisement): 3 units
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| MATH 124 | Elementary Statistics |
| ISED 160 | Data Analysis in Education |
Total for Prerequisites: 11
Core Sequenced Courses
Sequenced courses — Must be taken in order, not concurrently
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| H ED 400 GW | The Health Education Profession - GWAR | 3 |
| H ED 430 | Community Health Education Theory | 3 |
| H ED 431 | Program Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation | 3 |
| H ED 480 | Fieldwork and Reflective Seminar | 9 |
Non-Sequenced Courses
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| H ED 310 or HH 205 or H ED 290 |
Health in Society Relaxation and Stress Reduction Promoting Positive Health |
3 |
| H ED 410 or H ED 450 |
Organization and Function of Health Services Policy Issues in Health Education |
3 |
| H ED 420 | Epidemiology | 3 |
| H ED 425 | Introduction to Research and Statistics in Health | 3 |
| H ED 455 | Community Organizing and Building for Health | 3 |
| H ED 520 | Race, Class, Gender, and Health Promotion | 3 |
| H ED 655 | Environmental Health | 3 |
Total for Required Sequenced/Non-sequenced Courses: 39
Emphasis:
units selected from one of the emphases listed below: 12 - 15
Total units for Health Education major: foundation + core + emphasis: 62 - 65
Community-based Public Health Emphasis
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| H ED 660 | Developing Healthy Youth in Schools and Communities | 3 |
Units selected from the following on advisement (1 course must have a H ED prefix): 9
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| AA S 575 | Asian American Community Health Issues |
| ANTH 631 | Critical Medical Anthropology |
| BIOL 321 | Magic, Myths, and Medicine |
| BIOL 326 | Disease! |
| BIOL 327 | AIDS: Biology of the Modern Epidemic |
| H ED 200 | Global Health |
| H ED 221 | Health and Social Justice – Burning Issues, Taking Action |
| H ED 280 | Empowering Poor Families |
| H ED 290 | Promoting Positive Health |
| H ED 305 | Critical History of Public Health in the U.S. |
| H ED 310 | Health in Society |
| H ED 312 | Consumer Health |
| H ED 315 | Drugs in Society |
| H ED 320 | Contemporary Sexuality |
| H ED 330 | Health Disparities in Cancer |
| H ED 410 | Organization and Function of Health Services |
| H ED 414 | Women's Health – Problems and Issues |
| H ED 415 | Health Aspects of Aging |
| H ED 417 | AIDS: Contemporary Health Crisis |
| H ED 434 | Geographies of Health and Health Care |
| H ED 450 | Policy Issues in Health Education |
| H ED 500 | Values Clarification in Sexuality |
| H ED 527 | Documentary of Social Justice and Health |
| H ED 582 | Homelessness: A Public Health Perspective |
| H ED 640 | Structural Inequities in Public Health |
| H ED 650 | Training & Education Process of Public Health |
| H ED 665 | Community Based Participatory Research in Public Health/Health Education |
| H ED 670 | Principles of Peer Health Education |
| H ED 671 | Practice of Peer Health |
| H ED 685 | Projects in the Teaching of Health Education |
| H ED 699 | Special Study |
| HH 205 | Relaxation and Stress Reduction |
| HH 380 | Holistic Health: Western Perspectives |
| HH 381 | Holistic Health: Eastern Perspectives |
| HH 382 | Holistic Health: Human Nature & Global Perspectives |
| HH 430 | Biofeedback and Self Regulation |
| HH 433 | Autogenic Training |
| HH 540 | Imagery and Meditation in Healing |
| HH 690 | Psychophysiology of Healing |
| PHIL 383 | Ethics in Medicine |
| PSY 442 | Health Psychology |
| PSY 465 | The Psychology of Work Life Stress |
Total for emphasis: 12
School Health Emphasis
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| H ED 660 | Developing Healthy Youth in Schools and Communities | 3 |
Units selected from the following on advisement: 12
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| H ED 310 | Health in Society |
| H ED 312 | Consumer Health |
| H ED 315 | Drugs in Society |
| H ED 320 | Contemporary Sexuality |
| CFS 355 | Nutrition for Wellness |
Total for emphasis: 15
Hollistic Health Studies Emphasis
Units selected from the following courses: 9
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| HH 380 | Holistic Health: Western Perspectives |
| HH 381 | Holistic Health: Eastern Perspectives |
| HH 382 | Holistic Health: Human Nature & Global Perspectives |
| HH 383 | Chinese Persepectives in Holistic Health |
Units selected from the following on advisement: 6
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| HH 200 | A Holistic Approach to Academic Success |
| HH 290 | Promoting Positive Health |
| HH 410 | The Tao of Well-Being |
| HH 420 | Chinese Body-Mind Energetics |
| HH 430 | Foundation of Biofeedback and Self Regulation |
| HH 433 | Autogenic Training and Embodied Living |
| HH 450 | Somatic Education and Holistic Health |
| HH 530 | Herbal and Nutritional Principles in Chinese Healing |
| HH 535 | Western Nutrition, Herbs & Wellness |
| HH 540 | Meditation and Imagery in Healing |
| HH 545 | Imagery and Healing in Tibetan Buddhism |
| HH 560 | Naturopathic Medicine and Personal Wellness |
| HH 660 | Art as Healing |
| HH 670 | Alternative Health Practices |
| HH 680 | Holistic Health Internship Seminar |
| HH 690 | Seminar: Psychophysiology of Healing |
| HH 699 | Special Study (1 - 3) |
Total for Emphasis: 15
Minor in Health Education
Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| H ED 310 | Health and Society | 3 |
| H ED 221 | Health and Social Justice – Burning Issues, Taking Action | 3 |
Electives (at least 6 units must be upper-division)
Electives in Health education from the following, holistic health or related fields on advisement as related to student’s needs and interests: 12
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| H ED 200 | Global Health |
| H ED 280 | Empowering Poor Families |
| H ED 290 | Promoting Positive Health |
| H ED 305 | Critical History of Public Health in the U.S. |
| H ED 312 | Consumer Health |
| H ED 315 | Drugs and Society |
| H ED 320 | Contemporary Sexuality |
| H ED 410 | Organization and Function of Health Services |
| H ED 330 | Health Disparities in Cancer |
| H ED 414 | Women's Health – Problems and Issues |
| H ED 415 | Health Aspects of Aging |
| H ED 417 | AIDS: Contemporary Health Crisis |
| H ED 420 | Epidemiology |
| H ED 434 | Geography of Health and Health Care |
| H ED 450 | Policy Issues in Health Education |
| H ED 455 | Community Organizing and Community Building for Health |
| H ED 500 | Values Clarification in Sexuality |
| H ED 520 | Race, Class, Gender, and Health Promotion |
| H ED 527 | Documentary of Social Justice and Health |
| H ED 582 | Homelessness: A Public Health Perspective |
| H ED 640 | Structural Inequalities in Public Health |
| H ED 650 | Training & Education Process of Public Health |
| H ED 655 | Environmental Health |
| H ED 660 | Developing Healthy Youth in Schools and Communities |
| H ED 665 | Community Based Participatory Research in Public Health/ Health Education |
Total for Minor: 18
Minor in Holistic Health Studies
Holistic Health Advisers: 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.
Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.
Core Courses (select three courses): 9
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| HH 380 | Holistic Health: Western Perspectives |
| HH 381 | Holistic Health: Eastern Perspectives |
| HH 382 | Holistic Health: Human Nature and Global Perspectives |
| HH 383 | Chinese Perspectives in Holistic Health |
Holistic Health Emphasis
9 units chosen from the areas listed below:
Western Perspectives
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| HH 205 | Relaxation & Stress Management |
| HH 430 | Foundation of Biofeedback and Self-regulation |
| HH 433 | Autogenic Training & Embodied Living |
| HH 450 | Somatic Education and Holistic Health |
| HH 535 | Western Nutrition and Herbs |
| HH 560 | Naturopathic Medicine and Personal Wellness |
| HH 650 | Anthroposophical Health Studies |
| HH 690 | Psychophysiology of Healing |
Eastern Perspectives
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| HH 410 | Tao of Well-Being in Chinese Tradition |
| HH 420 | Chinese Body-Mind Energetics |
| HH 530 | Herbal and Nutritional Principles in Chinese Healing |
| HH 540 | Meditation and Imagery in Healing |
| HH 545 | Imagery and Healing in Tibetan Buddhism |
| HH 621 | Advanced Studies in Chinese Health and Healing (1 - 3) |
| KIN 136 | Hatha Yoga (1) |
| KIN 236 | Intermediate and Advanced Hatha Yoga (2) |
| KIN 175 | Elementary Tai-Chi Chuan (1) |
| KIN 275 | Intermediate/Advanced Tai-Chi Chuan (2) |
Human Nature and Global Perspectives
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| HH 200 | A Holistic Approach to Academic Success |
| HH 290 | Promoting Positive Health |
| H ED 655 | Environmental Health |
| HH 660 | Art as Healing |
| HH 670 | Alternative Health Practices |
| HH 680 | Holistic Health Internship |
| HH 699 | Special Study (1 - 3) |
Human Anatomy/Physiology
Completion of a college-level course in human anatomy/physiology. (BIOL 100/101, BIOL 328, or BIOL 610/611 are acceptable.): 4
Total for minor: 22
Minor in Women's Health Issues
Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.
Core Courses
Social Determinants
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| WGS 200 | Introduction to Women and Gender Studies | 3 |
Health Services and Education
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| H ED 414 | Women's Health: Problems and Issues | 3 |
Politics and Policy
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| USP 570/ LABR 570 |
Urban Health Systems | 3 |
Electives
Units selected from one or more of the areas of focus in consultation with an adviser: 9 - 12
Social Determinants
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| AFRS 370 | Health, Medicine, and Nutrition in the Black Community |
| CFS 453 | Nutrition and the Life Cycle |
| PSY 458 | Psychology of Women |
| SOC 469 | Gender and Society (4) |
| SOC 476 | Medical Sociology (4) |
| WGS 201 | Gender, Race and Nation |
| WGS 578 | Women, Globalization and Ecology |
| WGS 593 | Women, Health, and the Environment |
| WGS 201 | Gender, Race and Nation |
Health Services and Health Education
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| H ED 410 | Organization and Function of Health Services |
| H ED 430 | Community Health Education Theory |
| H ED 431 | Program Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation |
| H ED 520 | Race, Class, Gender & Health Promotion |
| SOC 476 | Medical Sociology (4) |
Politics and Policy
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| ECON 475 | Economics of Health and Medical Care Finances |
| H ED 450 | Policy Issues in Health Education |
| PLSI 480/ USP 480 |
Public Policy and Policy Analysis (4) |
| LTNS 210 | Latino Health Care Perspectives |
| USP 456/ S W 456 |
Urban Community Organizing and Citizen Action |
| USP 565 | Social Policy Planning (4) |
| WGS 570 | Women and Public Policy |
| WGS 611 | Female Sexuality: Social and Theoretical Perspectives |
Final Integrative Project/Internship
One of the following in consultation with the adviser: 3 - 6
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| H ED 480 | Fieldwork and Reflective Seminar (9) |
| H ED 699 | Special Study (1 - 3) |
| USP 650/ USP 651 |
Urban Internship/Seminar (3/1) |
| USP 686 | Fieldwork in Urban Studies (1 - 4) |
| WGS 698 | Work Study in Feminist Projects (1 - 3) |
Minimum total: 21
Certificate in Holistic Health Studies
Holistic Health Advisers: 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.
Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.
Certificate Requirements
Completion of Minor (see above.): 22 units
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| HH 680 | Holistic Health Internship | 3 |
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:
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| ANTH 630 | Medical Anthropology |
| BIOL 318 | Our Endangered Planet |
| BIOL 321 | Magic, Myth, and Medicine |
| BUS 450 | The Greening of Business |
| CFS 355 | Nutrition for Wellness |
| CHIN 101 | First Semester Chinese |
| COUN 606 | Introduction to Peer Counseling Skills |
| GRN 520 | Death and Dying |
| H ED 410 | Organization and Function of Health Services |
| H ED 455 | Community Organizing and Community Building for Health |
| HIST 578 | History of Japan |
| HH 699 | Special Study (1 - 3) |
| KIN 331 | Peak Performance |
| PSY 442 | Health Psychology |
| LTNS 450 | Indigenous Culture and Personality |
Other electives with approval of HH adviser
Total for Certificate: 30
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 adviser for details.
Master of Public Health
Graduate Advisers: Burke, Castellblanch, Chávez, Elia, Eliason, Fernández Peña, Harvey, Love, Mamo, Moore, Sanchez-Vaznaugh, van Olphen
Admission Requirements
In addition to the completed 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 listed on the application form, 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
- 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
- College coursework in statistics or calculus, social science, composition, and in cultural, ethnic, or social diversity (CESD or its equivalent)
- At least 4,000 total hours (two years full-time work equivalent) of previous health-related work experience, paid and/or volunteer positions, preferably in the public health field
- Three references familiar with the applicant’s professional and academic preparation
- A current resume
- A statement of purpose
- Applicants who have linguistic competence in English and a second language will be given admission preference
Admission Procedures
Step 1. Attend a Prospective MPH Student Information Session. These sessions detail the program , 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.
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 (GRE for all; TOEFL or IELTS for non-native English speakers), 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 Health Education Department the completed departmental application form, unofficial transcripts, a photocopy of your GRE score report, three completed reference forms, a current resume, 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 Program Move to Classified Status. Admitted MPH applicants enroll in the program with conditionally classified status. After receiving a satisfactory writing skills evaluation from the instructors of H ED 810 and H ED 815 during the first semester in the program, completing two semesters of coursework earning a 3.0 or higher grade point average, and demonstration of professional ethics and effective collaborative learning skills, an enrolled student is 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. If a student’s writing skills are evaluated as not satisfactory, successful completion of academic writing skills coursework will be required before a student can be moved to fully classified status.
Application Period
New students are admitted to the MPH program to commence in the fall semester only. The application period commences on October 1st in the calendar year previous to the fall semester for which the applicant is applying and closes on February 1st in the same calendar year of the fall semester for which the applicant is applying.
Written English Proficiency Requirement
Level One: Students must demonstrate graduate-level proficiency in written English prior to admission by receiving a 4.0 or higher on the Analytical Writing Section of the GRE or by having earned previously a graduate degree from a regionally accredited university. Level Two: The student’s ability to write in a scholarly manner in the major field must be demonstrated by satisfactory completion of the written component of the H ED 890 (Track 1) or H ED 895 (Track 2) culminating experience project.
Curriculum
The 44-unit MPH curriculum, designed for working professionals, emphasizes critical thinking skills, collaborative learning, problem solving, practical experience, social justice, and advocacy. The 44 units of the curriculum are distributed among seventeen courses that can be completed in five semesters (Track 1 option) or six semesters (Track 2 option). Both the Track 1 and the Track 2 degree options have the same required coursework and sequencing requirements for the first four semesters in the program. During the course of the fourth semester in the program (fall year two), in consultation with the faculty adviser and instructor of the culminating experience project coursework, students choose whether to finish the program as a Track 1 student or a Track 2 student. Track 1 students develop a culminating experience project with a scope and methods suitable for finishing the project in the spring semester of the second year, their fifth semester in the program. Track 2 students 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, their sixth semester in the program. Track 1 students take a 3-unit elective course at their convenience during one of their five semesters in the program, and enroll in the 3-unit capstone seminar H ED 890 in their fifth and final semester in the program (spring of the second year) to complete their culminating experience project, In lieu of a 3-unit elective course, Track 2 students take a 3-unit H ED 899 Special Study course to finalize their culminating experience project proposal in the spring semester of their second year, and then take the 3-unit H ED 895 capstone course, Applied Research Project in Health Education, to complete their culminating experience project in their sixth and final semester in the program (fall of the third year).
On-line course descriptions are available
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| H ED 810 | Public Health and Principles of Community Organizing | 3 |
| H ED 811 | Community Health Education Skills ePortfolio | 1 |
| H ED 815 | Theories of Social Behavioral Change in Community Health Education | 3 |
| H ED 820 | Community Health Assessment | 3 |
| H ED 821 | Community Health Assessment Practice | 2 |
| H ED 822 | Advanced Community Health Assessment Practice | 3 |
| H ED 825 | Epidemiology | 3 |
| H ED 828 | Biostatistics and Public Health Lab | 1 |
| H ED 829 | Biostatistics and Public Health | 3 |
| H ED 830 | Program Planning for Community Change | 3 |
| H ED 831 | Program Planning Practice | 2 |
| H ED 835 | Public Health Policy | 3 |
| H ED 840 | Program Evaluation Design and Research | 3 |
| H ED 855 | Environmental Health | 3 |
| H ED 884 | Seminar in Applied Community Health Education Research | 2 |
| Track 1 students only: Elective (Adviser-approved 300 numbered or above course in any dept.) Track 2 students only: H ED 899 Special Study |
3 | |
| Track 1 students only: H ED 890 Master of Public Health Seminar
Track 2 students only: H ED 895 Applied Research Project in Health Education |
3 | |
Elective Adviser approved 300 numbered or above course in any department: 3
Total for degree: 44
Footnotes
- 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.
