About the B.S. in Community Health (BSCH)

The goal of the program is to prepare scholar-practitioners who have a broad knowledge base in the concepts of wellness, health promotion and disease prevention, as well as in community and public health services and service delivery.  Emphasis is also given to developing competencies in the assessment of individual and community health needs and in the planning, implementation and evaluation of community health programs. 

 

• The interdisciplinary approach to the program offers students a comprehensive health core taught by specialists in their respective areas, as well as a variety of courses taken in other departments. 
• Throughout the course of study in the program, each student has an advisor with whom he or she meets regularly for assistance in program planning, course selection and overall academic advisement.
• Hofstra University’s commitment to the liberal arts and science further ensures that each student has the opportunity to complete a broad program of study in the humanities, sciences and social sciences, as well as in his/her area of concentration.
• Experiential learning is facilitated through two field experiences.  Internship sites are carefully chosen to meet students’ individual needs and interests, thereby maximizing the opportunity for learning and professional growth and development. 

Minor program of study in Community Health

A minor in community health consists of the successful completion of 18 semester hours in the Department of Health Professions with a grade of C- or better in each course. A minimum of 12 semester hours must be taken in residence. Academic advisement is required through the Department of Health Professions for all candidates wishing to minor in community health.

Admissions

All students interested in majoring in Community Health should complete Hofstra University's online application or Common Application. Students should declare their intent to major in Community Health so the Center for University Advisement can inform the major program director. In addition to meeting with an Advisement Center counselor, it is recommended that students also make an appointment with the Community Health program director to verify course registration. Acceptance into the major is granted upon the recommendation of the major adviser and department Chairperson. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA for in-major courses and overall.

For transfers it is important for to contact the Community Health program faculty to discuss potential transfer courses and credits inorder to accurately and efficiently advise you regarding progression through the program.

For up to date information about the B.S. in Community Health degree requirements, please see the Hofstra Bulletin.

For up to date information about the Community Health minor program requirements, please see the Hofstra Bulletin.

Career Preparation

Growing demand for a variety of health services in the nation's expanding health care industry has created new career opportunities in the field of community health. Employment opportunities for graduates of this program include the following settings:

• Federal, state or local government health programs
• Corporate wellness settings
• Community health clinics and outreach education programs
• Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)
• Private health organizations
• Hospitals
• Voluntary agencies, such as American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, American Red Cross, and family planning organizations.

This program is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in a community health setting or students seeking a health major as preparation for entry into graduate programs in a variety of health-related professions. The program is also particularly well suited for RNs, allied health providers, and community college graduates who are seeking to continue their studies toward a Bachelor of Science.
 

Internships
Experiential learning is facilitated through two field experiences. Internship sites are carefully chosen to meet students' individual needs and interests, thereby maximizing the opportunity for learning and professional growth and development.

 

Undergraduate Programs

The Department of Health Professions also offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Science. The program is designed for students seeking preparation for graduate study in a broad range of clinical health care professions including:

• Medicine
• Dentistry
• Veterinary Sciences
• Nursing
• Nutrition
• Physical Therapy
• Physician Assistant Studies

Students in a variety of undergraduate degree programs may elect to minor in the Community Health. Please visit the Hofstra Bulletin for more information.

Graduate Programs
The department also offers three graduate programs that students with a B.S. in Community Health would be eligible for.

• The M.S. in Community Health prepares students for careers in community settings with an emphasis on the skills for planning and implementing health, wellness and disease prevention programs. Graduates are able to plan and coordinate effective health education and health promotion programs and serve as a resource in community health initiatives.
The Master of Health Administration (M.H.A.) prepares students to become competent and culturally sensitive healthcare administrators and managers. Students learn to analyze the range of factors involved in providing high quality, affordable care to patients. Graduates of the program manage a broad range of healthcare facilities across the continuum of care.
• The Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) teaches students to apply theory and research to develop policy, promote wellness and improve the overall health of the community and population. Students are prepared for careers in public health practice and research in community, government and private sector settings.

 

Learn more about Community Health students

• Alyssa Jennaco, BSCH '12
• Ritterson Laguerre, BSCH '09
• Laura Schlosser-Raifaizen, BSCH '13

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Student Organizations

Click the links for the following registered student groups to learn more about their goals, leadership, and how to get involved:

Hofstra Health and Wellness Club
This organization seeks to raise funds and spread awareness on campus for both local and global health issues.

Hofstra Rotaract Club
Rotaract members raise money for local and global health-related charities and promote overall wellness to the surrounding community. Rotaract is a Rotary-Sponsored service club for young men and women.

Eta Sigma Gamma Honor Society
The mission of the honorary society is promotion of the discipline by elevating the standards, ideals, competence, and ethics of professionally prepared men and women in Health Education.

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In the news

Congratulations to the Hofstra Health & Wellness Club for placing 1st the 2012 Issue Alley!

This year's event was held on the day of the presidential debate and provided a great opportunity for student clubs to educate others on the election-related issue that they are most passionate about. Each student organization was provided with a table to display their issues' significance to the Presidential election and the series of debates. Students presented interactive displays about the issues they care about most and promoted their causes.

Hofstra Health & Wellness club presented an interactive game called "Gamble on Your Health, Health Care 2012," which was based on the board game, LIFE. Students had the opportunity to pick a unique persona and try to collect as much money as they could to purchase health insurance and realize how difficult or easy it may be to acquire health insurance. There was an interactive roulette wheel to spin along with dice, which was part of the game. An informative Power Point Presentation provided definitions and "did you know..." facts, creatively inspired from the Books for DUMMIES. Flyers were also given out to each viewer and student that stopped by our table that laid out both Obama and Romney's health care plans. In addition, students had the chance to take a picture with Obama and Romney's head on a poster describing both of their health care plans. Also, individuals were able to express who they were voting for by our own custom sign. Pictures were instantly uploaded to Twitter (@HofForHealth) and drew in a large crowd.

You can learn more about health clubs' current events by visiting Facebook or Twitter

Piece written by 2012-2013 Eta Sigma Gamma Vice President, Aaqil Ali.