Bachelor of Science (BS)

Public Health

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Program
Public Health

General Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states.  Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

To be admitted to any of the undergraduate programs at South University, the prospective student must provide proof of high school graduation as recognized by the state of residence on the date the degree was earned, or the equivalent (e.g. GED with no single test score below 145 or numeric score equivalent to 2.0 on old version or state-issued certificate designated as the equivalent of a High School Diploma) with a minimum CGPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale within 5 weeks of the start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance). The prospective student must also complete the university administered placement tests prior to the start of the first quarter for campus students and during the first session of attendance for online students. South University accepts the International Baccalaureate Program diploma as meeting the requirement for high school graduation. Credentials earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a NACES or AICE-member credential evaluation service.  Please speak with an admissions representative for more information.

Students with less than the minimum CGPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale may meet admissions requirements by submitting a minimum combined SAT (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math) score of 700 or 900 on the old SAT, a combined ACT score of 18, or meet the criteria established for acceptance as a transfer student.

Students with less than the minimum CGPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale may be admitted provisionally for two quarters. Failure to achieve a 1.5 CGPA in the first two quarters of attendance will result in dismissal.  Students may appeal the dismissal by following the Procedures for Appealing Academic/Financial Aid Dismissal Policy.

Acceptable verification of high school graduation or the equivalent would include a copy of the high school diploma, high school transcript (official or unofficial), GED certificate, or GED scores and state-authorized examination scores (ex. HiSET, TASC) or a state- issued certificate designated as the equivalent of a high school diploma. In states that maintain a database that serves as an official registry of high school and GED graduates, an excerpt from the official database documenting the student's graduation or GED completion may be used.

Campuses in South Carolina must be provided with official high school transcripts or GED scores or state-issued certificates designated as the equivalent of a high school diploma.

Please see the policy on GPA Calculation for Admission for additional information

Conditional Acceptance

Students may be conditionally accepted by submitting unofficial copies of documentation required for the admission requirements. Conditional acceptance is allowed for 5 weeks beyond the start of the student’s first session. Failure to provide acceptable, official documentation, as stated in the admissions requirements, within 5 weeks from the start date will result in the following:

  • Removal from class
  • Cancelation of enrollment
  • No final course grades
  • No transcript

Students who do not provide acceptable documents for full, unconditional acceptance within the 5 week period will not be responsible for tuition and related fees. South University may grant exceptions to the 5 week period for unusual situations or circumstances. All exceptions must be submitted to the Office of the University Registrar for approval.

Admission of Transfer Students

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states.  Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

To be eligible for admission, transfer students must complete the application procedures and satisfy the following criteria:

  1. Submit a completed application for admission.
  2. Have earned 24 or more credit hours, or the equivalent (e.g. 16 semester hours), with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 from an acceptable accredited collegiate institution.
  3. Submit official transcripts (including verifiable faxed transcripts) from all colleges and universities attended.
  4. Submit self-certification of high school graduation or GED completion.

For transfer of credit practices refer to the applicable section under the Academic Affairs section of this catalog.

To be admitted as a Transfer student into South University the prospective student must have earned 24 or more quarter credit hours or the equivalent (e.g. 16 semester hours), with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 from an acceptable accredited collegiate institution. Official transcripts from the collegiate institution(s) must be received within 5 weeks of the start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance), and who are not required to take ENG0099 and/or MAT0099, will be exempt from taking the UVC1000 Strategies for Success. Students will select another 4 credit course in consultation with their Academic Advisor or Academic Counselor to fulfill the degree requirements.

Students with 24 or more quarter credits with less than a 2.0 GPA may be admitted provisionally for two quarters.  Failure to achieve a 1.5 GPA in the first two quarters of attendance will result in dismissal.  Students may appeal the dismissal by following the Procedures for Appealing Academic/Financial Aid Dismissal Policy.

Students who are citizens of countries other than the United States should refer to the section entitled International Student Admissions Policy.

Students who are transferring from or to a school within the University of North Carolina or the North Carolina Community College System should be aware of the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement approved by both governing Boards on March 1, 1996 and revised in September of 2008. This agreement may be found in its entirety at the following website.

For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here. 

Offered at Austin, Columbia, Montgomery, Online Programs, Orlando, Richmond, Savannah, Tampa, Virginia Beach and West Palm Beach.  

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and practical skills required of a public health professional and advocate for population health.  The curriculum is designed to provide a broad general education, strong foundation in the human health and disease sciences, and core areas of public health.  The curriculum aligns with the competencies expected of a public health practitioner by providing courses in health communication, health disparities, legal and ethical issues, management of public health systems, and policy and research.  Students develop the ability to apply core concepts to assess the health needs of diverse populations at the local, national and international levels, plan and evaluate programs, and communicate and advocate health promotion.  Graduates are prepared to contribute to delivery of the essential services of public health in health agencies at the government or community-based level and in the private sector, continue to learn throughout their professional careers, and to pursue graduate study in public health and the health sciences.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates should be able to: 

  1. Explain the philosophy and essential services of public health at the local, state, national and global level.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to apply, evaluate and synthesize public health information including evidence-based practice and approaches.
  3. Compare governmental and non-governmental healthcare systems and public health initiatives in the United States and globally.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of health disparities and determinants of health in both healthcare settings and the community.
  5. Formulate approaches to planning, assessing, implementing and evaluating public health programs

Bachelor of Science in Public Health: 182 Credits

Area I General Education Requirements: 68 Credits

Professional Development

Course Code
Title
Credits
This course is for students to obtain basic knowledge and skills in using computer office production software and Internet features. A broad range of software applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, and Internet usage concepts will be covered.

Credits : 4

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Designed to help entering students develop a more effective approach to college success, this course emphasizes positive self-evaluation, goal-setting and motivation; practical skills of successful students; effective use of the library and the many sources of information available; and the concepts and tools of critical thinking, and their applications.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
8

Basic Communications

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Title
Credits
Students will be introduced to college-level writing processes, particularly planning, researching and writing essays. Emphasis will be placed on refining individual skills, writing styles and voices, types of essay and on effective writing procedures. Selected readings supplement the course and provide topics for discussion and writing assignments. A minimum grade of C is required to pass this course.

Credits : 4

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Focusing on the construction of effective researched written argument, this course refines composition techniques, develops abstract thinking processes, and promotes critical thinking. By locating and evaluating sources and incorporating appropriately vetted academic sources into their work, students will create well-supported arguments within appropriately documented academic essays. A minimum grade of C is required to pass this course.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
8

Choose one additional course from the list below: 

Course Code
Title
Credits
This course examines the fundamental role of communication in establishing and maintaining relationships. By surveying leading research and theories in interpersonal communication, students explore scholarly perspectives on how individuals enter into, maintain, and terminate relationships. Conceptual perspectives examined will include communicative competence, relational development, interaction process, codes, and context. This course has a prescriptive orientation, meaning that it is geared toward learning how to be a more competent communicator by being oriented towards others.

Credits : 4

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This course is designed to prepare the student to develop and improve the ability to communicate. Self-expression, preparation of effective speeches, and development of speaking and listening skills will be the focus.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
4

Mathematics and Statistics

Course Code
Title
Credits
The course is designed to develop the concepts needed for College Algebra II using graphs and applications to motivate students and provide real-world examples. The course covers the solution of systems of linear equations, exponents and polynomials, factoring, rational expressions, functions, and quadratic equations. MyMathLab or a comparable resource may be used for lecture, homework and assessment assignment delivery.

Credits : 4

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College Algebra provides students with lecture and extensive practice in the concepts required as background for Pre-Calculus and Calculus. The course emphasizes the graphs and properties of functions in general, with emphasis on linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. MyMathLab or a comparable resource may be used for lecture, homework and assessment assignment delivery.

Credits : 4

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Statistics provides students with lecture and extensive practice in the concepts of descriptive and inferential statistics. The course emphasizes practical calculation and application. It begins with sample statistics and population parameters, proceeds to measures of central tendency, dispersion, and position, introduces the least-squares best-fit line and several key probability distributions, and concludes with the sampling distribution of sampling means, and hypothesis testing. MyStatLab or a comparable resource may be required in the course.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
12

Natural Sciences

Course Code
Title
Credits
6
6
Sub-Total Credits
12

Arts and Humanities

Course Code
Title
Credits
This course introduces the study of human social development, social organizations and social institutions by looking at our own self as the investigated or member of the society. Students will apply sociological perspectives to examine themselves around the development of self-concept, group dynamics, gender equality, social class, racial and ethnic relations, demography and population, the family, religion, and education. Through open discussion of current societal events, students will explore the constructs and consequences of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
8

Choose two additional courses from the list below:

Course Code
Title
Credits

Organized by period, genre and theme, this course explores global viewpoints as expressed in novels, poems, plays, short fiction, and philosophical and theological works from the period of the late 17th century to the present day. Parallels and contrasts will be drawn between cultures and across time.

Credits : 4

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This course covers main themes of American history from the country's beginnings until the end of the reconstruction period following the Civil War. The concepts, chief actors, and major events of this period of time will be studied, and the student will analyze the historic concepts of cultural expansion and development found in the history of America. The process of national growth required by foreign and domestic influences will also be examined.

Credits : 4

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This course covers main themes of American history from reconstruction to the present day. The concepts, chief actors, and major events of this period of time will be studied, and the student will analyze the historic concepts of cultural expansion and development found in the history of America. The process of national growth required by foreign and domestic influences will also be examined.

Credits : 4

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This course is a history of art from the prehistoric/tribal period through the Middle Ages. Students will analyze the formal elements of each period style, as well as the historical, social, and cultural influences that shaped art at various point in history and across cultures.

Credits : 4

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This course is a history of art from the Renaissance to present day. The concepts, historical themes, and social/cultural influences on the art and architecture of the periods will be studied. Students will analyze the formal elements of each period style, as well as the external themes and influences that shaped art at various point in history and across cultures.

Credits : 4

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This course covers the major themes and events in world history from prehistoric times to 1500. The course will focus on history from a variety of perspectives: social, cultural interactions, environmental, political, economic, and the people and events that shaped our world's history. Various themes that appear across time will be explored from the perspective that all cultures and all events are influenced by the interactions with other peoples, geography, and the environment; and in turn these events influence and shape future events.

Credits : 4

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This course covers the major themes and events in world history from 1500 to the present. The course focuses on history from a variety of perspectives: social, cultural interactions, environmental, political, economic, and the people and events that shaped our world's history. Various themes that appear across time will be explored from the perspective that all cultures and all events are influenced by the interactions with other peoples, geography, and the environment; and in turn these events influence and shape future events.

Credits : 4

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This course introduces students to philosophical thinking. Students will confront fundamental questions of self and identity, of freedom and determinism, of belief and truth, and of ethics and morality. Critical thinking activities will challenge students to incorporate philosophy into their personal and professional lives by applying the questions of philosophy to themselves and their world.

Credits : 4

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This course surveys historical and contemporary world religions and religious movements from ancient to modern times. It will present the basic tenets of the belief systems of major religions and religious movements. The course will further ground the study of world religions in a variety of perspectives: social, cultural interactions, environmental, political, economic, and the people and events that influenced religious thought. This course retains a commitment to teaching religious studies as the secular study of beliefs, behaviors, and institutions in a manner that emphasizes systematic inquiry and cross-cultural perspectives.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
44

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Course Code
Title
Credits
Microeconomics is the study of how individuals, households and firms make decisions about consumption and production which affect the supply and demand of goods and services. Other topics include the costs of production, behavior of firms, organization of industries, economics of labor markets, and theories of consumer choice.

Credits : 4

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An introduction and overview of the major principles in the field of Psychology including: mental disorders, personality, social understanding, stress and coping, learning, memory, neuroscience, and consciousness. Students will also gain a broad understanding of how these areas are interconnected from a theoretical and practical worldview in addition to scientific modes of thought about behavior. This course contains a component of the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) initiative, "Keeping it Real: Classroom to Career," whose overarching goals are student success and early career engagement.

Credits : 4

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This course introduces the study of human social development and social organizations and social institutions. Students will apply sociological perspectives to examine topics such as the development of self-concept, group dynamics, social deviance, gender equality, social class, racial and ethnic relations, demography and population, the family, religion, and education.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
12

Area II Major Foundation Requirements: 16 Credits

Course Code
Title
Credits
This course is an introduction to medical terminology and the language of health care. Students will be able to read and comprehend terminology used in a variety of medical records and reports by focusing on the definition, spelling and pronunciation of medical terms relating to the human body with an emphasis on understanding the root words, prefixes and suffixes used in health care settings.

Credits : 4

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CHM1010 is a survey course of general chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry. Fundamental concepts and principles will be presented including atomic theory, bonding, nomenclature, solutions, acids and bases, and an introduction to organic chemistry and biochemistry. Emphasis will be placed on the application of these topics in various health fields. This overview provides the health-care worker the ability to appreciate physiological and therapeutic processes at the molecular level. The course will also explore the role of chemistry in society today by applying a problem-solving approach to understanding chemistry.

Credits : 4

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This course surveys the principles necessary to promote optimum nutrition throughout the life cycle. Consideration is given to informed evaluation of areas of controversy, as well as influence of socioeconomic and culture on nutritional practices.

Credits : 4

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In Human Growth and Development, students will learn the normal developmental stages of the human life cycle. The stages of human development will be examined within the context of the biological, psychological, sociological, intellectual and emotional processes. Relevant cross-cultural comparisons are used to illustrate the unity and diversity of human life.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
16

Area III Major Requirements: 98 Credits

Core

Course Code
Title
Credits

Principles of Biology I is the first in a two-course sequence in biology. The course introduces scientific methods, biological chemistry, cells, energy for life, basic genetics, biotechnology, and the principles of evolution. Students will also complete writing assignments that develop their skills as scientifically literate citizens.

Credits : 4

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Human Pathophysiology is an introductory study of disease processes in humans. Etiology, clinical manifestations, complications, common treatments, and diagnostic findings are examined based on a body systems approach. This course emphasizes physiological alterations resulting in disease and illness.

Credits : 4

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6

This course provides and introduction to genetics, current applications of genetic techniques, exploration of the human genome project and its implications, along with the genetic components of immunology and cancer.

Credits : 4

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This course is an introduction to the healthcare delivery system. It provides an overview of the various forces and elements that shape the way healthcare is delivered and received in the United States. It covers the structure and function of the health organizations, professions, and delivery systems across the continuum of care.

Credits : 4

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This course explores the societal context of health, illness, and the health care system in American Society. Determinants and measurement of health and disease are examined and the study of epidemiology and public health is evaluated.

Credits : 4

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This course explores the relationship and impact of the environment to health and illness in human populations. An exploration of man-made and natural environmental hazards will be discussed. Environmental health and risk assessment will be discussed as well as interventions. Environmental policy and practices will be viewed from the public health perspective and include the study of energy, waste, environmental justice and regulation.

Credits : 4

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This course introduces the history and development of epidemiology in healthcare with a focus on disease identification and control. A special section is devoted to the detection and response to bioterrorism and pandemics.

Credits : 4

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This course introduces basic concepts, strategies and methods of health promotion and disease prevention. It reviews the major issues and trends impacting the field of health promotion and wellness within the context of public health, and provides a broad overview of policy formation planning, implementation and evaluation.

Credits : 4

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This course is designed to introduce the basic tenets, applications, and focus of public health. It will provide an introduction to public health terminology, history, core disciplines, professional roles and services, current public health challenges and the impact of public health efforts on population health.

Credits : 4

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This course provides students with an overview and practical knowledge of public health law and ethics. Students will gain an understanding of the responsibility of government to protect the public health in the context of upholding individual rights. By the end of the course, students will be able to apply this knowledge to real-world applications of ethical decision making and gain a critical understanding of their own ethical opinions.

Credits : 4

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This course provides students with an understanding of epidemiology and the philosophy and methods for health-related research. The course explores a wide range of topics, such as, research paradigms, research ethics, quantitative and qualitative research methods, descriptive and inferential statistics, hypothesis testing and writing research proposals.

Credits : 4

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This course presents an overview of the public policy facing the health care industry. The course provides students with a basic working knowledge of health policy with a comprehensive review of a wide variety of policy making, policy analysis, economic, and insurance issues.

Credits : 4

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In today's information driven age, access to healthcare information is vital. In both healthcare and public health, there are numerous systems that track disease outbreaks, environmental risks, and vital statistics. This course seeks to train students in the use of traditional health information systems and electronic health records. This course will describe health information systems, management of these systems, data integrity and standards, functionality, privacy, security, and decision-making. Additionally, the course will discuss the use of these systems as it relates to population health.

Credits : 4

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This course introduces the student to theory and practice in the field of global health dealing with not only the health issues of developing countries but the threats to health extending beyond borders and affecting the global population. Students will explore the determinants and disparities of health at the global level including poverty and health beliefs and behaviors; surveillance and intervention measures; global health policies; and the governmental and nongovernmental agencies and collaborative efforts and obstacles in play to resolve global health issues. Case studies and examples of current global health challenges and outcomes will be discussed with a focus on factors contributing to the issues and collaborative approaches to delivering solutions.

Credits : 4

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This course provides an overview of the health communication field and examines effective communication approaches. Students will learn how media can impact the health and well-being of populations at the personal, interpersonal, community, organizational, and policy level. Communication tools and technologies and strategies will be explored, as well as the importance of communication in advocacy for health promotion policies and programs. Students will develop a public health education piece addressing a current or emerging health information, prevention or emergency preparedness issue.

Credits : 4

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This course will examine the ways in which diverse personal, socio-cultural and institutional factors impact health, including race/ethnicity/culture, socioeconomic class, migration status, disability, gender, sexual orientation, sexism, place, age and spirituality. Strategies to reduce disparities and promote equity, cultural competency and advocacy will be examined.

Credits : 4

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This course provides students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the program courses to a real-world public health experience by identifying, assessing and addressing current issues in public health. Students will demonstrate their ability to integrate and adapt the competencies developed during the course of study to a comprehensive analysis of a public health problem that incorporates communication with working public health professionals and the opportunity to develop professional skills, practical experience and exploration of public health careers. Student must receive a grade of C or higher to pass this course.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
86

Elective Pool (16 credits):

Transfer students may transfer any course to help fulfill the elective pool requirements, provided the course meets the standards of the Credit for Transcripted and Non-transcripted Work policy found in the Academic Affairs section of this catalog.

Non-transfer students, with their advisor's consultation and approval may choose courses from any department recommended and listed course or more broadly from any course offered by South University. Work from other fields must include any required prerequisite courses in the elective field. 

A course can be used to meet only one requirement in Area I, Area II, or Area III, but not simultaneously in two areas. Students should work with their academic advisor or counselor to be sure they are making appropriate course choices. 

Course Code
Title
Credits

Principles of Biology I is the first in a two-course sequence in biology. The course introduces scientific methods, biological chemistry, cells, energy for life, basic genetics, biotechnology, and the principles of evolution. Students will also complete writing assignments that develop their skills as scientifically literate citizens.

Credits : 4

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This course is designed to prepare students to organize and compose effective business correspondence and business. Focus will be on various types of business communication encountered in management functions, including creating documents, preparing presentations, managing meetings, providing leadership, and building teams. The course will address both internal and external organizational communications as well as professional career preparation.

Credits : 4

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This course examines the role and function of marketing and strategy development in healthcare organizations. Marketing concepts including market research, segmentation, branding and advertising are reviewed. Strategy development includes the role of vision and mission, internal and external assessment, developing strategic initiatives, tactical planning and strategic execution.

Credits : 4

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This course reviews and compares traditional medicine to complementary or alternative health measures. Examination of current trends will focus on the business practices and practitioners involved in these alternative healing therapies. Various types of Alternative and Complementary medicine will be evaluated based on scientific research, including Systematized Practices, such as traditional Chinese and Ayurveda medicine; Botanical Healing, such as herbs, nutritional supplements and homeopathy; Manual Healing Methods, including chiropractic, massage, and pressure point therapies; and Mind-Body Techniques, such as yoga, meditation, hypnotherapy, and biofeedback.

Credits : 4

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This course reviews the major issues and trends impacting the managed care industry and provides an overview of different types of managed care organizations, considering both provider and payer sponsored systems. The business and financial relationship between managed care organizations and providers is explored. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is embedded in this course for a clear understanding of its impact on consumer healthcare insurance and benefits.

Credits : 4

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This course reviews the organization and delivery of federal and state healthcare programs and the impact these programs have on the financing, regulation, and quality of the overall healthcare delivery system. Special focus is provided on the mechanisms and impact of federal and state reimbursement of healthcare services.

Credits : 4

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This course reviews current issues facing the elderly as they relate to physical changes, health concerns, social adjustments, economic pressures and public policy for this growing segment of the US population. Discussion will also include comparison of these issues within the international community and research in the field of gerontology.

Credits : 4

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Designed to help pending graduates develop an effective approach to the job search, this course emphasizes the understanding of industry expectations and job trends, assessing and developing skills for the work place, developing a professional portfolio with cover letters and resumes, projecting professionalism, and the practical applications of networking, self-promotion, successful interviewing, salary negotiations, and overcoming rejection.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
16
Total Credits
226