The B.S. in Community Health provides practical field experiences and experiential coursework to prepare students for employment in public or private agencies, local health departments, volunteer organizations, hospitals, health insurance companies, worksite/employee health promotion and wellness programs, and a variety of community-based organizations.

Our mission is to advance health equity through the preparation of community health education specialists who explore the multiple levels (individual, family, community, policy, systems) and social determinants that influence behavior and health. Community health professionals focus on the community as the setting for analysis, assessment, advocacy, program planning, intervention, evaluation and research, and are committed to developing, enhancing and using evidence-informed strategies to improve population health.

Admission requirements for this program are satisfied by the general requirements for undergraduate admission to the university.

Accelerated Graduate Enrollment program

The Accelerated Graduate Enrollment (AGRADE) program is available to academically strong students completing their undergraduate degree. This allows students to begin master's degree coursework while simultaneously completing their bachelor's degree. Students have the opportunity to complete the requirements for both degrees in an accelerated timeline. For requirements and course information, refer to the academic bulletin.

For students whose undergraduate major is in community health, the AGRADE graduate program options are: Community Health; Exercise and Sport Science; and Health & Physical Education Teaching.

• AGRADE Overview          
• AGRADE Application

Course requirements

A minimum of 120 credits are required for completion of this degree: satisfaction of the University General Education Program. All coursework must be completed in accordance with the academic procedures of the College of Education and the University governing undergraduate scholarship and degrees. All courses and course electives must be completed with grades of "C" or better and an overall 2.5 grade point average, to meet College graduation requirements. Course changes may occur through periodic curriculum revision and students are urged to consult assigned advisors prior to each registration period to ensure that all requirements are met. Students in this program complete a Plan of Work with their advisor and the Community Health Advising Guide.

Curriculum

* Note: this class is offered every 3 semesters
F = Fall, W = Winter, S/S = Spring/Summer

The WSU program in Community Health is unique because it specifically prepares students to take the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam, given through the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (https://www.nchec.org). The CHES certification is the only nationally and internationally accredited health education and promotion certification on the market. The CHES credential ensures employers that the potential employee has taken the initiative to pursue additional certification, and that they have real-life knowledge, and experience planning, implementing, evaluating and advocating for health education programs, all skills the WSU program prepares students to do.