Public Health
About the Degree
Associate in Science (A.S.) Degree
This program will allow students to develop background knowledge through introductory coursework in Public Health, and to give them additional training in laboratory science and general education coursework. This degree is designed to allow students to successfully transfer to baccalaureate degree programs in Public Health.
Curriculum & Courses
Semester I
Short Title : English Composition I
Course Code : ENG-121
Department Description : English
Course Description :
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing documented essays. Extensive reading materials serve as structural models and as the bases for discussion and for the writing of essays involving response, analysis, and synthesis.
Prerequisites :
A passing score on the College Placement Test; or a grade of "C" or better in ENG-010 and RDG-011 (RDG-011 can be a co-requisite; or a grade of "C" or better in ESL-097 and ESL-098.
Co requisites :
RDG-011 may be taken as a co-requisite if not previously completed with a grade of "C" or better.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : Statistics I
Course Code : MAT-123
Department Description : Mathematics
Course Description :
Familiarizes students with mathematical models that occur in more advanced courses and in the areas of business, science and the social sciences using exploratory data analysis and statistical methods. Topics include descriptive statistics linear regression, probability and probability distribution, confidence intervals, and an introduction to hypothesis testing.
Prerequisites :
Algebra I, MAT-013, or the equivalent as demonstrated through multiple measures.
Co requisites :
MAT-090
Corequiste Exemption: Proficiency at the Level of Algebra II
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Principles of General, Organic and Biochemistry
Course Code : CHM-107
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description :
An introduction to basic concepts of inorganic, organic and biochemistry. Topics include the metric system, ionic and covalent bonding, acids, bases and salts, radioactivity, solutions, colloids, emulsions, gases and important organic compound classes such as alcohols, ethers, esters, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and enzymes. This course is required for students in Dental Hygiene, Pharmacy Assistant and Respiratory Care.
Prerequisites :
One year of high school laboratory chemistry or CHM-010
- Credit : 4
Short Title : Introduction to Psychology
Course Code : PSY-123
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
Provides a psychological basis for the understanding of human behavior. A survey of fundamentals that are necessary for subsequent psychology courses. Topics include but are not limited to: learning, motivation, cognition, personality, abnormal behavior, development and social psychology.
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Principles of Public Health
Course Code : PBH-101
Department Description : Professional Studies Department
Course Description :
This course provides a broad overview of the many facets of public health, including, but not limited to historical perspectives, communicable disease, epidemiology, health policy, environmental health, emergency preparedness, and social, cultural, and behavioral aspects of health across the life span. It will describe public health infrastructure, delivery of services at the local, state and national levels, and the core competencies for public health professionals.
- Credit : 3
Semester 2
Short Title : English Composition II
Course Code : ENG-122
Department Description : English
Course Description : Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing argument synthesis essays. Students engage in formal written argumentation based on extensive reading and analysis of complex texts. Through the research process, students will locate, analyze, and synthesize scholarly sources to advance their own informed positions on relevant issues in the composition of a formal research paper.
Prerequisites :
A grade of “C” or better in ENG-121
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : Intermediate PC Applications with Programming
Course Code : CSC-106
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
This course emphasizes problem solving with programming using the Python programming language and problem solving with applications using Microsoft Excel. In addition to problem solving skills the course presents current technologies and their impacts on society. The course is designed for students who already possess familiarity with computer applications. It is recommended for students planning to transfer to an upper division college that has a computer programming requirement in its computer literacy course.
Prerequisites :
MAT-014 or appropriate score on the College placement test
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 1
- Lab Hours : 4
Short Title : Statistics II
Course Code : MAT-124
Department Description : Mathematics
Course Description :
Continues the study of hypothesis testing, including one and two sample testing, chi-square analysis, analysis of variance, non-parametric statistics and regression and curve fitting. Familiarizes the students with models and methods used in data analysis with a focus on databases and computer systems to aid in analysis. Students will plan an experiment and make inferences about a population based upon sample data collected.
Prerequisites :
Statistics I, MAT-123, or the equivalent as demonstrated through multiple measures.
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Introduction to Sociology
Course Code : SOC-121
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
Sociology is the systematic study of social behavior and human groups. This course covers basic sociological theories and methods of social research, with special attention to the following topics: culture, values and norms, socialization, social structure, deviance, stratification, social institutions and differentiation by region, race, ethnicity, gender, age and class.
- Credit : 3
Short Title : History Elective
Course Code : HIS-EL2
Department Description : History and Social Science
- Credit : 3
Semester 3
Short Title : Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Course Code : BIO-111
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description : A study of cellular transport mechanisms and tissues as they relate to organs and systems. Structural and functional features of the skeletal, muscular and nervous systems and special senses are examined. Recommended for students in the health sciences.
Prerequisites :
One year of high school laboratory biology or BIO-010, and one year of high school laboratory chemistry or CHM-010, and appropriate score on the College placement test or MAT-013
- Credit : 4
- Lecture Hours : 3
- Lab Hours : 3
Short Title : Basic Nutrition
Course Code : HCD-105
Department Description : Hospitality, Culinary Arts and Dietetics
Course Description :
Principles of nutrition including the various essential nutrients in foods and their functions in the human body.
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Contemporary Health Issues
Course Code : HED-150
Department Description : History and Social Sciences
Course Description :
An examination of health as a variable entity having physiological, psychological, social and multicultural dimensions. The course explores the relationship between cultural and health behavior as a means of increasing cultural sensitivity. Students will assess their health status and behavior as well as explore personal decision-making processes. Topics include, but are not limited to, establishing a basis for wellness, understanding sexuality, aspects of substance use and abuse, maintaining fitness, stress and stressors, and protecting one’s self against disease and environmental risks.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : GE - Language Elective
Course Code : LAN-EL1
Department Description : ESL/Languages and Culture
- Credit : 3
Choose two modern language courses in sequence from either: CHN, FRE, GER, HIN, ITA or SPA. For students who completed at least two years of high school study in one modern language, their level of language will be determined by a placement test (excluding SPA-242).
Semester 4
Short Title : Human Anatomy and Physiology II
Course Code : BIO-112
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description : A continuation of BIO 111. A study of the structure and function of the body is continued by examining the endocrine, reproductive, circulatory, digestive, respiratory and excretory systems.
Prerequisites :
BIO-111 with a minimum grade of “C”
- Credit : 4
- Lecture Hours : 3
- Lab Hours : 3
Short Title : Ethics
Course Code : PHI-123
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
A study of the basic theories, methods, and problems of ethics and morality. Students will apply ethical principles and problem solving models to examples taken from everyday life.
- Credit : 3
Short Title : GE - Language Elective
Course Code : LAN-EL1
Department Description : ESL/Languages and Culture
- Credit : 3
Choose two modern language courses in sequence from either: CHN, FRE, GER, HIN, ITA or SPA. For students who completed at least two years of high school study in one modern language, their level of language will be determined by a placement test (excluding SPA-242).
Short Title : Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Course Code : SPE-121
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description : Introduction to the theory and practice of public address; the study of representative public addresses and the preparation and delivery of short speeches.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : Human Sexuality & Family Life
Course Code : HED-200
Department Description : History and Social Sciences
Course Description :
An exploration of the biological, physiological, psychological, social and cultural aspects of sexuality and human sexual behavior. Multicultural influences are an integral part of the course.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the Program will be able to:
- Demonstrate a scientific foundation of knowledge and skills appropriate for students seeking advanced study in the field of Public Health.
- Apply the scientific method to develop procedures to study questions and analyze data that typically arise within fields of study related to the area of Public Health.
- Demonstrate appropriate and safe techniques within laboratory settings.
- Communicate in writing on varied topics, producing writings that show clarity of thought and proper structure.
- Utilize technology to organize and present information to varied audiences.
- Successfully transfer to a four-year college/university.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to complete this degree?
Upon completion of developmental coursework (if needed), the degree is designed to be completed in two academic years (fall and spring semesters) of full-time study. Students may shorten the amount of time by taking courses in the summer and winter sessions.
Can students who major in Public Health transfer to a four-year college or university?
The Statewide Transfer Agreement for New Jersey ensures that students who earn an A.A. or A.S. degree at a community college will have those credits fully transferable to a New Jersey public four-year institution, will have completed half of the credits required for a basic four-year degree and will have completed all lower division general education requirements. In addition, articulation agreements are being worked out with institutions granting baccalaureate degrees in Public Health to facilitate the transfer process. Students should discuss the transfer process with an advisor.
What will students learn if they study Public Health?
The degree program will focus heavily on giving students background in laboratory science and general education coursework, providing background necessary for students to pursue advanced coursework in Public Health at baccalaureate degree granting institutions. An introductory course in Public Health is also offered to allow students exposure to material that will be covered more expansively in advanced study.
Will an Associate degree in Public Health lead directly to employment?
Public Health, as an Associate in Science degree program, is designed for transfer and not to lead directly to employment. The majority of the graduates of these programs will be pursuing positions in the Public Health field following their graduation from baccalaureate institutions. The students may also pursue graduate studies to open additional opportunities in the Public Health field. It is projected that opportunities for new positions in the Public Health field that can be filled by Associate degree recipients may come from further implementation of the Affordable Care Act.
Transfer Information
Public Health, as an Associate in Science degree program, is designed for transfer and not to lead directly to employment. The majority of our Public Health graduates will be pursuing positions in the Public Health field following their graduation from baccalaureate institutions.
Our students transfer to 4-year colleges and universities around the globe. We’ve had students transfer to every state, including Alaska and Hawaii.
The Statewide Transfer Agreement for New Jersey ensures that students who earn an A.A. or A.S. degree at a community college will have those credits fully transferable to a New Jersey public four-year institution, will have completed half of the credits required for a basic four-year degree and will have completed all lower division general education requirements. Students should discuss the transfer process with an advisor.
Are you interested in transferring to a school in New Jersey? You can use the tools at NJTransfer.org to see which of your MCC courses will transfer to a specific college.