Public health majors at Gonzaga can customize their experience with our robust elective choice.
You also have the choice to prepare for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) examination.
Health Education Specialists develop programs, materials and events to teach people about wellbeing and other health concerns.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for Health Education Specialists is projected to grow 7 percent through 2033, faster than other occupations.
Passing the CHES exam can help you stand out when applying for jobs.
Curriculum
Required Courses - 21 credits:
- PUBH 101: Introduction to Public Health
- MATH 121: Introductory Statistics 
- PUBH 251: Social Determinants of Health
- PUBH 260: Health Communication & Theories of Human Behavior
- PUBH 320: Epidemiology & Applied Biostatistics
- PUBH 450: Health Policy & Political Determinants of Health
- PUBH 499: Public Health Practicum & Internship
Elective Courses -15 credits:
Choose 5 of the following courses for the general Bachelor of Arts degree.
There are 4 electives, marked with an asterisk, that are required if you are choosing to prepare for the CHES exam.
Talk to your advisor about the progression plan for the CHES exam preparation.
- PUBH 280: Public Health Advocacy*
- PUBH 310: Health Leadership and Management*
- PUBH 340: Environment, Climate Change, & Health
- PUBH 360: Global Health Issues
- PUBH 480: Public Health Planning*
- PUBH 490: Public Health Implementation & Evaluation*
- BIOL 104 and 104L: Indigenous Science
- BIOL 335: Advanced Genetics
- BIOL 331: Parasitology
- BIOL 374: Immunology
- BIOL 375: Virology
- SOCI 283: Sociology of Health & medicine
- SOCI 343: Sociology of Reproduction
- SOCI 383: Environmental Sociology
- PSYC 396: Health/Pediatric Psychology
- ENGL 105: Disability in Literature
- PHIL 455: Health Care Ethics
- RELI 193: Religion & Medical Science
- RELI 376: Christian Sexual Ethics
- WGST 304: Feminism & Science
- ECON 333: Health Economics
- SPAN 318: Medical Spanish & Cultural Competency
*Required for CHES exam preparation.
Some classes may have prerequisite requirements that are both inside and outside of your major. Make sure that you consider that in your course planning and consult with an academic advisor if you questions.