BS in Public Health

Elizabeth Levitzky, PhD                                                                                                                                                                      

Assistant Professor and Program Director

 

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) program is a 2 + 2 program that prepares students with the necessary knowledge and skills to address current and emerging challenges for improving and extending the lifespan of the population, with particular attention to the needs of those in Louisiana. Students complete 60 hours of prerequisite course hours at an accredited college or university, then transfer to the Public Health online program to complete 60 credits hours in the School of Public Health.

The coursework integrates the core disciplines of public health providing students with skills in communication and teamwork, problem-solving, health economics, environmental health assessment, leadership, management and planning, and information management. Service-learning partnerships with local and regional organizations give students the opportunity to utilize their knowledge and professional skills to address complex public health problems such as climate change, global health, chronic disease prevention and control, and youth risk behaviors.

The BSPH prepares students through education and training for employment in entry-level and mid-level positions in a wide array of health-related organizations, including public health departments, non-profits, research centers, and healthcare businesses. Students may also choose to pursue a graduate degree in public health or other health professions.

LSU School of Public Health at the Health Sciences Center in New Orleans has partnered with LSU Online to offer students a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. Students will not only get a world-class education from the award-winning faculty at the LSU School of Public Health but will also receive help from dedicated concierges at LSU Online, who offer service from application to graduation.

SERVICE-LEARNING EXPERIENCE

The BSPH Service-Learning Experience (Public Health in Action, BSPH 4100) is an experiential learning course that allows students to explore the principles of public health learned in the first-year coursework within a community setting and reflect on those experiences. This course utilizes a service-learning approach.  Service learning emphasizes hands-on experiences that address real-world concerns. The service experience provides a context for testing, observing, or trying out discipline-based theories, concepts, or skills. Likewise, the academic context enriches the service experience by raising questions about real-world concerns and providing a forum for probing these concerns in-depth. Service learning fosters reciprocal learning and critical engagement, preparing students to be full and responsible participants in both their profession and their communities.

Students complete a minimum of 20 hours of fieldwork and earn 3 credit hours towards graduation. Registration for BSPH 4100 is required to earn credit.

Prerequisites for the Service Learning Experience (BSPH 4100):

1. Students must successfully complete at least 30 credit hours including: BSPH 3100, 3102, 3200, 3300, 3302, 3400, 3500, 3600, 3700
2. Students must successfully complete annual HIPAA training.
3. Students must successfully complete CITI training.
4. Students must successfully complete SPH Code of Conduct.
5. Students must have at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average.
6. Students on academic probation are ineligible to take the Service-Learning course.

DIRECTOR’S HOUR

Students are required to meet with the BSPH program director and other faculty via sessions scheduled every other week during the fall and spring semesters. The sessions are to inform students about special program events, career development, employer presentations, schedules, announcements, etc. In addition, the event serves as a forum for students to provide feedback to the program about the curriculum, testing, and other program topics as well as to accomplish various administrative tasks such as instructor evaluations, etc. Attendance is mandatory.

TIME TO DEGREE COMPLETION

Students must complete the 60-credit hour curriculum for the BS in Public Health in no more than 6 years after initial enrollment in the program. Any requests for an extension of this policy are subject to approval by the Program Director and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.