Recorded presentation

James R. Ciesla, PhD, School of Allied Health Professions, Northern Illinois University, Public Health and Health Education Programs, DeKalb, IL 60115, 815-753-3409, jciesla@niu.edu

The Bachelor’s program in Public Health at Northern Illinois University was founded in 1980. The original mission was to (1) develop in students’ basic competencies in public health concepts, theories, and methods in preparation for entry-level positions in public health agencies and health services organizations, or (2) graduate study in public health, medicine, business, law, and other professions. That mission remains, but the degree has been subdivided into emphases in health administration, health promotion, environment and health, and aging and health. Changes in the curriculum have been shaped by the faculty’s view of occupational demand in the university’s service area.

The degree is based on the public health model. Students complete a four-tiered program consisting of (1) university general education requirements, (2) foundation courses, (3) a public health core, and (4) an applied field experience or practicum. The culminating (capstone) educational experience is course-long applied exercise in health planning.

The B.S. in Public Health is part of the Public Health and Health Education Programs whose home department is the School of Allied Health Professions. The program and department are located in the College of Health and Human Sciences. The program houses two other degree programs, a CEPH-Accredited M.P.H. program and a B.S. Ed. in School Health Education which leads to teacher certification in health education.

Future plans for the program involve making the program more visible in the university’s service area, stabilizing enrollments, and improving the quality of the educational offerings in this time of budgetary exigency.

Learning Objectives:

• At the end of this session attendees will be aware of the key issues in undergraduate public health education.

Keywords: Education, Public Health Careers

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation