Health science degrees in California are becoming more popular throughout the state, and a simple view of the number of people in the state make it clear why more colleges are offering such degrees. California has the second highest population in the western hemisphere, second only to St. Paulo, Brazil. Los Angeles County has been the most highly populated state in the United States for decades and has more people living there than 42 states in the country. With so many people living in one area, it stands to reason that healthcare in the region would be a growing industry.
California Baptist University
California Baptist University was founded in 1950 by the California Baptist Convention, originally called the California Baptist College and located in El Monte. In 1953, the college became part of the Southern Baptist Convention, receiving their charter from the state in 1954. The college moved to the city of Riverside in 1955 to a 75.6 acre campus, which was the previous location of the Woodmen of the World retirement home and hospital, built in 1921. Today, the former hospital houses the Annie Gabriel Library, named for the benefactor whose generous donation allowed the college to begin developing the collection of books housed there.
Bachelor of Science in Health Science
The Bachelor of Science in Health Science at California Baptist prepares students for careers in healthcare, and students may choose concentrations in pre-medicine, pre-pharmacy, pre-dental and pre-physician assistant. Students must have a strong science foundation, although there are many general education requirements included as well. Students learn about the healthcare system, as well as research methodology. Curriculum includes information on the relationship between disease prevention and the promotion of health. In addition to the required health science classes, students must also successfully complete general education requirements, such as English and math. Some courses required include genetics, epidemiology, physics, and ethics to name a few.
Contact Information
Undergraduate Admissions
California Baptist University
8432 Magnolia Avenue
Riverside, CA 92504
Telephone: 866-767-6228
Website
California State University, Chico
California legislators approved a northern branch of the State Normal School, which was dedicated to the education of teachers, in 1887. Chico was selected as the location for the new school when John Bidwell donated his eight-acre cherry orchard for the campus site. The corner of the boundaries of this donation are marked today by cherry trees, each with a plaque acknowledging the gift. The campus opened in 1889 and the first class of teachers graduated in 1891.
Bachelor of Science in Health Science: Health Education
The Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a focus on Health Education at California State Chico is a four-year program designed to help students obtain positions in the health education field. Students must complete:
- General Education Pathway Requirements – 48 units
- Diversity Course Requirements – 6 units
- Major Core Program – 18 units
- Option in Health Education – 46-48 Units
Courses related to the option in health education include human sexuality, epidemiology, health education techniques, human anatomy and other classes related to the major. Students must earn a “C” or better in health science courses.
Bachelor of Science in Health Science: Health Services Administration
The Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a health services administration focus prepares students for positions related to health science management. Students must take the same number of units required for the Health Education focus for general education, diversity and major core, but must have 45 units in the Option in Health Services Administration. Courses include financial accounting, medical economics, healthcare delivery systems, human resource management and other healthcare management related courses. Students must complete all option courses with a “C” or better.
Contact Information
University Catalog
California State University, Chico
400 West First Street
Chico, CA 95929
Email: catalog@csuchico.edu
Website
California State University, Dominguez Hills
In 1960, California Governor Pat Brown signed legislation that would create the South Bay State College, but a Board of Trustees was not appointed until July 1962, and, a few weeks later, the board voted to rename the facility California State College at Palos Verdes. In 1965, the board decided to move the college to a new location, considering Friendship Park, Fort Macarthur, Torrence and Dominguez Hills. Due to the civil unrest in Watts, Governor Brown requested that the college be located in Dominguez Hills in order to provide better accessibility to minorities. A 346-acre site was chosen, and the site opened in September 1966.
Bachelor of Science (Single Field Major)
CSU Dominguez Hills offers Bachelor of Science in Health Science degrees in the following concentrations:
- Community Health
- Health Care Management
- Prosthetic
- Radiologist Technology
The degree programs are designed to strengthen a student’s ability in the areas of human and institutional resources in order to meet the health needs of a community. Curriculum includes evidenced-based assessment and intervention models designed to improve the health and well-being of a diverse population. The Community Health option provides students with knowledge to obtain positions as community health workers and educators, while the Health Care Management option provides the general foundations for careers in supervisory positions at health care facilities. The Prosthetic option is for those who want to work with patients who have suffered the loss of a limb and provides training in both prostheses, which are artificial limbs, as well as orthoses, which are mechanical body supports. The Radiology Technology option accommodates those who plan to enter the field of radiology, and is offered in cooperation with the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center School of Radiology Technology.
Only 16 students may be admitted to the Prosthetic option due to limited laboratory space. Students must complete all lower division courses with a “C” or better as well as have access to hand tools and light duty power equipment. Students are required to interview with a panel of faculty members in the department in order to qualify for the program.
MS in Health Sciences, O&P Option
Orthotic and prosthetic is a specialized profession, and the Master of Science in Health Sciences with the O&P Option provides students with the knowledge necessary to care for patients with disorders that restrict their ability to move, or those who have lost limbs. Students develop knowledge in gait analysis, kinesiology, anatomy, biomechanics, pathomechanics and other subjects related to orthotic and prosthetic. Students must have successfully completed Biology/Life Sciences, Chemistry, Physics as well as Human Anatomy and Physiology to be admitted to the program. They must also hold a bachelor’s level degree in an allied health major with a 3.0 or above in their last 60 semester or 90 quarter units. They must have access to a facility with hand tools and light duty power equipment. All previous orthotic and prosthetic classes must have been successfully completed with a “B” or better.
Contact Information
California State University Dominguez Hills
1000 East Victoria Street
Carson, CA 90747
Telephone: 310-243-3696
Email: info@csudh.edu
Website
California State University, Fresno
From their modest beginning as a teacher’s college known as the Fresno Normal School, Fresno State has evolved into a culturally diverse university. Founded in 1911, the school focused on providing education to those who wanted to become teachers, but had obstacles that may have kept them from attending college. Even today, Fresno State prides itself on contributing to the economic, civic and social well-being of the community that surrounds them.
Bachelor of Science in Health Science
The Bachelor of Science in Health Science prepares students for careers in health agencies at the federal, state and local level, as well as in private sector health care. Options available allow students to focus on options such as:
- Environmental Health
- Industrial Hygiene
- Community Health
- Public Health
- Occupational Health
- Allied Health Professions
Students must provide a high school transcript, SAT/ACT scores and EAP scores that are located on the student’s STAR test results.
Master of Public Health
The Master of Public Health prepares students for professional positions in public health. The degree is accredited by the Council of Education for Public Health. Students must have a 2.5 GPA, three letters of recommendation and must complete the GRE. Candidates must complete an application and pay an application fee in order to apply for the program.
Contact Information
Department of Public Health
California State University
Fresno
2345 E. San Ramon Avenue
M/S MH30
Fresno, CA 93740-8031
Telephone: 559-278-4014
cchapman@csufresno.edu
Website
California State University, Fullerton
California State University Fullerton became the twelfth college added to the California State College organization in 1957. The college was originally named Orange County State College and moved to Fullerton in 1959. In 1962, the name of the school was changed to Orange State College until it became California State College at Fullerton in 1964. The university changed the “at” to a comma in 1972.
Health Science B.S. Degree
The Bachelor of Science degree program in health science provides graduates with knowledge regarding health-related topics, bridging the gap between scientific discoveries and improving the quality of life. Students choose from three advisory tracks:
- Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
- Global Health
- Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety
The Health Promotion and Disease Prevention option emphasizes the optimal development of well-being in multiple settings, whether for individuals, families or communities. The Global Health track focuses on health science in the global community. Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety provide information on ensuring a healthy and safe environment throughout the community.
MPH Degree
The Master of Public Health (MPH) combines biological, physical and social forces that affect human health. The degree curriculum is designed to help students not only understand the nature of public health problems, but also political, social, and behavioral issues that add to these problems. To apply for the Master of Public Health program, students must complete an application and provide official transcripts from each college or university they previously attended. The application requires a 300-500 word narrative statement describing how the program relates to the student’s professional goals. Students must provide a report regarding the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score and a current resume.
Contact Information
California State University, Fullerton
800 North State College Boulevard
Fullerton, CA 92831-3599
Telephone: 657-278-2011
Website
California State University, East Bay
In 1957, the California State University, East Bay began as the State College for Alameda County, with the original site of the university planned for Pleasanton. Before the plans were finalized, the campus was moved to Hayward due to the efforts of State Assemblyman, Carlos Bee, and community leaders, including E. Guy Warren, whose name graces Warren Hall on the campus. Classes began in 1959 at Hayward High School and in 1961, the college moved to its present location in the Hayward Hills. It was renamed Alameda County State College until 1963, when the name of the school changed to California State College at Hayward. In 1972, the school received university status, changing the name to California State University, Hayward. In 2005, in an effort to show the broader mission of the college, the California State University Board of Trustees officially changed the name of the school was changed again, this time to California State University, East Bay.
Today, there are more than 14,500 students enrolled at the college, working toward one of the 52 Baccalaureate or 35 Master’s degree programs available on the campus. The school also has doctorate program in educational leadership. Cal State East Bay’s tuition consistently ranks as one of the lowest in the United States and has the lowest housing fees in the California State University system.
Health Sciences
The health industry is ranked as the second largest industry in the United States, which is why the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences offers students four options in the profession:
- Administration and Management
- Pre-Clinical Preparation with a Pre-Nursing Specialization
- Pre-Clinical Preparation with a Pre-Health Specialization
- Community Health Option
Students who take the Administration and Management option focus on the management of health facilities and organizations in both the public and private sector. Courses include financial accounting, microeconomics, theories of management and marketing. The pre-clinical option in nursing prepares students for a career in nursing. Courses include biochemistry, human development, stress and coping, along with other courses that focus on advanced nursing. The pre-health option includes classes on nutrition, occupational therapy, genetic counseling, social work and other courses designed to prepare students for a variety of management positions related to the health field. The community health option prepares students for certification as a Community Health Educator Specialist. Courses include humans and sex, epidemiology, health behavior, as well as genetics, evolution and humanity.
Health Care Administration
The Master of Science in Health Care Administration prepares students for employment as health care administrators and managers. The program develops professionals who have the skills and knowledge to manage public and private organizations in the healthcare industry. Students also develop leadership skills and the ability to implement innovative solutions to problems that exist in the healthcare setting. Students must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA, and must provide a statement of purpose regarding their reasons for seeking a graduate degree. Two letters of recommendation are also required as is a professional resume. Students must also provide undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all universities previously attended.
Contact Information
Hayward Campus
25800 Carlos Bee Boulevard
Hayward, CA 94542
Telephone: 510-885-3000
eopadmissions@csueastbay.edu
Website
California State University, Long Beach
Originally known as the Los Angeles-Orange County State College, the university opened its doors on September 28, 1949 with 169 students. The first classes were held at a converted apartment building. Initially, the majority of the students were women and servicemen, and the college offered just 29 classes, all of which focused on education, business and liberal arts. In 1950, Long Beach citizens voted to authorize the purchase of a 320-acre parcel of land, which was deeded to the state for the purpose of building a new home for the college. At that time, the name was changed to the Long Beach State College.
Bachelor of Science in Health Science
The Bachelor of Science in Health Science prepares students for a career in the health sciences industry. Students may choose a general Health Science degree or may select from two options:
- Community Health Education
- School Health Education
The Community Health Education program prepares students for careers in the health education field with profit , non-profit and governmental agencies, while the School Health Education focus is designed for those who wish to become health teachers in California middle or high schools. The School Health Education option is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
For all Health Science degrees, students must maintain a “C” or better in all classes and complete 120 units, 40 of which must be in upper-level classes. The curriculum consists of five core areas:
- Statistics
- Program Development
- Professionalism
- Health Services Organization
- Health Promotion
Students must complete at least one course from each core area and must be selected in consultation with a student advisor.
Health Science Graduate Programs
The Master of Science in Health Science provides students with an intensive study of health education, introduces public health issues, and builds research skills necessary in the public health industry. Students must provide a copy of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, and must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in health education. The student must have a 3.0 GPA at the undergraduate level. Students must also provide GRE scores and three letters of recommendation.
Contact Information
California State University, Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Boulevard
Long Beach, CA 90840
Telephone: 562-985-4194
Website
California State University, Los Angeles
California State University, Los Angeles is located on the site of one of the 36 adobes built by Franciscan missionaries in 1776. The adobes were destroyed by fire in 1908, and the lands were originally part of Rancho Rosa Castilla, owned by Juan Batista Batz, who settled in the area in 1850. According to local history, the ranch was named for the wild roses that used to grow near the ranch home.
Public Health, B.S.
Students in the Bachelor of Science in Public Health program are prepared for roles in the community related to leadership and education in the area of public health. The curriculum focuses on community health, and classes include chemistry, microorganisms, microbiology, sociology, anthropology, epidemiology and bioethics, to name a few. Students must obtain a grade of “C” or better in all classes related to the major.
Health Science, M.A.
The Master of Arts in Health Science at Cal State, Los Angeles qualifies graduates for advanced leadership positions related to health science as well as for teaching professions in the area of health science. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution, and must have a 2.75 GPA in the last 90 quarter units of their undergraduate program.
Contact Information
Program Office
Simpson Tower 302
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032-8530
Telephone: 323-343-4740
hlthsci@calstatela.edu
Website
California State University, Northridge
California State University, Northridge began as many colleges do, with the clearing of land and buildings constructed where orange, lemon or avocado trees used to stand. However, unlike other universities, considerable political maneuvering was required to get a college located in the Valley. Originally, the college was proposed to be built in Baldwin Hills as a satellite campus for the Los Angeles State College, now known as Cal State, Los Angeles. Valley leaders organized and overturned the legislation, ensuring that a four-year college would be located in the San Fernando Valley. In 1955, land was purchased in north San Fernando Valley for the Los Angeles State College’s new satellite campus. In July 1958, the college separated from Los Angeles State College, becoming San Fernando Valley State College, choosing the Matador as the campus mascot.
Health Administration
A Bachelor’s Degree in Health Administration from Cal State Northridge offers students a comprehensive education in health administration. Students are also able to take electives in specific health care delivery systems including:
- Hospitals
- Nursing Homes
- Managed Care Systems
Students are required to complete 180 hours of internship in order to complete the program.
Master of Science in Health Adminisration
The Master of Science in Health Administration at Cal State Northridge prepares students for a variety of careers in health care administration. Students may specialize in delivery systems including:
- Hospitals
- Nursing Homes
- Managed Care
- Health Informatics
Students must complete field training in a healthcare organization as part of their education. Graduates of the program have obtained positions in mental health facilities, community health organizations, insurance companies and many other health related fields.
Contact Information
Department of Health Sciences
Jacaranda Hall 2500
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8285
Phone: 818-677-4081
anita.schlecta@csun.edu
Website
California State College, Sacramento
As far back as the 1920s, legislators attempted to develop a four-year university in Sacramento. However, in what locals blamed on “pork barrel politics,” attempts regularly failed as Bay Area politicians attempted to monopolize higher education. In 1947, Sacramento State was finally established through legislation by Earl D. Desmond, a State Senator who convinced the finance committee to withhold funding for the University of California until they committed to a college in Sacramento. The college became California State University, Sacramento in 1972.
Bachelor of Science Health Science
- Community Health Education
- Health Care Administration
- Occupational Health and Safety
The Chancellor’s Office of the California State University has granted impaction status for the undergraduate program. Students are, therefore, required to submit a supplemental application. In addition, all applicants must have a 2.0 minimum GPA, and a grade of “C” or above in specific major related courses.
Contact Information
Sacramento State
Admissions
Lassen Hall 1102
6000 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95819-6048
Telephone: 916-278-7766
Website
California State University, San Bernardino
California State University, San Bernardino began when legislation was enacted in 1960 to found San Bernardino-Riverside State College. The campus was built on a 430-acre site in 1963 and the name officially changed to California State College, San Bernardino. The original three buildings on campus housed 293 students in 1965, and in 1967, the first graduation ceremony was held with 59 students.
Today, Cal State San Bernardino is one of the top three universities in the California State University system, and is annually named to the President’s Community Service Honor Roll. It was one of only five recipients of the Washington Center’s 2012 Higher Education Civic Engagement Award.
Bachelor of Science Health Science
The Bachelor of Science in Health Science at Cal State Bernardino prepare students for positions in the health field, and students may choose from five concentrations:
- Environmental Health Science
- Health Care Management
- Public Health Education
- Health Science with Integrated Teaching Track
- Nutrition and Food Science
Curriculum is a blend of traditional and modern approaches to education and career development in the field of health science. Students are encouraged to seek multidisciplinary approaches, become involved in the community and understand the social outlook of the health science field.
Master of Public Health
Professionals who wish to further their careers in the health and human service field benefit from the Master of Public Health program at Cal State, San Bernardino. Classes are a combination of evening coursework and thesis research, which culminates with a project and comprehensive examination. Students must apply to both the university and the Master of Public Health program. Students must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, an application fee and a statement of purpose, as well as a copy of their GRE certificate.
Contact Information
Department of Health Science and Human Ecology
Physical Sciences Building
Room 226
5500 University Parkway
San Bernardino, CA 92407-2318
moreinfo@csusb.edu
Website
Dominican University of California
In 1850, Joseph Alemany was appointed Bishop of Monterey while in Italy attending a meeting of the Dominican Order. He stopped in Paris on his way to his new post in California, requesting that some of the Dominican sisters join him to act as teachers. Mary Goemaere volunteered to travel to California with the new Bishop, arriving in Monterey a few months later. The original school and convent were housed in a residence in the area. In 1889, the school, now known as the Congregation of the Most Holy Name, moved to San Rafael. In 1915, a junior college opened, and, in 1917, a four-year college began, named after St. Dominic de Guzman. Dominican College was the first Catholic college to grant bachelor’s degrees to women.
Bachelor of Science in Health Science
The Bachelor of Science in Health Science program at Dominican University prepares students for a variety of health related positions after graduation. The program includes all prerequisites for the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program at Dominican. All students must complete a comprehensive capstone experience, which includes research, program development or clinical internship. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education.
Contact Information
Marion Adduci
Administrative Assistant
Dominican University
50 Acacia Avenue
Guzman 109
San Rafael, CA 94901
Telephone: 415-482-3549
marion.adduci@dominican.edu
Website
With the healthcare field becoming an increasingly important industry, these health science degrees in California will help students develop the skills they need to succeed professionally in their chosen concentration in health care.