Public Health, Community Health Education Option, M.P.H.

Accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (Council on Education for Public Health, 1010 Wayne Avenue, Suite 220, Silver Springs, MD 20910-5600, phone: (202) 789-1050).

In order to be admitted to the graduate program for study toward a degree, a prospective candidate must apply both to this department and the University. Contact the Director of Graduate Studies for current requirements. The graduate student will be prepared for a leadership role in a school or community setting and for admission to doctoral programs. Admitted graduate students must contact the Director of Graduate Studies for advisement early in their first semester of enrollment in order to develop an approved program of study.

Option in Community Health Education

The Master of Public Health in Community Health provides an opportunity for students: to specialize in community health education and health promotion within the general context of Public Health; to increase competence in designing, implementing, and evaluating social behavior changes programs in preparation for serving in various health agencies; prepare for teaching at college and university levels; and for administrative positions in public and private health agencies.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must apply both to the Department and the University. Applications are available online at www.csulb.edu/health-science.

1. Each applicant must request that a copy of official transcript(s) of all work be sent to the university’s Office of Enrollment Services.
2. A bachelor’s degree with a major in health education, which articulates with the course requirements for the same degree at California State University, Long Beach; or a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline with a minimum of 21 units of upper division course work comparable to those required of the Health Science major at the University; or a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and willingness to make up any deficiencies in prerequisite Health Science courses. Prerequisite for all courses carrying graduate credit must have been completed within seven years of acceptance to the graduate program. If any prerequisite is outdated, it must be repeated. Credit may be obtained by (1) written examination on the subject matter or (2) providing documented evidence of currency in the subject area.
3. An overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. Students with less than a 3.0 GPA on the last 60 units of undergraduate units attempted, but who show promise in all other aspects, may be given special consideration after petitioning for conditional admission into the program through the Director of Graduate Studies.
4. Acceptance by the University as a student with graduate standing.
5. A maximum of 9 units of graduate work at the postbaccalaureate level may be credited to a student’s program requirements upon departmental acceptance to the graduate program.
6. Submission of analytic, quantitative and verbal scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) to the University.
7. Submission, through CSU Mentor, of a copy of the CSU graduate application.
8. Three letters of recommendation from persons with whom the applicant has worked and/or who have direct knowledge of the applicant’s professional and academic potential as a health educator.
9. A separate personal statement of reasons for pursuing this field of study and comments about interests and experience that are germane to career objectives. Submit a personal resume reflecting the applicant’s education and relevant experience.
10. At least one year’s full-time (or equivalent) paid or volunteer experience in Health Education or a closely related health field. Preference will be given to those with greater experience and ability.