Public Health: Epidemiology, BS

Overview

for the Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Epidemiology concentration

The degree in Public Health prepares students to become leaders in public health, equipped with the knowledge and skills to make a significant impact on population health both locally and globally. Our program addresses the most pressing health challenges of our time. Students choose one of four concentrations to complement the core curriculum: 1) Health Education & Promotion, 2) Health Administration and Policy, 3) Epidemiology, or 4) Community Health Practice. Students are prepared for diverse careers within the public health sector, including roles as health educators, outreach coordinators, healthcare administrators, health policy analysts, health program managers, epidemiologists, community health coordinator, emergency response coordinators, and preparedness and compliance specialists. 

Degree Requirements

for the Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Epidemiology concentration

Graduation Requirements

Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours.

University Requirements

Minimum of 40 hours of upper-division coursework, generally at the 300- or 400-level. These hours can be drawn from all elements of the degree. Students should consult their academic advisor for additional guidance in fulfilling this requirement.

The university and residency requirements can be found in the Student Code (§ 3-801) and in the Academic Catalog.

General Education Requirements

Follows the campus General Education (Gen Ed) requirements. Some Gen Ed requirements may be met by courses required and/or electives in the program.

Composition I4-6
Advanced Composition3
fulfilled by HK 300
Humanities & the Arts (6 hours)6
fulfilled by HK 208 and any other course approved as Humanities & the Arts
Natural Sciences & Technology (6 hours)6
Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 hours)6
fulfilled by HK 111 and HK 300
Cultural Studies: Non-Western Cultures (1 course)3
Cultural Studies: US Minority Culture (1 course)3
fulfilled by HK 271
Cultural Studies: Western/Comparative Cultures (1 course)3
Quantitative Reasoning (2 courses, at least one must be Quantitative Reasoning I)6-10
fulfilled by HK 201 or HK 416 and HK 207 or HK 209
Language Requirement (Completion of the third semester or equivalent of a language other than English is required)0-15

Major Requirements

HK 111Introduction to Public Health3
HK 125Orientation to Health & Kinesiology1
HK 201Health Sciences Research Methods3
HK 202Health Careers & Professionalism1
HK 206Health Care Systems3
HK 208Introduction to Medical Ethics3
HK 209Introduction to Biostatistics and Health Data Analysis3
HK 271Health Equity in the United States3
HK 300Health Behavior Theories and Applications4
HK 410Public Health Practice4
HK 470Orientation to Internship1
HK 471Health Internship8
HK Electives (choose from all HK courses, in consultation with advisors)12

 Concentration Requirements

HK 207Introduction to Epidemiology3
HK 412Infectious Disease Epidemiology3
HK 413Chronic Disease Epidemiology3
HK 416Applied Health Data Analysis3
Total Hours120

Sample Sequence

for the Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Epidemiology concentration

This sample sequence is intended to be used only as a guide for degree completion. All students should work individually with their academic advisors to decide the actual course selection and sequence that works best for them based on their academic preparation and goals. Enrichment programming such as study abroad, minors, internships, and so on may impact the structure of this four-year plan. Course availability is not guaranteed during the semester indicated in the sample sequence.

Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a third level of a language other than English. For more information, see the corresponding section on the Degree and General Education Requirements page.

First Year

First Semester
RequirementsHours
Composition I or General Education course4
HK 111 - Introduction to Public Health3
HK 125 - Orientation to Health & Kinesiology1
General Education course3
Free Elective course4
Semester Hours15

Second Semester
RequirementsHours
HK 202 - Health Careers & Professionalism1
HK 209 - Introduction to Biostatistics and Health Data Analysis3
Language Other Than English (3rd level)4
General Education course or Composition I3
General Education course3
Free Elective course1
Semester Hours15

Second Year

First Semester
RequirementsHours
HK 201 - Health Sciences Research Methods3
HK 271 - Health Equity in the United States3
General Education course3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course3
Semester Hours15

Second Semester
RequirementsHours
HK 206 - Health Care Systems3
HK 208 - Introduction to Medical Ethics3
General Education course3
HK Elective course3
Free Elective course3
Semester Hours15

Third Year

First Semester
RequirementsHours
HK 207 - Introduction to Epidemiology3
HK 300 - Health Behavior Theories and Applications4
HK Elective course3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course2
Semester Hours15

Second Semester
RequirementsHours
HK 412 - Infectious Disease Epidemiology3 or 4
HK Elective course3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course3
Semester Hours15-16

Fourth Year

First Semester
RequirementsHours
HK 410 - Public Health Practice4
HK 413 - Chronic Disease Epidemiology3
HK 470 - Orientation to Internship1
HK Elective course3
Free Elective course4
Semester Hours15

Second Semester
RequirementsHours
HK 416 - Applied Health Data Analysis3
HK 471 - Health Internship8
Free Elective course4
Semester Hours15

Total Hours

Total hours for all requirements: 120

Learning Outcomes

for the Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Epidemiology concentration

  1. Content Knowledge: Students will learn and engage with significant theories, models, themes, and ideas within the health and/or kinesiology disciplines.
  2. Critical Thinking and Discovery: Students will explore and analyze scientific findings to promote inquiry, generate evidence-based solutions, and create new ideas within health and/or kinesiology disciplines.
  3. Awareness and Understanding: Students will be exposed to and engage with a holistic perspective related to the diverse socioeconomic, behavioral, sociocultural, biological, environmental, philosophical, ethical and historical factors that influence health and/or kinesiology.
  4. Programming and Assessment: Students will apply evidence-based practices in developing, implementing, and assessing programs and interventions related to health promotion, physical activity adoption and adherence, and the prevention and management of diseases.
  5. Leadership and Engagement: Through a variety of applied learning opportunities, students will demonstrate leadership and effective communication skills, showcase an appreciation of and commitment to health and well-being as they develop and sustain productive relationships and work for the common good at local, national, and global levels.

Contact Information

for the Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Epidemiology concentration

Department of Health and Kinesiology

Health and Kinesiology website
115 Freer
906 S. Goodwin
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-2461
Email: hk-business-office@illinois.edu

College of Applied Health Sciences

Applied Health Sciences website
110 Huff Hall
1206 South 4th Street
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 333-2131
Email: ahs@illinois.edu

Advising

Advising website

Admissions

Admissions website
(217) 333-2130
Email: ahs-admissions@illinois.edu