B.S. in Public Health

Walden University offers students a dynamic learning environment and a range of support services to ensure academic success. In this course, students immerse themselves in Walden University's online learning environment and apply skills from the student readiness orientation. In addition, students discover and apply the tools and services that will support them throughout their degree program. Through classroom discussions and the application of key communication principles, students establish an online community of peers and explore their degree program with discipline-specific examples. This course helps students prepare for their Walden academic career and continues their orientation to the university.

This course offers an introduction to the principles and practice of safeguarding and improving the health of populations. Students examine the philosophies, goals, history, and organization of the field of public health. They discuss the role of the government in improving the health and well-being of its citizens. The course explores key concepts of public health, including morbidity and mortality, infectious and chronic disease, social determinants of health, and health disparities within populations. (Prerequisites: COMM 1000).

Effective advocacy through politics, policy, and professional associations is one method of improving healthcare delivery in the United States; however, effective advocacy depends on individuals who fully understand current issues, systems, existing policies, and related contexts. In this course, students engage in a systems-level analysis of the implications of healthcare policy on issues of access, equity, affordability, and social justice in healthcare delivery. They examine legislative, regulatory, and financial processes relevant to the organization and provision of healthcare services. Students also assess the impact of these processes on quality and safety in the practice environment and disparities in the healthcare system. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Health professionals often use information technology to make important clinical and managerial decisions related to services and processes in healthcare. Students in this course examine information technology that supports the collection, storage, retrieval, and communication of data; information systems safeguards; ethical and legal issues; and information management to promote patient safety and quality of care. They also explore information literacy, basic hardware and software concepts, and fundamental software applications, including spreadsheets and healthcare databases. Applying course concepts, students plan for the development of a database, explain their chosen database design, and describe potential challenges in implementing their system. Students also have the opportunity to review and analyze current events about health topics addressed in the course. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Many factors influence the health behavior and wellness of individuals and populations. Understanding these factors helps healthcare professionals reduce health disparities and address healthcare access issues for vulnerable populations. Students in this course examine the cultural and behavioral factors and issues that influence the management and delivery of healthcare services. Students develop a framework for assessing the effect of culture and behavior in a variety of settings and situations. They identify health disparities attributable to diverse cultural and behavioral factors and discuss their implications for healthcare policy. Students also engage in application-based writing assignments to further examine the goals and objectives of addressing health disparities as well as obstacles for confronting vulnerable populations. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Human interaction has a major influence on the natural world, resulting in outcomes that can impact human and environmental health. In this course, students learn the principles of environmental health and examine the short- and long-term effects of environmental hazards on human health. Students consider their own interactions with natural and human-made environments to assess the impact of chemical, physical, biological, and social elements on their health. They also explore the potential impact of climate change on population health, emerging global health threats related to the environment, and environmental factors involved in the etiology and transmission of both communicable and non-infectious disease. Using concepts and methods presented in the course, students conduct an environmental risk assessment to determine the health of home environments. They also conduct a written analysis to report their findings, identifying actions to improve inspection results. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001).

Through this course, students explore the historical milestones concerning human disease and prevention, morbidity and mortality rates associated with various diseases, and the biological effects of infectious and chronic disease on the human body. Students discuss the general characteristics of disease transmission, symptoms, treatment, prevention, and control among various populations. They also examine psychosocial and behavioral factors that influence human disease. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001).

The nature of health services, such as personal evaluations, clinical research, invasive surgeries, and end of life care, facilitates a host of ethical and legal considerations of which professionals must be aware. In this course, students examine the legal and ethical issues that are fundamental to the practice of healthcare and the conduct of health-related research. They explore a historical overview of events and milestones that have shaped the contemporary regulatory landscape. They also investigate and assess issues of privacy and confidentiality, informed consent, licensing, and malpractice, among others. Additionally, students consider ethical, decision-making models for assuring the quality, safety, and appropriateness of healthcare and services. They also apply ethical principles and legal considerations to real-world scenarios. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

The course is designed to provide an overview of public and global health issues that transcend national borders, class, race, ethnicity, and culture. The role of the healthcare provider in preserving and promoting health among diverse populations is discussed. Students will consider global health and their role in health promotion, protection, and maintenance, and in illness prevention of targeted populations. Principles of epidemiology and the influencing sociopolitical factors that impact health and well-being are explored. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

This course focuses on the principles governing the study and practice of epidemiology. Consideration is given to the various methods available to health professionals for selecting and measuring factors of interest, describing their distribution, detecting associations, and identifying populations at risk. The features, advantages, and limitations of common epidemiologic research designs are addressed. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and MATH 1002/1030 or STAT 3001.)

This course examines the basic components required for the conduct of health-related research and provides students with the analytic tools needed to understand and assess research methods described in the scientific literature. Basic research methods are described, including surveys, observational studies, experimental and quasi-experimental design, use of primary and secondary data, and statistical techniques for analyzing and interpreting data. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Effective delivery of health education and communication often leads to improved health literacy and positive changes in behavior among populations. This course provides students with an overview of health education and its role in improving the health of individuals as well as populations. Students review the philosophical, historical, ethical, and theoretical foundations of health education as well as effective principles for the delivery of healthcare. They also examine the primary responsibilities and competencies of health educators, trends in the field, professional organizations, national certification, and the code of ethics. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001).

This course presents management concepts and theories designed to influence and improve the performance of healthcare organizations. The external and internal environments of organizations are identified, as well as key management functions, roles, and responsibilities. Essential aspects of healthcare management are addressed. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

This course provides the foundations for economic evaluation and financial management in delivery of healthcare services, including principles of supply and demand. The purpose and methods of financial reporting, such as financial statements and balance sheets, are explained. Financial risk and insurance principles and mechanisms for healthcare reimbursement, including Medicare, Medicaid, and other payor programs are presented. The course also explores the financial, political, and economic aspects of universal healthcare. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001, HLTH 4000, and ACCT 1003 or MATH 1030.)

Planning culturally relevant and effective public health programs is essential to improving the health of populations. This course provides an introduction to public health program planning and design, including the process of needs assessment. Students examine and apply various models and theoretical frameworks of program planning. They also explore fundamental competencies relating to planning, such as writing goals and objectives, selecting strategies, developing budgets, and planning for specific populations. The course introduces concepts related to program implementation, management, and evaluation as they relate to the planning process. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and HLTH 3115).

How do public health professionals know when a program is working? This course provides an introduction to evaluating public health programs. It examines various types of program evaluations, including formative, process, outcome, and impact evaluations. Students learn how to design and conduct practical and effective program evaluations that determine whether program goals are achieved. Students also practice implementing a program evaluation plan to evaluate the effectiveness of a program, and they use the results of the evaluation to improve performance. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and PUBH 4030).

This course examines one of the most influential factors shaping the health of populations: public policy. Public health policy impacts the public's health at the local, state, and federal levels. This course explores the institutional, economic, social, ethical, and political factors that impact public policy. Students examine how public policy is developed and discuss issues relating to health advocacy within the framework of social justice. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and HLTH 3115).

This capstone course gives students the opportunity to examine contemporary global public health issues, as well as to evaluate and synthesize the key concepts and skills they have gained from this program of study. Students complete a final capstone project based on service learning, field observations, or a review of literature. (Prerequisites: All required core and concentration courses, if applicable, within the B.S. in Public Health).

Walden University offers students a dynamic learning environment and a range of support services to ensure academic success. In this course, students immerse themselves in Walden University's online learning environment and apply skills from the student readiness orientation. In addition, students discover and apply the tools and services that will support them throughout their degree program. Through classroom discussions and the application of key communication principles, students establish an online community of peers and explore their degree program with discipline-specific examples. This course helps students prepare for their Walden academic career and continues their orientation to the university.

This course offers an introduction to the principles and practice of safeguarding and improving the health of populations. Students examine the philosophies, goals, history, and organization of the field of public health. They discuss the role of the government in improving the health and well-being of its citizens. The course explores key concepts of public health, including morbidity and mortality, infectious and chronic disease, social determinants of health, and health disparities within populations. (Prerequisites: COMM 1000).

Effective advocacy through politics, policy, and professional associations is one method of improving healthcare delivery in the United States; however, effective advocacy depends on individuals who fully understand current issues, systems, existing policies, and related contexts. In this course, students engage in a systems-level analysis of the implications of healthcare policy on issues of access, equity, affordability, and social justice in healthcare delivery. They examine legislative, regulatory, and financial processes relevant to the organization and provision of healthcare services. Students also assess the impact of these processes on quality and safety in the practice environment and disparities in the healthcare system. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Health professionals often use information technology to make important clinical and managerial decisions related to services and processes in healthcare. Students in this course examine information technology that supports the collection, storage, retrieval, and communication of data; information systems safeguards; ethical and legal issues; and information management to promote patient safety and quality of care. They also explore information literacy, basic hardware and software concepts, and fundamental software applications, including spreadsheets and healthcare databases. Applying course concepts, students plan for the development of a database, explain their chosen database design, and describe potential challenges in implementing their system. Students also have the opportunity to review and analyze current events about health topics addressed in the course. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Many factors influence the health behavior and wellness of individuals and populations. Understanding these factors helps healthcare professionals reduce health disparities and address healthcare access issues for vulnerable populations. Students in this course examine the cultural and behavioral factors and issues that influence the management and delivery of healthcare services. Students develop a framework for assessing the effect of culture and behavior in a variety of settings and situations. They identify health disparities attributable to diverse cultural and behavioral factors and discuss their implications for healthcare policy. Students also engage in application-based writing assignments to further examine the goals and objectives of addressing health disparities as well as obstacles for confronting vulnerable populations. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Human interaction has a major influence on the natural world, resulting in outcomes that can impact human and environmental health. In this course, students learn the principles of environmental health and examine the short- and long-term effects of environmental hazards on human health. Students consider their own interactions with natural and human-made environments to assess the impact of chemical, physical, biological, and social elements on their health. They also explore the potential impact of climate change on population health, emerging global health threats related to the environment, and environmental factors involved in the etiology and transmission of both communicable and non-infectious disease. Using concepts and methods presented in the course, students conduct an environmental risk assessment to determine the health of home environments. They also conduct a written analysis to report their findings, identifying actions to improve inspection results. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001).

Through this course, students explore the historical milestones concerning human disease and prevention, morbidity and mortality rates associated with various diseases, and the biological effects of infectious and chronic disease on the human body. Students discuss the general characteristics of disease transmission, symptoms, treatment, prevention, and control among various populations. They also examine psychosocial and behavioral factors that influence human disease. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001).

The nature of health services, such as personal evaluations, clinical research, invasive surgeries, and end of life care, facilitates a host of ethical and legal considerations of which professionals must be aware. In this course, students examine the legal and ethical issues that are fundamental to the practice of healthcare and the conduct of health-related research. They explore a historical overview of events and milestones that have shaped the contemporary regulatory landscape. They also investigate and assess issues of privacy and confidentiality, informed consent, licensing, and malpractice, among others. Additionally, students consider ethical, decision-making models for assuring the quality, safety, and appropriateness of healthcare and services. They also apply ethical principles and legal considerations to real-world scenarios. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

The course is designed to provide an overview of public and global health issues that transcend national borders, class, race, ethnicity, and culture. The role of the healthcare provider in preserving and promoting health among diverse populations is discussed. Students will consider global health and their role in health promotion, protection, and maintenance, and in illness prevention of targeted populations. Principles of epidemiology and the influencing sociopolitical factors that impact health and well-being are explored. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

This course focuses on the principles governing the study and practice of epidemiology. Consideration is given to the various methods available to health professionals for selecting and measuring factors of interest, describing their distribution, detecting associations, and identifying populations at risk. The features, advantages, and limitations of common epidemiologic research designs are addressed. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and MATH 1002/1030 or STAT 3001.)

This course examines the basic components required for the conduct of health-related research and provides students with the analytic tools needed to understand and assess research methods described in the scientific literature. Basic research methods are described, including surveys, observational studies, experimental and quasi-experimental design, use of primary and secondary data, and statistical techniques for analyzing and interpreting data. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Effective delivery of health education and communication often leads to improved health literacy and positive changes in behavior among populations. This course provides students with an overview of health education and its role in improving the health of individuals as well as populations. Students review the philosophical, historical, ethical, and theoretical foundations of health education as well as effective principles for the delivery of healthcare. They also examine the primary responsibilities and competencies of health educators, trends in the field, professional organizations, national certification, and the code of ethics. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001).

This course presents management concepts and theories designed to influence and improve the performance of healthcare organizations. The external and internal environments of organizations are identified, as well as key management functions, roles, and responsibilities. Essential aspects of healthcare management are addressed. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

This course provides the foundations for economic evaluation and financial management in delivery of healthcare services, including principles of supply and demand. The purpose and methods of financial reporting, such as financial statements and balance sheets, are explained. Financial risk and insurance principles and mechanisms for healthcare reimbursement, including Medicare, Medicaid, and other payor programs are presented. The course also explores the financial, political, and economic aspects of universal healthcare. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001, HLTH 4000, and ACCT 1003 or MATH 1030.)

Planning culturally relevant and effective public health programs is essential to improving the health of populations. This course provides an introduction to public health program planning and design, including the process of needs assessment. Students examine and apply various models and theoretical frameworks of program planning. They also explore fundamental competencies relating to planning, such as writing goals and objectives, selecting strategies, developing budgets, and planning for specific populations. The course introduces concepts related to program implementation, management, and evaluation as they relate to the planning process. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and HLTH 3115).

How do public health professionals know when a program is working? This course provides an introduction to evaluating public health programs. It examines various types of program evaluations, including formative, process, outcome, and impact evaluations. Students learn how to design and conduct practical and effective program evaluations that determine whether program goals are achieved. Students also practice implementing a program evaluation plan to evaluate the effectiveness of a program, and they use the results of the evaluation to improve performance. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and PUBH 4030).

This course examines one of the most influential factors shaping the health of populations: public policy. Public health policy impacts the public's health at the local, state, and federal levels. This course explores the institutional, economic, social, ethical, and political factors that impact public policy. Students examine how public policy is developed and discuss issues relating to health advocacy within the framework of social justice. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and HLTH 3115).

This course provides education professionals with an overview of physical, cognitive/language, and social and emotional development in children from birth through adolescence. Education professionals explore prevailing philosophies and theories of child development and form their own child development philosophy. Through an exploration across various developmental domains and stages, education professionals investigate the latest research and thinking in regard to conditions that affect children’s learning and development, such as risk factors, developmental variations, temperament, rate of maturation, innate abilities, culture, family, community, and societal influences.

Growth and development in young children are influenced by many factors, including nutrition, safety, and health. Education professionals in this course learn about these factors and examine the professional’s role in supporting children’s healthy development within the context of early childhood care and education as well as in family and community settings. They also assess and discuss the prevention of health problems common to young children, methods of promoting wellness and fitness, child safety, emergency preparedness and procedures, and child mental health.

Complex events, such as divorce, child abuse and neglect, and illness and death of family members, are common occurrences in today’s society. This course provides a survey of the ways in which professionals and families work together in supporting child and family resiliency within the context of these complex issues. Education professionals explore formal and informal communication strategies; family participation in group settings; family education; advocacy for families; and the impact of family, culture, and community on children’s development and learning within early childhood programs. Through this course, education professionals have the opportunity to gain the communication and conflict-management skills needed to prepare for future professional challenges in the field of education.

Educators understand that all individuals are unique with varying abilities and needs. This course provides education professionals with an overview of exceptionalities in children from birth through adolescence. They engage in coursework that highlights early identification, referral, intervention, inclusion, and the related psychosocial needs of children and their families. They discuss complexities related to labeling children, inclusion, and challenging myths and stereotypes. In addition, education professionals explore federal and state legislation that guides educational requirements.

This course emphasizes the importance of being responsive to the languages and cultures of individual children and their families and communities to effectively support learning and development. Education professionals broaden their understanding of culture as a framework that includes not only language and ethnicity but also gender, socioeconomic status, exceptionalities, family configuration, sexual orientation, personal interests, and many other aspects of one’s individuality. In addition, education professionals reflect on their own cultural frameworks and examine personal attitudes and beliefs.

Positive developmental progress in infants/toddlers depends on many factors, including the overall promotion of mental health, prevention of occurrence or escalation of mental health problems, and the effective treatment of mental health needs. Education professionals in this course explore current research in the field of infant/toddler mental health, through which they gain practical insight on protective and risk factors in family environments; social and emotional developmental challenges; developmentally appropriate infant/toddler screening and assessment; diagnostic classification systems for infant/toddler mental health; effective intervention strategies; and collaborative services approaches. Moreover, education professionals apply course concepts through practical assignments, such as the development of a fact sheet designed to educate child development professionals about the importance of the field of infant/toddler mental health.

This capstone course gives students the opportunity to examine contemporary global public health issues, as well as to evaluate and synthesize the key concepts and skills they have gained from this program of study. Students complete a final capstone project based on service learning, field observations, or a review of literature. (Prerequisites: All required core and concentration courses, if applicable, within the B.S. in Public Health).

Walden University offers students a dynamic learning environment and a range of support services to ensure academic success. In this course, students immerse themselves in Walden University's online learning environment and apply skills from the student readiness orientation. In addition, students discover and apply the tools and services that will support them throughout their degree program. Through classroom discussions and the application of key communication principles, students establish an online community of peers and explore their degree program with discipline-specific examples. This course helps students prepare for their Walden academic career and continues their orientation to the university.

This course offers an introduction to the principles and practice of safeguarding and improving the health of populations. Students examine the philosophies, goals, history, and organization of the field of public health. They discuss the role of the government in improving the health and well-being of its citizens. The course explores key concepts of public health, including morbidity and mortality, infectious and chronic disease, social determinants of health, and health disparities within populations. (Prerequisites: COMM 1000).

Effective advocacy through politics, policy, and professional associations is one method of improving healthcare delivery in the United States; however, effective advocacy depends on individuals who fully understand current issues, systems, existing policies, and related contexts. In this course, students engage in a systems-level analysis of the implications of healthcare policy on issues of access, equity, affordability, and social justice in healthcare delivery. They examine legislative, regulatory, and financial processes relevant to the organization and provision of healthcare services. Students also assess the impact of these processes on quality and safety in the practice environment and disparities in the healthcare system. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Health professionals often use information technology to make important clinical and managerial decisions related to services and processes in healthcare. Students in this course examine information technology that supports the collection, storage, retrieval, and communication of data; information systems safeguards; ethical and legal issues; and information management to promote patient safety and quality of care. They also explore information literacy, basic hardware and software concepts, and fundamental software applications, including spreadsheets and healthcare databases. Applying course concepts, students plan for the development of a database, explain their chosen database design, and describe potential challenges in implementing their system. Students also have the opportunity to review and analyze current events about health topics addressed in the course. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Many factors influence the health behavior and wellness of individuals and populations. Understanding these factors helps healthcare professionals reduce health disparities and address healthcare access issues for vulnerable populations. Students in this course examine the cultural and behavioral factors and issues that influence the management and delivery of healthcare services. Students develop a framework for assessing the effect of culture and behavior in a variety of settings and situations. They identify health disparities attributable to diverse cultural and behavioral factors and discuss their implications for healthcare policy. Students also engage in application-based writing assignments to further examine the goals and objectives of addressing health disparities as well as obstacles for confronting vulnerable populations. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Human interaction has a major influence on the natural world, resulting in outcomes that can impact human and environmental health. In this course, students learn the principles of environmental health and examine the short- and long-term effects of environmental hazards on human health. Students consider their own interactions with natural and human-made environments to assess the impact of chemical, physical, biological, and social elements on their health. They also explore the potential impact of climate change on population health, emerging global health threats related to the environment, and environmental factors involved in the etiology and transmission of both communicable and non-infectious disease. Using concepts and methods presented in the course, students conduct an environmental risk assessment to determine the health of home environments. They also conduct a written analysis to report their findings, identifying actions to improve inspection results. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001).

Through this course, students explore the historical milestones concerning human disease and prevention, morbidity and mortality rates associated with various diseases, and the biological effects of infectious and chronic disease on the human body. Students discuss the general characteristics of disease transmission, symptoms, treatment, prevention, and control among various populations. They also examine psychosocial and behavioral factors that influence human disease. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001).

The nature of health services, such as personal evaluations, clinical research, invasive surgeries, and end of life care, facilitates a host of ethical and legal considerations of which professionals must be aware. In this course, students examine the legal and ethical issues that are fundamental to the practice of healthcare and the conduct of health-related research. They explore a historical overview of events and milestones that have shaped the contemporary regulatory landscape. They also investigate and assess issues of privacy and confidentiality, informed consent, licensing, and malpractice, among others. Additionally, students consider ethical, decision-making models for assuring the quality, safety, and appropriateness of healthcare and services. They also apply ethical principles and legal considerations to real-world scenarios. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

The course is designed to provide an overview of public and global health issues that transcend national borders, class, race, ethnicity, and culture. The role of the healthcare provider in preserving and promoting health among diverse populations is discussed. Students will consider global health and their role in health promotion, protection, and maintenance, and in illness prevention of targeted populations. Principles of epidemiology and the influencing sociopolitical factors that impact health and well-being are explored. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

This course focuses on the principles governing the study and practice of epidemiology. Consideration is given to the various methods available to health professionals for selecting and measuring factors of interest, describing their distribution, detecting associations, and identifying populations at risk. The features, advantages, and limitations of common epidemiologic research designs are addressed. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and MATH 1002/1030 or STAT 3001.)

This course examines the basic components required for the conduct of health-related research and provides students with the analytic tools needed to understand and assess research methods described in the scientific literature. Basic research methods are described, including surveys, observational studies, experimental and quasi-experimental design, use of primary and secondary data, and statistical techniques for analyzing and interpreting data. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Effective delivery of health education and communication often leads to improved health literacy and positive changes in behavior among populations. This course provides students with an overview of health education and its role in improving the health of individuals as well as populations. Students review the philosophical, historical, ethical, and theoretical foundations of health education as well as effective principles for the delivery of healthcare. They also examine the primary responsibilities and competencies of health educators, trends in the field, professional organizations, national certification, and the code of ethics. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001).

This course presents management concepts and theories designed to influence and improve the performance of healthcare organizations. The external and internal environments of organizations are identified, as well as key management functions, roles, and responsibilities. Essential aspects of healthcare management are addressed. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

This course provides the foundations for economic evaluation and financial management in delivery of healthcare services, including principles of supply and demand. The purpose and methods of financial reporting, such as financial statements and balance sheets, are explained. Financial risk and insurance principles and mechanisms for healthcare reimbursement, including Medicare, Medicaid, and other payor programs are presented. The course also explores the financial, political, and economic aspects of universal healthcare. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001, HLTH 4000, and ACCT 1003 or MATH 1030.)

Planning culturally relevant and effective public health programs is essential to improving the health of populations. This course provides an introduction to public health program planning and design, including the process of needs assessment. Students examine and apply various models and theoretical frameworks of program planning. They also explore fundamental competencies relating to planning, such as writing goals and objectives, selecting strategies, developing budgets, and planning for specific populations. The course introduces concepts related to program implementation, management, and evaluation as they relate to the planning process. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and HLTH 3115).

How do public health professionals know when a program is working? This course provides an introduction to evaluating public health programs. It examines various types of program evaluations, including formative, process, outcome, and impact evaluations. Students learn how to design and conduct practical and effective program evaluations that determine whether program goals are achieved. Students also practice implementing a program evaluation plan to evaluate the effectiveness of a program, and they use the results of the evaluation to improve performance. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and PUBH 4030).

This course examines one of the most influential factors shaping the health of populations: public policy. Public health policy impacts the public's health at the local, state, and federal levels. This course explores the institutional, economic, social, ethical, and political factors that impact public policy. Students examine how public policy is developed and discuss issues relating to health advocacy within the framework of social justice. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and HLTH 3115).

The United States needs more professionals to become skilled in building disaster resilient communities to effectively respond to natural and human-caused catastrophes including acts of terrorism. This course provides an introduction to the historical development and evolution of disaster and emergency management. It addresses the roles and responsibilities of local, regional, and national agencies, as well as interagency coordination and collaboration. Students examine the planning, preparedness, response, and recovery phases of disaster and emergency management. They also discuss the public health system’s role in critical events such as outbreaks of infectious disease, natural disasters, industrial emergencies, and terrorist and bioterrorist attacks. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001).

While victim response is vital, it is also important to focus on the potential effects of crime on a community, such as economic instability, drug use, prejudices, and further criminal activity. Students in this course identify existing community resources that professionals use in conjunction with planned and ad hoc community responses to learn positive and effective intervention strategies that address the needs of individuals and communities affected by criminal incidents. They also assess the challenges inherent in such efforts and discuss ways to mitigate obstacles. Gaining new perspectives on possible ways to address the coordination of community response, students examine how victims perceive crime and/or change their role as a result of the crime. (Prerequisites: CRJS 1001.)

What happens when disasters occur, natural or otherwise, and the agencies that respond operate independent of one another? Students in this course have the opportunity to examine the fallout of such events to learn effective ways to manage critical incidents, avoiding errors of the past, thus helping to prevent widespread harm to communities. They learn about the development of broad-based contingency planning and the development of strategies, policies, and procedures for cross-agency coordination. Through practical exercises and simulations, students sharpen their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills as they learn ways to develop models of cross-agency coordination that anticipate prototypical critical incident responses. (Prerequisites: CRJS 1001.)

Planning and applying effective budgeting strategies are critical elements in managing corporate and government criminal justice organizations. In this course, students have the opportunity to gain fundamental skills for effective management while focusing on short- and long-term financial analysis as well as on policy and budget creation. They complete practical application assignments, focusing on issues of plan development, grant sources, and different tasks and challenges related to budgeting. Students also engage in discussions with peers on a variety of topics, such as the public and private budgets, strategies, financing, forecasting, and ethical issues related to public budgeting. (Prerequisites: CRJS 1001 or MATH 1002.)

Rapid shifts in the economy, changes in political leaders, and negative news reports are just a few of the factors affecting marketing campaigns and public relations (PR) efforts. In this course, students can learn the value of managing internal and external communications effectively in situations of risk, crisis, and sudden change—a critical competence for PR professionals and organizations. Students examine successful and unsuccessful crisis communication efforts and consider issues of contingency planning, speed, transparency, multiple modalities, stakeholder analysis, and ethics. They engage in assignments designed to provide practical application of content through which they gain experience developing a communication plan to mitigate and solve issues of crisis in PR. (Prerequisites: PREL 3001 or HLTH 3115.)

Acts of physical and psychological violence to create fear have occurred throughout the ages, but they have only recently begun to affect the United States directly. The American public, now more than ever, must be aware of the possible threat of further terrorist attacks. In this course, students learn about current legislation to counter terrorism as well as to provide U.S. citizens with knowledge of these efforts and any further threats. Students engage in assignments on topics related to domestic and international terrorism, including theory, history of and trends related to terrorism, causes and goals of terrorist groups, and responses to terrorist acts by the criminal justice system. Students examine and analyze contemporary terrorist threats and movements and contemplate future trends.

In an age of technological innovation, nuclear advancement, and virtual spread of knowledge, terrorism is at the vanguard of governmental action. In this course, students explore and discuss methods used by the criminal justice system to counter and manage disaster incidents, and they examine law enforcement responses to such incidents. Students learn about the function of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident Command System (ICS)—agencies created specifically to provide specialized guidance and support to all levels of government and nongovernmental organizations who respond to disasters. They examine different types of weapons of mass destruction (including biological and chemical threats) as well as cyberterrorism. Through this course, students work toward gaining practical skills to engage in organizational preparation efforts in many different professional positions, including disaster response. (Prerequisites: CRJS 1001.)

This capstone course gives students the opportunity to examine contemporary global public health issues, as well as to evaluate and synthesize the key concepts and skills they have gained from this program of study. Students complete a final capstone project based on service learning, field observations, or a review of literature. (Prerequisites: All required core and concentration courses, if applicable, within the B.S. in Public Health).

Walden University offers students a dynamic learning environment and a range of support services to ensure academic success. In this course, students immerse themselves in Walden University's online learning environment and apply skills from the student readiness orientation. In addition, students discover and apply the tools and services that will support them throughout their degree program. Through classroom discussions and the application of key communication principles, students establish an online community of peers and explore their degree program with discipline-specific examples. This course helps students prepare for their Walden academic career and continues their orientation to the university.

This course offers an introduction to the principles and practice of safeguarding and improving the health of populations. Students examine the philosophies, goals, history, and organization of the field of public health. They discuss the role of the government in improving the health and well-being of its citizens. The course explores key concepts of public health, including morbidity and mortality, infectious and chronic disease, social determinants of health, and health disparities within populations. (Prerequisites: COMM 1000).

Effective advocacy through politics, policy, and professional associations is one method of improving healthcare delivery in the United States; however, effective advocacy depends on individuals who fully understand current issues, systems, existing policies, and related contexts. In this course, students engage in a systems-level analysis of the implications of healthcare policy on issues of access, equity, affordability, and social justice in healthcare delivery. They examine legislative, regulatory, and financial processes relevant to the organization and provision of healthcare services. Students also assess the impact of these processes on quality and safety in the practice environment and disparities in the healthcare system. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Health professionals often use information technology to make important clinical and managerial decisions related to services and processes in healthcare. Students in this course examine information technology that supports the collection, storage, retrieval, and communication of data; information systems safeguards; ethical and legal issues; and information management to promote patient safety and quality of care. They also explore information literacy, basic hardware and software concepts, and fundamental software applications, including spreadsheets and healthcare databases. Applying course concepts, students plan for the development of a database, explain their chosen database design, and describe potential challenges in implementing their system. Students also have the opportunity to review and analyze current events about health topics addressed in the course. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Many factors influence the health behavior and wellness of individuals and populations. Understanding these factors helps healthcare professionals reduce health disparities and address healthcare access issues for vulnerable populations. Students in this course examine the cultural and behavioral factors and issues that influence the management and delivery of healthcare services. Students develop a framework for assessing the effect of culture and behavior in a variety of settings and situations. They identify health disparities attributable to diverse cultural and behavioral factors and discuss their implications for healthcare policy. Students also engage in application-based writing assignments to further examine the goals and objectives of addressing health disparities as well as obstacles for confronting vulnerable populations. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Human interaction has a major influence on the natural world, resulting in outcomes that can impact human and environmental health. In this course, students learn the principles of environmental health and examine the short- and long-term effects of environmental hazards on human health. Students consider their own interactions with natural and human-made environments to assess the impact of chemical, physical, biological, and social elements on their health. They also explore the potential impact of climate change on population health, emerging global health threats related to the environment, and environmental factors involved in the etiology and transmission of both communicable and non-infectious disease. Using concepts and methods presented in the course, students conduct an environmental risk assessment to determine the health of home environments. They also conduct a written analysis to report their findings, identifying actions to improve inspection results. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001).

Through this course, students explore the historical milestones concerning human disease and prevention, morbidity and mortality rates associated with various diseases, and the biological effects of infectious and chronic disease on the human body. Students discuss the general characteristics of disease transmission, symptoms, treatment, prevention, and control among various populations. They also examine psychosocial and behavioral factors that influence human disease. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001).

The nature of health services, such as personal evaluations, clinical research, invasive surgeries, and end of life care, facilitates a host of ethical and legal considerations of which professionals must be aware. In this course, students examine the legal and ethical issues that are fundamental to the practice of healthcare and the conduct of health-related research. They explore a historical overview of events and milestones that have shaped the contemporary regulatory landscape. They also investigate and assess issues of privacy and confidentiality, informed consent, licensing, and malpractice, among others. Additionally, students consider ethical, decision-making models for assuring the quality, safety, and appropriateness of healthcare and services. They also apply ethical principles and legal considerations to real-world scenarios. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

The course is designed to provide an overview of public and global health issues that transcend national borders, class, race, ethnicity, and culture. The role of the healthcare provider in preserving and promoting health among diverse populations is discussed. Students will consider global health and their role in health promotion, protection, and maintenance, and in illness prevention of targeted populations. Principles of epidemiology and the influencing sociopolitical factors that impact health and well-being are explored. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

This course focuses on the principles governing the study and practice of epidemiology. Consideration is given to the various methods available to health professionals for selecting and measuring factors of interest, describing their distribution, detecting associations, and identifying populations at risk. The features, advantages, and limitations of common epidemiologic research designs are addressed. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and MATH 1002/1030 or STAT 3001.)

This course examines the basic components required for the conduct of health-related research and provides students with the analytic tools needed to understand and assess research methods described in the scientific literature. Basic research methods are described, including surveys, observational studies, experimental and quasi-experimental design, use of primary and secondary data, and statistical techniques for analyzing and interpreting data. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Effective delivery of health education and communication often leads to improved health literacy and positive changes in behavior among populations. This course provides students with an overview of health education and its role in improving the health of individuals as well as populations. Students review the philosophical, historical, ethical, and theoretical foundations of health education as well as effective principles for the delivery of healthcare. They also examine the primary responsibilities and competencies of health educators, trends in the field, professional organizations, national certification, and the code of ethics. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001).

This course presents management concepts and theories designed to influence and improve the performance of healthcare organizations. The external and internal environments of organizations are identified, as well as key management functions, roles, and responsibilities. Essential aspects of healthcare management are addressed. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

This course provides the foundations for economic evaluation and financial management in delivery of healthcare services, including principles of supply and demand. The purpose and methods of financial reporting, such as financial statements and balance sheets, are explained. Financial risk and insurance principles and mechanisms for healthcare reimbursement, including Medicare, Medicaid, and other payor programs are presented. The course also explores the financial, political, and economic aspects of universal healthcare. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001, HLTH 4000, and ACCT 1003 or MATH 1030.)

Planning culturally relevant and effective public health programs is essential to improving the health of populations. This course provides an introduction to public health program planning and design, including the process of needs assessment. Students examine and apply various models and theoretical frameworks of program planning. They also explore fundamental competencies relating to planning, such as writing goals and objectives, selecting strategies, developing budgets, and planning for specific populations. The course introduces concepts related to program implementation, management, and evaluation as they relate to the planning process. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and HLTH 3115).

How do public health professionals know when a program is working? This course provides an introduction to evaluating public health programs. It examines various types of program evaluations, including formative, process, outcome, and impact evaluations. Students learn how to design and conduct practical and effective program evaluations that determine whether program goals are achieved. Students also practice implementing a program evaluation plan to evaluate the effectiveness of a program, and they use the results of the evaluation to improve performance. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and PUBH 4030).

This course examines one of the most influential factors shaping the health of populations: public policy. Public health policy impacts the public's health at the local, state, and federal levels. This course explores the institutional, economic, social, ethical, and political factors that impact public policy. Students examine how public policy is developed and discuss issues relating to health advocacy within the framework of social justice. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and HLTH 3115).

As globalism increasingly affects all facets of society, including school, work, and situations in everyday life, our country is growing increasingly diverse. This course provides students with a framework to understand, respect, and value diversity through real-life experiences and reflections. Students explore concepts of teamwork, leadership, communication, and conflict management among people with diverse life experiences. They complete a range of short writing assignments on such topics as prejudice, cultural bias, and discrimination; religious freedom; and diversity. Through this course, students gain the knowledge and sensibilities to develop appropriate, flexible approaches for identifying and managing diversity issues in the workplace. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Most people recognize and appreciate the individuality of human beings, including race and ethnicity as related to self-perception and to the perception of others. In this course, students explore their own racial and ethnic identities in the context of contemporary psychological knowledge as well as contemporary issues and challenges related to race and ethnicity. Students explore and discuss a variety of topics, including the development of racial and ethnic identities; social classification; privilege and stigma; perceptions of racial and ethnic identities; assimilation; inequalities in race and ethnicity; and the relationship of race and ethnicity to social change. Students apply psychological concepts to better understand their own sense of ethnic and racial identities and how these identities shape their experiences in the world. (Prerequisites: PSYC 1001, or PSYC 1002, or PSYC 1003.)

How does one’s culture influence health-related behavior and how does culture impact an individual’s response to stress, pain, and illness? In this course, students learn how biological, psychological, sociological, and cognitive factors affect individual health behaviors. Students engage in discussions and practical, application-based assignments on a variety of topics, including cultural responses to health, stress management, and coping mechanisms; pain theory and management techniques; health psychology theories and models; and strategies for helping people achieve health psychology goals when faced with illness. Students apply principles of health psychology to case studies and real-life examples related to promoting, achieving, and maintaining optimal health as well as psychological adjustment to illness in different cultures. (Prerequisites: PSYC 1001, or PSYC 1002, or PSYC 1003.)

This course is designed to promote the ability to communicate effectively in a diverse, global environment. Topics include the relationship of culture and personal identity to communication strategies. Upon completion, students should be able to distinguish the modes and styles of communication unique to their personal culture from the cultures of others, explain the theories of cultural differences, anticipate and overcome challenges in cross-cultural situations, and apply effective cross-cultural communication skills to academic, personal, and professional settings. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

In a world encumbered with conflict, tension, and injustice, strategies for building peace are essential. In this course, students assess theories and principles of conflict management and resolution. They examine and employ theories and applications of intergroup dynamics; principles and underlying philosophies of non-violence; and social science principles to understand conflict and promote peace. Students gain practical experience applying principles of peace building to proposing solutions for contemporary, individual, and social issues. (Prerequisites: PSYC 1001, PSYC 1002, or PSYC 1003.)

In this course, students engage in an exploration of the tenets and sacred texts of the religions of the world. They explore Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Confucianism, Christianity, Judaism, and Primal religions (e.g., American Indian, African). Students demonstrate their understanding of course concepts and principles through a final comparative essay in which they make connections among religions and analyze how followers use religion to make sense of the world around them. Through this project and other weekly, applied assignments, students gain the knowledge needed to identify the origins, history, beliefs, and practices of the major world religions. (Prerequisites: ENGL 1001.)

Researchers have demonstrated that there are few psychological differences between men and women. And yet history and conventional thinking indicate otherwise. This course introduces students to the basic theories, principles, and applications of gender and gender differences. Students explore distinctions between sex and gender, masculinity and femininity, and sexuality and sexual orientation; gender differences in social behavior, perception, and cognitive abilities; and cross-cultural research on gender and sexuality. Through discussions and applications, students debunk myths surrounding sex and gender similarities and differences, and they apply theories to case examples and individual experiences. (Prerequisites: PSYC 1001, or PSYC 1002, or PSYC 1003.)

Walden University offers students a dynamic learning environment and a range of support services to ensure academic success. In this course, students immerse themselves in Walden University's online learning environment and apply skills from the student readiness orientation. In addition, students discover and apply the tools and services that will support them throughout their degree program. Through classroom discussions and the application of key communication principles, students establish an online community of peers and explore their degree program with discipline-specific examples. This course helps students prepare for their Walden academic career and continues their orientation to the university.

This course offers an introduction to the principles and practice of safeguarding and improving the health of populations. Students examine the philosophies, goals, history, and organization of the field of public health. They discuss the role of the government in improving the health and well-being of its citizens. The course explores key concepts of public health, including morbidity and mortality, infectious and chronic disease, social determinants of health, and health disparities within populations. (Prerequisites: COMM 1000).

Effective advocacy through politics, policy, and professional associations is one method of improving healthcare delivery in the United States; however, effective advocacy depends on individuals who fully understand current issues, systems, existing policies, and related contexts. In this course, students engage in a systems-level analysis of the implications of healthcare policy on issues of access, equity, affordability, and social justice in healthcare delivery. They examine legislative, regulatory, and financial processes relevant to the organization and provision of healthcare services. Students also assess the impact of these processes on quality and safety in the practice environment and disparities in the healthcare system. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Health professionals often use information technology to make important clinical and managerial decisions related to services and processes in healthcare. Students in this course examine information technology that supports the collection, storage, retrieval, and communication of data; information systems safeguards; ethical and legal issues; and information management to promote patient safety and quality of care. They also explore information literacy, basic hardware and software concepts, and fundamental software applications, including spreadsheets and healthcare databases. Applying course concepts, students plan for the development of a database, explain their chosen database design, and describe potential challenges in implementing their system. Students also have the opportunity to review and analyze current events about health topics addressed in the course. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Many factors influence the health behavior and wellness of individuals and populations. Understanding these factors helps healthcare professionals reduce health disparities and address healthcare access issues for vulnerable populations. Students in this course examine the cultural and behavioral factors and issues that influence the management and delivery of healthcare services. Students develop a framework for assessing the effect of culture and behavior in a variety of settings and situations. They identify health disparities attributable to diverse cultural and behavioral factors and discuss their implications for healthcare policy. Students also engage in application-based writing assignments to further examine the goals and objectives of addressing health disparities as well as obstacles for confronting vulnerable populations. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Human interaction has a major influence on the natural world, resulting in outcomes that can impact human and environmental health. In this course, students learn the principles of environmental health and examine the short- and long-term effects of environmental hazards on human health. Students consider their own interactions with natural and human-made environments to assess the impact of chemical, physical, biological, and social elements on their health. They also explore the potential impact of climate change on population health, emerging global health threats related to the environment, and environmental factors involved in the etiology and transmission of both communicable and non-infectious disease. Using concepts and methods presented in the course, students conduct an environmental risk assessment to determine the health of home environments. They also conduct a written analysis to report their findings, identifying actions to improve inspection results. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001).

Through this course, students explore the historical milestones concerning human disease and prevention, morbidity and mortality rates associated with various diseases, and the biological effects of infectious and chronic disease on the human body. Students discuss the general characteristics of disease transmission, symptoms, treatment, prevention, and control among various populations. They also examine psychosocial and behavioral factors that influence human disease. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001).

The nature of health services, such as personal evaluations, clinical research, invasive surgeries, and end of life care, facilitates a host of ethical and legal considerations of which professionals must be aware. In this course, students examine the legal and ethical issues that are fundamental to the practice of healthcare and the conduct of health-related research. They explore a historical overview of events and milestones that have shaped the contemporary regulatory landscape. They also investigate and assess issues of privacy and confidentiality, informed consent, licensing, and malpractice, among others. Additionally, students consider ethical, decision-making models for assuring the quality, safety, and appropriateness of healthcare and services. They also apply ethical principles and legal considerations to real-world scenarios. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

The course is designed to provide an overview of public and global health issues that transcend national borders, class, race, ethnicity, and culture. The role of the healthcare provider in preserving and promoting health among diverse populations is discussed. Students will consider global health and their role in health promotion, protection, and maintenance, and in illness prevention of targeted populations. Principles of epidemiology and the influencing sociopolitical factors that impact health and well-being are explored. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

This course focuses on the principles governing the study and practice of epidemiology. Consideration is given to the various methods available to health professionals for selecting and measuring factors of interest, describing their distribution, detecting associations, and identifying populations at risk. The features, advantages, and limitations of common epidemiologic research designs are addressed. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and MATH 1002/1030 or STAT 3001.)

This course examines the basic components required for the conduct of health-related research and provides students with the analytic tools needed to understand and assess research methods described in the scientific literature. Basic research methods are described, including surveys, observational studies, experimental and quasi-experimental design, use of primary and secondary data, and statistical techniques for analyzing and interpreting data. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Effective delivery of health education and communication often leads to improved health literacy and positive changes in behavior among populations. This course provides students with an overview of health education and its role in improving the health of individuals as well as populations. Students review the philosophical, historical, ethical, and theoretical foundations of health education as well as effective principles for the delivery of healthcare. They also examine the primary responsibilities and competencies of health educators, trends in the field, professional organizations, national certification, and the code of ethics. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001).

This course presents management concepts and theories designed to influence and improve the performance of healthcare organizations. The external and internal environments of organizations are identified, as well as key management functions, roles, and responsibilities. Essential aspects of healthcare management are addressed. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

This course provides the foundations for economic evaluation and financial management in delivery of healthcare services, including principles of supply and demand. The purpose and methods of financial reporting, such as financial statements and balance sheets, are explained. Financial risk and insurance principles and mechanisms for healthcare reimbursement, including Medicare, Medicaid, and other payor programs are presented. The course also explores the financial, political, and economic aspects of universal healthcare. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001, HLTH 4000, and ACCT 1003 or MATH 1030.)

Planning culturally relevant and effective public health programs is essential to improving the health of populations. This course provides an introduction to public health program planning and design, including the process of needs assessment. Students examine and apply various models and theoretical frameworks of program planning. They also explore fundamental competencies relating to planning, such as writing goals and objectives, selecting strategies, developing budgets, and planning for specific populations. The course introduces concepts related to program implementation, management, and evaluation as they relate to the planning process. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and HLTH 3115).

How do public health professionals know when a program is working? This course provides an introduction to evaluating public health programs. It examines various types of program evaluations, including formative, process, outcome, and impact evaluations. Students learn how to design and conduct practical and effective program evaluations that determine whether program goals are achieved. Students also practice implementing a program evaluation plan to evaluate the effectiveness of a program, and they use the results of the evaluation to improve performance. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and PUBH 4030).

This course examines one of the most influential factors shaping the health of populations: public policy. Public health policy impacts the public's health at the local, state, and federal levels. This course explores the institutional, economic, social, ethical, and political factors that impact public policy. Students examine how public policy is developed and discuss issues relating to health advocacy within the framework of social justice. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and HLTH 3115).

Students in this course are introduced to basic concepts of communication to mass audiences. Students’ primary focus is the application of communication principles and theories needed to achieve intended outcomes in crisis scenarios, public relations, public and community affairs, and when influencing thinking or opinions. Students explore mass communication theory, historical context, concepts, and applications. Through this course, students work toward gaining applied skills and sensitivity to the social impact of mass communication. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

This course is designed to promote the ability to communicate effectively in a diverse, global environment. Topics include the relationship of culture and personal identity to communication strategies. Upon completion, students should be able to distinguish the modes and styles of communication unique to their personal culture from the cultures of others, explain the theories of cultural differences, anticipate and overcome challenges in cross-cultural situations, and apply effective cross-cultural communication skills to academic, personal, and professional settings. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

The principles and theories of health communication and their application to health promotion and behavior change are the foci of this course. Students examine how to design and deliver health messages to various audiences while remaining sensitive to cultural, socioeconomic, and educational factors influencing the audience. Students evaluate important dimensions of intercultural and intracultural communication and study how to make scholarly writing accessible to the general population. They also explore the use of emerging technologies and social media in marketing and communications.

Clear and persuasive writing is a fundamental professional skill. In this course, students learn the basic tenets of written communication in a professional setting, including the importance of understanding audience and the purpose of the communication, as well as choices of modality, timing, and idiom. Students examine examples of professional communication, such as business letters, résumés, briefing memos, newsletters, and proposals and requests for proposals, among others. Applying course concepts, students also engage in a range of applied assignments that reinforce fundamental writing skills, such as grammar and sentence structure, punctuation, style, citation, and word choice. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Whether you participate in training, a business meeting, or community event, being a skilled public speaker differentiates an uninteresting experience from an engaging one. Students in this course work to develop and enhance their ability and confidence in presentation skills, empathic listening, and critical thinking. Topics include developing content and organizing ideas using proven techniques for the oral delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. Additional topics include audience analysis, critical listening and thinking, and the use of technology in presentations. This course gives students an opportunity to improve their public communication skills, as well as plan, create, and deliver presentations. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.) Note: This course is delivered over a 6-week term, but is equated to COMM 2002E, which is delivered in a 12-week term.

It has been said that “good writing is good writing no matter the medium,” but is that really true? In this course, students examine the fundamentals of writing such as purpose, context, voice, and structure, as well as how the implementation of those fundamentals varies for print, Internet, advertising, and broadcast mediums. Students explore the best ways to use productivity software such as documents, presentations, spreadsheets, charts, and graphs to create a compelling argument. In addition, students will study and then apply the knowledge of digital communication to interpret tone and purpose. No matter the industry or career focus, writing for the digital age is an increasingly important topic of study. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

How is communication conducted between a community and private entities and in what ways can this communication affect decision making and outcome of actions? This course prepares students to answer such questions and to understand, appreciate, and apply the fundamentals of public relations (PR). Students learn about the relationships practitioners have with both internal and external communities who are affected by, and who affect, an organization’s actions or planning. Students also build their command of the basic principles and practices of PR, while applying these concepts to real-world scenarios and a written plan that includes the various phases of the PR process. (Prerequisites: COMM 1003.)

As with the use of digital media in domestic business, expanded markets—especially global markets— benefit from their use as well. Students in this course investigate how to use these new tools to establish a type of universal “language” that cannot be established in other ways. They examine new media in a variety of global contexts, such as politics, economics, and education. Students apply concepts from the course in a project through which they practice employing new media tools to effectively reach a global arena, enhancing their own capacity and marketability. (Prerequisites: MEDC 3001.)

Technology provides a competitive advantage to those who utilize it most successfully. In this course, students learn that technology can be a valuable tool in optimizing communications for appeal and impact when combined with the use of media. Students explore all aspects of existing and newly-emerging social media and its relationship to business communication. They apply their knowledge of the dynamics of effective communications to sequenced components of a portfolio project using both media and technology for enhanced outcomes. Through this course, students work toward gaining the skills necessary to develop an effective social media plan.

Blogging, podcasting, social networks, wikis, web conferencing and broadcasting, and mobile messaging have become integrated means of expressing and sharing our thoughts. Students in this course will delve into these and other new technologies, developing ann appreciation of their usefulness, their best applications, and their overall utility in a variety of settings. They assess and discuss a variety of topics related to social media, such as how to harness it to create demand for products, reach the intended audience, and broadcast ideals and values. Students in this course have the opportunity to develop the knowledge and ability to build a social media strategy as well as a professional website incorporating social media. (Prerequisites: MEDC 3001.)

Technology and new media continue to evolve, primarily due to interest coupled with new-found capabilities derived from 21st-century know-how. With this invitation to create, students apply their understanding of new media as a set of effective tools in the practice of communications to design a conceptual prototype appropriate to enhancing mass communications. Students learn to test, refine, and appraise their product, taking into account visual components, audience information, and user feedback. They also discuss topics of new media design with their peers and reflect on its implications in modern business. (Prerequisites: MEDC 3001.)

Rapid shifts in the economy, changes in political leaders, and negative news reports are just a few of the factors affecting marketing campaigns and public relations (PR) efforts. In this course, students can learn the value of managing internal and external communications effectively in situations of risk, crisis, and sudden change—a critical competence for PR professionals and organizations. Students examine successful and unsuccessful crisis communication efforts and consider issues of contingency planning, speed, transparency, multiple modalities, stakeholder analysis, and ethics. They engage in assignments designed to provide practical application of content through which they gain experience developing a communication plan to mitigate and solve issues of crisis in PR. (Prerequisites: PREL 3001 or HLTH 3115.)

In a society influenced by technological innovation and virtual spread of information, we can use technology to rekindle friendships with grade-school acquaintances and we can instantaneously follow every action of our favorite entertainers. But it is also our responsibility to know how to use these same social networking techniques and other more traditional means of communication as catalysts for positive social change. In this course, students learn how to use modern communication tools to promote positive social change and mobilize communities. They analyze the use of electronic tools for public and nonprofit sector organizations. Students also examine the key elements of a communication strategy—message development, target audience identification, selection of communication tools, and obtaining feedback—and apply these to current social issues.

This capstone course gives students the opportunity to examine contemporary global public health issues, as well as to evaluate and synthesize the key concepts and skills they have gained from this program of study. Students complete a final capstone project based on service learning, field observations, or a review of literature. (Prerequisites: All required core and concentration courses, if applicable, within the B.S. in Public Health).

Walden University offers students a dynamic learning environment and a range of support services to ensure academic success. In this course, students immerse themselves in Walden University's online learning environment and apply skills from the student readiness orientation. In addition, students discover and apply the tools and services that will support them throughout their degree program. Through classroom discussions and the application of key communication principles, students establish an online community of peers and explore their degree program with discipline-specific examples. This course helps students prepare for their Walden academic career and continues their orientation to the university.

This course offers an introduction to the principles and practice of safeguarding and improving the health of populations. Students examine the philosophies, goals, history, and organization of the field of public health. They discuss the role of the government in improving the health and well-being of its citizens. The course explores key concepts of public health, including morbidity and mortality, infectious and chronic disease, social determinants of health, and health disparities within populations. (Prerequisites: COMM 1000).

Effective advocacy through politics, policy, and professional associations is one method of improving healthcare delivery in the United States; however, effective advocacy depends on individuals who fully understand current issues, systems, existing policies, and related contexts. In this course, students engage in a systems-level analysis of the implications of healthcare policy on issues of access, equity, affordability, and social justice in healthcare delivery. They examine legislative, regulatory, and financial processes relevant to the organization and provision of healthcare services. Students also assess the impact of these processes on quality and safety in the practice environment and disparities in the healthcare system. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Health professionals often use information technology to make important clinical and managerial decisions related to services and processes in healthcare. Students in this course examine information technology that supports the collection, storage, retrieval, and communication of data; information systems safeguards; ethical and legal issues; and information management to promote patient safety and quality of care. They also explore information literacy, basic hardware and software concepts, and fundamental software applications, including spreadsheets and healthcare databases. Applying course concepts, students plan for the development of a database, explain their chosen database design, and describe potential challenges in implementing their system. Students also have the opportunity to review and analyze current events about health topics addressed in the course. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Many factors influence the health behavior and wellness of individuals and populations. Understanding these factors helps healthcare professionals reduce health disparities and address healthcare access issues for vulnerable populations. Students in this course examine the cultural and behavioral factors and issues that influence the management and delivery of healthcare services. Students develop a framework for assessing the effect of culture and behavior in a variety of settings and situations. They identify health disparities attributable to diverse cultural and behavioral factors and discuss their implications for healthcare policy. Students also engage in application-based writing assignments to further examine the goals and objectives of addressing health disparities as well as obstacles for confronting vulnerable populations. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Human interaction has a major influence on the natural world, resulting in outcomes that can impact human and environmental health. In this course, students learn the principles of environmental health and examine the short- and long-term effects of environmental hazards on human health. Students consider their own interactions with natural and human-made environments to assess the impact of chemical, physical, biological, and social elements on their health. They also explore the potential impact of climate change on population health, emerging global health threats related to the environment, and environmental factors involved in the etiology and transmission of both communicable and non-infectious disease. Using concepts and methods presented in the course, students conduct an environmental risk assessment to determine the health of home environments. They also conduct a written analysis to report their findings, identifying actions to improve inspection results. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001).

Through this course, students explore the historical milestones concerning human disease and prevention, morbidity and mortality rates associated with various diseases, and the biological effects of infectious and chronic disease on the human body. Students discuss the general characteristics of disease transmission, symptoms, treatment, prevention, and control among various populations. They also examine psychosocial and behavioral factors that influence human disease. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001).

The nature of health services, such as personal evaluations, clinical research, invasive surgeries, and end of life care, facilitates a host of ethical and legal considerations of which professionals must be aware. In this course, students examine the legal and ethical issues that are fundamental to the practice of healthcare and the conduct of health-related research. They explore a historical overview of events and milestones that have shaped the contemporary regulatory landscape. They also investigate and assess issues of privacy and confidentiality, informed consent, licensing, and malpractice, among others. Additionally, students consider ethical, decision-making models for assuring the quality, safety, and appropriateness of healthcare and services. They also apply ethical principles and legal considerations to real-world scenarios. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

The course is designed to provide an overview of public and global health issues that transcend national borders, class, race, ethnicity, and culture. The role of the healthcare provider in preserving and promoting health among diverse populations is discussed. Students will consider global health and their role in health promotion, protection, and maintenance, and in illness prevention of targeted populations. Principles of epidemiology and the influencing sociopolitical factors that impact health and well-being are explored. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

This course focuses on the principles governing the study and practice of epidemiology. Consideration is given to the various methods available to health professionals for selecting and measuring factors of interest, describing their distribution, detecting associations, and identifying populations at risk. The features, advantages, and limitations of common epidemiologic research designs are addressed. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and MATH 1002/1030 or STAT 3001.)

This course examines the basic components required for the conduct of health-related research and provides students with the analytic tools needed to understand and assess research methods described in the scientific literature. Basic research methods are described, including surveys, observational studies, experimental and quasi-experimental design, use of primary and secondary data, and statistical techniques for analyzing and interpreting data. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Effective delivery of health education and communication often leads to improved health literacy and positive changes in behavior among populations. This course provides students with an overview of health education and its role in improving the health of individuals as well as populations. Students review the philosophical, historical, ethical, and theoretical foundations of health education as well as effective principles for the delivery of healthcare. They also examine the primary responsibilities and competencies of health educators, trends in the field, professional organizations, national certification, and the code of ethics. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001).

This course presents management concepts and theories designed to influence and improve the performance of healthcare organizations. The external and internal environments of organizations are identified, as well as key management functions, roles, and responsibilities. Essential aspects of healthcare management are addressed. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

This course provides the foundations for economic evaluation and financial management in delivery of healthcare services, including principles of supply and demand. The purpose and methods of financial reporting, such as financial statements and balance sheets, are explained. Financial risk and insurance principles and mechanisms for healthcare reimbursement, including Medicare, Medicaid, and other payor programs are presented. The course also explores the financial, political, and economic aspects of universal healthcare. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001, HLTH 4000, and ACCT 1003 or MATH 1030.)

Planning culturally relevant and effective public health programs is essential to improving the health of populations. This course provides an introduction to public health program planning and design, including the process of needs assessment. Students examine and apply various models and theoretical frameworks of program planning. They also explore fundamental competencies relating to planning, such as writing goals and objectives, selecting strategies, developing budgets, and planning for specific populations. The course introduces concepts related to program implementation, management, and evaluation as they relate to the planning process. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and HLTH 3115).

How do public health professionals know when a program is working? This course provides an introduction to evaluating public health programs. It examines various types of program evaluations, including formative, process, outcome, and impact evaluations. Students learn how to design and conduct practical and effective program evaluations that determine whether program goals are achieved. Students also practice implementing a program evaluation plan to evaluate the effectiveness of a program, and they use the results of the evaluation to improve performance. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and PUBH 4030).

This course examines one of the most influential factors shaping the health of populations: public policy. Public health policy impacts the public's health at the local, state, and federal levels. This course explores the institutional, economic, social, ethical, and political factors that impact public policy. Students examine how public policy is developed and discuss issues relating to health advocacy within the framework of social justice. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and HLTH 3115).

The definition of information systems (IS) is broad and can encompass a large number of components. The most important aspect, however, is that IS are vital to the daily function of nearly all individuals and organizations. In this course, students have the opportunity to gain an appreciation of the role that information systems play in their lives as well as in different types of organizations and societies. Students obtain a broad overview of the field of information systems through the examination and discussion of technology, practical applications, and related career issues. They also use case studies that represent recent situations in actual organizations to gain real-world knowledge of how a business manages its data in conjunction with business processes to create an information system. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Businesses whose systems are lacking or experience failure are at risk of significant loss of time, money, and customer faith. Therefore, information technology (IT) is essential to the function and success of nearly all businesses. Through this course, students prepare for a role in the field of IT as they learn fundamental concepts of the IT infrastructure that underlie information systems. Students examine both hardware (computers, networks, interface devices) and software (operating systems, middleware, applications, system software) elements. They also explore key issues of capacity, performance, reliability, scale, and obsolescence for a thorough understanding of all aspects of IT infrastructure. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

The Internet stitches together many disparate devices and software components into a flexible fabric that supports an enormous variety of uses. Students in this course learn about the functions of these components through a comprehensive evaluation of internet computing. They examine the design of the Internet protocol stack, the structure and function of some of the most important Internet services and applications, and Internet governance. Students have the opportunity to gain practical experience through the application of concepts, such as performance, scale, and reliability, in the design of information systems. (Prerequisites: CMIS 1002.)

The responsibility of an information security specialist is to supervise operations that follow industry best practices for security and data integrity. This role helps to ensure that systems are free from external threats and risks that may jeopardize or harm an organization. In this course, students examine the role of a security specialist and learn the key concepts and concerns of information security and privacy, including technical, social, and policy issues. Students examine fundamental notions of authentication, authorization, and encryption in the context of everyday information systems activities. Students analyze and discuss case studies of security and privacy breaches to understand economic and human impact. (Prerequisites: CMIS 2001.)

As in most industries, healthcare relies heavily on information technology to provide the infrastructure for healthcare delivery in the global marketplace. Through this course, students have the opportunity to gain the necessary skills to understand the complexities of healthcare information systems components. Students examine the trends in the development of standardized patient records for a variety of health-related applications. They use requisite skills in requirements analysis and design to address the challenges in the field and engage in coursework on topics including privacy, confidentiality, and standardization. Students assess and discuss a variety of topics, such as medical devices, guidelines, and standards as well as the differences among electronic health records, electronic medical records, and personal health records. (Prerequisites: CMIS 4301 and CMIS 4101 OR HLTH 1005 [for B.S. in Health Studies or B.S. in Public Health students]).

The cost of delivering healthcare in the United States continues to grow exponentially; therefore, the industry is in need of ways to optimize the financial components associated with delivery while focusing on better quality of care. Through this course, students learn about healthcare information systems applications designed to add value to the delivery of healthcare from a financial and clinical outcomes-based perspective. Students examine some of the most important classes of healthcare information systems, ranging from patient care management to epidemiology to billing to research data analysis. Case studies provide students with a practical opportunity to exercise their information systems design and analysis skills as well as to consider social and ethical issues related to the field. (Prerequisites: CMIS 4302.)

This capstone course gives students the opportunity to examine contemporary global public health issues, as well as to evaluate and synthesize the key concepts and skills they have gained from this program of study. Students complete a final capstone project based on service learning, field observations, or a review of literature. (Prerequisites: All required core and concentration courses, if applicable, within the B.S. in Public Health).

Walden University offers students a dynamic learning environment and a range of support services to ensure academic success. In this course, students immerse themselves in Walden University's online learning environment and apply skills from the student readiness orientation. In addition, students discover and apply the tools and services that will support them throughout their degree program. Through classroom discussions and the application of key communication principles, students establish an online community of peers and explore their degree program with discipline-specific examples. This course helps students prepare for their Walden academic career and continues their orientation to the university.

This course offers an introduction to the principles and practice of safeguarding and improving the health of populations. Students examine the philosophies, goals, history, and organization of the field of public health. They discuss the role of the government in improving the health and well-being of its citizens. The course explores key concepts of public health, including morbidity and mortality, infectious and chronic disease, social determinants of health, and health disparities within populations. (Prerequisites: COMM 1000).

Effective advocacy through politics, policy, and professional associations is one method of improving healthcare delivery in the United States; however, effective advocacy depends on individuals who fully understand current issues, systems, existing policies, and related contexts. In this course, students engage in a systems-level analysis of the implications of healthcare policy on issues of access, equity, affordability, and social justice in healthcare delivery. They examine legislative, regulatory, and financial processes relevant to the organization and provision of healthcare services. Students also assess the impact of these processes on quality and safety in the practice environment and disparities in the healthcare system. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Health professionals often use information technology to make important clinical and managerial decisions related to services and processes in healthcare. Students in this course examine information technology that supports the collection, storage, retrieval, and communication of data; information systems safeguards; ethical and legal issues; and information management to promote patient safety and quality of care. They also explore information literacy, basic hardware and software concepts, and fundamental software applications, including spreadsheets and healthcare databases. Applying course concepts, students plan for the development of a database, explain their chosen database design, and describe potential challenges in implementing their system. Students also have the opportunity to review and analyze current events about health topics addressed in the course. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Many factors influence the health behavior and wellness of individuals and populations. Understanding these factors helps healthcare professionals reduce health disparities and address healthcare access issues for vulnerable populations. Students in this course examine the cultural and behavioral factors and issues that influence the management and delivery of healthcare services. Students develop a framework for assessing the effect of culture and behavior in a variety of settings and situations. They identify health disparities attributable to diverse cultural and behavioral factors and discuss their implications for healthcare policy. Students also engage in application-based writing assignments to further examine the goals and objectives of addressing health disparities as well as obstacles for confronting vulnerable populations. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Human interaction has a major influence on the natural world, resulting in outcomes that can impact human and environmental health. In this course, students learn the principles of environmental health and examine the short- and long-term effects of environmental hazards on human health. Students consider their own interactions with natural and human-made environments to assess the impact of chemical, physical, biological, and social elements on their health. They also explore the potential impact of climate change on population health, emerging global health threats related to the environment, and environmental factors involved in the etiology and transmission of both communicable and non-infectious disease. Using concepts and methods presented in the course, students conduct an environmental risk assessment to determine the health of home environments. They also conduct a written analysis to report their findings, identifying actions to improve inspection results. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001).

Through this course, students explore the historical milestones concerning human disease and prevention, morbidity and mortality rates associated with various diseases, and the biological effects of infectious and chronic disease on the human body. Students discuss the general characteristics of disease transmission, symptoms, treatment, prevention, and control among various populations. They also examine psychosocial and behavioral factors that influence human disease. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001).

The nature of health services, such as personal evaluations, clinical research, invasive surgeries, and end of life care, facilitates a host of ethical and legal considerations of which professionals must be aware. In this course, students examine the legal and ethical issues that are fundamental to the practice of healthcare and the conduct of health-related research. They explore a historical overview of events and milestones that have shaped the contemporary regulatory landscape. They also investigate and assess issues of privacy and confidentiality, informed consent, licensing, and malpractice, among others. Additionally, students consider ethical, decision-making models for assuring the quality, safety, and appropriateness of healthcare and services. They also apply ethical principles and legal considerations to real-world scenarios. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

The course is designed to provide an overview of public and global health issues that transcend national borders, class, race, ethnicity, and culture. The role of the healthcare provider in preserving and promoting health among diverse populations is discussed. Students will consider global health and their role in health promotion, protection, and maintenance, and in illness prevention of targeted populations. Principles of epidemiology and the influencing sociopolitical factors that impact health and well-being are explored. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

This course focuses on the principles governing the study and practice of epidemiology. Consideration is given to the various methods available to health professionals for selecting and measuring factors of interest, describing their distribution, detecting associations, and identifying populations at risk. The features, advantages, and limitations of common epidemiologic research designs are addressed. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and MATH 1002/1030 or STAT 3001.)

This course examines the basic components required for the conduct of health-related research and provides students with the analytic tools needed to understand and assess research methods described in the scientific literature. Basic research methods are described, including surveys, observational studies, experimental and quasi-experimental design, use of primary and secondary data, and statistical techniques for analyzing and interpreting data. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Effective delivery of health education and communication often leads to improved health literacy and positive changes in behavior among populations. This course provides students with an overview of health education and its role in improving the health of individuals as well as populations. Students review the philosophical, historical, ethical, and theoretical foundations of health education as well as effective principles for the delivery of healthcare. They also examine the primary responsibilities and competencies of health educators, trends in the field, professional organizations, national certification, and the code of ethics. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001).

This course presents management concepts and theories designed to influence and improve the performance of healthcare organizations. The external and internal environments of organizations are identified, as well as key management functions, roles, and responsibilities. Essential aspects of healthcare management are addressed. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

This course provides the foundations for economic evaluation and financial management in delivery of healthcare services, including principles of supply and demand. The purpose and methods of financial reporting, such as financial statements and balance sheets, are explained. Financial risk and insurance principles and mechanisms for healthcare reimbursement, including Medicare, Medicaid, and other payor programs are presented. The course also explores the financial, political, and economic aspects of universal healthcare. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001, HLTH 4000, and ACCT 1003 or MATH 1030.)

Planning culturally relevant and effective public health programs is essential to improving the health of populations. This course provides an introduction to public health program planning and design, including the process of needs assessment. Students examine and apply various models and theoretical frameworks of program planning. They also explore fundamental competencies relating to planning, such as writing goals and objectives, selecting strategies, developing budgets, and planning for specific populations. The course introduces concepts related to program implementation, management, and evaluation as they relate to the planning process. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and HLTH 3115).

How do public health professionals know when a program is working? This course provides an introduction to evaluating public health programs. It examines various types of program evaluations, including formative, process, outcome, and impact evaluations. Students learn how to design and conduct practical and effective program evaluations that determine whether program goals are achieved. Students also practice implementing a program evaluation plan to evaluate the effectiveness of a program, and they use the results of the evaluation to improve performance. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and PUBH 4030).

This course examines one of the most influential factors shaping the health of populations: public policy. Public health policy impacts the public's health at the local, state, and federal levels. This course explores the institutional, economic, social, ethical, and political factors that impact public policy. Students examine how public policy is developed and discuss issues relating to health advocacy within the framework of social justice. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and HLTH 3115).

The role and functions of managers, specifically principles and procedures for planning, organizing, leading, and controlling organizations, are addressed in this introductory course. Emphasized is the practical application of theory to reality. This course is structured so that students have the opportunity to see the interrelationships among the functions, components, and disciplines that comprise the field of management and thereby gain a comprehensive perspective as a foundation for the further study of management. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

This course provides students with an overview of the concepts, methodologies, and applications of business operations management. Students learn about operations as related to the process of transforming resources into products and services. They explore the responsibility of operations managers to make sound, cost-effective decisions that increase the productivity and competitiveness of manufacturing and service organizations. Students also learn the process of planning, implementing, and monitoring operations to ensure the continuous improvement of goods and services. (Prerequisites: BUSI 1002.)

Modern leaders must understand contemporary leadership concepts, including varying leadership styles, ways to accommodate diversity, and the impact of culture on an organization. In this course, students focus on major leadership theories and the human dimension of business, including individual and group behaviors and organizational culture. They explore some of the basic dimensions of human resource management, as those dimensions affect the organization and the employee. Students explore contemporary thinking about leadership and its importance in today’s business world. They also develop a plan for personal and professional growth to enhance their current position or prepare for a successful career in leadership. (Prerequisites: BUSI 1002. To register for this course, please contact the Academic Advising Team.)

This course focuses on the theories of behavior of healthcare organizations at the macro (organization-wide) level and micro (individual and team performance) level. Factors that influence an organization’s behavior, as well as performance, including the role of culture, group processes, and interactions are considered. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and HLTH 4000.)

This capstone course gives students the opportunity to examine contemporary global public health issues, as well as to evaluate and synthesize the key concepts and skills they have gained from this program of study. Students complete a final capstone project based on service learning, field observations, or a review of literature. (Prerequisites: All required core and concentration courses, if applicable, within the B.S. in Public Health).

Walden University offers students a dynamic learning environment and a range of support services to ensure academic success. In this course, students immerse themselves in Walden University's online learning environment and apply skills from the student readiness orientation. In addition, students discover and apply the tools and services that will support them throughout their degree program. Through classroom discussions and the application of key communication principles, students establish an online community of peers and explore their degree program with discipline-specific examples. This course helps students prepare for their Walden academic career and continues their orientation to the university.

This course offers an introduction to the principles and practice of safeguarding and improving the health of populations. Students examine the philosophies, goals, history, and organization of the field of public health. They discuss the role of the government in improving the health and well-being of its citizens. The course explores key concepts of public health, including morbidity and mortality, infectious and chronic disease, social determinants of health, and health disparities within populations. (Prerequisites: COMM 1000).

Effective advocacy through politics, policy, and professional associations is one method of improving healthcare delivery in the United States; however, effective advocacy depends on individuals who fully understand current issues, systems, existing policies, and related contexts. In this course, students engage in a systems-level analysis of the implications of healthcare policy on issues of access, equity, affordability, and social justice in healthcare delivery. They examine legislative, regulatory, and financial processes relevant to the organization and provision of healthcare services. Students also assess the impact of these processes on quality and safety in the practice environment and disparities in the healthcare system. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Health professionals often use information technology to make important clinical and managerial decisions related to services and processes in healthcare. Students in this course examine information technology that supports the collection, storage, retrieval, and communication of data; information systems safeguards; ethical and legal issues; and information management to promote patient safety and quality of care. They also explore information literacy, basic hardware and software concepts, and fundamental software applications, including spreadsheets and healthcare databases. Applying course concepts, students plan for the development of a database, explain their chosen database design, and describe potential challenges in implementing their system. Students also have the opportunity to review and analyze current events about health topics addressed in the course. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Many factors influence the health behavior and wellness of individuals and populations. Understanding these factors helps healthcare professionals reduce health disparities and address healthcare access issues for vulnerable populations. Students in this course examine the cultural and behavioral factors and issues that influence the management and delivery of healthcare services. Students develop a framework for assessing the effect of culture and behavior in a variety of settings and situations. They identify health disparities attributable to diverse cultural and behavioral factors and discuss their implications for healthcare policy. Students also engage in application-based writing assignments to further examine the goals and objectives of addressing health disparities as well as obstacles for confronting vulnerable populations. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Human interaction has a major influence on the natural world, resulting in outcomes that can impact human and environmental health. In this course, students learn the principles of environmental health and examine the short- and long-term effects of environmental hazards on human health. Students consider their own interactions with natural and human-made environments to assess the impact of chemical, physical, biological, and social elements on their health. They also explore the potential impact of climate change on population health, emerging global health threats related to the environment, and environmental factors involved in the etiology and transmission of both communicable and non-infectious disease. Using concepts and methods presented in the course, students conduct an environmental risk assessment to determine the health of home environments. They also conduct a written analysis to report their findings, identifying actions to improve inspection results. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001).

Through this course, students explore the historical milestones concerning human disease and prevention, morbidity and mortality rates associated with various diseases, and the biological effects of infectious and chronic disease on the human body. Students discuss the general characteristics of disease transmission, symptoms, treatment, prevention, and control among various populations. They also examine psychosocial and behavioral factors that influence human disease. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001).

The nature of health services, such as personal evaluations, clinical research, invasive surgeries, and end of life care, facilitates a host of ethical and legal considerations of which professionals must be aware. In this course, students examine the legal and ethical issues that are fundamental to the practice of healthcare and the conduct of health-related research. They explore a historical overview of events and milestones that have shaped the contemporary regulatory landscape. They also investigate and assess issues of privacy and confidentiality, informed consent, licensing, and malpractice, among others. Additionally, students consider ethical, decision-making models for assuring the quality, safety, and appropriateness of healthcare and services. They also apply ethical principles and legal considerations to real-world scenarios. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

The course is designed to provide an overview of public and global health issues that transcend national borders, class, race, ethnicity, and culture. The role of the healthcare provider in preserving and promoting health among diverse populations is discussed. Students will consider global health and their role in health promotion, protection, and maintenance, and in illness prevention of targeted populations. Principles of epidemiology and the influencing sociopolitical factors that impact health and well-being are explored. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

This course focuses on the principles governing the study and practice of epidemiology. Consideration is given to the various methods available to health professionals for selecting and measuring factors of interest, describing their distribution, detecting associations, and identifying populations at risk. The features, advantages, and limitations of common epidemiologic research designs are addressed. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and MATH 1002/1030 or STAT 3001.)

This course examines the basic components required for the conduct of health-related research and provides students with the analytic tools needed to understand and assess research methods described in the scientific literature. Basic research methods are described, including surveys, observational studies, experimental and quasi-experimental design, use of primary and secondary data, and statistical techniques for analyzing and interpreting data. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Effective delivery of health education and communication often leads to improved health literacy and positive changes in behavior among populations. This course provides students with an overview of health education and its role in improving the health of individuals as well as populations. Students review the philosophical, historical, ethical, and theoretical foundations of health education as well as effective principles for the delivery of healthcare. They also examine the primary responsibilities and competencies of health educators, trends in the field, professional organizations, national certification, and the code of ethics. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001).

This course presents management concepts and theories designed to influence and improve the performance of healthcare organizations. The external and internal environments of organizations are identified, as well as key management functions, roles, and responsibilities. Essential aspects of healthcare management are addressed. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

This course provides the foundations for economic evaluation and financial management in delivery of healthcare services, including principles of supply and demand. The purpose and methods of financial reporting, such as financial statements and balance sheets, are explained. Financial risk and insurance principles and mechanisms for healthcare reimbursement, including Medicare, Medicaid, and other payor programs are presented. The course also explores the financial, political, and economic aspects of universal healthcare. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001, HLTH 4000, and ACCT 1003 or MATH 1030.)

Planning culturally relevant and effective public health programs is essential to improving the health of populations. This course provides an introduction to public health program planning and design, including the process of needs assessment. Students examine and apply various models and theoretical frameworks of program planning. They also explore fundamental competencies relating to planning, such as writing goals and objectives, selecting strategies, developing budgets, and planning for specific populations. The course introduces concepts related to program implementation, management, and evaluation as they relate to the planning process. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and HLTH 3115).

How do public health professionals know when a program is working? This course provides an introduction to evaluating public health programs. It examines various types of program evaluations, including formative, process, outcome, and impact evaluations. Students learn how to design and conduct practical and effective program evaluations that determine whether program goals are achieved. Students also practice implementing a program evaluation plan to evaluate the effectiveness of a program, and they use the results of the evaluation to improve performance. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and PUBH 4030).

This course examines one of the most influential factors shaping the health of populations: public policy. Public health policy impacts the public's health at the local, state, and federal levels. This course explores the institutional, economic, social, ethical, and political factors that impact public policy. Students examine how public policy is developed and discuss issues relating to health advocacy within the framework of social justice. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and HLTH 3115).

This course is an introduction for students to the essential factors that promote or challenge the development of personal health and healthy lifestyles, including nutrition, physical fitness, stress management, mental and emotional health, sexuality and relationships, violence and injury, and substance abuse. Students examine how cultural and socioeconomic factors influence people’s perception of their health as well as their health behavior. Students review tools for assessing health and risk and have the opportunity to assess their own health and behavior using a health risk appraisal.

Human nutritional requirements change over the course of the lifespan. This course examines the fundamentals of nutrition and the variation of nutritional needs at different life stages, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. Students discuss issues such as obesity and eating disorders as well as the link between diet and disease. Students conduct a personal dietary assessment and analyze the relationship between food choices and health status in their own lives.

Physical fitness is an important component of overall health and quality of life. In this course, students focus on the fundamental concepts and principles of physical fitness, including flexibility, cardiovascular health, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and body composition as well as the physiological and psychological processes through which exercise influences health. Students create a personalized fitness program and explore the health advantages of a physically active lifestyle, including the mental, social, and psychological benefits. They also examine the harmful effects of a sedentary lifestyle, particularly with regard to the risk of chronic disease.

This course presents a holistic approach to stress management. It addresses the emotional and physical dimensions of stress as well as their scientific foundations and physiological pathways. Students explore the mind-body connection, and they study fundamental principles, theories, and relaxation techniques—including cognitive and physical behavior change interventions—that can help people effectively manage personal stress. Students also discuss related topics such as anger management, conflict resolution, anxiety, and time management.

The principles and theories of health communication and their application to health promotion and behavior change are the foci of this course. Students examine how to design and deliver health messages to various audiences while remaining sensitive to cultural, socioeconomic, and educational factors influencing the audience. Students evaluate important dimensions of intercultural and intracultural communication and study how to make scholarly writing accessible to the general population. They also explore the use of emerging technologies and social media in marketing and communications.

This capstone course gives students the opportunity to examine contemporary global public health issues, as well as to evaluate and synthesize the key concepts and skills they have gained from this program of study. Students complete a final capstone project based on service learning, field observations, or a review of literature. (Prerequisites: All required core and concentration courses, if applicable, within the B.S. in Public Health).

Walden University offers students a dynamic learning environment and a range of support services to ensure academic success. In this course, students immerse themselves in Walden University's online learning environment and apply skills from the student readiness orientation. In addition, students discover and apply the tools and services that will support them throughout their degree program. Through classroom discussions and the application of key communication principles, students establish an online community of peers and explore their degree program with discipline-specific examples. This course helps students prepare for their Walden academic career and continues their orientation to the university.

This course offers an introduction to the principles and practice of safeguarding and improving the health of populations. Students examine the philosophies, goals, history, and organization of the field of public health. They discuss the role of the government in improving the health and well-being of its citizens. The course explores key concepts of public health, including morbidity and mortality, infectious and chronic disease, social determinants of health, and health disparities within populations. (Prerequisites: COMM 1000).

Effective advocacy through politics, policy, and professional associations is one method of improving healthcare delivery in the United States; however, effective advocacy depends on individuals who fully understand current issues, systems, existing policies, and related contexts. In this course, students engage in a systems-level analysis of the implications of healthcare policy on issues of access, equity, affordability, and social justice in healthcare delivery. They examine legislative, regulatory, and financial processes relevant to the organization and provision of healthcare services. Students also assess the impact of these processes on quality and safety in the practice environment and disparities in the healthcare system. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Health professionals often use information technology to make important clinical and managerial decisions related to services and processes in healthcare. Students in this course examine information technology that supports the collection, storage, retrieval, and communication of data; information systems safeguards; ethical and legal issues; and information management to promote patient safety and quality of care. They also explore information literacy, basic hardware and software concepts, and fundamental software applications, including spreadsheets and healthcare databases. Applying course concepts, students plan for the development of a database, explain their chosen database design, and describe potential challenges in implementing their system. Students also have the opportunity to review and analyze current events about health topics addressed in the course. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Many factors influence the health behavior and wellness of individuals and populations. Understanding these factors helps healthcare professionals reduce health disparities and address healthcare access issues for vulnerable populations. Students in this course examine the cultural and behavioral factors and issues that influence the management and delivery of healthcare services. Students develop a framework for assessing the effect of culture and behavior in a variety of settings and situations. They identify health disparities attributable to diverse cultural and behavioral factors and discuss their implications for healthcare policy. Students also engage in application-based writing assignments to further examine the goals and objectives of addressing health disparities as well as obstacles for confronting vulnerable populations. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Human interaction has a major influence on the natural world, resulting in outcomes that can impact human and environmental health. In this course, students learn the principles of environmental health and examine the short- and long-term effects of environmental hazards on human health. Students consider their own interactions with natural and human-made environments to assess the impact of chemical, physical, biological, and social elements on their health. They also explore the potential impact of climate change on population health, emerging global health threats related to the environment, and environmental factors involved in the etiology and transmission of both communicable and non-infectious disease. Using concepts and methods presented in the course, students conduct an environmental risk assessment to determine the health of home environments. They also conduct a written analysis to report their findings, identifying actions to improve inspection results. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001).

Through this course, students explore the historical milestones concerning human disease and prevention, morbidity and mortality rates associated with various diseases, and the biological effects of infectious and chronic disease on the human body. Students discuss the general characteristics of disease transmission, symptoms, treatment, prevention, and control among various populations. They also examine psychosocial and behavioral factors that influence human disease. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001).

The nature of health services, such as personal evaluations, clinical research, invasive surgeries, and end of life care, facilitates a host of ethical and legal considerations of which professionals must be aware. In this course, students examine the legal and ethical issues that are fundamental to the practice of healthcare and the conduct of health-related research. They explore a historical overview of events and milestones that have shaped the contemporary regulatory landscape. They also investigate and assess issues of privacy and confidentiality, informed consent, licensing, and malpractice, among others. Additionally, students consider ethical, decision-making models for assuring the quality, safety, and appropriateness of healthcare and services. They also apply ethical principles and legal considerations to real-world scenarios. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

The course is designed to provide an overview of public and global health issues that transcend national borders, class, race, ethnicity, and culture. The role of the healthcare provider in preserving and promoting health among diverse populations is discussed. Students will consider global health and their role in health promotion, protection, and maintenance, and in illness prevention of targeted populations. Principles of epidemiology and the influencing sociopolitical factors that impact health and well-being are explored. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

This course focuses on the principles governing the study and practice of epidemiology. Consideration is given to the various methods available to health professionals for selecting and measuring factors of interest, describing their distribution, detecting associations, and identifying populations at risk. The features, advantages, and limitations of common epidemiologic research designs are addressed. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and MATH 1002/1030 or STAT 3001.)

This course examines the basic components required for the conduct of health-related research and provides students with the analytic tools needed to understand and assess research methods described in the scientific literature. Basic research methods are described, including surveys, observational studies, experimental and quasi-experimental design, use of primary and secondary data, and statistical techniques for analyzing and interpreting data. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Effective delivery of health education and communication often leads to improved health literacy and positive changes in behavior among populations. This course provides students with an overview of health education and its role in improving the health of individuals as well as populations. Students review the philosophical, historical, ethical, and theoretical foundations of health education as well as effective principles for the delivery of healthcare. They also examine the primary responsibilities and competencies of health educators, trends in the field, professional organizations, national certification, and the code of ethics. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001).

This course presents management concepts and theories designed to influence and improve the performance of healthcare organizations. The external and internal environments of organizations are identified, as well as key management functions, roles, and responsibilities. Essential aspects of healthcare management are addressed. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

This course provides the foundations for economic evaluation and financial management in delivery of healthcare services, including principles of supply and demand. The purpose and methods of financial reporting, such as financial statements and balance sheets, are explained. Financial risk and insurance principles and mechanisms for healthcare reimbursement, including Medicare, Medicaid, and other payor programs are presented. The course also explores the financial, political, and economic aspects of universal healthcare. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001, HLTH 4000, and ACCT 1003 or MATH 1030.)

Planning culturally relevant and effective public health programs is essential to improving the health of populations. This course provides an introduction to public health program planning and design, including the process of needs assessment. Students examine and apply various models and theoretical frameworks of program planning. They also explore fundamental competencies relating to planning, such as writing goals and objectives, selecting strategies, developing budgets, and planning for specific populations. The course introduces concepts related to program implementation, management, and evaluation as they relate to the planning process. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and HLTH 3115).

How do public health professionals know when a program is working? This course provides an introduction to evaluating public health programs. It examines various types of program evaluations, including formative, process, outcome, and impact evaluations. Students learn how to design and conduct practical and effective program evaluations that determine whether program goals are achieved. Students also practice implementing a program evaluation plan to evaluate the effectiveness of a program, and they use the results of the evaluation to improve performance. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and PUBH 4030).

This course examines one of the most influential factors shaping the health of populations: public policy. Public health policy impacts the public's health at the local, state, and federal levels. This course explores the institutional, economic, social, ethical, and political factors that impact public policy. Students examine how public policy is developed and discuss issues relating to health advocacy within the framework of social justice. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 and HLTH 3115).

Students in this course are introduced to basic concepts, problems, and research methods in the science of psychology. Students identify and examine perception, cognitive processes, learning, motivation, measurement, development, personality, abnormal behavior, and biological and social bases of behavior, including cross-cultural issues. Through this course, students have the opportunity to develop a general aptitude for the field of psychology and explain basic psychological phenomena. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001.)

Many aspects of career and personal life require the ability to relate to people of different cultures and diverse backgrounds. Students in this course examine key factors related to understanding life in a multicultural world. They assess psychological concepts from a variety of perspectives and examine theories of culture. Students learn how professionals use psychology to understand oppression, acculturation, cultural aspects of cognition, mental health, physical health, aggression, and emotion. Sharpening communication and critical-thinking skills, students engage in peer discussions on a variety of topics, such as personal culture, cultural sensitivity in research, emotions, developmental theories, and attribution. Through these discussions, application-based assignments, and weekly assessments, students demonstrate their knowledge of how diversity and multiculturalism affect human behavior. (Prerequisites: PSYC 1001, or PSYC 1002, or PSYC 1003.)

How does one’s culture influence health-related behavior and how does culture impact an individual’s response to stress, pain, and illness? In this course, students learn how biological, psychological, sociological, and cognitive factors affect individual health behaviors. Students engage in discussions and practical, application-based assignments on a variety of topics, including cultural responses to health, stress management, and coping mechanisms; pain theory and management techniques; health psychology theories and models; and strategies for helping people achieve health psychology goals when faced with illness. Students apply principles of health psychology to case studies and real-life examples related to promoting, achieving, and maintaining optimal health as well as psychological adjustment to illness in different cultures. (Prerequisites: PSYC 1001, or PSYC 1002, or PSYC 1003.)

What drives people to do what they do? In this course students have the opportunity to answer this question as they explore basic theories of motivation and emotion. They also explore bodily needs, such as hunger, thirst, and sex, that drive people to action; concepts in motivation, such as achievement, altruism, and conflict; and concepts related to emotion, including happiness, hormonal influences, and mood. Students assess content and share different perspectives through peer discussions on related topics, such as sources of motivation, hunger and eating, need for power, extraversion, goals, and decision making. (Prerequisites: PSYC 1001, PSYC 1002, or PSYC 1003.)

Individuals are often influenced by others and by the social situations in which they find themselves. Students in this course examine the basic concepts and applications of social psychology, including attitudes, beliefs, and behavior; stereotyping; prejudice and discrimination; interpersonal relationships; group behavior; and the effect of environmental stress on behavior. They also learn how bias can sway objective conclusions as well as how ethical factors influence research in social psychology. Students apply principles and theories presented in the course to case studies and situations in daily life, including instances of stereotyping and discrimination. They also use these theories to understand strategies for helping others and reducing aggressive behavior. (Prerequisites: PSYC 1001, or PSYC 1002, or PSYC 1003.)

While traditional psychology in the United States has been Western in focus, increased globalization has promoted an examination into human behavior from a broader perspective that includes the influence of cultural and global trends on individual and group behavior. In this course, students explore a variety of global perspectives in psychology as well as some of the issues and controversies facilitated by differing cultures. They explore and discuss trends and research methods in global psychology, indigenous psychology, psychotherapy in a global world, and the role of psychologists internationally. Students critically evaluate psychological issues from a global rather than a domestic perspective. (Prerequisites: PSYC 1001, or PSYC 1002, or PSYC 1003.)

This capstone course gives students the opportunity to examine contemporary global public health issues, as well as to evaluate and synthesize the key concepts and skills they have gained from this program of study. Students complete a final capstone project based on service learning, field observations, or a review of literature. (Prerequisites: All required core and concentration courses, if applicable, within the B.S. in Public Health).