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Next start dates
- Course-Based Courses with a set schedule October 10, 2022
Transfer Credits
- Up to 135 Credits
Explore our BS in Public Health - Health Psychology and Behavior concentration
Gain an in-depth understanding of how social, emotional, and cognitive factors influence a population’s behavior and attitudes about health.
This concentration is ideal if you aspire to work in research, clinical settings, or the community and want to understand why people make certain choices regarding their health.
In this public health bachelor's concentration, you’ll learn to:
- Understand the social, behavioral, emotional, and cognitive factors associated with disease, illness, and injury.
- Influence health behavior and affect health outcomes.
Program Savings
Course-Based: Receive your first course at no cost tuition reduction (excluding other applicable fees) if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on October 10, 2022. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Curriculum
Degree Completion Requirements
- 181 quarter credits (1 semester credit equals 1.5 quarter credits)
- General education courses (46 cr.)*
- Core courses (80 cr.)
- Concentration (25 cr.)
- Elective courses (25 cr.)
- Capstone course (5 cr.)
Students may be eligible to transfer up to 135 credits*. At least 45 credits must be completed at Walden.
*Please note: Students that reside in Virginia may be eligible to transfer up to 125 credits. At least 55 credits must be completed at Walden.
This sequence represents the minimum time to completion. Time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Courses
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HMNT 1001 |
Living and Learning in the Technological World
Imagine life without cell phones, television, or the internet. Recent technological developments have significantly altered all aspects of human life: at work; in play; and in personal, family, and social interactions. In this course, students examine the advantages, disadvantages, and controversies of living and learning in an ever-changing technological environment. By exploring multiple perspectives, students discover how technology is changing media, culture, business, health, human behavior, and overall access to information. In a dynamic, reflective, and engaging classroom environment, students use a variety of audio, visual, literary, and artistic resources, to engage in open dialogue. Students are also introduced to the tools essential to success at Walden. Students complete the course with a personalized success plan that provides a customized roadmap and tools that they can use immediately on their journey toward the completion of their bachelor's degree. Note: Virtual, cyber, digital, and asynchronous are used to describe online environments in this course. |
(6 cr.) |
Core Courses |
||
| PUBH 1000 |
Foundations of Public Health
This course is 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. Students explore key concepts of public health, including morbidity and mortality, infectious and chronic disease, social determinants of health, and health disparities within populations. |
(5 cr.) |
| HLTH 1005 |
Context of Healthcare Delivery
Students in this course describe the causes and consequences of historical events on health and medical care in the United States. They explain barriers related to cost, quality, and access to health and medical care. Students examine unique and complex aspects of subsystems and classify vertical and horizontal integrated healthcare delivery systems. They compare characteristics of healthcare in the U.S. with healthcare systems in other countries. Students also identify current and future issues, trends, and forces in healthcare reform. |
(5 cr.) |
| HLTH 2500 |
Theories of Health Behavior
Students in this course are introduced to established and emerging health behavior, health education, and health promotion theories and models. Students can develop the knowledge and skills necessary to apply various theoretical frameworks and models related to psychosocial, cultural, and environmental factors influencing health behavior and behavior change. Throughout this course, students will focus on the role of theories and models in planning, implementing, and evaluating health interventions in a variety of settings. |
(5 cr.) |
| HLTH 2110 |
Behavioral and Cultural Issues in Healthcare
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 BS in Health Studies
BS in Public Health
All Other Programs
|
(5 cr.) |
| HLTH 4200 |
Principles of Epidemiology
Students in this course focus 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
Note: Students who wish to pursue graduate school should consider taking STAT 3001 in addition to MATH 1002. |
(5 cr.) |
| HLTH 4205 |
Introduction to Research Methods and Analysis
In this course, students examine 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 BS in Healthcare Management
All Other Programs
|
(5 cr.) |
| PUBH 3000 |
Environmental Health
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. |
(5 cr.) |
| PUBH 3100 |
Human Disease and Prevention
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. |
(5 cr.) |
| HLTH 3100 |
Ethical and Legal Issues in Healthcare
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. |
(5 cr.) |
| HLTH 3115 |
Public and Global Health
Through this course, students widen their perspectives of promoting health and preventing disease as they examine health issues that transcend national borders, class, race, ethnicity, and culture. Students discuss the role of the healthcare provider in preserving and promoting health among diverse populations as well as their role in illness prevention and health promotion, protection, and maintenance of targeted populations. They explore principles of epidemiology and the influencing sociopolitical factors that impact health and well-being of humankind. Students also engage in assignments designed to provide practical application of content on topical issues, such as infant mortality rates in the United States and abroad, infectious or communicable disease, and implications of global climate change on health, among others. |
(5 cr.) |
| PUBH 4000 |
Public Health Education and Communication
Effective delivery of health education and communication often leads to improved health literacy and positive changes in behavior among populations. In this course, students receive 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. |
(5 cr.) |
| HLTH 4000 |
Introduction to Healthcare Management
In this course, students examine management concepts and theories designed to influence and improve the performance of healthcare organizations. They identify and examine the external and internal environments of organizations as well as key management functions, roles, and responsibilities. Exploring essential aspects of healthcare management, students engage in a variety of conceptual and practical activities, such as profiling a healthcare manger, assessing the value of leadership in decision making, and comparing strategic plans. Students delve deeper into content through weekly discussions on a variety of topics, such as emotional intelligence, applications of financial management, issues of quality and safety, the purpose of strategic planning, and challenges in human resources. |
(5 cr.) |
| HLTH 4530 |
Healthcare Economics From a Population Health Perspective
Students are provided with the foundation for economic evaluation from a population health approach. Students can develop an understanding of healthcare as a market, compare supply-and-demand principles in healthcare versus a typical business, discuss how economic losses or gains impact healthcare policy changes, sectors of the population, physician staffing, nursing staffing, and stability. Students in the course also explore epidemiological, social, global, and future economic impact of healthcare. Prerequisites
|
(5 cr.) |
| PUBH 4030 |
Planning Public Health Programs
Planning culturally relevant and effective public health programs is essential to improving the health of populations. In this course, students are introduced 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. Students learn about concepts related to program implementation, management, and evaluation as these relate to the planning process. Prerequisites BS in Health Studies
BS in Public Health
All Other Programs
|
(5 cr.) |
| PUBH 4100 |
Evaluating Public Health Programs
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 apply concepts for designing and conducting practical, ethical, and effective program evaluations that determine whether program goals are achieved. Students also explore ways to appropriately disseminate program evaluation results. Prerequisites
|
(5 cr.) |
| PUBH 4200 |
Public Health Policy for Social Change
Students in this course examine 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. Students explore 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 BS in Public Health
All Other Programs
|
(5 cr.) |
Concentration Courses |
||
| PSYC 2001 |
Cross-Cultural Psychology
Contemporary life requires the ability to relate to people who are different. In this course, students will explore major areas of psychology in light of culture's influence, challenging their own world views and unconscious biases in order to develop greater sensitivity to the impact of cultural differences on interactions in a variety of settings. Topics include definitions and approaches to understanding culture; the role of psychology in understanding bias; cultural aspects of cognition and intelligence; emotion; motivation; development and socialization; disorders; and applications of cross-cultural psychology. Prerequisites BS in Psychology
All Other Programs
|
(5 cr.) |
| PSYC 2005 |
Social Influences on Behavior
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 BS in Health Studies Health Psychology and Behavior Concentration
BS in Human Services Child and Adolescent Development Concentration
BS in Psychology
BS in Public Health Psychology and Behavior Concentration
All Other Programs
|
(5 cr.) |
| PSYC 2009 |
Theories of Personality
This course is an introduction to the theoretical approaches to understanding personality. Students examine key theorists and theories including psychoanalytic, neopsychoanalytic, humanistic, trait, biological, behaviorist, and social-cognitive approaches. Perspectives on personality are applied to personal and social issues. Prerequisites BS in Psychology
All Other Programs
|
(5 cr.) |
| PSYC 4006 |
Global Perspectives in Psychology
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 BS in Psychology
All Other Programs
|
(5 cr.) |
| PSYC 4014 |
Health Psychology
Health and wellness involve more than physical symptoms and diseases. Health psychology is a dynamic course that gives students the opportunity to explore the field of health psychology, with a focus on how physical, psychological, sociocultural, economic, and spiritual factors impact health and wellness. Throughout the course, students examine the importance of health disparities and health literacy, explore strategies for promoting health enhancing behaviors, and apply health psychology research to various health issues. Students also apply their learning to the development of their own health goals. The course culminates in a case study that synthesizes students' learning from the previous weeks. Prerequisites BS in Psychology
All Other Programs
|
(5 cr.) |
Capstone |
||
| PUBH 4900 |
Capstone in Public Health
In this capstone course, students have 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
|
(5 cr.) |
Electives |
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Choose five courses from general education, BS in Public Health, or other Walden bachelor’s degree programs. Your elective credits should total 25 to meet your program requirements. You may also be eligible to transfer previous credit to meet elective requirements. Note on minors: Electives can also be used to complete a six-course minor. Although this program requires fewer than six elective courses, you have the option to complete a minor and graduate with more than the required number of credits for this program.
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| VIEW ALL COURSES | ||
Tuition and Fees
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 181 quarter credit hours | $333 per quarter hour | $60,273 |
| Technology Fee | Per quarter | $165 | $2,640 |
| $62,913* |
*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 135 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0109.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost up to an additional $5,000.
Paying for Your Education
Our Enrollment Specialists can help you outline a plan and find resources for funding your education.
Learn moreProgram Savings
Course-Based: Receive your first course at no cost tuition reduction (excluding other applicable fees) if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on October 10, 2022. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Admission Requirements
Admission is considered for adult students who hold a high school diploma or its equivalent. Applicants must also meet one of the following criteria:
- You are 21 years of age or older.
- You are less than 21 years of age with at least 12 quarter credits.
- You are an active member of the military or a veteran with documentation of service.
More information for international applicants.
Testimonials
My biggest inspiration for getting my degree is my parents. They brought their children to the U.S. for a better life and more opportunities in education.
Mary Carmel Basuil BS in Public Health Graduate
Working at a public health department and helping others convinced me to get my BS in Public Health.
Pamela Quinn BS in Public Health Graduate
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