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The Bachelor of Science in Health Science

Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree: 120 units

See Bachelor's Degree Requirements in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 40 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.

A suggested Major Academic Plan (MAP) has been prepared to help students meet all graduation requirements within four years. You can view MAPs on the Degree MAPs page in the University Catalog or you can request a plan from your major advisor.

General Education Pathway Requirements: 48 units

See General Education in the University Catalog and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education Pathway Requirements and course offerings.

  • HCSV 211 is an approved GE Writing Intensive substitution.
  • HCSV 425 is an approved GE Capstone substitution.
  • HCSV 530 is an approved GE Capstone substitution.

Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units

See Diversity Requirements in the University Catalog. Most courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education .

Literacy Requirement:

See Mathematics and Writing Requirements in the University Catalog. Writing proficiency in the major is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of a course in your major which has been designated as the Writing Proficiency (WP) course for the semester in which you take the course. Students who earn below a C- are required to repeat the course and earn a C- or higher to receive WP credit. See the Class Schedule for the designated WP courses for each semester. You must complete the GE Written Communication (A2) requirement before you may register for a WP course.

Course Requirements for the Major: 63-66 units

Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree. Additional required courses, depending upon the selected option are outlined following the major core program requirements.

Note: A maximum of 15 units of internship (courses numbered 189, 289, 389, 489) may be applied to a bachelor's degree at CSU, Chico.

Major Core Program: 15 units

4 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Analyzes fundamental principles upon which school, community, and population health are based. The contributions of federal, state, and local organizations to national goals for health promotion and disease prevention are examined. Explores fundamental social, political, organizational, and behavioral aspects of public health in school, community, and worksite settings. 3 hours lecture. (001575)
This course is also offered as MCGS 328.
Ethnic groups in the U.S. face many health problems. This course focuses on those problems which affect the four largest ethnic groups in the U.S.: African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, and Asian Americans. The effects of history, health beliefs and practices, and socioeconomic status on the health of these ethnic populations are addressed. Current and potential strategies to improve health care delivery to these groups are explored. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved US Diversity course. (004448)
Prerequisites: Senior standing, minimum 2.0 GPA in the major, Internship Advisor permission. For Health Education majors: HCSV 471.
Field practicum designed to integrate theory and practice in a community setting. Supervised by an agency representative and faculty member. Minimum internship requirement for Health Science majors is 6.0 units. 9 hours independent study. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 9.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (004467)

Note: A minimum of 6 units of HCSV 489 is required for all options.

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisites: Completion of ELM requirement.
Summary of numerical data, elementary probability, distributions, and introduction to statistical inference. 1.5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. (005501)

Major Option Course Requirements: 48-51 units

The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required dependent upon the option chosen. Students must select one of the following options for completion of the major course requirements.  Use the links below to jump to your chosen option.



The Option in Health Education: 49-51 units

14 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Basic functioning of the organ systems of the human body, including the brain and nervous system; vision and hearing; heart and circulation; blood and immunity; respiration, digestion and metabolism; muscles; excretory, endocrine, and reproductive systems. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. This is an approved General Education course. (001114)
Provides students with the skills and tools necessary to be successful as they pursue their degree and future careers as Health Educators. Topics include personal and career exploration, tools for a successful academic and future professional career, communication, presentation, and networking. (021560)
Overview of human sexuality, including psychosexual development, gender roles, reproductive system, pregnancy and childbirth, contraception, abortion, sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS, relationships, sexual orientation, sex and the law, sexually explicit materials, and sexual dysfunction. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (004384)
Prerequisites: BIOL 104 is strongly recommended.
Examines the major chronic and communicable diseases, including cause, prevention, and treatment strategies. Behaviors that promote health and reduce premature death and disease are also addressed. 3 hours lecture. (001574)
Prerequisite: HCSV 211.
This course provides a survey of administrative functions within public health and health education programs. Major approaches to motivation, leadership, conflict management, supervision, and budgeting are presented. Concepts of marketing, public policy, administrative law and public health disaster response are addressed. 3 hours lecture. (020438)
An overview of the relationship of people and nature; the impact of environmental conditions, such as water and air pollution, solid wastes, food contamination, vectors, radiation, noise, light, which cause deleterious effects on people's physical, mental, and social well-being. Individual and collective consumer intervention in environmental health problems. 3 hours discussion. Formerly HCSV 362. (001606)
This course introduces health education theory, curricula, resources, and marketing techniques for use in school and community settings. Students plan, develop, implement, and evaluate effective health education and promotion programs. Students practice professional health education techniques while working with a local organization to implement a community health education. 3 hours lecture. Formerly HCSV 369. (001613)
An overview of the use and abuse of alcohol, prescription and street drugs, and their personal and societal consequences on the young adult, the family, and society. Historical perspectives, legal issues, and decision-making skills regarding drug use will also be addressed. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. (004435)
Prerequisites: Completion of GE Written Communication (A2) requirement, HCSV 211, MATH 105.
The course introduces students to research methodology and program evaluation techniques in the health field. Students develop skills for critically reading professional literature and writing a research or program evaluation proposal. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. (001614)
Prerequisites: MATH 105; HCSV 211, HCSV 321 for Health Education majors only. Recommended: HCSV 320.
Study of the patterns of the major chronic and infectious diseases. Both individual- and population-based approaches to prevention and control will be examined. 3 hours discussion. (001607)
Examination of nature and factors affecting mental health and positive and negative responses to problems in daily living. Discussion of types of mental disorders and public health strategies to deal with these problems. 3 hours discussion. (001611)
Prerequisites: HCSV 321, HCSV 369, or faculty permission.
Examines theory and methods to facilitate individual and group behavior change to promote health and reduce risks of premature morbidity and mortality. Concepts in the behavioral sciences affecting health behavior, motivation, decision-making, and risk-taking are explored. Students will develop program planning and evaluation skills. 3 hours discussion. Formerly HCSV 471. (001615)
Knowledge and skill development in writing grant proposals for health and community services. Skills in researching government, foundation, and corporate funding opportunities. Diversifying nonprofit income through other fundraising strategies. 3 hours seminar. (001618)
Prerequisites: One lower-division course in biological sciences.
Analyzes and evaluates current practices and theories regarding nutrition and its relationship to athletics, weight control, and physical exercise. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (004288)

2 courses selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Surveys the relationships among disease, curing, culture, and environment. Topics include problems of adapting modern medicines to diverse cultures; explication of the social and cultural correlates of physical and mental health and disease; nutritional implications of culture change; anthropology contributions to health-policy decisions and makers in non-Western countries. 3 hours seminar. (000579)
Study of the structure of the human body, to include muscles, bones, heart, brain, ear, eye, and other systems, as well as a short look at development of the fetus. Lab work entails dissection of the cat and study of the human skeleton. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. This is an approved General Education course. (001110)
Prerequisites: BIOL 103, BIOL 104, BIOL 151, or SCED 102; CHEM 107, CHEM 108, or CHEM 111.
Introduction to structure/function, metabolism, genetics, ecological interactions and pathogenic mechanisms of microorganisms. In addition, the roles of microorganisms in sanitation and in the food and biotechnology industries will be discussed. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (001132)
Prerequisites: One biological sciences course.
An examination of ecological principles and the impact of increasing population and technology upon the environment. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. (001156)
Prerequisites: CHEM 107 or CHEM 111 or equivalent.
A survey of organic chemistry emphasizing the structure, properties, and reactions of all major functional groups of organic molecules. Not applicable towards a degree in chemistry or biochemistry. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. (001828)
Addresses major health issues affecting the child, including, but not limited to, health promotion and disease prevention, nutrition, substance use and abuse, and sexuality. Overview of health instruction framework for California public schools. Fulfills the state health education requirement for a preliminary teaching credential. Formerly HCSV 450. 3 hours discussion. Formerly HCSV 450. (004393)
Addresses major health issues affecting the adolescent, including, but not limited to, health promotion and disease prevention, nutrition, substance use and abuse, and sexuality. Fulfills the state health education requirement for a preliminary teaching credential. 3 hours discussion. Formerly HCSV 451. (004394)
Analysis of historical and current health problems in the world: population dynamics, vital statistics, global disease patterns, and variations among nations and cultures. Examination of contributing social, psychological, physical, governmental, and cultural factors affecting disease. Efforts toward health promotion and disease prevention, including international programs. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (004412)
Provides an overview of the U.S. healthcare delivery system from historical, organizational, financial, and administrative perspectives. Analyzes current health issues, such as cost, access, and quality of care. 3 hours seminar. Formerly HCSV 431. (001583)
This course is also offered as WMST 368.
This course represents an overview of health care issues faced by women throughout the life cycle. The course begins an examination of scientific inquiry and the study of disease in women. Then, using sociological, political, and behavioral sciences, the roles, rights, and responsibilities of women in the health care system are assessed. The course concludes with a biological review of the female body and specific health care problems common to women. This course encompasses a woman-centered philosophy which encourages women's active participation in their health care decisions. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. (004381)
Exploration of changing health status and needs in later life. Discussion of body system changes, bio-psycho-social influences on elders' health, health enhancement strategies, common health problems, treatment, and prevention. Also addresses drug use and abuse, sexuality, chronic illness, use of health delivery systems, including long-term care. 3 hours lecture. (001569)

The Option in Health Services Administration: 48 units

14 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Introductory study of the information system that measures, records, and communicates the economic activity of an entity, in monetary terms, to stakeholders outside of the organization. The study of assets, liabilities, owners' equity, revenues, expenses, gains, and losses as they relate to the preparation of financial statements communicating an entity's financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. 3 hours lecture. (000077)
Prerequisites: ACCT 201.
Introductory study of the process of identification, measurement, accumulation, summarization, preparation, interpretation, analysis, and communication of financial and non-financial information to assist managerial planning, controlling, and decision-making within an organization to assure appropriate use of and accountability for the organization's resources. Students study terminology, cost behavior, cost estimation, cost assignment, cost accounting systems, cost of quality, financial and operational budgeting, performance evaluation, profitability analysis, pricing methodologies, and short-term and long-term decision-making techniques. 3 hours lecture. (000078)
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Written Communication (A2) requirement.
Emphasis is on solving business problems through the strategic design of verbal, print, and electronic messages. Models for effective business documents, presentations, meetings, and interpersonal as well as electronic project interaction are applied to business communication problems. Related technology use, etiquette, cultural differences, and ethical considerations are highlighted. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. (005687)
An examination of the health care industry and its role in fulfilling national health needs. Topics include national health insurance, health financing, and resource allocation. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (002667)
Provides knowledge and skills to administer health organizations and programs. Concepts of planning, organizational behavior, and management applicable to the administration of health organizations and programs are addressed. Major approaches to management, motivation, leadership, decision making, supervision, and budgeting are presented. 3 hours seminar. (001582)
Provides an overview of the U.S. healthcare delivery system from historical, organizational, financial, and administrative perspectives. Analyzes current health issues, such as cost, access, and quality of care. 3 hours seminar. Formerly HCSV 431. (001583)
Prerequisites: HCSV 330 or permission of instructor.
Examines the internal operations of health services organizations (e.g. ambulatory care, long-term care, managed care), and applies management principles including marketing, financing, legal issues, personnel issues, and quality management. 3 hours seminar. (004455)
Prerequisite: HCSV 331.
Study of specific areas of law, ethics, and regulations in health care. Examination of legal and ethical issues of licensing, health insurance, managed care, funding mechanisms, medical negligence and malpractice, informed consent, health care records, and patient and family rights. 3 hours seminar. Formerly HCSV 332. (004452)
Prerequisites: ACCT 201, ACCT 202, MATH 105.
This course provides an understanding of the process of making asset choices for the provision of health care, stewarding the assets particular to healthcare organizations (both for-profit and not-for-profit), and obtaining funds to pay for healthcare- specific assets. Includes traditional techniques of finance, but focuses on the state of the art in the theory and practice of healthcare financial management, including agency theory, valuation, capitated contract analysis, and endowment management. 3 hours discussion. (004438)
Prerequisites: HCSV 430, MATH 105.
This course provides students with an understanding of the quality management and management engineering techniques critical for the effective and efficient delivery of healthcare. 3 hours lecture. (021464)
Prerequisite: HCSV 331.
This course is also offered as POLS 405.
An analysis of the political forces, both private and public, which have an impact upon the health industry in the United States. Focusing on problems related to the delivery of health care, the course will cover such issues as availability, accessibility, appropriateness, acceptance, accounting, and alternatives. 3 hours seminar. (001587)
Prerequisites: BADM 300, HCSV 430, HCSV 433, HCSV 435, or faculty permission.
Integration of theory and practice by examining issues and solutions to problems in the management and planning of health care services. Emphasis upon case studies and practitioner responses. 3 hours seminar. (001596)
This course surveys human resource management practices needed for effective performance by every manager and employee. The focus of the course is on processes used to effectively recruit, select, develop, evaluate, reward, and ensure the safety of employees in order to attract and retain the best possible workforce in any organization. This course provides students with an understanding of workforce diversity, investigates ethical issues, and explores the international context of HRM. 3 hours lecture. (005690)
This course introduces students to the concept of information systems as the application of technical resources to support organizational processes. Given this foundation, students build an integrative, process-oriented understanding of information systems and their deployment, management, and use within distributed and global organizations. Projects focus on introductory enterprise systems, fundamentals of database systems, and basic Web programming. For this course, students are expected to have demonstrated proficiency in the use of microcomputers and office automation software including word processing, spreadsheets, and desktop databases. A proficiency exam is given during the first week of each semester and students are encouraged to take this exam in advance of the semester they intend to enroll in the class. Students who lack such knowledge may wish to enroll in appropriate undergraduate courses prior to attempting this course. This course is designed for BADM majors. 3 hours lecture. (005770)

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisites: BIOL 104 is strongly recommended.
Examines the major chronic and communicable diseases, including cause, prevention, and treatment strategies. Behaviors that promote health and reduce premature death and disease are also addressed. 3 hours lecture. (001574)
Prerequisites: MATH 105; HCSV 211, HCSV 321 for Health Education majors only. Recommended: HCSV 320.
Study of the patterns of the major chronic and infectious diseases. Both individual- and population-based approaches to prevention and control will be examined. 3 hours discussion. (001607)

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisites: BIOL 104 is strongly recommended.
Examines the major chronic and communicable diseases, including cause, prevention, and treatment strategies. Behaviors that promote health and reduce premature death and disease are also addressed. 3 hours lecture. (001574)

Note: May be used to satisfy this requirement if not used above.

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Analysis of historical and current health problems in the world: population dynamics, vital statistics, global disease patterns, and variations among nations and cultures. Examination of contributing social, psychological, physical, governmental, and cultural factors affecting disease. Efforts toward health promotion and disease prevention, including international programs. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (004412)
Prerequisites: MATH 105; HCSV 211, HCSV 321 for Health Education majors only. Recommended: HCSV 320.
Study of the patterns of the major chronic and infectious diseases. Both individual- and population-based approaches to prevention and control will be examined. 3 hours discussion. (001607)

Note: May be used to satisfy this requirement if not used above.

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Exploration of changing health status and needs in later life. Discussion of body system changes, bio-psycho-social influences on elders' health, health enhancement strategies, common health problems, treatment, and prevention. Also addresses drug use and abuse, sexuality, chronic illness, use of health delivery systems, including long-term care. 3 hours lecture. (001569)
Knowledge and skill development in writing grant proposals for health and community services. Skills in researching government, foundation, and corporate funding opportunities. Diversifying nonprofit income through other fundraising strategies. 3 hours seminar. (001618)
Nature and functions of marketing systems and marketing in the individual firm. Study of the marketing mix, marketing institutions, and the environments in which marketing decisions are made. 3 hours lecture. (005872)

Or any 300 or 400 level course from the College of Business with permission of the Health Services Administration advisor.

Electives Requirement:

To complete the total units required for the bachelor's degree, select additional elective courses from the total University offerings. You should consult with an advisor regarding the selection of courses which will provide breadth to your University experience and possibly apply to a supportive second major or minor.

Grading Requirement:

All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.

The BS in Health Science signifies readiness for an entry-level career in specific health-related fields. Most courses in each option have been designated as competency courses and are vital to what a professional in this field should know and be able to do. Students who earn below a C- in those courses are required to repeat the course and earn a C- or better for the course to count in the major. For the Option in Health Education, the courses include all upper-division HCSV courses required for the major. For the Health Services Administration Option, the courses include all required upper-division courses for the major.

Advising Requirement:

Advising is mandatory for all majors in this degree program. Consult your undergraduate advisor for specific information.

Honors in the Major:

Honors in the Major is a program of independent work in your major. It requires 6 units of honors course work completed over two semesters.

The Honors in the Major program allows you to work closely with a faculty mentor in your area of interest on an original performance or research project. This year-long collaboration allows you to work in your field at a professional level and culminates in a public presentation of your work. Students sometimes take their projects beyond the University for submission in professional journals, presentation at conferences, or academic competition. Such experience is valuable for graduate school and professional life. Your honors work will be recognized at your graduation, on your permanent transcripts, and on your diploma. It is often accompanied by letters of commendation from your mentor in the department or the department chair.

Some common features of Honors in the Major program are:

  1. You must take 6 units of Honors in the Major course work. All 6 units are honors classes (marked by a suffix of H), and at least 3 of these units are independent study (399H, 499H, 599H) as specified by your department. You must complete each class with a minimum grade of B.
  2. You must have completed 9 units of upper-division course work or 21 overall units in your major before you can be admitted to Honors in the Major. Check the requirements for your major carefully, as there may be specific courses that must be included in these units.
  3. Your cumulative GPA should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
  4. Your GPA in your major should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
  5. Most students apply for or are invited to participate in Honors in the Major during the second semester of their junior year. Then they complete the 6 units of course work over the two semesters of their senior year.
  6. Your honors work culminates with a public presentation of your honors project.

While Honors in the Major is part of the Honors Program, each department administers its own program. Please contact your major department or major advisor to apply.

Catalog Cycle:17