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Public Health

It's not just about diet and nutrition...

As a public healthmajor at JCSU, you won’t just study diet and nutrition. Courses in topics such as sexuality, substance abuse and the environment will give you the knowledge you need to lead others to a healthier, happier life.

Choose where you can make the most impact by focusing your study on either the public health concentration or a concentration in school health for grades K-12.

What will I study as a public health major?

In addition to topics such as:

  • Nutrition and fitness
  • Human sexuality and family living
  • Alcohol, tobacco and other drug use
  • Psychological health
  • Consumer health in the public schools

We offer electives in women's health and queer studies. See firsthand how your education can be used to help people in your community through service learning opportunities both on and odd campus. If you choose to pursue a career in the field of public health, you’ll help people identify health risks and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors.

Minors available

Community Health


School Health


Health Communication


Maternal Health


Physical Education


Sport Management


Exercise and Sport Science


Sport Coaching


Sports Medicine


Fitness and Wellness Management


Esports and Gaming Management


Irwin Belk Complex
 Photo of Irwin Belk Complex
Where will I study public health?

Our relationships with local community-based organizations will help you take your education out of the classroom and into the working world of community and public health.

All of our courses incorporate guest lecturers from practitioners and leaders in the disciplines of health. Additionally, our professors take students outside the classroom to study at facilities all over JCSU’s campus, including the:

•&Բ;On-campus dance room for instruction in dance and yoga
•&Բ;Weight room to teach physical fitness
•&Բ;University gym and track to study aerobic activity
•&Բ;Sustainability Village to study environmental health

What will I learn outside the public health program?

JCSU is a private liberal arts university. What this means to you is that your education will broadly cover all areas of study. The diversity of your classes will help you look at “the big picture” in any career you choose.

  • Classes incomputer scienceandcommunicationartswill give you a definite advantage in the job market and workplace.
  • Taking severalEnglishandforeign language classeswill help you interact with a global community that is getting smaller each day.
  • By takingmathandscience classes, you’ll have a better understanding of the world around you.

Having a college education will give you the tools to succeed in life. Having a liberal arts education will give you the opportunity to take your success further.

    Students who major in public healthcan find jobs, not just as teachers, but also as:

    Why Study at JCSU?

    According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the top two leading causes of death in the U.S. are preventable lifestyle diseases- heart disease and cancer. These two conditions are impacted by social determinants of health (education, economics, environment, social support, and access to care).

    Looking at human health from a variety of angles will help you better understand the individuals in the schools or communities that you’ll serve after graduation.

    We prepare you for success beyond the classroom.

    Our public healthprogram looks at health and wellness as a whole – the physical, emotional, social and environmental aspects of a healthy lifestyle. JCSU’s faculty members emphasize hands-on, interactive learning to prepare you to work with a variety of personalities in the workforce.

    To prepare you for the job hunt, our professors work with you to perfect your resume and ensure you’re prepared for interviews. Professional development workshops in the program cover additional workplace topics, such as attire and email etiquette.

    Research opportunities you won’t find anywhere else.

    Undergraduate research is an important part of your education at JCSU. Our students have the opportunity to with their professors to better understand new trends in their field of study.

    Some of our majors’ recent research topics have included:

    • Barriers to breastfeeding in Hispanic communities
    • Parental attitudes toward vaccinations
    • Perception of depression among college students
    • African American college students' HIV awareness

    Our faculty members will continuously play an important part in your professional, educational and personal development.


    Prepared for success
    According to the results of a recent survey,100%of the students indicated that faculty members in the Department and Human Performance prepared them for success beyond their JCSU graduation.
    Friendly environment
    Additionally,95%indicated that the department faculty members were effective in providing a comfortable and friendly environment outside the classroom setting.
    Learning for the real world
    For you, this means that your professors will go the extra mile to make sure you’re able to put what you learn in the classroom to use in the real world.
    Undergraduate Program

    Prepared for success
    According to the results of a recent survey,100%of the students indicated that faculty members in the Department and Human Performance prepared them for success beyond their JCSU graduation.
    Friendly environment
    Additionally,95%indicated that the department faculty members were effective in providing a comfortable and friendly environment outside the classroom setting.
    Learning for the real world
    For you, this means that your professors will go the extra mile to make sure you’re able to put what you learn in the classroom to use in the real world.
    Undergraduate Program

    Prepared for success
    According to the results of a recent survey,100%of the students indicated that faculty members in the Department and Human Performance prepared them for success beyond their JCSU graduation.
    Friendly environment
    Additionally,95%indicated that the department faculty members were effective in providing a comfortable and friendly environment outside the classroom setting.
    Learning for the real world
    For you, this means that your professors will go the extra mile to make sure you’re able to put what you learn in the classroom to use in the real world.
    Undergraduate Program

    Get involved in on-campus activities and organizations.

    As a major in our program, you’ll have the opportunity to socialize with your professors and classmates in organizations like the:

    •&Բ;Health and Human Performance Club- a department organization for individuals majoring and minoring in various fields of health and human performance
    •&Բ; - a national professional fraternity for students who are pursuing careers in the fields of health and human performance

    Your path to a successful career begins the minute you step on campus. This organization serves as our department honor society.

    Careers:

    Students in our program have been employed with:

    • Piedmont Health Services and Sickle Cell Agency
    • Novant Health
    • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

    Internships

    Students have the opportunity for practical experience in schools and organizations that include:

    • Irwin Avenue Open Elementary School
    • McCrorey YMCA
    • Bradley-Reid Corporation
    • Be the Match
    View Title
    Health and Human Performance Staff
    Dr. Antonia Mead headshot
    Dr. Antonia Mead

    704.378.1236

    Area(s) of Expertise

    Preconception Health

    Health Disparities

    Subject(s) of Interest

    Technical Training

    Technology Use in the Classroom

    College Health

    Student-Athlete Wellness

    Faith-based Health Initiatives

    Degree(s)

    PhD Health Education and Health Promotion/The University of Alabama

    MS Human Movement Science (Health Promotion concentration)/The University of Memphis

    BS Biology/The University of Memphis

    Dr. BerNadette Lawson-Williams headshot
    Dr. BerNadette Lawson-Williams

    704.330.1436

    Area(s) of Expertise

    Sport Management

    Esports & Gaming

    Experiential Learning

    Subject(s) of Interest

    Sport Management

    Esports & Gaming

    Experiential Learning

    Degree(s)

    B.S. in Physical Education (Cum Laude) - South Carolina State University

    M.S. in Exercise and Sport Science/Sport Administration - University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

    Doctorate in Sport Management (w/Honors) - United States Sports Academy

    Dr. Gregory Petersen headshot
    Dr. Gregory Petersen

    704.330.1326

    Area(s) of Expertise

    Personal Fitness

    Sport Management

    Coaching advising and Administration

    Subject(s) of Interest

    Public Speaking

    Recruiting

    Mentoring

    Degree(s)

    Alabama State University B.S.

    Western Kentucky University M.S.

    United States Sports Academy Ed.D

    John Cash headshot
    John Cash

    678.787.8098

    Area(s) of Expertise

    Esports and Gaming

    Sports & Entertainment Management

    Marketing

    Marketing Research

    Advertising

    Business Strategy

    Computer Information Systems & Design

    Military Operations

    Subject(s) of Interest

    Esports/Gaming Business Trends and Insights

    Convergence of Sports

    Entertainment and Esports

    Influencer Economy

    Personalization and Customer-Centric Experiences

    International Business

    Degree(s)

    MBA/The University of Texas

    MA/Webster University

    BBA/Howard University

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