The Health Science Department prepares students for work in schools, businesses, medical care settings, and the community as health educators. Majors are trained in health education that focuses on environmental influences as well as the processes for developing and changing individual attitudes and behaviors toward health. A degree in health science equips students with a variety of educational tools and techniques to use in their health professions by emphasizing both health behavior theories and practical application through educational programming and voluntary service in the field.
Students are prepared to work as health education teachers in secondary schools.
In addition to the Bachelor's degree, a California Single Subject Teacher Credential is required of school health professionals. Candidates must be admitted to the College of Education, Single Subject Program, and successfully complete all course work and student teaching assignments in order to earn this credential. Individuals who wish to work with the health-care team using ionizing radiation in the treatment of malignant disease should pursue this option. Successful completion of the program qualifies students to sit for the examinations for licensure at the state and national levels and to practice as registered radiation therapists. As this is an impacted program, students must successfully complete prerequisite courses and meet certain criteria, in addition to the university's requirements for admission, before being accepted into the program.