Bachelor of Science Curriculum

Core Curriculum

Public health students must complete the core curriculum that is required of all Fairfield undergraduates, with specific courses required to meet major and core curricular requirements.

Natural and Social Sciences

Students take one semester of Chemistry and two semester sequence of Biology. Because communication and social sciences form an important part of the foundation for Public Health practice, students also take specific courses in these areas.

Public Health Courses

Classroom instruction in Public health theory begins in the first year and continues throughout the undergraduate program. Public Health courses include theoretical and field requirements. To insure that students obtain the breadth and depth of field experiences needed, the school has associations with a diverse range of health facilities, organizations, and public health departments. Students provide their own transportation to internship experiences, and all costs associated with these placements. Travel, parking, background checks, and health and professional requirements, are the responsibility of the student.

Electives

Free electives in the curriculum provide students with an opportunity to explore topics of interest including the liberal arts and sciences, advanced public health topics, and minor options.

Eligibility Requirements

The curricula leading to a degree in Public Health from Fairfield University requires students to possess essential non-academic skills and capabilities necessary for professional practice. It is within the sole determination of Fairfield University and the Egan School to assess and conclude whether a student has these skills and capabilities. Eligibility requirements for participation and completion of the Public Health program shall include, but are not limited to, the following six capabilities:

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking ability sufficient for professional judgement; student must be able to examine, interpret, analyze, and synthesize material for problem solving and evaluation of professional situations and their own performance.

Interpersonal and Communication

Relationship and communication abilities appropriate for interacting sensitively with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of professional, social, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds. Ability to accurately and clearly communicate appropriate information for lay and professional audiences, both orally and in writing.

Sensory Abilities

Ability to observe, identify, and obtain information in order to assess, plan, provide and evaluate public health situations and interventions; student must possess adequate sensory abilities or be able to demonstrate appropriate and safe compensation for deficits.

Motor Skills and Mobility

Sufficient mobility, including the gross and fine motor skills needed to function in professional public health environments.

Emotional Stability

Emotional stability sufficient to function within rapidly changing and often stressful professional environments; the ability to monitor and identify one's own and others' emotions, and use the information to guide thinking and actions.

• Integrity needed to make ethical decisions and honor the professional code of Public Health.
• Emotional ability to maintain calm in crisis and emergency situations.
• Ability to develop mature relationships with the other professionals and modify behavior in response to constructive feedback.
• Respect for diversity as well as regard and respect for others.
• Knowledge about and commitment to the values and ethics of the profession.
• Self-awareness and insight with sufficient capacity for self-evaluation and ability to take part in the supervisory process.

Physical Health and Abilities

Physical health and stamina sufficient to function in public health environments.

• Sufficient energy and ability to manage public health responsibilities in a variety of settings for a full internship day.
• Physical health necessary to interact with those who may be immunocompromised, incapacitated, and/or otherwise vulnerable populations.

Standards for Admission and Progression in the Public Health Curriculum

Students are required to successfully complete all core, required courses and internship experiences. By accepting admission in the Egan School, the student understands the program eligibility and progression requirements. Public Health students must follow all University educational policies and general regulations including those regarding academic progress.

Prerequisites

The science and math courses are sequential and are prerequisites to designated Public Health courses. Strong foundational knowledge in the science and math courses is critical to success in the Public Health program. Thus, students may not progress to the next semester with an incomplete in prerequisite courses. Biology, Chemistry, Math, and Public Health courses must be completed successfully with a minimum grade of C (73) for students to progress to the next semester in the course sequence for the Public Health major. The final grade for CHEM 1184 is calculated based from grades for both the lab and theory portion.

Students unable to complete these courses successfully are expected to repeat coursework in the next semester or the summer session immediately following or they will be dismissed from the Egan School. Students who do not obtain a grade of C or better in a prerequisite course (including a repeated course) may repeat the course once. A grade of less than C in three or more prerequisite courses will result in dismissal from the Egan School.

Public Health Courses

Public Health courses are sequential, beginning with foundational courses and progressing to increasing levels of complexity and challenge throughout the program. As students move through the curriculum, new content is integrated and builds upon previously learned material. Thus, all students must earn the minimum grade of C (73) in all Public health courses to progress to the next semester and continue in the program.

Further, students may not progress to the next semester with an incomplete in any Public Health course. Students who do not obtain a grade of C or better in a Public Health course may repeat the course once. A grade of less than C in two Public health courses (including a repeated course) will result in dismissal from the Egan School. The internship component of the Public Health program is graded on a pass/fail basis. Students must pass the theory component. Students who fail to earn the minimum grade in either component of a course must repeat the entire course.

Health and Professional Requirements

Some public health internship agencies may require documentation of professional and health information. This may include: a criminal background check, drug screening, physical examination, and proof of immunization or immunity for selected infectious diseases. All Public Health students are expected to comply with all requirements of their clinical/experiential learning agencies. Noncompliance with agency requirements (e.g. vaccination mandates) may result in the student being unable to complete the program requirements for graduation. All costs associated with these requirements including transportation to and from internships are the responsibility of the student. A criminal, drug, or immunization history that prevents a student from entering an internship may also prevent the student from progressing in the program. Fairfield University and the Egan School have no obligation to refund tuition or otherwise accommodate students in the event that a criminal, drug, or immunization history renders the student ineligible to complete required courses or internships.

Seamless Progression to Graduate Study

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Public Health will have some requirements of the online Master of Public Health (MPH) program waived and may complete the Master's degree in 15 months or less.  The MPH prepares students for a wide range of careers in public health, ensuring that they develop a broad base of knowledge and skills that can be applied to a variety of settings. The curriculum includes intermediate- and advanced-level coursework in epidemiology, biostatistics, program planning and evaluation, and health policy. Like the undergraduate program, the MPH also maintains an emphasis on social justice and interdisciplinary education. 

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Public Health are provided with the opportunity for advanced placement in the Health Track of Fairfield's Master of Public Administration (MPA) program. In as little as sixteen months, students can complete an MPA degree program designed to examine pressing social, ethical, and professional health issues, while developing strong leadership abilities for career advancement. Pursuing advanced coursework in administration and management, students will learn theory, research, and application for future roles in local, state, and federal healthcare organizations. Students are also able to work with dedicated faculty from across the University with a wide range of healthcare backgrounds to tailor their curriculum to their personal, professional, and academic goals.