Minor in Public Health

The Minor in Public Health at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science gives undergraduate students the knowledge and skills to understand how social, environmental, and behavioral factors shape individual and community health.

The minor provides a strong foundation in health equity, disease prevention, community wellness, and public health leadership. It is especially valuable for students interested in medicine, nursing, psychology, social work, education, public service, and other fields that intersect with health and well-being.

Through coursework in epidemiology, health education, research methods, environmental health, and health policy, students develop practical skills to understand and address today’s most pressing public health challenges.

Why Minor in Public Health?

A Minor in Public Health can help you:

• Understand health disparities and the principles of health equity
• Identify strategies for promoting healthier communities
• Analyze public health data and research
• Strengthen leadership and communication skills
• Prepare for graduate and professional programs

The minor can also provides a valuable foundation for students pursuing careers in:

• Medicine
• Nursing
• Physician assistant studies
• Dentistry
• Pharmacy
• Public Health
• Social Work
• Health Administration
• Community Health
• Health Education
• Research
• Government and Public Service
• Nonprofit organizations

Course Requirements

Prerequisite Courses

Before declaring the minor, students must complete the following courses with a grade of C or higher. Both courses also satisfy General Education requirements.

• BSPH 101: Introduction to Public Health (GE Category F)
• BSPH 202: Health Disparities, Equity & Social Justice (GE Category E)

Required Courses

The Minor in Public Health consists of 18 units of upper-division Public Health coursework.

• BSPH 203: Community Health Education & Communication
• BSPH 301: Introduction to Epidemiology
• BSPH 302: Theoretical Principles of Health Behavior
• BSPH 304: Introduction to Environmental Health
• BSPH 306: Research Methods in Public Health
• BSPH 401: Health Policy, Leadership and Ethics* (prerequisites: POL 141 US Government or HIS 141 US History)

Declaring the Minor in Public Health

To declare the Minor in Public Health, students must:

• Be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at CDU
• Complete BSPH 101 and BSPH 202 with a grade of C or higher
• Meet with a Public Health academic advisor
• Complete the Minor in Public Health Declaration form

Academic Policies

Students enrolled in the Minor in Public Health must:

• Earn a minimum grade of C in every course required for hte minor.
• Complete all minor coursework at CDU.
• Ensure courses applied toward the minor do not duplicate requirements for their major.