College of Education and Human Development

Curricula in Health

The goals of the curriculum leading to a Bachelor of Science in Health are to more effectively develop literate, informed professionals capable of making the world healthier and more humane. Students receive a general education through a broad exposure to information (Basic Education Block). They also receive a specialized education through course work designed to help them develop as a professional (Professional Development Block), expand their knowledge and skills related to health (Health Electives), and prepare them for professional practice (Professional Practice Block).

The curriculum in health offers two options: the Community Health Option and the School Health Option. The Community Health Option prepares health educators for work in public and/or voluntary health agencies. The School Health Option meets the requirements for teacher certification at the secondary level in Texas Public Schools. Students may elect to become certified in health (School Health Option I), or combine health with a second teaching field (School Health Option II). Courses for all options are grouped into four "blocks."

Basic Education Block

The Basic Education Block is made up of a group of courses, some required, and some elective, which correspond to the University Core Curriculum. Areas of general education are represented in this block: communication, mathematics, natural sciences, humanities, social and behavioral sciences, kinesiology, and U.S. history and political science.

Professional Development Block

The Professional Development Block is a group of courses intended to provide the foundation for professional practice. Introductory course work along with professional development electives are a part of this block of courses.

Health Electives

These courses provide an extensive list of electives that assure content mastery for the prospective health educator. This group of courses provides the student an opportunity to specialize. At the same time, the required number of courses assures that all students acquire a breadth of knowledge in the health arena.

Professional Practice Block

The Professional Practice Block is the final grouping of courses; all designed to expose the prospective health educator to the "real world" practice of the professional. Important elements of this block are the internship for the Community Health Option and the student teaching experience for the School Health Options.