Public Health
Public Health
Associate in Science Degree (A.S.)
Program Website
Math, Science, and
Health Professions Division

609.570.3383

Public health is the practice of maintaining a healthy population through education, research, public policy, regulation of health systems and working health professionals. Public health professionals protect the health of the community, promote healthy lifestyles, and prevent disease and injury through research and education. Public health has been a national objective for more than three decades with focuses on increased public awareness, health equity, healthful behaviors across all life stages, and interaction of national, state, and local stakeholders to strengthen policies and improve practices (e.g., Healthy People 2020).

The A.S. degree in Public Health exposes students to the various contributors to public health – including the natural sciences, mathematics, ethics, and social sciences – to form a foundation of public health education. Students are afforded a strong background in science and math along with the general education requirements appropriate for continued Public Health study at a four-year institution.

Successful graduates of this program will be able to transfer to Mercer’s articulation affiliates (Rutgers: Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy or William Paterson University) to pursue a bachelor’s degree in their chosen area of specialization. Elsewhere in the state, Richard Stockton College and Montclair State University offer a B.S. in Public Health or Health Education while The College of New Jersey and Drew University offer a minor in Public Health.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts of public health;
  • View the world and all of its resources with a greater understanding, insight, and appreciation with regard to public health;
  • Understand key health issues as they relate locally, nationally, and globally;
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply the scientific method of inquiry to gather and use information for the purpose of critical thinking, information analysis, and problem solving;
  • Recognize that knowledge of history, literature, geography, and economics all play an important role in public health;
  • Transfer and successfully pursue a baccalaureate degree in public health.
DEGREE CURRICULUM
2023-2024 Academic Year
 earlier / Archive
PUBLIC.HEALTH.AS
CIP 512201

The course sequence below represents a recommended example of how this degree program can be completed in two years, presuming a Fall Term start and satisfaction of all Developmental Studies (foundation courses) requirements and prerequisites. Actual approaches toward completion depend on each student's anticipated transfer institution, career objectives, or other individual circumstances.

Students are encouraged to meet regularly with an academic advisor or Success Coach to consider options, establish plans, and monitor progress.

Code Course (lecture/lab hours) Credits
To Do This Semester
FIRST SEMESTER
BIO 103 Anatomy and Physiology I (3/3) 4

✔ Meet with your faculty advisor to complete an academic plan. Make sure you are aware of any course prerequisites you may need to take, and how long it will take to complete your degree.

✔ Use your online tools: Check your MercerMail daily, utilize features of Office 365, and get to know Student Planning.

✔ Take advantage of Learning Centers or Online Tutoring to support your studies and assignments.

CSH 100 College Success for Health Professions (1/1)
  • Some exemptions apply. Consult academic advisor for details.
2
ENG 101 English Composition I (3/0) 3
MAT 125 Elementary Statistics I (3/0) 3
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology (3/0)





3
SECOND SEMESTER
BIO 104 Anatomy and Physiology II (3/3) 4

✔ Transitioning to college can be challenging. Meet with your Success Coach for guidance and support.

✔ Apply for financial aid by May 1.

✔ Contact professors with questions and use their office hours to develop a connection.

✔ Apply for Continuing Student scholarships at www.mccc.edu/m-scholarships.

✔ Begin attending college transfer events and visit campuses. Be sure to visit the Transfer Services and Career Services offices to get to know how the transfer process works and to explore career options.

✔ Plan for how you will complete transfer applications while finishing your classes.

ENG 102 English Composition II (3/0) 3
HPE 113 Medical Terminology (3/0) 3
PBH 101 Principles of Public Health (3/0) 3
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology (3/0)  
  OR 3
SOC 107 Social Problems (3/0)










 
THIRD SEMESTER
CHE 107 General and Physiological Chemistry (2/1/2) 4

✔ Keep in contact with each professor and your faculty advisor. Make sure you are on track to graduate.

✔ Complete your applications to desired transfer institutions.

✔ Develop team and leadership skills by getting involved in activities and clubs.

✔ Manage your stress! Take advantage of the MCCC pool, Fitness Center, free yoga and Zumba. Reach out for counseling or other support if you need it. Your Success Coach can connect you with resources.

CMN 111 Speech: Human Communication (3/0)  
  OR
  • Course choice based on anticipated transfer institution and student’s desired area of concentration. Select in consultation with program coordinator in order to assure maximum transfer of credits.
3
CMN 112 Public Speaking (3/0)  
PHI 204 Ethics (3/0) 3
PSY 206 Child Development (3/0)  
  OR 3
PSY 207 Developmental Psychology: Across the Life Span (3/0)  
SUS 101 Introduction to Sustainability (3/0)  
  OR
  • Course choice based on anticipated transfer institution and student’s desired area of concentration. Select in consultation with program coordinator in order to assure maximum transfer of credits.
3
HIS  — History elective  
FOURTH SEMESTER
BIO 201 Microbiology (3/3) 4

✔ Apply for financial aid by May 1.

✔ Talk to your faculty advisor and the Transfer office for advice on how to successfully transition to a new school.

✔ Apply for Graduating Student scholarships at www.mccc.edu/m-scholarships.

HPE 101 Basic Concepts of Nutrition (3/0) 3
PSY 210 Abnormal Psychology (3/0)  
  OR 3
PSY 215 Human Sexuality (3/0)  
SOC 209 Racial, Ethnic and Minority Groups (3/0)  
  OR
  • Course choice based on anticipated transfer institution and student’s desired area of concentration. Select in consultation with program coordinator in order to assure maximum transfer of credits.
3
SOC 214 Sociology of Drug Use and Behavior (3/0)  
  60