Applied Health Science FAQ's
- What are the admission requirements for the applied health science program?
- What is the focus of your program?
- What is a health education specialist?
- Why should I choose your program?
- How many faculty members are in the applied health science program?
- What can I do with a degree in applied health science?
- How is your program different from other programs?
- Are there any scholarships?
- Am I required to do an internship?
- What is the curriculum in the applied health science major?
- Where do your alumni work?
What Are the Admission Requirements for the Applied Health Science Program?
To be admitted into the Applied Health Science degree, you must apply and be accepted to the University. Then, to be admitted to the Applied Health Science program, students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 with a C- or better in HLTH 101 and HLTH 260.
When admitted, students will choose an emphasis within the degree:
- Health Education and Promotion
- Public Health
- Occupational Therapy Preparation
- Healthcare Administration Preparation
- Pre-Athletic Training Prepartion
Students will then be assigned an advisor and encouraged to complete a MavPlan to plot out which classes can be taken when.
What Is the Focus of Your Program?
The BS in Applied Health Science has four career emphases to help prepare students for varying careers in the field of health. This program uses public health questions, concepts, and tools to teach critical thinking skills. All students will be trained as health educators and eligible to sit for a national certification exam, to become a Certified Health Education Specialist.
What Is a Health Education Specialist?
Health education specialists work to improve public health by encouraging healthy lifestyles through educational programs, health communications, and public health advocacy. The duties of health education specialists vary depending upon where they work. Most health education specialists work in public health departments (e.g., county health departments), health agencies and organizations (e.g., the American Cancer Society), health care settings (e.g., Mayo Clinic), businesses, and colleges and universities. See the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing to learn about the benefits of this certification.
Why Should I Choose Your Program?
We have worked to incorporate a number of High Impact Practices within our curriculum, which are teaching and learning practices that have been widely tested to benefit college students the most. These High Impact Practices are particularly important as they are active learning practices that contribute to students learning. Examples include writing intensive courses, collaborative assignments, ePortfolios, service learning, diversity/global learning, internships and opportunities for undergraduate research.
As of Spring 2022, the Health Science Department has submitted an application to begin the accreditation process for the undergraduate Allied Health Science program through the Council for Public Health (CEPH) Accreditation. CEPH assures quality in public health education and training to achieve excellence in practice, research and service.
How Many Faculty Members Are in the Applied Health Science Program?
There are seven full-time faculty members in the Applied Health Science program and one part-time faculty member. All faculty have doctoral degrees and various certifications and licenses, and research interests.
What Can I Do With a Degree in Applied Health Science?
A Bachelors of Science (B.S.) in Applied Health Science prepares students for rewarding careers and advanced degrees in public health and healthcare. Graduates can work in a variety of settings such as non-profit organizations, health departments and other governmental agencies, academic settings, healthcare settings, insurance companies, community centers, and businesses.
How Is Your Program Different From Other Programs?
The Applied Health Science major is the only one of its kind in the Minnesota State University System. Students choose a path to support careers and/or seek further training in health education and promotion or another allied health profession. All students completing the major, with a C or higher in all major HLTH courses, will be eligible for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) credential.
Are There Any Scholarships?
Minnesota State University, Mankato is fortunate to have generous individuals who donate to scholarship funds. The purpose of the scholarships is to assist undergraduate students in meeting the cost of attendance at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Students can apply for the Health Science Scholarship by completing a general application through the Minnesota State University Scholarship Finder.
Am I required to do an internship?
An internship, which is a concentrated pre-professional work experience, is required for students who are in the Health Education and Promotion emphasis and encouraged for those in the Public Health emphasis. The internship experience will provide abundant opportunities to gain further skills for their future careers, give them a crucial edge for employment, and provide practical opportunities for students to experience all areas of the CHES areas of responsibility and competencies to aid in passing their CHES certification exam. Students must schedule their internship placement one semester in advance, successfully complete all Allied Health Science Core Courses, and complete internship-related admission documents. Details are available in the Internship Handbook
What Is the Curriculum in the Applied Health Science Major?
The Minnesota State University, Applied Health Science Coursework includes health program planning, implementation, and evaluation; health communication and advocacy; epidemiology; chronic and infectious diseases; and grant writing. Students may also choose from courses in environmental health, mental and emotional health, nutrition, drug education, human sexuality, global health, healthcare delivery, first aid/CPR, behavior change, and more. For more about courses for each emphasis, pleae see the following:
- Health Education and Promotion Emphasis
- Public Health Emphasis
- Pre-Occupational Therapy Emphasis
- Pre-Healthcare Administration Emphasis
- Pre-Athletic Training Emphasis
Where Do Your Alumni Work?
The Health Science department is over 50 years old we have an extensive alumni network! Our alumni work for companies and organizations such as:
- Nutrition Educator, University of Minnesota Extension
- Community Specialist for Statewide Health Improvement Program Faribault & Martin Counties
- Wellness Facilitator at Mayo Clinic Health System
- Volunteer Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity
- Public Health Educator at Cottonwood, Jackson and Redwood Counties
- Community Health Specialist Olmsted County Public Health
- Health Educator at Rural AIDS Action Network
- Minnesota Department of Health, various departments and positions
- Various county health departments including Washington county, Blue Earth County, Dakota County, Fairbault, Watowan and Martin County
