Career Profiles: Health Science

CSULB Department of Health Science

Why do people suffer from illness that could be prevented? Why do they fail to behave in a way that will promote good health? These questions concern every health educator. The health educator analyzes the reasons people might not be following good health practices and organizes intensive, well-planned health education programs to remedy the problem. Skills in many fact-finding techniques, such as interviewing, surveying, needs assessment, and community study, help people in this process.

Students interested in personal growth, community service, intellectual stimulation and professional career opportunities in the health environment fields may find the major in health science a means to achieve these goals. Health science emphasizes a preventive and an ecological approach to health and safety and attempts to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to understand and contribute to the promotion of general health and well-being. The education and training necessary to work in the health education field are as diverse as the health occupations themselves. Professional health workers such as school health educators, community health educators, sanitarians, industrial hygienists, safety, and others within the discipline are required to complete a number of years of highly specialized training and/or pass various state licensing/certification requirements. A bachelor's degree is considered the minimum requirement for entry into many occupations.