Department of Community Health Sciences

Emmanuel Ahua, Interim Chair
118 College Drive, Box 5122
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
601.266.5437
www.usm.edu/chs

Ahua, Anderson-Lewis, Carver, Dobson, Downey, Kamali, McGuire, Mitra, Powell

The Department of Community Health Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science in community health sciences in the emphasis areas of health promotion and health policy and administration. Students are trained for exciting careers in a health-related profession dedicated to improving the health of individuals and communitites.

Overview of Majors

Students majoring in community health sciences with an emphasis in health promotion will complete courses pertaining to personal wellness, contemporary health issues, community program planning and evaluation, health policy and administration, and social and behavioral psychology.

Students majoring in community health sciences with an emphasis in health policy and administration will complete courses pertaining to health care planning, management, marketing and financing in addition to community health course work.

Career Opportunities

Students with a degree in community health sciences work in a variety of health-related settings, including hospitals, health clinics, health departments, nursing homes, assisted living communities, and nonprofit and community outreach organizations.

Field Experience/Practicum

Community health sciences students are required to complete a 200-hour practicum at an approved health-related facility. In the practicum, students will observe and participate in daily activities under the direction of a facility preceptor.

Special Program Requirements

The following are requirements for a degree in community health sciences:

Cumulative GPA of 2.5 to be admitted into the program
Cumulative GPA of 2.5 before taking any CHS course above 300 (except 430 and 436)
Grade of C or better in all program curriculum courses

Though a student may be admitted to the program based on a cumulative GPA earned at a previous institution (i.e., junior college), once admitted the student must obtain and maintain a Southern Miss cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better to remain in good standing within the program. Students with a Southern Miss cumulative GPA of less than 2.5 will be placed on program probation and will not be allowed to enroll in CHS courses 300 level and above until the cumulative Southern Miss GPA is once again 2.5 or above.

Offerings for Non-majors

A number of courses offered within the Department of Community Health Sciences do not have prerequisites and are excellent choices for electives.

CHS 101 - Personal Wellness
CHS 430 - Human Sexuality
CHS 436 - Stress Management Techniques

Programs

Bachelor of Science

Non-degree