Degree Requirements: Pre-Public Health Major
Applicants who satisfy freshman or transfer requirements for admission to the University and are interested in the BSPH can declare the Pre-Public Health Major (PRPH). It includes a combination of 60 hours of courses that fulfills the UNC Charlotte General Education requirements; and serves as preparatory coursework for the Public Health major (BSPH).
General Education Courses
For details on required courses, refer to the General Education program. Students pursuing the Pre-Public Health major must complete foundational general education courses, including introductory statistics and biology. These courses lay the groundwork for further studies in public health while fulfilling general education requirements.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| STAT 1222 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| BIOL 1110 | Principles of Biology I | 3 |
| or BIOL 1115 | Principles of Biology II | 3 |
Foundation Courses (21 credit hours)
Prerequisite Core Courses (15 credit hours)
Pre-Public Health students will complete 15 credit hours of a core set of courses that cover key concepts such as healthy lifestyles, public health foundations, and global health foundations. These courses build the necessary knowledge for advanced public health studies.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HLTH 2101 | Healthy Lifestyles | 3 |
| HLTH 2102 | Foundations of Public Health | 3 |
| HLTH 2103 | Foundations of Global Health | 3 |
| STAT 1222 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| BIOL 1110 | Principles of Biology I | 3 |
| or BIOL 1115 | Principles of Biology II | 3 |
Health-Related Communication Courses (6 credit hours)
Students must complete 6 credit hours in health-related communication by selecting two courses from the list below. To enhance communication skills vital in public health, students will select two courses from a variety of options such as public speaking, health communication, and organizational communication. This will equip them for effective public engagement and health promotion.
Select two of the following:
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 1101 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| COMM 2100 | Introduction to Communication Theory | 3 |
| COMM 2105 | Small Group Communication | 3 |
| COMM 2107 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| COMM 3115 | Health Communication | 3 |
| COMM 3130 | Communication and Public Advocacy | 3 |
| COMM 3135 | Leadership, Comm. & Group Dynamics | 3 |
| COMM 3141 | Organizational Communication | 3 |
Unrestricted Elective Courses
As needed for the above courses to add up to 60 credit hours total. Study abroad courses are included.
Suggested Pre Public Health Curriculum
This curriculum outlines a two-year course plan for students pursuing the Pre-Public Health major. It includes foundational courses in health, statistics, biology, and communication, ensuring students meet general education and preparatory requirements.
| Year 1 | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Courses |
HAHS 1101 MATH XXXX (General Education Requirement) BIOL 1110 Themes Course |
HLTH 2101 STAT 1222 Science with Lab (General Education Requirement) UWRT XXXX (General Education Requirement) Themes Course |
| Year 2 | Fall | Spring |
| Courses |
HLTH 2102 HLTH 2103 Themes Course Health-Related Communication Course |
CTCM 2530 Themes Course Health-Related Communication Course General Education Requirements or other course requirements towards minor, second major, or electives to reach 60 credit hours |
The Pre-Public Health Advising Checklist can be used as a reference to develop schedules each semester.
Contact information for Pre-Public Health & BSPH major
CHHS Advising Center
CHHS 103
Email: chhsadvisingcenter@charlotte.edu
Phone: 704‑687‑7922