Health Care, Policy, and Practice Concentration

Course Requirements

Track Requirements

Students in the Health Care, Policy and Practice concentration must select and complete the requirements of one of the following tracks: General, Health Education, Community and Public Health or Health Policy and Administration.

General Health Care, Policy and Practice Track

Health Education Track

Community and Public Health Track

Health Policy and Administration Track

Open Electives

Open elective credit also is required to meet the minimum graduation requirement of 192 hours. 

MAT 242

ELEMENTS OF STATISTICS

Descriptive statistics, elements of probability, the binomial and normal probability models; large and small sample hypothesis testing, correlation and regression analysis. Use of computer packages. This course does not count toward mathematics major credit. Cross-listed with SOC 279.
Prerequisites:
MAT 101 or above or placement by test is a prerequisite for this class.

PSY 240

STATISTICS I

Descriptive and inferential statistics in the behavioral sciences.
Prerequisites:
(PSY 105 or PSY 106) and LSP 120 or equivalents are a prerequisite for this class.

NSG 480

STATISTICAL METHODS FOR THE HEALTH SCIENCES

This course is designed to assist students to understand, interpret, and apply statistical methods to address health science research questions. Beginning with a basic understanding of data and data integrity, level of measurement, and statistical concepts and assumptions, students will focus on describing variables using measures of central tendency and measures of dispersion, addressing research questions using appropriate parametric/non parametric, epidemiologic and multivariate statistical models. Students will also practice using statistical software to manage, graphically display, describe and analyze sample data. PREREQUISITE(S): Undergraduate statistics course.

SOC 279

INTRO STATS FOR THE SOCIAL SCIENCES

Data description and interpretation; table construction; correlation, regression and ANOVA; introduction to multivariate analysis; statistical inference and hypothesis testing. Cross-listed with MAT 242.
Prerequisites:
MAT 100 or higher or placement by test is a prerequisite for this class.

PSY 106

INTRODUCTORY PSYCHOLOGY II

Introduction to the history and science of psychology; neuroscience and behavior; sensation and perception; states of consciousness; motivation and work; emotion; stress and health; psychological disorders; therapy. PSY 105 and PSY 106 will include a research participation requirement of no more than six hours. PSY 105 and PSY 106 may be taken in either order; one is not a prerequisite for the other.

HLTH 210

INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC HEALTH

This course is designed to lay out the concepts, principles, and case outcomes of public health practice. It outlines theories of health, illness behavior, and health education. It considers community health data source, classical intervention approaches, and the planning and evaluation of community health interventions.
Prerequisites:
A Health Science major is a prerequisite for this class.

HLTH 310

SOCIAL EPIDEMIOLOGY

This course is designed to serve as the foundation for the study of factors that affect the health and illness of whole populations. It lays out the concepts, methods, and key findings related to the distribution of morbidity and mortality, i.e. illness and death afflicting identifiable segments of the population. It is the cornerstone of public health research. The overall perspective is that health and disease are caused by a range of factors and that social factors play a critical role in shaping a person's exposure to risk of illness and death.

SOC 221

INTRODUCTION TO THE U.S HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

Examination of occupations and organizations in the U.S. health care system. Topics include: quality, access, and cost of health services; occupations and organizations involved in delivering health care; financing of care through health insurance and government programs. Recommended gateway course for all students in Health and Health Services concentration.

SOC 351

HEALTH DISPARITIES

Examination of persistent health disparities in the U.S. and the influence of social settings on morbidity and mortality, as well as the impact of social class, gender, and race/ethnicity on disease and illness patterns and access to health care.

CMNS 315

HEALTH COMMUNICATION

This course overviews the theory and practice of communication in the health care setting. Topics include the dynamics of doctor-patient interaction and the cursory nature of health care campaigns. (Organizational, Relational)

ANT 360

ISSUES IN GLOBAL HEALTH

This course focuses on a specific health issue or set of issues in our world. The interrelationships between culture and health in this issue are examined.

ORGC 212

SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION (Formerly CMNS 212)

A survey of the variables operating in group interactions. Combines principles with practice through participation in small group experiences. Topics include group formation, group formats, organizational approaches, decision-making models, group observation and evaluation. (Group) (Formerly CMNS 212)

ORGC 251

ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION (Formerly CMNS 251)

This course focuses on the role of communication in organizational life. Attention will be devoted to exploring how communication simultaneously shapes and is shaped by organizations. Topics include conflict and mediation, stress and social support, the supervisor-subordinate relationships, workplace diversity, organizational consultation and new communication technologies in organizations. (organizational) (Formerly CMNS 251)

PSY 355

TEAMS AND WORK GROUPS IN ORGANIZATIONS

The behavior and thinking of individuals in teams and work groups and the functioning of teams in organizational settings.
Prerequisites:
(PSY 105 or PSY 106) and (PSY 347 or PSY 380) are a prerequisite for this class.

PSY 382

ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR

Theories in learning, personality, work motivation, job attitudes, and organizational culture, and application to employee behavior.
Prerequisites:
PSY 380 is a prerequisite for this class.

SOC 342

ORGANIZATIONAL DYNAMICS

Examination of the structure and process of organizations in the public and private sectors, life in organizations and the interrelationship of individuals and organizations.

PE 273

HEALTH AND NUTRITION

This course will provide students with an introductory background in nutrition throughout the life span. The study of foods and their effects upon health, development and performance of the individual will be emphasized. Software analysis of dietary intakes will facilitate an individual reflective approach to an application of the content.

SOC 370

PEOPLE, PLACES, AND FOOD

Exploration of community food resources and the relationship to chronic disease such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Qualitative methods focus on meanings of eating habits and how people secure food. Analyzes barriers and supports for healthy eating habits in Chicago neighborhoods. Service-learning component.

PRAD 338

HEALTH AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

This course will familiarize students with the major issues/problems in the United States health care system. Students will explore current issues in health policy such as the problem of the uninsured, the rising cost of health care, and the politics of health from a public relations perspective. Each student will be responsible for assuming the role of a public relations director for a health organization in the public or private sector.
Prerequisites:
PRAD 255 or a Health Sciences major is a prerequisite for this class.

PSY 105

INTRODUCTORY PSYCHOLOGY I

Introduction to the history and science of psychology; human development through the life span; learning, memory, thinking, language, and intelligence; personality; social psychology. PSY 105 and PSY 106 will include a research participation requirement of no more than six hours. PSY 105 and PSY 106 may be taken in either order; one is not a prerequisite for the other.

PSY 215

HUMAN SEXUALITY

Historical, cultural, psychological and physiological aspects of human sexuality. Cannot be used as psychology major course.
Prerequisites:
PSY 105 or PSY 106 is a prerequisite for this class.

PSY 302

PERSONAL ADJUSTMENT AND MENTAL HEALTH

Psychological principles involved in personality and interpersonal adjustments. May only be taken for credit toward psychology major by students in the Comprehensive Evening Program. May be taken as general elective by all students.
Prerequisites:
PSY 105, PSY 106 or the equivalent of Introduction to Psychology is a prerequisite for this class.

PSY 353

ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY

Description of the nature, symptoms, treatment applications, and cause of psychological disorders.
Prerequisites:
PSY 105 or 106 is a prerequisite for this class.

SOC 353

SOCIOLOGY OF MENTAL ILLNESS

Examines the social history of, and societal reaction to, the mentally ill. Review of contemporary social perspectives on mental illness and social research on mental hospital institutionalization; the dynamics of the therapist-patient relationship.

PSY 364

HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY AND STRESS MANAGEMENT

Considers interaction of mind and body in maintaining health and resisting disease. Contributions of exercise, lifestyle, psychological functioning, and spirituality to wellness will be examined. Students will practice and document their experience with a wide range of stress management/exercise techniques.
Prerequisites:
PSY 105 or 106 is a prerequisite for this class.

SOC 365

HEALTH AND GLOBALIZATION

Comparative approach to understanding changes in health and illness patterns, diet and consumption, and access to health care associated with economic expansion, global inequalities, and changes in local economies, occupations and cultures. Case studies of selected non-industrialized countries.

PSY 241

RESEARCH METHODS I

Introduction to methods of psychological research to enable students to become more sophisticated consumers of research information. Students will learn and apply basic methodological concepts and skills. Students will conduct a non-experimental research project, analyze the data, and write a paper based on the project. PSY 241 and PSY 242 may be taken in either order; one is not a prerequisite for the other.
Prerequisites:
(PSY 105 or PSY 106) and (PSY 240 or MAT 242 or SOC 279) are a prerequisite for this class.

SOC 380

RESEARCH METHODS IN SOCIOLOGY I

The logic of procedures of social science methodology. Initiation of student research project: formulation of problem, design of research, data collection. Presentation of the range of methods available for various types of social research.

PSY 242

RESEARCH METHODS II

Design, execution, analysis and interpretation of psychology research, with an emphasis on experimental design. Students will conduct an experimental research project, analyze the data, and write a paper based on the project. PSY 241 and PSY 242 may be taken in either order; one is not a prerequisite for the other.
Prerequisites:
(PSY 105 or PSY 106) and (PSY 240 or MAT 242 or SOC 279) are a prerequisite for this class.

SOC 381

RESEARCH METHODS IN SOCIOLOGY II

Continuation of the research project begun in Sociology 380. Data manipulation and analysis with the use of computers; interpretation, write-up, and synthesis of the research experience.
Prerequisites:
(SOC 279 or PSY 240 or MAT 137 or HON 180) and SOC 380 are a prerequisite for this class.

PSY 345

CULTURAL ISSUES IN PSYCHOLOGY

Race and ethnic relations in the U.S. is not a fixed, static phenomenon, but rather a dynamic, ever-changing pattern of relationships. This course assists students in understanding the diversity, heterogeneity, and complexity of race relations in American society.
Prerequisites:
PSY 105 or 106 is a prerequisite for this class.

SOC 250

GROUP DIVERSITY

Study of cultural identities, values, and interaction of diverse groups. Among the concepts explored will be race, ethnicity, religion, gender, social class, sexual orientation, ableism, and age. The material will draw upon all the social sciences as well as appropriate samples from the literature.

PSY 354

COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY

Focus on systemic and ecological theories of human behavior, diversity, social support, community intervention and evaluation, empowerment, social change, and working with underserved populations. Community service project strongly encouraged. Cross level with PSY 654.
Prerequisites:
PSY 105, PSY 106 or the equivalent of Introduction to Psychology is a prerequisite for this class.

PSY 363

ALCOHOLISM, DRUG ADDICTION AND RECOVERY

Survey of major research findings in the area of alcoholism and drug addiction. Description of treatment programs for recovery and explorations of drug free ways to alter consciousness.
Prerequisites:
PSY 105, PSY 106 or the equivalent of Introduction to Psychology is a prerequisite for this class.

SOC 307

SOCIOLOGY OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ABUSE

Sociological perspectives on substance use and abuse, related high-risk behavior, drug traffic, community impact, and prevention and public policy.

SOC 321

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

The work of health and human service organizations is examined; the origins of these organizations, their goals and the problems inherent in attaining the goals, are considered.

SOC 373

PUBLIC HEALTH AND HIGH RISK BEHAVIOR

Explores problems in community and public health such as HIV/AIDS and injection drug use. Topics may vary.

SOC 223

SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH AND ILLNESS [FORMERLY SOC 350]

Examines how illness is related to sociological phenomena such as the social class of the patient or the organization of the health care delivery system. Formerly SOC 350.

HLTH 380

TOPICS IN HEALTH SCIENCES

Upper level course focused on a specific topic in Health Sciences that involves reading of primary literature and discussion.

HLTH 399

INDEPENDENT STUDY

INDEPENDENT STUDY

BIO 206

BIOSTATISTICS

A survey of a variety of statistical methods used to analyze biological data.
Prerequisites:
BIO 193 or instructor consent is a prerequisite for this class.

ANT 272

INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL ANTHROPOLOGY

This course explores the interrelationships between culture and human health for the purposes of understanding the biosocial origins of disease, systems of treatment, and the global inequalities that shape disease patterns and access to health care resources.