| Public and Community Health | |
| Type | Degree program |
|---|---|
| Degree | A.S. |
| Credits | 60 |
| Department | Department of Sociology |
| Division | Social Sciences |
| Institution | Oakridge College |
| Category | Academics & Programs |
Associate of Science (A.S.)
Total Credits Required: 60
The A.S. in Public and Community Health is a 60-credit program designed for students who want a practical and academic foundation in health education, community wellness, prevention, public health systems, and population-level health concerns. This program is intended for students who are interested in how health is shaped not only by individual care, but also by environment, access, education, policy, communication, and community support.
The program combines general education with foundational coursework in public health, community health, health communication, wellness education, healthcare systems, prevention, safety, ethics, and applied community service. Students complete studies in communication, quantitative reasoning, social understanding, science, and professional responsibility alongside department coursework focused on health needs within groups, neighborhoods, institutions, and local communities.
Together, these requirements are intended to prepare students for continued education in public health, health sciences, allied health, human services, or community-based care pathways, as well as supervised support roles that depend on communication, organization, outreach, prevention, and responsible public-facing conduct.
Program Structure
- English: 10 credits
- Sociology: 10 credits
- Political Science: 10 credits
- Ethics or Psychology: 10 credits
- Biology or Chemistry: 10 credits
- One Free Elective: 10 credits
Graduation Requirements
- Completion of at least 60 credit hours
- Successful completion of all required departmental coursework
- Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0
- A grade of C or higher in all core program requirements
- Completion of the capstone or supervised community health experience
Program Overview
The A.S. in Public and Community Health is intended for students seeking a focused pre-health and community service foundation within Oakridge’s Department of Health Sciences and Nursing Preparation. The program prepares students for further study in public health, health sciences, allied health, human services, community wellness, or related healthcare pathways while also supporting practical readiness for supervised public-facing support roles.
Rather than focusing on direct clinical preparation, the degree emphasizes prevention, communication, outreach, wellness, public responsibility, and the conditions that shape health across communities. Within Oakridge’s Department of Health Sciences and Nursing Preparation, this program serves students who want to understand health as a shared civic concern and prepare for work that supports the wellbeing of groups, neighborhoods, institutions, and local communities.