Academic Catalogs

Public Health, Associate in Science Degree for Transfer (AS-T)

Banner Code: 1_AST_PUBH

Control Number: 44152

Financial Aid Eligible


The Associate in Science in Public Health for Transfer prepares students to transfer to California State University campuses that offer bachelor’s degrees in Health, Health Science, and Public Health Science. California Education Code Section 66746-66749 states that students earning the Associate in Science in Public Health for Transfer degree will be granted priority for admission as a Health Science major to a local CSU, as determined by the CSU campus to which the student applies. Students completing these degrees (AS-T) are guaranteed admission to the CSU system but not to a particular campus or major.

The Associate in Science in Public Health Science for Transfer focuses on understanding populations' health. This degree is designed to prepare students to continue their study of public health by providing a comprehensive preparation for upper-division work. Students choosing this degree program will study various topics related to preserving human health and reducing disease, particularly in vulnerable populations.  Students will understand and assess the burden of disease on the health of populations, including the impact of environmental exposures; use data to support evidence-based practices; develop and deliver health programs and interventions based on behavior frameworks; and evaluate health programs and initiatives for effectiveness. Public Health Science bridges the gap between scientific discoveries and applying this knowledge to improve the quality of life.

The Associate in Science in Public Health for Transfer program requires 60 CSU-transferable semester units. Minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework. While a minimum of 2.0 is required for admission, some majors may require a higher GPA. Please consult with a counselor for more information. Students should consult an OCC counselor when planning to complete the degree for more information on university admission and transfer requirements for institutions outside the CSU system.

Program Outcomes

  1. Students will be able to explain the foundation of public health and approaches to keeping populations healthy.  
  2. Students will be able to evaluate current health conditions among vulnerable populations, analyze disparities in health outcomes within these populations, and identify evidence-informed interventions to reduce the burden of disease and improve health outcomes. 
  3. Students will be able to describe the ways public health supports social justice. 
  4. Students will be eligible and prepared for admission (SB 1440 and Education Code 66746) to California State University system schools.

Associate Degree for Transfer Requirements

The following is required for all AA-T or AS-T degrees:

  1. Minimum of 60 CSU-transferable semester units.
  2. Minimum GPA of at least 2.0 in all CSU transferable courseworkWhile a minimum of 2.0 is required for admission, some majors require a higher GPAConsult with a counselor for more information.
  3. Completion of a minimum of 18-semester units in the major as detailed in the Degree and Certificate section of this catalogAll courses in the major must be completed with a grade of C (or “P”) or better.
  4. Certified completion of the Cal-GETC/Breadth.
  5. A minimum of 12 units in residence within the Coast Colleges (Orange Coast College, Golden West College and/or Coastline College).
Course Title Units
Required Courses
PUBH A100Personal Health3
PUBH A200/A200HIntroduction to Public Health3
PUBH A214Public Health Statistics4
or STAT A160 Introduction to Statistics
or PSYC A160 Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
BIOL A100/A100HPrinciples of Biology4
List A - Select one course (4 units)4-5
General Chemistry A
Anatomy-Physiology
Human Anatomy
Human Physiology
List B - Select one course (3 units)3
Health and Social Justice
Social Determinants of Health, Disparities and Equities
Analysis of Social Problems
List C - Select one course (3 units)3
Drugs, Health, and Society
Introduction to Health and Healthcare Careers
Holistic Health: Health and Healing Systems
Investigating Disease Outbreaks and Epidemics
Global Health
Navigating the U.S. Health Care System, Health Insurance, Public Assistance, and Benefits Programs
Navigating the U.S. Health Care System, Health Insurance, Public Assistance, and Benefits Programs
Assessing and Analyzing Health Information
Techniques and Topics in Health Education
Principles of Human Sexuality 1
Digital Mapping: Introduction to GIS
Total Major Units24-25
Cal-GETC Requirements34
Double Counting GE 1-4.0 to -16.0
Electives6.0 - 17.0
Total Degree Units60
 

Cal-GETC Area 5B/5C, and potential for Area 2A from Required Core, Area 5A from List A, Area 4 from List B, and Area 4 from List C

Program Sequence - Cal-GETC

These sequences at Orange Coast College are general course curriculum maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. The course sequence may include course prerequisites and other placement requirements. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Units
PUBH A100 Personal Health 3
PUBH A200
Introduction to Public Health
or Introduction to Public Health Honors
3
STAT A160
Introduction to Statistics 1
or Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
or Public Health Statistics
4
Cal-GETC GE AREA 1A - CHOOSE ONE 3
 Units13
Semester 2
BIOL A100
Principles of Biology 2
or Principles of Biology Honors
4
ADT LIST B COURSE - CHOOSE ONE (See Requirements) 3 3
Cal-GETC GE AREA 1B - CHOOSE ONE 3-4
Cal-GETC GE AREA 1C- CHOOSE ONE 3
 Units13-14
Summer
POLS A180
American Government and Politics 4
or American Government and Politics Honors
3
ELECTIVE (UC/CSU TRANSFERABLE) 5 3-1
 Units6-4
Year 2
Semester 1
ADT List A - CHOOSE ONE (See Requirements) 4-5
Cal-GETC GE AREA 3A - CHOOSE ONE 3
Cal-GETC GE AREA 6 - CHOOSE ONE 3
ELECTIVE (UC/CSU TRANSFERABLE) 5 3
 Units13-14
Semester 2
ADT LIST C COURSE- CHOOSE ONE (See Requirements) 3
HIST A170
History of the United States to 1876 6
or History of the United States to 1876 Honors
or History of the United States Since 1876
or History of the United States Since 1876 Honors
3
Cal-GETC GE AREA 4- CHOOSE ONE 3
Cal-GETC GE AREA 5A (no lab)- CHOOSE ONE 7 3
ELECTIVE (UC/CSU TRANSFERABLE) 5 3
 Units15
 Total Units60
1

STAT A160, PSYC A160 Satisfies Cal-GETC GE AREA 2

2

Satisfies Cal-GETC GE AREA 5B and 5C (lab)

3

PUBH A203, SOC A185, SOC A185H Satisfies Cal-GETC GE AREA 4

4

American Institutions Requirement - Cal-GETC GE AREA 4 and CSU Graduation Requirement OR take another course from IGETC GE AREA 4

5

VARIES TO REACH MINIMUM 60 TRANSFERABLE UNITS. Not all courses are UC transferable. Please check with your counselor to ensure you have enough transferable units for your transfer goal.

6

American Institutions Requirement - CSU Graduation Requirement;  or choose one course from Cal-GETC Area 4 

7

Depends on the course selected from List A. If CHEM A180 not selected, choose a course from Cal-GETC GE AREA 5A (without lab).