Community Health

Major Description

The Community Health Program at the University of Illinois prepares students in the ever- changing world of health care, encompassing such areas as the business of health, pre-health fields/practitioners (for example MD, OT, PT, PA, Dentistry), rehabilitation counseling and health education and promotion. The undergraduate programs offered by the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health provide such training in a four-pronged approach:

1. A core of community health courses with additional coursework in one of three concentrations.

2. Course work in areas such as business administration, epidemiology, aging, wellness education and health behavior. 

3. Field placement in a setting appropriate to the area of concentration.

4. Involvement in faculty research projects studying issues such as cancer epidemiology, disability studies, cultural aspects of health and disability, or information technologies in health education and health policy.

Concentrations:

CHLH offers three concentrations at the undergraduate level. 

  • Health Education and Promotion
  • Health Planning and Administration
  • Rehabilitation Studies
Courses That Introduce the Major:
  • CHLH 100—Contemporary Health
  • CHLH 101—Introduction to Public Health
  • CHLH 210—Community Health Organizations
  • CHLH 250—Health Care Systems
  • CHLH 304—Foundations of Health Behavior 

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities:

The CHLH goal is to prepare students for professional and research careers in the rapidly changing world of health and rehabilitative services, with special emphasis on the community context in which health care is delivered.

No
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Communications skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Organizational skills
  • Planning and evaluation skills
  • Able to work independent and in a team environment
  • Weight Management Specialist
  • Personal Stress Manager
  • AIDS Educator
  • Corporate Trainer
  • Community Services & Health Educator Officer
  • University Health Educator
  • Work Site Wellness Coordinator
  • Hospital Health Education Coordinator
  • Field Health Officer
  • Industrial Hygienist
  • Hospital Administrator
  • Environmental Health Specialists
  • Health Information Administrator/Technician
  • Hospital/Managed Care Administrator
  • Alcohol/Drug Manager

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience:
  • Participating in undergraduate research
  • Applying for a study abroad experience
  • Utilizing resources of The Career Center
  • Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major:
    • Applied Health Sciences Student Council: Educates students of the various academic, social, and professional opportunities available. Promotes enhanced interaction between students, alumni, staff, in addition to organizations within the college of Applied Health Sciences.
    • Future Health Care Executives (FHCE): Future Health Care Executives is the largest student organization in the College of Applied Health Sciences. FCHE is a professional club for students to learn and network in the health care field.
    • Pre-Occupational Therapy (Pre-OT): The Pre-OT club provides guidance and membership for students interested in continuing their education in the field of Occupational Therapy.
    • Pre-Physical Therapy Club (Pre-PT): The Pre-PT club provides guidance and membership for students interested in continuing their education in the field of Physical Therapy.
Further Information:

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Community Health.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Community Health.  These organizations include American Public Health AssociationWorld Health Organization and Explore Health Careers.