Public Health and Human Performance, Associate in Science
Program Description
The Associate in Science (A.S.) in Public Health and Human Performance is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree in public health, exercise science, physical education, or a related field focused on health, wellness, and human performance.
This program provides a foundation in health sciences, human movement, and wellness while exploring how lifestyle, physical activity, and community health initiatives contribute to overall well-being. Students develop knowledge in areas such as health promotion, fitness, human development, and the social factors that influence health outcomes. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking, scientific understanding of human performance, and the application of health and wellness principles in community and educational settings.
Students are encouraged to choose a concentration to guide their studies and align their coursework with their intended transfer major. Concentrations in Public Health, Exercise Science, and Physical Education help students focus their academic preparation while completing appropriate prerequisites for upper-level study.
Transfer Information
The A.S. in Public Health and Human Performance is structured to align with bachelor’s degree programs in public health, kinesiology, exercise science, health education, physical education, and related disciplines.
Students are encouraged to work closely with faculty and Advising & Transfer Services to ensure coursework aligns with the requirements of their intended transfer institution. Students planning to transfer within New Jersey should explore the “Transfer Programs” feature on NJ Transfer (www.njtransfer.org) to review articulation agreements and institutional requirements.
Early academic planning is recommended, particularly for students interested in specialized fields such as athletic training, health promotion, teaching, or graduate study in health sciences.
Career Information
The A.S. in Public Health and Human Performance is designed primarily for transfer. A bachelor’s degree is typically required for professional roles in health promotion, fitness, and physical education, and some careers require advanced degrees or professional certification.
With further education, graduates may pursue careers such as:
- Public Health Educator
- Exercise Physiologist
- Fitness or Wellness Program Coordinator
- Physical Education Teacher (with certification)
- Athletic Performance Specialist
- Community Health Program Manager
Students are encouraged to consult with faculty and Career Services early in their academic journey to explore transfer pathways, internships, and long-term career planning in health and human performance fields.
First Semester
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 151 | English I | 3 |
| HEHP 227 | Introduction to Public Health | 3 |
| MATH 156 | Introduction to Statistics (Or Higher) | 3 |
| BIOL 161 | General Biology I | 4 |
| or BIOL 130 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | |
| STSC 150 | Student Success Seminar 1 | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours | 15 | |
Second Semester
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 152 | English II | 3 |
| BIOL 162 | General Biology II | 4 |
| or BIOL 131 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II | |
| HEHP 184 | Exploration of the U.S. Healthcare System and Healthcare Professions | 3 |
| PSYC 172 | General Psychology | 3 |
| Public Health Elective 2 | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 16 | |
Third Semester
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HEHP 225 | Contemporary Health | 3 |
| Technology Gen Ed 3 | 3 | |
| Any General Education Course | 3-4 | |
| AHMT 110 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| Public Health Elective 2 | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 15-16 | |
Fourth Semester
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HEHP 188 | Introduction to Nutrition | 3 |
| SOCI 181 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Open Elective 5 | 3-4 | |
| Humanities General Education Course 4 | 3 | |
| Elective if needed to reach 60-credits | 0-2 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 12-15 | |
1 A variety of STSC -Student Success Seminar courses are available. Please speak to your academic advisor for assistance when selecting.
2 Students have the opportunity to choose electives that focus on Health Administration, Community Health or Environmental Public Health.
Health Administration
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HEHP 183 | Introduction to Health Administration | 3 |
| BUSN 151 | Introduction to Human Resource Management | 3 |
Community Health
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ANTH 134 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| PSYC 278 | Life Span Development | 3 |
| SOWK 191 | Foundations of the Community Health Worker | 3 |
| SOWK 192 | Introduction to Community Healthcare Practice | 3 |
| SOWK 194 | Interviewing and Communication Techniques | 3 |
Environmental Public Health6
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ENVI 142 | Industrial Hygiene | 4 |
| ENVI 205 | Hazardous Materials Management | 3 |
| ENVI 210 | Indoor Environmental Quality | 3 |
| ENVI 217 | Occupational Safety and Health | 3 |
3 Students may attempt to “test out” of the technology requirement. If they succeed, they must take an additional course(s) in math or science from the List of Approved General Education Courses.
4 Suggested General Humanities General Education courses
- HIST 191 African-American History
- PHIL 191 Introduction to Philosophy
- PHIL 192 Contemporary Ethical Issues
5 Course selections should be based on the requirements of the intended transfer to a four-year institution. Students should speak to their advisor for clarification.
6 Students completing all Environmental Public Health electives, and CHEM 180 or higher, are eligible to receive the Certificate of Completion in Industrial Hygiene/Hazardous Materials Management.
The A.S. in Public Health degree is designed to prepare students for careers in public health. Students will be introduced to how science, prevention, policy and education contributes to protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. This program is designed to transfer to four-year institutions.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Describe the fundamental concepts of public health and human performance.
- Demonstrate basic knowledge and skills appropriate for students seeking advanced study in the field of public health and human performance.
- Apply basic scientific methods to analyze data that typically arise within fields of study related to the area of public health and human performance.
- Analyze historical and current key public health issues and the impact of these issues locally, nationally, and globally.
- Explain basic public health practices and concepts from a legal, ethical, economic, and cultural perspective.