Academic Catalogs

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

Banner Code: 1_AST_HLTH

Control Number: 35503

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 coursework. While a minimum of 2.0 is required for admission, some majors require a higher GPA. Consult 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 catalog. All courses in the major must be completed with a grade of C (or “P”) or better.
  4. Certified completion of the California State University General Education-Breadth pattern (CSU General Education Breadth — Option 2) OR the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC — Option 3).
  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
Core Courses
PUBH A100Personal Health3
PUBH A200Introduction to Public Health3
or PUBH A200H Introduction to Public Health Honors
MATH A160Introduction to Statistics4
or PSYC A160 Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
or PUBH A214 Public Health Statistics
BIOL A100/A100HPrinciples of Biology4
List A - Select one of the following:4-5
General Chemistry A
Anatomy-Physiology
Human Anatomy
Human Physiology
List B - Select one of the following:3
Health and Social Justice
Social Determinants of Health, Disparities and Equities
Analysis of Social Problems
Analysis of Social Problems Honors
Digital Mapping: Introduction to GIS
List C - Select one of the following: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
Techniques and Topics in Health Education
Techniques and Topics in Health Education
Assessing and Analyzing Health Information
Assessing and Analyzing Health Information
Principles of Human Sexuality 1
Program Major Units24-25
CSU or IGETC for CSU37-39
Transferable electives as needed to satisfy unit requirementVaries
Total Units60

Program Sequence - CSU

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
CSU GE AREA A2 - CHOOSE ONE 3
MATH A160
Introduction to Statistics
or Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
or Public Health Statistics
4
 Units13
Semester 2
BIOL A100
Principles of Biology
or Principles of Biology Honors
4
ADT LIST B COURSE- CHOOSE ONE (See Requirements) 3
CSU GE AREA A1 - CHOOSE ONE 3
CSU GE AREA A3 - CHOOSE ONE 3-4
 Units13-14
Summer
HIST A170
History of the United States to 1876 1
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
CSU GE AREA B1 - CHOOSE ONE OR CSU ELECTIVE 2 3
 Units6
Year 2
Semester 1
ADT List A Course - CHOOSE ONE (See Requirements) 4-5
CSU GE AREA C1 - CHOOSE ONE 3
CSU GE AREA F - CHOOSE ONE 3
ELECTIVE (CSU TRANSFERABLE) 3 3
 Units13-14
Semester 2
ADT LIST C COURSE- CHOOSE ONE (See Requirements) 3
PSCI A180
American Government 1
or American Government Honors
3
CSU GE AREA C1 OR C2 - CHOOSE ONE 3
CSU GE AREA C2 - CHOOSE ONE 3 3
CSU GE AREA D - CHOOSE ONE 3
 Units15
 Total Units60-62
1

American Ideals Requirement - CSU Graduation Requirement

2

Depends on the course selected from List A. If Chem A180 not selected, choose a course from CSU GE Area B1 (without lab).

3

VARIES TO REACH MINIMUM 60 TRANSFERABLE UNITS

Program Sequence - IGETC

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 3
MATH A160
Introduction to Statistics
or Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
or Public Health Statistics
4
IGETC GE AREA 1A - CHOOSE ONE 3
 Units13
Semester 2
BIOL A100 Principles of Biology 4
ADT LIST B COURSE - CHOOSE ONE (See Requirements) 3
IGETC GE AREA 1B - CHOOSE ONE 3-4
IGETC GE AREA 1C - CHOOSE ONE or LOTE: Foreign Language 1 3-5
IGETC GE AREA 3A OR 3B - CHOOSE ONE 3
 Units16-19
Summer
PSCI A180
American Government 2
or American Government Honors
3
 Units3
Year 2
Semester 1
ADT List A - CHOOSE ONE (See Requirements) 4-5
IGETC GE AREA 3A - CHOOSE ONE 3
IGETC GE AREA 7 - CHOOSE ONE 3
ELECTIVE (CSU TRANSFERABLE) 4 3
 Units13-14
Semester 2
ADT LIST C COURSE- CHOOSE ONE (See Requirements)  
HIST A170
History of the United States to 1876 2
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
IGETC GE AREA 3A - CHOOSE ONE 3
IGETC GE AREA 3B - CHOOSE ONE 3
IGETC GE AREA 5A - CHOOSE ONE OR UC ELECTIVE 3 3
ELECTIVE (UC TRANSFERABLE) 4 3
 Units15
 Total Units60-64
1

IGETC GE Area 1C- CSU Requirement; LOTE Requirement for UC only. If met LOTE through HS or not transferring to CSU then take elective units to meet minimum 60 transferable units

2

American Ideals Requirement - IGETC GE AREA 4 and CSU Graduation Requirement OR take another course from IGETC GE AREA 4

3

Depends on the course selected from List A. If Chem A180 not selected, choose a course from IGETC GE Area 5A (without lab).

4

VARIES TO REACH MINIMUM 60 TRANSFERABLE UNITS