Many groups of people face significant challenges to living healthy lives. These challenges are influenced not only by individual choices but also by where we live, work and play. Through the Minor in Community Health, students gain knowledge, skills and hands-on experience that prepares them to tackle these real world problems. The coursework for this minor includes courses that count towards eligibility for those interested in becoming Certified Health Education Specialists. For exact certification requirements, visit www.nchec.org.
Discover the Community Health Minor
Eligibility and Application Procedure
Students enrolled in baccalaureate programs at Indiana University who are in good academic standing.
Public health students majoring in community health are not eligible for the community health minor.
Students who successfully complete the requirements for the community health minor with a grade of “C” or better in all courses credited to the minor will have the minor conferred with their baccalaureate degree.
Minor Requirements
The Minor in Community Health – CHES Pathway coursework will prepare students to take the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam. The CHES exam is a competency-based tool used to measure possession, application and interpretation of knowledge in the Seven Areas of Responsibility for Health Education Specialists.
Students who are not interested in CHES certification can choose the Minor in Community Health – Non-CHES Pathway. Required courses for both tracks are listed below.
Students will take these five 3-credit courses:
- PBHL-S120, Introduction to Community Health
- PBHL-S315, Community Organizing for Health Promotion
- PBHL-S330, Theoretical Foundations of Community Health
- PBHL-S360, Assessment and Planning for Community Health Promotion
- PBHL-S361, Implementation and Evaluation for Community Health
You must complete the required courses with a grade of “C” or better in all courses credited to the minor.
Students will take these four 3-credit courses:
- PBHL-S120, Introduction to Community Health
- PBHL-S220, Navigating the Maze to Healthy Living
- PBHL-S250, Social and Behavioral Dimensions of Public Health
- PBHL-S337, Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health
PLUS - Pick any one of the following 3-credit courses:
- PBHL-S105, Music, Movies, and Public Health
- PBHL-S222, This Stress is Killing Me: Stress and Its Effects on You
- PBHL-S240, Peer Health Education and Leadership
- PBHL-S325, Urban Angst Suburban Blues: Public Mental Health
- PBHL-S422, Coaching for Health Behavior Change
You must complete the required courses with a grade of “C” or better in all courses credited to the minor.
Ready to Get Started?
Students must declare their intention to receive a minor by completing the application for minor form. This application should be completed at the same time you complete the application for graduation for your baccalaureate degree. Apply for a minor from the Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health by completing the application for a minor form.