Department of Public Health

Undergraduate Programs

The Department of Public Health offers a Bachelor of Science in Health (B.S.H.) with a Public Health concentration. The purpose of the B.S.H. in Public Health program is to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for entry-level public health positions, Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) certification, and graduate studies. Public health professionals educate individuals and communities about behaviors that promote healthy living and prevent disease and illness. Careers may involve planning, implementing, or evaluating health promotion and disease prevention programs, conducting public health related research, grant writing, and health communication campaigns. Graduates are typically employed in governmental and non-profit health agencies, health care facilities, work site wellness programs or school settings.

A university-wide minor in Public Health is available for all students except those with a Public Health concentration, and university-wide minors in Global Health and Environmental Studies are available to all students. Students interested in any of these minors should contact the Brooks College of Health Advising Office at (904) 620-2812.

Graduate Programs

The Department of Public Health offers a Master of Public Health with either a concentration in Epidemiology or Social & Behavioral Science, a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and certificates in Animal Assisted Therapy in Counseling, Applied Public Health & Medical Education Research, Global Health, Mental Health Sexology, and Public Health. Students applying to a graduate program must have an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university recognized by the University of North Florida. View information on admission and degree requirements.

Department of Public Health Faculty

Weimin Gao, Ph.D., Professor & Chair

Undergraduate Program Directors

Katryne Lukens-Bull, MPH, CLC Instructor & Director, BSH Public Health Program

Undergraduate Faculty

Amber Barnes, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Elissa Barr, Ph.D., Professor
Kerry L. Clark, Ph.D., Professor
Weimin Gao, Ph.D, Professor
Stephanie Hooper, MPH, Instructor
Katryne Lukens-Bull, MPH, CLC Instructor
Deborah M. Owen, MSH, Associate Instructor
Maria Schedin, MPH, Instructor
Sericea Stallings-Smith, DrPH, Associate Professor
Zhigang Xie, Ph.D., Assistant Professor

Graduate Program Directors

Elissa Barr, Ph.D., Professor & Director, Public Health Program
Tes Tuason, Ph.D, Professor & Director, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program

Graduate Faculty

Amber Barnes, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Elissa Barr, Ph.D., Professor
Kerry L. Clark, Ph.D., Professor
Weimin Gao, Ph.D., Professor
Sericea Stallings-Smith, DrPH, Associate Professor
Carlene Taylor, Ed.D., Clinical Assistant Professor
Kassie Terrell, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Tes Tuason, Ph.D., Professor
Zhigang Xie, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Jessica Yanson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Robert Zeglin, Ph.D., Associate Professor