Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Wellness (B.S.-P.H.W.)

The B.S.-P.H.W. program prepares students to enhance health, wellness, and well-being among individuals, families, communities, and populations. As health educators, all graduates of this program are able to teach public health concepts and guide individuals and communities by providing holistic, wellness-focused education. The B.S.- P.H.W. program prepares a knowledgeable workforce that speaks the language of conventional health care, while also supporting a shift from a focus on disease to a focus on promoting health, wellness and resilience.

The University of Portland School of Nursing & Health Innovations' Integrative Health Coaching Program is an Approved Health and Wellness Coach Training & Education Program by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for the HWC Certifying Examination to become National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). Students may complete the Integrative Health Coaching Program courses as electives or as post-baccalaureate continuing education students.

B.S.-P.H.W. Program Outcomes

The B.S.-P.H.W. program prepares graduates in the following areas of health promotion:

1. Integrative Health Promotion: Students will demonstrate personal and professional understanding of integrative health as a perspective through which to support individuals, organizations and communities to optimize their highest expression of health and well-being. 
2. Spiritual Health Promotion: Students will demonstrate personal and professional understanding of spirituality to promote integrative spiritual health within person-centered relationships.
3. Mental Health Promotion: Students will demonstrate personal and professional understanding of mental wellness to promote integrative mental health and well-being within themselves and others.  
4. Physical Health Promotion: Students will demonstrate personal and professional understanding of physical wellness to promote the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle for supporting integrative physical health through a balance of nourishment, movement, and rest.
5. Social Health Promotion: Students will demonstrate personal and professional understanding and application of the impact of social relationships (society and social groups) for promoting individual and population social health and well-being.
6. Population Health Promotion: Students will demonstrate personal and professional understanding of multisector policies, population health promotion concepts, and evolving health care systems to promote integrative population health.
7. Health Education/Promotion: Students will demonstrate personal and professional understanding of foundational knowledge in integrative health education/promotion program planning, implementation and evaluation.

Admission

First-year and transfer applicants for admission must meet the general entrance requirements of the University as set forth in the "Admissions" section of this Bulletin.

Progression

For students admitted to the B.S.-P.H.W. program, progression in the program is dependent upon:

1. Good academic standing.
2. A grade of D or better in required P.H.W. courses.

Additional Progression Information

• Any University of Portland student who wishes to transfer a P.H.W. major requirement course from another institution must first obtain the permission of the School of Nursing & Health Innovations prior to registration in the course. Such permission is required to ensure that the course is suitable for transfer to the School of Nursing & Health Innovations.
• Students interested in studying abroad should consult with their academic advisor, their program counselor, and the UP Study Abroad office to understand study abroad options and their impact on the B.S.-P.H.W. program of study. The UP Study Abroad program recommends a G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher before going abroad but will consider applications from anyone with a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.5 or above.
• All B.S.-P.H.W. students are responsible for adhering to the policies in the most current version of the School of Nursing & Health Innovations P.H.W. Student Handbook.