The AS-T in Public Health Science provides preparation for students interested in careers in public health. Some of the career opportunities for those who study public health include epidemiologists, community health workers, environmental scientists, health educators, public health officers, biostatisticians, clinical research coordinators, nonprofit coordinators, research assistants, healthcare consultants, hospital administrators, clinical trial analysts, infection control officers, project managers, public health nurses, nutritionists, and behavioral scientists.

The Associate in Sciences in Public Health Science for Transfer (Public Health Science AS-T) is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in Public Health Science or Health Science or a “similar” major at a CSU campus. Students completing the degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. Each CSU campus determines which of the degrees it offers are “similar” and can be completed with the preparation included in the AS-T in Public Health Science within 60 units once a student transfers, so which majors are “similar” varies from CSU to CSU. For a current list of what majors (and what options or areas of emphasis within that major) have been designated as “similar” to this degree at each CSU campus, please refer to CSU’s Associate Degree for Transfer Major and Campus Search and seek guidance from an Oxnard College counselor. The AS-T in Public Health Science may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a college or university that is not part of the CSU system.  

To earn an AS-T in Public Health Science, students must:

1. Complete a minimum of 60 CSU-transferable semester units including both of the following:
   1. Certified completion of the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education – Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth) requirements.
   2. A minimum of 33 semester units in the Public Health Science major as listed in the Oxnard College catalog.
2. Obtain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 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.
3. Obtain a grade of “C” or better or “P” in all courses required in the major. Even though a "pass-no-pass" is allowed (Title 5 § 55063), it is highly recommended that students complete their major courses with a letter grade.
4. Complete residency requirements. For students in the Ventura County Community College District, a minimum of 12 semester units must be completed in residence within the district.

Students transferring to a CSU campus that accepts the Public Health Science AS-T will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor's degree (unless the major is designated a "high-unit" major at a particular campus). This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system. Students should consult with a counselor when planning to complete the degree for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to: 

• The student will demonstrate the ability to comprehend and apply the multidimensional approach of public health sciences.
• The student will identify proactive factors for disease prevention and risk factors for disease and disability.
• The student will demonstrate and apply behavior-changing techniques to maximize health and wellness.
• The student will demonstrate the concepts of research, program planning, and evaluation strategies.