Cal Poly Humboldt Launches Community Health Degree Aimed at Closing Care Gaps

Press release from Cal Poly Humboldt:

Photo courtesy of Cal Poly Humboldt

At a time when communities across the country are grappling with widening health disparities, Cal Poly Humboldt is launching a program to help close those gaps.

The new B.A. in Community Health, launching this fall, allows graduates to tackle health challenges through a lens of justice and equity. It’s one of five new degrees launching this fall as part of the University’s polytechnic buildout. Cal Poly Humboldt has so far introduced more than a dozen new academic programs since 2023, including Energy Systems Engineering, Marine Biology, Media Arts, and more.

The Community Health program explores how environmental conditions, social systems, and behavior shape access to care and overall well-being. Graduates will be prepared for a range of careers, from patient advocacy and care coordination to community health education and program management.

Jobs in this field are projected to grow at a rate of 11% over the next eight years, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Demand is driven by factors including aging populations and the need for the management of chronic diseases, substance abuse, and mental health.

Community health workers improve an individual’s chance of getting care. According to a Kaiser Permanente initiative, patients paired with community health workers have more primary care visits and fewer hospital stays, reducing the overall cost of care for patients.

“Community health workers are often the bridge between patients and the healthcare system,” said Justus Ortega, Dean of the College of Professional Studies. “They help remove barriers to care and ensure people are connected to the resources they need, which is why we’ve designed this program to give students real-world experience doing that work in their own communities.”

The program emphasizes applied learning, giving students practical experience working directly with local organizations and partners on community health needs assessments, internships, and more. They can also collaborate with faculty on research or engage with campus-based programs, such as the California Center for Rural Policy, the Student Health Center, the Rou Dalagurr Food Sovereignty Lab & Traditional Ecological Knowledge Institute, and the Humboldt Institute for Interdisciplinary Marijuana Research

The major offers two emphasis areas. In the Health Advocacy track, students learn case management, patient support, and communication skills, including translation and interpretation.

In the Community Health Education track, students learn how to design and implement programs that promote healthier communities, preparing them for roles in outreach, prevention, and education.

Both tracks position students to pursue certifications, such as Certified Health Education Specialist or patient navigation credentials.

The program reflects Humboldt’s commitment to social and environmental justice—values that are embedded in the curriculum and prepare graduates not just to enter the workforce, but actively work to improve it.