BS in Public Safety and Health Administration (PSHA)
The Public Safety and Health Administration program is concerned with the administration of public agencies, at all levels of government, which promote community health and safety.  The program is mostly aimed at students with working experience in preventing, responding, managing, and reducing the consequences of public emergencies.  Through rigorous course work, the program prepares professionals in emergency response and allied health agencies for increased management and administration responsibilities, thus enhancing career opportunities.
Curriculum Checklist - BS in Public Safety and Health Administration

BS in Health Science (HS)
The Health Science program culminates in a baccalaureate degree for nursing professionals or for students certified in allied health fields, including, but not limited to dental hygiene, medical records, medical technology, health physics or animal health technology.  Program graduates will possess the skills and competencies necessary to analyze core elements of health care policies and develop effective strategies to ensure that quality health care is provided.
Curriculum Checklist - BS in Health Science

BS in Health and Wellness Management (HWM)
The Health and Wellness Management program provides students with a strong foundation on the basic biomechanical and physiological principles associated with human movement and the basic wellness concepts conducive to healthy lifestyles.  Program graduates will have the skills and competencies necessary to occupy professional positions in the field of health fitness in business, industry, service agencies, correctional institutions, and hospitals.
Curriculum Checklist - BS in Health and Wellness Management

Sequence of Courses and Prerequisites

PSHA 465 – Senior Research Project - serves as the Department’s capstone course and is to be taken during the student’s final semester.  This course contains a variety of assignments, including a departmental exit examination, a senior research paper, and an oral presentation. 

Prerequisite courses are not required of any of the Department’s professional core.  The professional core courses are generally offered in a variety of formats several times per year and can be taken in any order.

Contact Information and Academic Backgrounds of Department Faculty Members

Dr. Bruce Thomas earned his doctoral degree from the University of Alabama and master’s degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.  He teaches a variety of health courses primarily focusing on public health issues.  In addition, he teaches a statistics course, directs the senior research project activities, and supervises interns in the health and wellness management program.  His scholarship interests include the design, development, and implementation of health fitness standards and programs for public safety and health organizations.  Dr. Thomas can be reached by telephone at 256/233-8142 and/or e-mail bruce.thomas@athens.edu.

Dr. Tim Jones earned his Doctor of Education (Ed. D.) degree from Auburn University, and his Master of Science (M.S.) degree from Auburn University in Montgomery.  He teaches the following courses in the Public safety and Health Administration program:  (a) PSHA 446 Public Safety Concepts and Systems, (b) PSHA 451 Environmental Health and Safety Systems, (c) PSHA 400 Public Safety and Health Education, (d) PSHA 455 Public Administration Ethics, and (e) PSHA 360 Safety Management for Outdoor Recreation.  Dr. Jones can be reached by telephone at 256/233-8293 and/or e-mail tim.jones@athens.edu.

Professor Dave Erwin earned a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Human Resources Management from the University of Alabama, a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from The University of Montevallo, a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Fire Services Management from Athens State College, and an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Fire Science from Jefferson State Community College.  He completed a 31-year career in the Fire Service with the Fairfield Fire Department, retiring as Fire Chief in 2001.  He teaches the following Public Safety and Health Administration (PSHA) courses:  349, Human Resources Management; 375, Organizational Behavior; 377, Public Administration; 380, Public Finance; 390, Fire Services Administration; 425, Strategic Management Concepts for Public Safety, and 448, Managing the Public Safety and Health Emergency.  His research and service activities and interests are in the areas of fire service promotional examination design, development, and administration.  Professor Erwin can be reached by telephone at 256/233-6510 and/or e-mail dave.erwin@athens.edu.