Public Health, B.A.

Public health is the study of the health of the population and of how interventions for both vulnerable groups and the general public can improve health outcomes. The Public Health B.A. provides students with opportunities to develop skills and knowledge related to the organization of healthcare in the US and abroad, determinants of health and illness, health policy and law, public and private administration of health services, science and spread of disease, determinants of health, public health programs, and analysis of health data and research. Students are also exposed to public health methods and theories that provide a foundation for research and the planning, development, and implementation of interventions that promote health and well-being. 

Upon completion of the Public Health, B.A., students are prepared for careers in long-term care; hospitals; federal, state, and community health agencies and other health-related organizations. After graduation, public health majors have found employment with such organizations as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Blue-Cross/BlueShield, the University of Maryland Medical Center, Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Maxim Healthcare and Mercy Hospital. Students also have gone on to graduate study at The Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland, College Park, George Washington University, Harvard University, University of North Carolina, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Yale. The Public Health Minor is designed for majors in other disciplines who wish to add a study of public health to their other major. Students are permitted to take all available classes except the six-credit internship to fulfill the requirements of the minor. Minors can also consider entrance into a number of bachelors/masters accelerated programs at UMBC. 

The 15-credit Social Dimensions of Health Certificate involves three required courses (9 credits) in which students analyze the sociocultural forces informing health and illness experiences and the structure and operation of health care and public health systems. Students also complete two electives (6 credits) from selected sociology, anthropology, or public health courses that provide additional training on the social dimensions of health and illness. 

The department offers four double majors that allow students to make specific course substitutions and to apply certain coursework to both majors: public health/social work, sociology/anthropology, sociology/psychology, and sociology/social work. Information about the double majors can be found on the department website.

Students may also double major in another field that complements the first or in which they have an interest.

SAPH offers a Master of Arts in Applied Sociology, an accelerated bachelor’s/master’s, and two post-baccalaureate certificates in Social Dimensions of Health and Applied Social Research Methods. These programs offer students training in the practical side of sociology, including the various methodologies and key substantive areas of the field. The program has core strengths in the sociology of health, illness, and medicine; aging and the life course; inequality, gender; criminology, and applied research methods. Courses prepare students for careers as research analysts in federal and state agencies, research organizations, and nonprofit organizations. The program also prepares students for doctoral-level coursework. The master’s in applied sociology requires students to complete 30 credits, including a capstone project. The accelerated bachelor’s/master’s program for undergraduate students allows students to take up to 9 graduate credits to apply toward the master’s degree. The 12-credit post-baccalaureate certificates can be completed as part of the master’s degree, or separately. Admission requirements and deadlines are published on the department website.

Evening courses are offered occasionally, but generally, no more than one to three evening courses are offered in a single semester. Required core courses are almost always offered during daytime hours only.

 Public Health  students wishing to undertake individual research projects can do so in independent study courses with faculty members of their choice.  Public Health students are required to complete an internship as part of their regular course of study.  Students may also earn credit for a research practicum assisting in ongoing faculty-led projects (PBHL 490). Students can discuss these options with their academic advisor. 

The university offers multiple opportunities for study abroad. Students seeking further information should contact the Study Abroad Office. Students interested in study abroad also should meet with their advisor to discuss their plans and their pathway for the completion of the major requirements.

Majors and minors in Public Health are encouraged to participate in student-led organizations.  The Public Health program is home to three student organizations. The Public Health Council of Majors is open to all students who wish to network and participate in volunteer activities related to public health. Executive board members must be Public Health majors. The American Mock World Health Organization (AMWHO) participates in global public health debates and round-tables, including academic debate competitions in Maryland and across the US. Hearts for the Homeless (H4H) is a national service organization that trains students to provide health screenings to underserved populations. The UMBC chapter regularly works with housing insecure populations in Baltimore City. 

View this program as a four-year academic plan.

What can I do with the major?