The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Public Health is an interdisciplinary program drawing on the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities to promote health, prevent disease, prolong life and improve quality of life through organized efforts by society.
Focusing on the health and well-being of populations, our BA degree in Public Health complements medicine’s concern for individuals with diseases. Through activities ranging from basic research to frontline efforts such as vaccination programs, promotion of health lifestyles and environments, disease control, and leadership on health policy formation, students involved in our public health programs will make diverse, far reaching contributions to societal well-being.
The BA in Public Health provides students with advanced training and expertise in core areas of the field. It enables students to develop expert knowledge and experience with population-level challenges to health and well-being, and prepares them to enter professions in Public Health research and service.
- Students interested in the health sciences may prefer the BSc degree program or BSc Pre-Med Emphasis.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon graduation, students who major in Public Health will be able to:
- Explain the concept, history, philosophy, and value of population and public health.
- Recognize the structures and functions of public health systems and policies.
- Discuss biological, behavioral, social, environmental, and structural determinants of health.
- Locate, interpret, and use quantitative and qualitative data and methods to understand patterns and causation of health and disease.
- Apply fundamental prevention and/or health promotion concepts, approaches, and processes using evidence-based methods.
- Synthesize and communicate public health information through a variety of media - in oral and written formats - to diverse audiences.
Degree Requirements
In addition to adhering to General Education and School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts Requirements, the Public Health BA major requires at least 52 units. Courses in the major must be taken for a letter grade, and specifically may not be taken on a pass/no pass basis unless the course is only offered on a pass/no pass basis.
