Major and Minor Degrees
Public Health is an interdisciplinary field 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. Public Health focuses on the health and well-being of populations, which complements medicine’s focus on the individual. Through activities ranging from vaccination programs, promotion of health lifestyles and environments, disease control, and leadership on health policy formation, the field of Public Health makes diverse, far-reaching contributions to societal well-being. To learn more about the field and the impact of Public Health professionals, visit the ASPPH web site.
At UC Merced, a key mission in Public Health is to identify and address the needs of the San Joaquin Valley, one of the most economically important yet underprivileged regions of the United States, and home to our institution. Our proximity to this underserved population emphasizes the need to address community problems through research and service. Undergraduates in Public Health learn and participate in these activities both inside and outside the classroom.
UC Merced offers both major (BA and BS) and minor degree programs in Public Health, which aim to provide students with broad knowledge through rigorous coursework in an intellectually challenging environment, hands-on experience in Public Health research, and ample opportunity to work directly with faculty with a variety of expertise.
Major Degree
The major degree programs in Public Health provides students with extensive training and expertise across multiple disciplines encompassed by the field. Students interested in the social sciences may prefer the BA degree program, while those interested in the natural sciences may prefer the BS degree program. Students graduating from the program are prepared to enter professions in the science and policy of population health, or move on to advanced training in graduate or medical school.
Details on the major degree program, learning outcomes, and course options can be found on our Major Degree web pages. Additional information is available on the SSHA Undergraduate Advising web site's Public Health Major pages.
Minor Degree
The minor degree in Public Health provides students with basic training and expertise in core areas of the field. It is an ideal compliment for students majoring in other fields who seek to broaden their knowledge and experience with population-level challenges to health and well-being.
Details on the minor degree program, learning outcomes, and course options can be found on our Minor Degree web pages. Additional information is available on the SSHA Undergraduate Advising web site's Public Health Minor pages.
Advising
For full details on Public Health Major and Minor degree requirements, course substitutions, and prerequisites, visit your SSHA academic advisor and the SSHA Advising web site.
Updated 2024
