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UMA Undergraduate Guide 2018-2019
 Academic Departments and Programs Public Health Sciences Getting Started (Majors Guide)
Getting Started (Majors Guide)
How to Explore / Get Started in the MajorSuggested General Education CoursesUnder the new guidelines students are still required to take two courses, one in U.S. Diversity and one in Global Diversity. Students entering in Fall 2018 are expected to take one of these diversity courses, either U.S. or Global, in their first year on campus. For Fall 2018 Registration, look for courses with DU (formerly U) and DG (formerly G) to help students stay on track. Any course labled DU will satisfy the requirement for a U.S. diversity course and any course labeled DG will satisfy the the requirement for Global diversity course. Course planning guidelines, including guidelines for students, are available at www.umass.edu/gened. Suggested Major and Pre-Requisite CoursesWe recommend that during your first year you take at least two out of the three following courses:
Note: PUBHLTH 129 (SB & DU) or PUBHLTH 160 (SI) can fulfill Gen Ed requirements. Students should also begin to take social science and natural science foundation courses and math courses (for a detailed list of course offerings see the public health major website – Major Requirements): For those who are interested in careers in research or the medical field (medical, dental, physical assistant, etc.) you should take the following (for a complete list of requirements visit the Pre-Med website https://www.cns.umass.edu/students/pre-medical-and-pre-dental-advising):
How to Declare the MajorAll UMass prospective public health major applicants must attend an information session (see website for dates) and complete the application to be eligible to apply to the Public Health Sciences major. The application is located on the website under the heading “Academics”. Applications should be submitted at the information session. If an applicant would like to learn more about the major but is not ready to apply then he/she is welcome to attend the information session and hand in the application at a later date in the Peer Advising Center in Arnold House Rm 330. New incoming students may declare the major during NSO. After checking the undergraduate website listed below, prospective students should attend an information session. Additionally, questions may be directed to the Peer Advisors, peeradvising@schoolph.umass.edu or to Brigid Williams, Advisor, at bwilliams@umass.edu. Peer Advisor Drop-In Center hours are listed on the Program website. Summary of Requirements for the MajorMinimum total # of credits required: 68 credits Required PUBLHLTH courses are designed to introduce students to the five recognized public health core competencies: Community Health Education, Health Policy & Mgt., Environmental Health Sciences, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics. Four core components comprise the major: Math course (3 cr.), Foundation courses (18 cr.), Public Health courses (35 cr.) and Focus Area courses (12 cr.) The Focus Area allows students to explore areas of particular interest and relevance to public health, drawing connections between disciplines. Think of the requirement as your focus area within public health. The classes that you choose will enhance your understanding of the field and better prepare you for a career as a public health professional. Courses can be taken in public health, another department, abroad or at one of the 5 Colleges. The course material must be relevant to the study of public health and pre-approved by the Program Advisor. Is there a minor? If so what are the requirements? There is no minor, but students should check out the Five College Culture, Health and Sciences Certificate. For further information, contact: |