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Study Abroad: Public Health Science

A global experience can be an enriching, exciting part of your public health science degree. We encourage all students who are able and interested to investigate international opportunities.

Public Health Science majors at the University of Maryland are able to globalize your college experience without leaving the Washington, DC, metro area.

Global Classroom Courses

UMD's global classroom courses do not require a passport or additional fees. Some of these courses may fulfill general education requirements or PHSC Options credits.

Global Fellows in Washington, DC

Through the Global Fellows in Washington, DC fellowship program, you can learn from global policy practitioners in fall seminars , then intern with a globally focused organization in the spring. Applications open in February for the following fall.

These Federal and Global Fellows seminars are approved for PHSC Options credit:

  • FGSM320 Public Health Policy
  • FGSM340 Energy and Environmental Policy
  • FGSM370 Science Diplomacy: Foreign Policy & Science, Technology, and Innovation
  • FGSM380 Responses to Global Challenges
  • FGSM390 Water Security and Global Health Challenges

Peace Corps Prep Program

Any University of Maryland, College Park undergraduate student is eligible to enroll regardless of major or citizenship.


See all global opportunities for UMD undergraduates

If you do wish to complete part of your degree requirements in another country, your program options will depend on your academic and personal goals, as well as your financial resources and needs.

Study abroad programs can range from 3-week winter or summer courses to a full semester abroad. Costs are usually more than in-state tuition, but financial aid can be applied and need-based scholarships are available.

UMD's office of Education Abroad and your Public Health Science major advisors are great resources when you are considering study abroad.


View the 2023 Study Abroad Guide for PHSC Majors

PHSC Study Abroad FAQs

Fall, spring, summer, or winter

All are possible with some planning. For a semester, consider anytime between spring of your sophomore year and fall of your senior year.

When to apply

  • Applications for Winter and Spring programs open on or after May 1.
  • Applications for Summer and Fall programs open on or after December 1.

View sample PHSC plans with a semester abroad

That depends...

... on the program and the location.

You should be flexible when planning to study abroad.

The most common requirements that PHSC majors have fulfilled abroad are:

  • Public Health Science Options
  • General Education: Humanities (DSHU)
  • General Education: History and Social Science (DSHS)
  • Non-major electives

Note that credit for research or internship experiences abroad will not transfer to UMD.

Courses reviewed by PHSC

Public Health Science evaluates courses offered by institutions abroad for possible application to our major requirements. These lists are constantly evolving!

IMPORTANT NOTE: Course offerings vary by term and year. A course listed in the database may not be available every term and year. Refer to other program resources or your EA advisor for term-specific course offerings.


Suggested programs for PHSC majors

When planning to study abroad, you will work with advisors in both Public Health Science (PHSC) and UMD Education Abroad (EA). 

PHSC advisors can discuss how credits from study abroad might apply towards your degree requirements. We can also recommend specific programs based on your academic, career, and personal goals. (Fun fact, most of us have studied or lived abroad at some point in our lives.)

Education Abroad advisors will assist you with the logistics of study abroad (passports, insurance, application process and pre-departure orientation) as well as the course approval process.