Public Health Science

The School of Public Health offers an interdisciplinary undergraduate program in Public Health Science. The core knowledge areas of public health overlay a rigorous foundation in chemistry, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, genetics, and math.

Public Health Science students engage with every department in the School of Public Health, from epidemiology and biostatistics, to environmental health and health policy, to community and global health.

Students have the opportunity for individual exploration in public health through coursework, laboratory experiences, optional internships on or off campus, and a culminating research-based capstone course. Public Health Science students enter public health and healthcare professions prepared to address the growing health challenges of today.

Students can obtain the University of Maryland’s Bachelor of Science in Public Health Science on the campus at College Park or at the Universities at Shady Grove.

Information for Current and Prospective Students

Students in the Public Health Science major will learn how to:

Utilize data to identify and describe public health problems.
Synthesize public health science facts and concepts such as disease biology and health policy to effectively communicate to a diverse group of audiences including laypeople and policy makers.
Employ scientific knowledge, facts and data to develop, analyze and evaluate evidence-based public health policies and programs.
Communicate concisely and effectively in both oral and written formats about science, public health and public health policies and programs.
Utilize an ecological model to view public health problems, considering not just the individual determinants but also the social, environmental and political determinants of health.

Graduates with a B.S. in Public Health Science can:

Pursue professional degrees in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, and allied health fields, such as occupational and physical therapy
Continue with graduate studies towards Masters, Ph.D., or MPH degrees in such disciplines as biostatistics and epidemiology, environmental health, health services and policy, or behavioral sciences
Work in interdisciplinary teams, both governmental and nongovernmental, at the local, state, national, and international levels in disease prevention, environmental protection, and health promotion.

Careers in Public Health

The Public Health Science major is not a limited enrollment program. You can declare the major when first accepted to the University of Maryland or later.

The Shady Grove program is available to students in their junior and senior year, and does have specific prerequisites and requirements.

Declaring a Public Health Science Major

Information for Prospective SPH Students

Our Degree Programs

BS, Public Health Science

Solve public health challenges through the lens of scientific inquiry in this interdisciplinary major that requires the study of life sciences and public health.

Learn more about the PHSC major

PHSC student at commencement ceremony at the University of Maryland

BS, Public Health Science - Shady Grove

Interested in pursuing a University of Maryland Bachelor’s degree conveniently located in Montgomery County? The Public Health Science program at Shady Grove offers students a small, individualized classroom environment designed specifically for transfer students.

Learn more about PHSC@ Shady Grove

Accelerated BS+MPH

Public Health Science majors are eligible for this accelerated program. Accepted students can count 12 credits of our MPH and MHA core course curriculum at the undergraduate level (as elective credits) and enter any of our nine MPH/MHA concentrations.

Learn more