Become a Public Health Science Major
The UMD School of Public Health offers the Bachelor of Science in Public Health Science at both the College Park campus and at the Universities at Shady Grove campus.
The Public Health Science major is not a limited enrollment program. You can declare the major when first accepted to UMD or once you are enrolled. The Shady Grove program has specific prerequisites and requirements and is available to students in their junior and senior years.
Are you exploring possible majors?
Start learning about Public Health Science major requirements and opportunities, faculty, and student resources on the Public Health Science program website.
The BS in Public Health Science is offered on two campuses:
- Shady Grove: See details and contact information for PHSC at Shady Grove.
- College Park: Learn about major requirements and offerings on the BS in Public Health Science (PHSC) Curriculum page. Then, if you have questions, see our advising page for information on drop-in (virtual) advising options.
Ready to declare Public Health Science as your major?
If you are currently enrolled at UMD on the College Park campus, complete these steps to declare Public Health Science as your primary or second major:
Register for a Change of Major Workshop
Winter 2025 PHSC Change of Major workshops begin on the dates listed below. If the workshop is full, you will not be able to register for that date.
- January 6
- January 13
- January 20
Fall 2024 (Past semester workshops)
- September 16
- September 23
- September 30
- October 7
- October 14
- October 21
- October 28
- November 4
- November 11
- November 18
- November 25
- December 9
*NOTE: If you are brand new to UMD this upcoming semester and would like to change your major to Public Health Science prior to the start of the semester, you should not sign up for a COM workshop date. Instead, please email sphadvising@umd.edu with your full name, UID, and major change request.
You must be logged into your UMD Google account to sign up for a Change of Major workshop. If you change your mind about declaring Public Health Science before your scheduled workshop, email sphadvising@umd.edu to cancel at least 48 hours before your workshop date.
What to expect
- On the day of your registered workshop, check your UMD Terpmail for an email from SPH Advising with instructions and your personalized PHSC Advising workbook.
- Be sure to accept the invitation to join the ELMS-Canvas course "SPH - PHSC Change of Major." There is no live virtual or in-person meeting required as part of the change of major workshop.
- You have one week to complete the two sections of the asynchronous workshop modules:
- Meet the Public Health Science Major: Learn about the major requirements, course offerings, and opportunities (about 1 hour)
- School of Public Health Graduation Plan: Learn how to complete your new SPH Graduation Plan including PHSC major requirements (1-2 hours)
- At the end of the Graduation Plan module, you must fill in your draft grad plan located in your PHSC Advising workbook.
- If you need help completing your plan, see the drop-in advising links and contacts in the ELMS space.
- You will have seven (7) days from the time of your scheduled workshop to complete all modules and fill in your draft grad plan.
- If you do not complete the modules and submit your draft graduation plan according to the instructions by the deadline, we assume you do not want to declare the major. You will be removed from the ELMS space. In that case, if you still wish to change your major to Public Health Science, you will need to sign up for another PHSC Change of Major Workshop.
Student-Athletes
Student-athletes must meet with SPH Advisor Bryan Pointer after you have filled in your draft graduation plan, and before your major can be changed.
Students on Academic Probation/Dismissal
Students on Academic Probation or Dismissal must meet with SPH Advisor Kendyl Oliver after you have have filled in your draft graduation plan, and before your major can be changed.
Next Steps
Once you complete the above steps, SPH advisors will review your draft PHSC Graduation Plan and contact you by email if they have questions. You can expect your major to update in Testudo about 10-12 business days after you submit your plan.
After your major change is approved, you are encouraged to check in with a PHSC major advisor if you have questions about your plan or the major.
Registering for PHSC Courses
Before your major is officially changed, you will not be able to register for courses restricted to current Public Health Science majors.
Keep in mind that Scientific Foundation and some Public Health Science options courses are open to students in all majors. We are unable to grant permission for restricted courses.
It is your responsibility to track your degree progress and consider course restrictions when registering.
If you have questions, see SPH Advising or PHSC Advising for current advising schedules.
Want to learn more about the major?
Review the Public Health Science website to learn more about the degrees, faculty, and student resources.
Do you have questions about UMD or our major? Visit SPH Prospective Undergraduate Students for contact and visit information. Check the UMD Admissions calendar for tour information.
Ready to apply?
When applying to the University of Maryland, you can list Public Health Science as your intended major. Public Health Science is not a limited enrollment program, and the School of Public Health advisors do not participate in the admissions decision process.
Already Admitted?
Congratulations! We look forward to meeting you at an Accepted Student Open House or SPH Parent and Family night.
During your New Student Orientation, you will meet your Public Health Science advising team and register for your first semester of classes.
Have questions for a current Public Health Science major? Submit them through this form to receive an email response within a couple of weeks.
Prospective transfer students from two-year and four-year colleges or universities are encouraged to follow steps for Academic Planning before applying to UMD. The University’s Pre-Transfer Advising Program provides resources and guidance to current college students considering the University of Maryland.
Want to learn more about the major?
Review the Public Health Science website to learn more about the degrees, faculty, and student resources.
Students applying to the PHSC major on the Shady Grove campus should first review all prerequisites for the BS, Public Health Science - Shady Grove. Most Shady Grove applicants will have completed their Associate’s Degree from a Maryland Community College.
Ready to apply?
When applying to the University of Maryland, you can list Public Health Science as your intended major. You can designate your desired campus (College Park and/or Shady Grove) on your application. The School of Public Health advisors do not participate in the admissions decision process.
Already Admitted?
Congratulations! We look forward to working with you.
During your New Student Orientation, you will meet your Public Health Science advising team and register for your first semester of classes.
Have questions for a current Public Health Science major? Submit them through this form to receive an email response within a couple of weeks.