Advising: Public Health Science

We are happy to see students back on campus for in-person learning for the Fall 2021 semester.
Public Health Science will continue to offer virtual advising services throughout the year. We are currently offering limited in-person advising appointments. 

If you have tested positive, think you have symptoms of COVID-19, or have been exposed to COVID-19, please contact the UMD HEAL line. Do not come to our office. We can meet virtually or reschedule your advising appointment.

Due to a rise in COVID-19 cases, Prince George’s County reinstituted an indoor public mask mandate on Aug. 8, 2021; it applies to both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

If and when you do visit the Public Health Science advising suite in person, we ask that you:

• Wear a face covering over your nose and mouth at all times
• Sanitize your hands upon entry (hand sanitizer is located at the sign-in station)
• Sign in on the tablet at the entrance
• Practice social distancing by maintaining at least 6 ft distance from others
• Wait outside the suite if there are already 4 students inside

Thanks for doing your part to keep each other (and the vulnerable people in our lives) safe and healthy.

Chat is designed for short, general questions only. On Fridays, you can chat with a current PHSC major! For the Fall 2021 semester, live chat will be staffed:

• Tuesdays: 5 pm -  7 pm (PHSC Advisor)
• Fridays: 3 pm - 5 pm (PHSC Student Ambassadors)

The chat widget opens on this page when an advisor is available.

Based on the complexity of your question, you may be advised to schedule an appointment with an advisor.

Have a quick question? Drop-in advising is open to current and prospective Public Health Science majors. 

In-person (SPH 2387)

Beginning Monday, October 4, you can meet in person for drop-in advising in the Public Health Science Suite in SPH 2387 on the following days and times:

• Mondays, 1-2 pm (beginning October 4)

You do not need to pre-register for in-person drop-in advising, but please review the safety guidelines detailed above in "Advising During COVID-19" before you visit our suite.

Virtual (Zoom or phone)

Virtual drop-in advising is conducted using the Zoom online conferencing platform. 

You may register and log in at any time during each drop-in advising window. If the advisor is meeting with another student, you will be placed in a waiting room until they are available to meet with you.

Complete the short registration form to immediately receive an email with the Zoom link and phone-in instructions for the session you want to attend: 

If you cannot make it to drop-in advising, you can schedule a 30 minute appointment with a member of the Public Health Science Advising Team.

Virtual Appointments

During the fall 2021 semester, all Public Health Science advisors are offering virtual appointments, conducted using the Zoom online conferencing platform. Once scheduled, you will receive a confirmation email to your Terpmail address with Zoom meeting information and instructions.

In-Person Appointments

For students who prefer to meet in person, we offer a limited number of in-person General Advising Appointments during the week in SPH2837.

If you schedule an In-Person Appointment and then must quarantine or isolate due to illness or COVID-19 exposure, the advisor can meet virtually instead.

Please review "Advising During COVID-19" above for further guidance.

Most Public Health Science majors are not required to meet with an advisor each semester, with the following exceptions:

Students in Your First Semester at UMD

New transfer and first year students must complete a graduation plan and meet with an advisor prior to registering for your second semester.

• First year students will complete your graduation plan and mandatory advising in your SPH UNIV100 class.
• Transfer students complete a draft graduation plan with the guidance of the  School of Public Health's Center for Academic Success and Achievement. After you submit your draft plan, you will meet with a Public Health Science advisor to review the plan before you can register for your second semester. 

Student-Athletes

All student-athletes in the School of Public Health, including those on Academic Probation, are required to meet with Bryan Pointer in SPH CASA at least once prior to registering for classes each Fall and Spring semester.

Students on Academic Probation

All students in the School of Public Health on Academic Probation are required to meet with a SPH CASA Probation Advisor prior to the end of Schedule Adjustment or be registered for SPHL246 Terp Restoration.

Don’t wait until senior year to start thinking about life after college! Public Health Science advisors can point you to campus resources for graduate school and career planning. 

See the PHSC Career Development Events calendar for upcoming workshops, panels, and presentations related to professional and personal development. 

Career Services

If you have questions about writing resumes and cover letters, possible jobs after graduating with a degree in Public Health Science, or other career-related questions please visit the University Career Center at the School of Public Health.

The University Career Center has a number of resources for students. Have your resume critiqued or search for jobs and internships using the Careers4Terps database. Attend workshops on interview preparation or panel discussions with UMD alumni.

Health Professions Advising Office

Considering a career in healthcare? The Reed-Yorke Health Professions Advising Office works with students interested in medicine, dentistry, and other healthcare careers. 

• See the Health Professions Advising Office guidance on letter grades vs. Pass/Fail and other COVID-19 Updates  

Graduate School

• UMD SPH Graduate Programs
• UMD Graduate School Admissions
• Scholarships for graduate study

Professional Development and Networking

• PHSC Career Development Calendar
• PHSC LinkedIn Group

• SPH Professional Development Opportunities
• SPH Mentorship
   
• TerrapinsConnect platform for UMD alumni and current students
• UMD Career Center on Networking Online

Public Health Science majors are not required to complete an internship before you graduate, but we encourage you to seek opportunities to gain experience outside the classroom before you graduate.

Finding Opportunities

The University Career Center has resources to help you find and prepare to apply for internships. 

The Maryland Center for Undergraduate Research provides guidance on participating in research at UMD and beyond (including funding opportunities).

The National Scholarships Office prepares UMD students to win prestigious awards that may be linked to internships or research experiences.

Academic Credit for Experiential Learning

You may apply up to 6 credits from approved internship or research experience towards the required 12+ credits of Public Health Science Options courses.

Learn how to request academic credit towards the Public Health Science major for an internship or research experience:

Public Health is global health. Public health related learning, service, or research abroad can be an enriching part of any student's undergraduate experience. There are a variety of means for gaining that type of experience.

With a little planning, you can incorporate a study abroad experience into your Public Health Science degree: