Public Health Science majors have access to a number of resources and opportunities to enhance and support your academic, co-curricular, and career goals.
Student Success
Current and prospective Public Health Science (PHSC) majors are supported in your academic planning by a team of advisors both in the major and in the college.
The Bachelor of Science in Public Health Science consists of a minimum 120 credit hours. The major includes 74 credits of courses in life sciences and public health. In their final semester, Public Health Science majors enroll in a 3-credit capstone course.
Learn more about academic planning for Public Health Science majors:
Public Health Science is one of four undergraduate majors in the School of Public Health. The Public Health Science major is not a limited enrollment program, which means students can declare it at any time.
Current and prospective Public Health Science majors can apply for scholarships and other financial aid to support your studies.
Exceptional PHSC majors may be recognized for achievements within and beyond the classroom.
School of Public Health
University of Maryland
Career Development
What can you do with a degree in public health science? This article from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on STEM careers in public health can give you some ideas.
Public Health Science majors go on to careers in health care, policy, consulting, research, and more. It's never too early to start learning what is possible after college!
Check out these events for Public Health Science students!
Exploring Your Path: Unlocking Opportunities with a Public Health Science Degree
Engage in a webinar tailored for PHSC undergraduate students who are eager to chart their career paths. Delve into the diverse array of opportunities awaiting PHSC graduates and gain valuable insights on how to navigate the journey ahead. This informative session will provide PHSC alumni job data and success stories, thus equipping you with an action plan to explore career pathways and make the most of experiential learning opportunities. Don't miss this chance to gain clarity and inspiration as you embark on your journey towards a fulfilling career in public health.
Date: Wednesday, March 6th
Time: 3pm - 4pm
Location: Virtual (zoom link will be sent to those who register)
Public Health Research and Practice Day
An exciting opportunity to highlight public health research and practice activities through poster presentations and lightning round talks. UMD Undergraduate and graduate students are invited to submit posters presenting their public health-related research and practice activities. Learn more about this event here!
Date: Thursday, April 4th
Time: 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Location: SPHL Building, Ground Floor Concourse
Public Health Science majors are encouraged to explore career paths and graduate study through events sponsored by these campus partners:
Look for workshops, panels, fairs & networking events throughout the semester.
Save the date for these additional Spring 2024 events:
- Feb. 21-23rd: Spring Career & Internship Fair (in-person at STAMP)
- March 6th: Exploring Your Path: Unlocking Opportunities with a Public Health Science Degree (virtual)
- March 7th: Next Steps After Graduation? Come learn about an AmeriCorps Service Year (virtual)
- March 8th: Careers in Health Communication (virtual)
- March 19th: Consider an AmeriCorps Year of Service & Learn about the Benefits (virtual)
- April 4th: Public Health Research and Practice Day (in-person)
- April 16th: Where Are They Now? Discover the Pathways after an AmeriCorps Fellowship (virtual)
- May 2nd: Make the most of a gap year as an AmeriCorps Fellow (virtual)
View past Industry Panel event videos (including environmental justice and allied health)
Beyond the Classroom
As a Public Health Science major, there are a number of ways you can enrich your academic experience, have fun, make friends, and build skills that employers and graduate schools seek.
See below for more ways to practice what you learn in the Public Health Science classroom.
Just one advantage of studying at a large research university is the possibility of assisting faculty in labs and on projects that contribute to the field of public health science.
School of Public Health
- SPH Student Research Opportunities
- SPH Research Centers and Laboratories
- Research for Public Health Science Major Credit
University of Maryland
Public Health Science majors are encouraged (but not required) to gain real world experience before graduation through an internship.
Learn how to get started finding an internship using resources of the University Career Center@SPH.
On the College Park campus, students can intern in health education through the University Health Center's Peer Programs. Through the Federal and Global Fellows programs, you can work on health policy in Washington, DC.
You may even be able to apply some internship credit towards your Public Health Science options requirement.
Public Health is global health. Public health related learning, service, or research abroad can be an enriching part of any student's undergraduate experience.
School of Public Health
- Study Abroad Guidance for Public Health Science majors
- Public Health Beyond Borders student organization
- SPH Global Health Experiences
- Peace Corps Prep Program
University of Maryland
- UMD Alternative Breaks
- Global Maryland undergraduate opportunities
See SPH Student Opportunities for information on the S.T.E.P., Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, and Alumni Mentoring programs.
Here are just a few ways to get involved on campus through student organizations and honor societies.
School of Public Health
- Students Engaged in Public Health (SEIPH)
- PHSC Student Ambassadors
- SPH Student Organizations and Honor Societies (College Park)
- Shady Grove Student Engagement