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
Academic Advising and Support
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.
Degree Planning
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:
Become a PHSC Major
Public Health Science is one of five 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.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
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!
Donuts & Dish!
Join the PHSC Team for donuts and a chance to connect during the semester! Meetups will happen in September and November.
📅 Friday, September 25th & Friday, November 20th
⏰ 10:00am - 11:00am
📍SPH Friedgen Lounge (Rm 2236 - across from the "Shiny" Testudo aka Metali-Terp)
Clinical Experience Workshop
Join us for Getting Clinical Experience: Insights on What Matters Most to Clinical Employers!
Hear from R.T. Arnold, CEO of CapYear, as he shares insider tips on finding clinical experience, standing out in the application and interview process, and understanding what clinical employers look for when reviewing resumes.
📅 Monday, November 9th
⏰ 3:00pm - 4:00pm
📍SPH Building, Rm 0201
Career Pathways in Health Administration
Interested in healthcare, but still exploring? Join us to learn about career pathways in healthcare administration, hear from professionals in the field, and ask about opportunities in healthcare. We hope to see you there!
📅 Wednesday, November 11th
⏰ 4:00pm - 5:00pm
📍SPH Friedgen Lounge (Rm 2236 - across from the "Shiny" Testudo aka Metali-Terp)
Building Your Pre-Health Roadmap
Start building your path to a career in healthcare! Join PHSC advisors and staff to explore different pre-health pathways, ask questions, and learn how to prepare for medical, dental, PA school, and more.
📅 Tuesday, December 1st
⏰ 4:00pm - 5:30pm
📍SPH Friedgen Lounge (Rm 2236 - across from the "Shiny" Testudo aka Metali-Terp)
Refuel Breakfast: Nourish to Flourish
Join us for breakfast and a chance to rest before finals. Share your experiences, ask questions, and build community.
📅 Tuesday, December 15th
⏰ 10:00am - 11:30am
📍SPH Friedgen Lounge (Rm 2236 - across from the "Shiny" Testudo aka Metali-Terp)
Career Exploration Resources
Public Health Science majors are encouraged to explore career paths and graduate study through events sponsored by these campus partners:
Career Development Events
Look for workshops, panels, fairs & networking events throughout the semester.
- October 1st - 2nd: UMD Career & Internship Fair (in-person)
- October 6th: Internship & Job Search Strategies
- October 6th: Exploring Health Careers
- October 7th: Resume Revamp Interactive Workshop
- October 7th: How to Network
- October 8th: UMD Career & Internship Fair (virtual)
- October 20th: Preparing for Interviews
- October 22nd: Finding Your Fit - Exploring Career Options
- November 3rd: Resume Revamp Interactive Workshop
- November 4th: SPH Career Expo
- Multiple Dates and Topics: "From Hello to Hired" Workshop Series
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.
Research
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
Internships
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.
Global Opportunities and Study Abroad
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
- Maryland Global undergraduate opportunities
Leadership & Student Organizations
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