The curriculum provides students with a solid understanding of the pressing public health concerns of the day, and how to address these challenges and influence societal structures that may impact poor health outcomes. Students complete at least 45 credits as follows:

• Public health foundation courses (12 credits)
• Community awareness courses (minimum 6 credits)
• Public health survey courses (minimum 6 credits)
• Topic-focused elective courses (minimum 6 credits)
• Public health capstone (3 credits)
• Elective courses (12 credits)

Description of Course Components

Public Health Foundation Courses: These five required courses, which include an understanding of the determinants of health in communities, provide students with an introduction to the field and are only open to admitted students.

Community Awareness Courses: Hands-on community engagement courses that better prepare students for the vital work of working with and for communities.

Public Health Survey Courses and Topic-Focused Electives: Provides opportunities to both gain a broad understanding of public health and study specific topics more in-depth.

Elective Courses: Students contextualize their public health courses with a wide variety of course options in social science disciplines (or apply credits from the first four semesters of language courses).

Public Health Capstone: The capstone broadens our students’ knowledge of public health with an integrative learning experience culminating in a written product.

Study Abroad

Studying abroad is a transformative way to fulfill major requirements, electives, and liberal education credits while gaining invaluable global experience. Planning early is key to a successful journey.

• Start Early: Careful planning is essential to integrate a study abroad opportunity into your degree plan. Review the major advising page for Public Health to review plans and program options.
• Meet with an academic advisor: Contact sph-ugrad@umn.edu to meet with an academic advisor to plan your courses.

• Apply for Scholarships: Students are strongly encouraged to apply for scholarships from the Learning Abroad Center (LAC).
• Deadlines: Plan early and check application and scholarship deadlines in advance.