Public Health Sciences Degree
Public health is the science of promoting health, preventing disease, extending life and improving quality of life for populations. The population can be as small as a community or as large as a country. Public health professionals address the impact of genetics, environment and individual behavior on the health of the population.
The mission of public health is accomplished through the development and delivery of educational programs, creation of policy, regulation and administration of resources and continuing research. The scope of public health practice is broad encompassing a wide range of disciplines which emerge from the five core areas; behavioral science, epidemiology, biostatistics, administration, and environmental health.
MC's degree program is designed to articulate with the BS in public health sciences at the University of Maryland School of Public Health. Students may choose to complete this program at either the Shady Grove campus or the main campus in College Park. Students not transferring into the BS in public health sciences are advised to check the requirements of the institution and program to which they intend to transfer.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:
- Identify and analyze credible sources of health information.
- Describe the biopsychosocial factors which impact human health.
- List and describe controllable and uncontrollable risk factors for disease.
- List and describe the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the US.
- Analyze the contribution of both controllable and uncontrollable risk factors to the health status of individuals and populations.
- Evaluate the impact of personal/individual choice in achieving and maintaining good health.
- Evaluate the impact of individual choice on the health of the population.
Program Advising
Meet with your academic advisor regularly to discuss your academic plans and make sure you are on track to graduate and/or transfer. The program advising guide outlines the degree requirements and is meant to supplement the advising process.
Transfer Opportunities
MC has a long history of successfully preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions. This degree is designed for students to transfer and earn a bachelor's degree, with transfer agreements in place with George Washington University and University of Maryland. See all transfer agreements.
Careers
For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.
Related careers include health policy analyst, health administration program specialist, and epidemiologist.
- MC Student Employment Services: Speak with the Student Employment Specialist for help with resume writing, interviewing, setting up a College Central Network (CCN)new window account and other job search topics.
- Career Coach: Explore Career Coach to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests! Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area.
Curriculum
A suggested course sequence for students follows.
- All students should review the advising guide and consult an advisor.
- Find out about related programs and course in the Fields of Study section.
- Most courses have either assessment levels that must be met or prerequisites (courses that must be taken first). Part-time students and those who need to meet assessment levels or take prerequisite courses will take longer to complete a degree. An advisor will help make sure you are taking your courses in the right order.
- All degree-seeking students must take a central group of General Education courses in English, mathematics, arts, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, and science. These courses are included in the suggested course sequence below.
Suggested Course Sequence
Students should complete the required English and Math foundation courses within the first 24 credit hours. A suggested course sequence for full-time students follows. All students should review the Program Advising Guide and consult an advisor.
First Semester
- ENGL 101 - Introduction to College Writing 3 semester hours
- MATH 150 - Elementary Applied Calculus I 4 semester hours (MATF)
- BIOL 150 - Principles of Biology I 4 semester hours (NSLD)
- HLTH 160 - The Science and Theory of Health 3 semester hours
Second Semester
- ENGL 102 - Critical Reading, Writing, and Research 3 semester hours
- BIOL 212 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4 semester hours (NSLD)
- CHEM 131 - Principles of Chemistry I 4 semester hours
- PSYC 100 - General Psychology 3 semester hours
- Arts Distribution 3 semester hours (ARTD)
Third Semester
- BIOL 213 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4 semester hours
- CHEM 150 - Essentials of Organic and Biochemistry 4 semester hours
- COMM 108 - Foundations of Human Communication 3 semester hours (GEEL)
-
OR
- COMM 112 - Business and Professional Speech Communication 3 semester hours (GEEL)
- HLTH 225 - Introduction to Health Behaviors 3 semester hours
- SOCY 100 - Introduction to Sociology 3 semester hours (BSSD)
Fourth Semester
- BIOL 210 - Microbiology 4 semester hours
- BIOL 222 - Principles of Genetics 4 semester hours
- HLTH 299 - Capstone in Public Health Sciences 1 semester hour
- Humanities Distribution 3 semester hours (HUMD)
*ENGL 101/ENGL 101A, if needed for ENGL 102/ENGL 103 or HLTH elective.
If students plan to transfer to a school other than UMD or UMD at the Universities at Shady Grove, they should consult the transfer institution for more detailed information on course transfer.
AA and AS programs require one global and cultural perspectives (GCP) General Education course.
Related Programs and Courses
General Studies Degree
Students who major in general studies explore personal, professional, and academic areas of interest within a flexible framework supporting transfer.
Workforce Development and Continuing Education
MC offers a wide variety of noncredit classes. These courses are designed to help you upgrade your skills, pursue career training, or learn something new.