Be a part of the big picture

UVM Medical Center

UVM’s Public Health Sciences program will help you develop an in-depth understanding of health issues faced by individuals and communities and be prepared to define, assess, and address health concerns through the lens of public health.

As a graduate of UVM’s Public Health Sciences program, you will be prepared for careers in health promotion and education, global health, epidemiology, health communication, and health care systems, as well as for further education in health professions.

Why Choose UVM?

Hands-on practice. You’ll complete a capstone field experience with a community partner agency that directly contributes to population health.

Professional experience. UVM’s affiliations with community agencies and the UVM Medical Center provide opportunities for observation, knowledge application, and important professional skill practice.

Strong foundation for graduate study. Students often pursue advanced study in health professions including physical therapy, nursing, pharmacy, healthcare administration, and public health, in addition to other fields.

What You Will Learn

As a student in UVM’s Health Sciences program, you will develop in-depth understanding of health issues faced by individuals and communities. The Public Health Sciences degree includes:

  • 36 credits in health sciences core courses
  • 18 credits in English, humanities, and math or statistics
  • 12 credits in social and behavioral sciences
  • 18 credits in natural and applied sciences
  • 18 credits in health-related electives
  • 12 credits in additional electives

View a model curriculum in Public Health Sciences >>

PROGRAM MISSION

The mission of the UVM Public Health Sciences program is to strive for health equity by preparing the next generation of leaders to improve the health of individuals and communities through basic science and applying the principles of population health.

ACCREDITATION

The UVM Public Health Sciences program (B.S.) is an applicant for accreditation by the Council on Education for Public Health. The accreditation review will address the Public Health Sciences B.S. Other degrees and areas of study offered by this institution will not be included in the unit of accreditation review.  Learn more >>

Major requirements

120 credits

Beyond the classroom

Students complete a culminating capstone project that contributes to population health.

Senior Capstone Experience

The capstone field experience is a full-semester, service-learning placement with a community partner agency. Community partners have included:

  • Rise VT
  • Northern Vermont Area Health Education Center
  • Pride Center of Vermont
  • Bayada Hospice
  • Planned Parenthood of Northern New England

Further Opportunities

Public Health Sciences students have leadership roles in clubs across campus, such as the Vermont Student Assembly for Public Health and The Biomedical and Health Sciences Club, which offer opportunities to attend lectures, engage in volunteer and service work, network and create connections across campus and with professionals in the field.

Research

There are numerous opportunities for students to engage in undergraduate research on campus. Students may choose to work with Biomedical and Health Sciences department faculty, or any UVM faculty researcher engaged in health-related research.

Study Abroad

Study abroad opportunities can easily be incorporated into the curriculum. One option includes a full-semester health sciences program exchange with Maastricht University in The Netherlands. A variety of health-related short-term travel programs also exist.

Pre-Health Guidance

Students interested in medicine, occupational or physical therapy, nursing, pharmacy, public health or other graduate programs work with their academic and pre-health advisors to incorporate recommended requirements into their curriculum plans.

Meet Annabelle Streckfus '22

Annabelle StreckfusAnnabelle plans to become a pediatric nurse practitioner.

Read more success stories

Graduate employment rate

96%

Employed or continuing their education within six months of graduating.

Careers

  • Health benefits navigator
  • Global health program associate
  • Policy analyst
  • Health educator
  • Health coach
  • Research assistant
  • Health communication associate
  • Disease prevention specialist
  • Injury prevention specialist
  • Nutrition and physical activity coordinator
  • Clinical research coordinator

Where alumni work

  • Marathon Health
  • University of Vermont Employee Wellness
  • Boston Medical Centers
  • Denver Transportation
  • MaineHealth
  • Vermont Department of Health
  • Northern Vermont Area Health Education Centers
  • United Way of Addison County

Graduate Schools

  • Tufts School of Public Health
  • University of Washington School of Nursing (NP)
  • University of Vermont MPH
  • Johns Hopkins
  • New York Law School
  • Columbia University

Related Information

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