The Public Health Studies Program at Johns Hopkins University (JHU) offers undergraduate students an unparalleled introduction to the dynamic and interdisciplinary field of public health. By bridging coursework on the Homewood campus with opportunities at the esteemed JHU Bloomberg School of Public Health, this program provides a robust foundation for future leaders in public health.
Students embarking on this academic journey will begin by establishing a strong base through foundational, core, and intermediate public health courses, all conveniently located on the Homewood campus. This initial phase ensures a comprehensive understanding of fundamental principles before students progress to advanced studies. In their culminating year, students gain a unique advantage by immersing themselves in specialized coursework directly at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, a world-renowned institution in the field. For a detailed list of courses available on the Homewood campus that fulfill program requirements, please consult the e-catalogue.
Foundational Coursework for Public Health Studies
To ensure a robust understanding of public health principles, all students are required to complete foundational coursework spanning quantitative, natural sciences, and social sciences disciplines. These courses are designed to build a strong academic bedrock for advanced public health learning.
Quantitative Foundations
A semester of calculus is mandatory to fulfill the quantitative requirement. Johns Hopkins University recognizes and accepts AP credits for calculus, offering flexibility for qualified students.
Natural Science Foundations
The natural science requirement includes two semesters of biology accompanied by a corresponding laboratory component. While introductory biology courses typically satisfy this requirement, upper-level biology classes are also acceptable. Similar to the quantitative requirement, JHU accepts relevant AP credits for natural sciences.
Social Science Foundations
Students are required to select two introductory social science courses from different academic departments. For example, suitable courses can be drawn from departments such as Psychology, Sociology, or Economics. For current students seeking clarification on course eligibility, the PHS Community Page on Canvas and Academic Advisors are valuable resources.
Core Public Health Studies Courses
The program mandates the completion of six core courses that are essential for a comprehensive public health education. While substitutions are generally not permitted, advisor approval may be granted for alternative JHU statistics courses to replace AS.280.345 Public Health Biostatistics. It is important to note that all six core courses must be successfully completed before students are eligible to enroll in courses at the JHU Bloomberg School of Public Health.
The Six Core Courses are:
- AS.280.101 Introduction to Public Health (Offered Fall and Spring semesters)
- AS.280.240 Research Methods in Public Health (Offered Fall and Spring semesters)
- AS.280.335 The Environment and Your Health (Offered Fall and Spring semesters)
- AS.280.340 Fundamentals of Health Policy and Management (Offered Spring semester)
- AS.280.345 Public Health Biostatistics (Offered Fall semester)
- AS.280.350 Fundamentals of Epidemiology (Offered Fall and Spring semesters)
Intermediate Public Health Studies Courses
Intermediate level courses can be taken concurrently with advanced courses at the JHU Bloomberg School of Public Health, providing scheduling flexibility for students in their later years of study.
Students are required to take one course at the 200-400 level focusing on the critical social and behavioral aspects of health. Students are encouraged to consult their advisors or explore the e-catalogue for detailed information on course options.
In addition to the social and behavioral health course, students must complete three additional courses at the 200-400 level, each carrying a minimum of 3 credits. To ensure breadth within the curriculum, a maximum of two Gordis Teaching Fellowship (GTF) courses can be applied towards this requirement. Advisors and the e-catalogue are valuable resources for further details on intermediate course selection.
Applied Experience in Public Health
A cornerstone of the Public Health Studies Program is the Applied Experience requirement. This experiential learning component necessitates a minimum of 80 hours of field work. Students gain invaluable practical experience by working directly with a program, organization, or researcher within a professional public health setting. Diverse pathways exist to fulfill this requirement, and further information is available on the Applied Experience page.
Advanced Studies at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
A defining feature of the program is the opportunity to take fifteen credits at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. This advanced coursework, undertaken in the final year of study, provides specialized knowledge and skills. Successful completion of core courses is a prerequisite for enrollment in JHSPH courses, ensuring students are well-prepared for this advanced learning experience.
This program structure allows undergraduates to deeply engage with public health, learn from leading experts, and prepare for impactful careers in the field, leveraging the exceptional resources of Johns Hopkins Public Health.
