Are you passionate about making a difference in the health of communities and populations? The Public Health Studies Program at Johns Hopkins University offers undergraduate students a comprehensive introduction to the dynamic and vital field of public health. This interdisciplinary major provides a robust foundation through diverse coursework available on the Homewood campus and at the esteemed Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (SPH).
The program is designed to progressively build your expertise. You’ll begin with foundational, core, and intermediate public health courses, all conveniently located on the Homewood campus. Then, in your senior year, you’ll have the unique and enriching opportunity to deepen your knowledge with specialized courses directly at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, a world-leading institution in public health. A detailed list of courses available on the Homewood campus that fulfill program requirements can be found in the e-catalogue.
Building a Strong Foundation in Public Health
The Public Health Studies major emphasizes a strong base in quantitative, natural, and social sciences. These foundational courses are crucial for understanding the complexities of public health challenges.
Quantitative Skills
A semester of calculus is required to ensure students develop essential analytical and problem-solving skills. Advanced Placement (AP) credits accepted by Johns Hopkins University can fulfill this requirement, allowing students with prior calculus experience to move forward.
Natural Science Understanding
Two semesters of biology, accompanied by a corresponding lab, are necessary to grasp the biological underpinnings of health and disease. While introductory biology courses typically meet this requirement, upper-level biology classes are also accepted. Similar to calculus, relevant AP credits can also satisfy this natural science component.
Social Science Perspectives
To understand the societal and behavioral factors influencing public health, students select two introductory social science courses. These courses must be from different academic departments, such as Psychology, Sociology, or Economics, providing a broad perspective on human behavior and social systems in relation to health. For current students, the PHS Community Page on Canvas and academic advisors are valuable resources for clarifying course eligibility and social science options.
Core Public Health Curriculum
Six core courses form the backbone of the Public Health Studies Program. These courses must be completed before students can enroll in courses at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, ensuring a solid grounding in fundamental public health principles. While substitutions are generally not permitted, advisor approval may allow for other JHU statistics courses to replace AS.280.345 Public Health Biostatistics.
The Six Core Courses are:
- AS.280.101 Introduction to Public Health (Fall & Spring Semesters) – Provides a broad overview of the field of public health, its history, core disciplines, and contemporary challenges.
- AS.280.240 Research Methods in Public Health (Fall & Spring Semesters) – Introduces students to the fundamental methodologies used in public health research, including study design, data collection, and analysis.
- AS.280.335 The Environment and Your Health (Fall & Spring Semesters) – Explores the critical relationship between environmental factors and human health, covering topics like pollution, climate change, and environmental justice.
- AS.280.340 Fundamentals of Health Policy and Management (Spring Semester) – Examines the principles of health policy development, implementation, and management within the context of public health systems.
- AS.280.345 Public Health Biostatistics (Fall Semester) – Develops students’ skills in applying statistical methods to public health data, essential for analyzing health trends and evaluating interventions.
- AS.280.350 Fundamentals of Epidemiology (Fall & Spring Semesters) – Introduces the core principles of epidemiology, the study of disease patterns and determinants in populations, a cornerstone of public health practice.
Intermediate Public Health Coursework
Intermediate level courses allow students to further specialize their knowledge and can be taken concurrently with advanced courses at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
One required intermediate course focuses on the social and behavioral aspects of health. These courses, typically at the 200-400 level, delve into the psychological, social, and cultural factors that influence health behaviors and outcomes. Consult your advisor or the e-catalogue for detailed information on course options.
In addition to the social and behavioral health course, students must complete three more courses at the 200-400 level, each worth at least 3 credits. These electives allow for deeper exploration of specific public health areas of interest. Note that a maximum of two Gordis Teaching Fellowship (GTF) courses can count towards this requirement. Again, your advisor and the e-catalogue are valuable resources for course selection.
Applied Public Health Experience
Practical experience is a cornerstone of public health education. The PHS Applied Experience requirement ensures students gain real-world skills through at least 80 hours of fieldwork. This experience involves working with a public health program, organization, or researcher in a professional setting. The Applied Experience page provides further details on the diverse ways to fulfill this crucial program component.
Advanced Studies at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
A distinguishing feature of the Public Health Studies Program is the opportunity to take advanced courses at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (Johns Hopkins Sph). In your final year, you will complete fifteen credits at this renowned institution. Prior completion of the core courses is required before enrolling in JHSPH courses, ensuring you are well-prepared for this advanced coursework. This unique access to Johns Hopkins SPH resources and faculty provides an unparalleled advantage for undergraduate students seeking to launch their public health careers or pursue further graduate studies in the field.
