Program Description

Public health is defined as “the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through the organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private communities, and individuals”. 

Public Health is a broad field that attracts students with a range of interests and talents. Students earning an undergraduate degree in public health will learn to assess and improve population health at many levels using evidence-based strategies. The skills and knowledge gained through the study of public health are applicable to all clinical health professions, and are also important for careers that relate to health indirectly or on a broader scale. 

Students with undergraduate training in Public Health are qualified for entry-level positions in organizations including nonprofits, government, consulting, and advocacy organizations, and often pursue graduate education in public health or go on to clinical or other graduate programs. Graduates of public health programs become researchers, clinicians, policy makers or lawmakers, community planners or organizers, infectious disease specialists, educators, administrators, or can apply their training in any number of other fields.

Undergraduate Curriculum Overview

The Academic Advising Center provides the following repositories of sequencing and curriculum guides for all undergraduate majors and minors to assist with course planning:  

• Sequencing Guides - Majors (Traditional Population)  
• Sequencing Guides - Minors (Traditional Population) 
• Curriculum Guides (Regional and Online Population)

Additional Notes:

• There may be circumstances where credit totals do not reflect coursework that is eligible to count towards Core Curriculum and Major Requirement sections of a major simultaneously.
• Degree requirements are subject to change. 

I. Core Curriculum (40 credits)

This Core Curriculum is faithful to the Springfield College mission and further strengthens the Humanics philosophy of educating students in spirit, mind, and body. It is a cornerstone of a Springfield College education. Regardless of one’s major, it provides a strong, developmental, and holistic foundation for leaders in service to humanity. Upon completion, all graduates will be prepared to learn, lead, and serve in diverse, multicultural, and global contexts as well as in any career path they may choose. They will have the knowledge, habits of the mind, skills, and abilities to face unexpected situations and challenges, the values and attitudes for self-motivation and a vision of service that stems from hope, optimism and making a difference, as well as the self-determination to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

View the Core Curriculum Requirements (40 credits)  section for a complete list of the domains and courses therein.

II. Major Requirements (55-56 credits)

III. Electives (to complete a minimum of 120 credits)