BS in Public Health Sciences
Make a meaningful impact on society with our public health sciences major.
Public health is the science and practice of preventing disease, promoting well-being, and creating the conditions in which people and communities can thrive. It brings together science, policy, and community engagement to address health challenges at the population level.
From chronic and infectious diseases to reproductive health, environmental hazards, global health disparities, and the needs of aging populations, public health is at the forefront of improving lives and advancing health equity worldwide.
Why major in Public Health Sciences?
Students in the Public Health Sciences major students gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to tackle complex health issues, promote health equity, and prepare for a wide range of careers or graduate study in academic, clinical, and professional settings.
As a student in this major, you will experience the best of UMass Amherst, including small classes, hands-on learning experiences, and personalized advising. Our supportive, student-centered environment empowers future public health leaders to think creatively, engage compassionately, and respond effectively to the complex and evolving needs of communities around the world.
Benefits list
Diverse Career Paths
The public health major prepares you for a wide range of health-related careers in hospital and insurance systems, nonprofit groups, and government agencies. Our students are also well-prepared to pursue graduate studies or attend medical, physician assistant, or nursing programs.
Focus Area
Public health sciences majors identify a focus, exploring an area in public health of particular interest to them. The focus area enhances understanding of the field and better prepares students for a career in public health.
Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs
Public health majors have the opportunity to participate in study abroad programs led by world-class UMass faculty. Their courses focus on topics relevant to global health, and students participate in practical public health experiences, all while immersing themselves in a new culture and country.
Featured class
In this class students will examine controversies in environmental health sciences and discuss these topics after completing focused readings.
Featured Faculty
Sofija Zagarins
Lecturer in Epidemiology
Focus on nutrient sufficiency and micronutrient status; overall diet quality; bone mass and body composition; disease prevention and management.
Lawrence Pellegrini
Senior Lecturer in Health Policy and Management
Focus on Social Security disability, health economics, mental health
Richard Peltier
Focus on aerosols, exposure, chemistry, measurements, and fieldwork.
Megan Patton-Lopez
Focus on community nutrition, implementation science, child and adolescent health, healthy eating and active living, health equity.
Andrew Lover
Deputy Director, New England Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Disease
Commissioner, Pioneer Valley Mosquito Control
Focus on infectious disease epidemiology; vector-borne disease; malaria; global health; epidemiological study design
In the Spotlight
"In public health, it is important to get off the Internet, and do the majority of your career exploration in a hands-on way. Reach out to your social network to learn more about what’s out there and see if there is a way to get involved."
Application information & deadlines
Prospective students interested in the undergraduate public health sciences major begin by applying to the university.
Fall 2025 Early Action Deadline
Prospective first-year students must submit their application via the Common App by Nov. 5.
Regular Decision Deadline
Prospective students should apply to the Common App by Jan. 15.
Spring Semester Application Deadline
Prospective students who wish to begin in the spring term should apply to the Common App by Oct. 15.
Public Health Sciences
Building the foundations for careers in public health and clinical professions.
Accreditation
The Public Health Sciences major at UMass Amherst is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health, which is an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit schools of public health, and public health programs outside schools of public health.