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, and global health disparities, public health is at the forefront of improving lives and advancing health equity worldwide.
Why major in Public Health Sciences?
- Engaging Academic Experience: You will benefit from small classes, hands-on learning opportunities, and personalized advising that reflect the best of UMass Amherst.
- Career and Graduate School Preparation: You will gain the knowledge and practical skills to address complex health challenges, advance health equity, and pursue a wide range of careers or graduate programs in academic, clinical, and professional settings.
- Supportive, Student-Centered Community: You will join a welcoming, inclusive environment that encourages critical thinking and compassion, and supports development of leadership skills to respond to evolving public health issues in a range of settings.
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
Students in this course explore how social, political, and economic systems shape health disparities, and learn to apply a social justice lens to examine the root causes of inequality as well as strategies for advancing health equity.
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.
Linnea Evans
Focus on racism; stress and coping; early-onset chronic health conditions among Black Americans; inequities in adolescence.
Richard Peltier
Focus on aerosols, exposure, chemistry, measurements, and fieldwork.
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
Laura Attanasio
Focus on maternal health; women’s reproductive health; health equity; patient-provider relationship
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.