COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor’s in Public Health at the University at Albany is an interdisciplinary program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to improve population health, reduce disease, and promote well-being across diverse communities. The curriculum combines natural sciences, social sciences, and health policy to provide a broad understanding of the biological, environmental, and social factors that influence health outcomes. Core courses include General Biology: Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics, Elementary Statistics, Introduction to Public Health, Concepts in Epidemiology, Introduction to Biostatistics, and Evidence-Based Public Health, which together build a strong foundation in scientific reasoning, data analysis, and public health principles. Students also study Global Environmental Issues and their Effect on Human Health, Promoting Healthy People and Communities, Biological Basis of Personal and Public Health, and How U.S. Health Care Works: Myths and Realities, giving them insight into both global and national health systems. The program emphasizes applied learning through fieldwork and elective coursework, allowing students to explore specialized areas such as maternal and child health, social determinants of health, health psychology, occupational health, medical sociology, and health literacy. Additional topics include bioethics, economics of healthcare, integrative care, and the history of public health, helping students understand the ethical, cultural, and economic dimensions of health issues. Students are encouraged to tailor their electives to align with specific career goals or interests, gaining practical experience across multiple disciplines. Overall, the program prepares graduates for careers in public health agencies, healthcare organizations, non-profits, research institutions, and government agencies, as well as for advanced study in public health, medicine, and related health sciences fields, with a strong focus on improving health outcomes for diverse populations.