Bachelor's in Public Health Science

Santa Clara University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, including business, engineering, humanities, and sciences. The university's emphasis on a well-rounded education, which combines academic rigor with a commitment to social responsibility, sets it apart. Santa Clara's dedicated faculty and campus community foster an environment where students can excel both academically and as compassionate, socially aware individuals. The university's mission to educate the whole person and promote justice and ethical leadership prepares graduates to make a positive impact in their careers and communities, aligning with the values of the Jesuit tradition.

The Public Health Science (PHS) major is an interdisciplinary degree focused on the health of human populations and individuals. Students will gain a solid foundation in biology and chemistry to understand the functioning of the human body in health and disease. The major further explores the influences of environmental and social factors on human health through required and elective public health courses, as well as relevant courses in the social sciences and humanities. Through the senior capstone and mandatory internship, PHS majors engage in health-focused service and research projects that apply their education to real-world public health problems and integrate learning across disciplines. Students are encouraged to study abroad to gain a perspective on global health issues. The Public Health program also offers a minor in Public Health for those pursuing another major who are interested in this important and growing field of study. Public Health Science majors will be well-prepared for careers, graduate education, or professional training in public health or health-related professions, including medicine and nursing. There are many career options in the field of public health, including healthcare administration, planning, and public policy; epidemiology and disease surveillance; clinical research and clinical trials management; health-related education and social work; health and science communication; and basic research.