The core courses in PH&S explicitly focus on public and global health, including practice, research, and scholarship, and emphasize ethical training in public health, including foundational understanding of how issues of equity, inclusion, and social determinants influence health outcomes. Because the core courses in Public Health & Society are taught jointly by Public Health and A&S faculty, the minor and major provide an interdisciplinary foundation in various forms of inquiry drawn from public health, the natural and social sciences as well as the arts and humanities. By developing these essential skills and perspectives, we provide opportunities to develop career pathways in public health, medicine, healthcare, business, government, and life sciences research.

Core courses will be taught jointly by a faculty member in the School of Public Health and a faculty member in Arts & Sciences. Electives will be taught by faculty across the University.

As the program develops, we will continually review new and relevant suggested courses to add to the list of eligible electives.

If you would like to petition to add an elective course, reach out to Kirsten Jacobsen, our academic coordinator.

Students who have already completed ANTHRO 3283 - Introduction to Global Health may substitute it for PubHlthSoc 2000 Intro to Public and Global Health, which is a required course for both the major and minor in Public Health & Society.

The Applied Practice-based learning EXperiential (APEX) program is the capstone for the Public Health & Society major, designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and practical, hands-on experience.

Whether you decide to stay in our local community or travel abroad, the APEX program is split into two separate parts: practicum and seminar. The three-credit practicum provides students the opportunity to gain real-world experience through a community practicum or directed research project. The one-credit seminar course, taken concurrently with the practicum, allows students to process and reflect on their applied practice with a faculty member and community of peers.

This program is required for all majors and will be available starting Spring 2026.

Public Health & Society is an undergraduate program offered within Arts & Sciences.

The new School of Public Health (SPH) will be exclusively a graduate school, offering MPH and PhD programs. It is set to open in 2026.

One of the unique features of PH&S is its connection to the new School of Public Health. Through the foundational course instruction, guest lectures, and planned events in connection with the SPH, students will be able to connect with SPH faculty and public health leaders from around the globe. As the new school develops, PH&S students will have access to certain MPH-level classes, and we anticipate faculty from the School of Public Health will offer upper division courses through the A&S Program. Additionally, there will be future opportunities for engagement with SPH research and field engagement.

WashU is making huge investments in public health programs. What an exciting time to be a public health student!

Curriculum Requirements for the PH&S Major

Curriculum Requirements for the PH&S Minor

If you are considering continuing your public health education into graduate school, the 3-2 Program allows you to complete both your undergraduate and MPH degree in five years.

Still have questions? Send us an email.