We are integrating perspectives from the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities around one of the defining local, national, and international endeavors of our times—public health.

WashU's institutional strength in public health, enhanced commitment to racial diversity and inclusion, and the array of exceptional academic units within Arts & Sciences are the foundation for this distinctive program that emphasizes the social determinants of health, including the role inequalities play in health outcomes. Students will glean meaningful insight from course connections to environmental science; anthropology; biology; medical humanities; statistics and data science; women, gender and sexuality studies; and more. They will also develop the hallmarks of an Arts & Sciences education: a spirit of creative inquiry, the ability to organize and synthesize information, skills in written and oral expression, and a strong grasp of ethics. 

The undergraduate minor program is now enrolling students for fall 2024. 

Public Health & Society is developing out of the Arts & Sciences strategic plan as well as the university’s Here and Next vision. As part of that vision, Washington University will be launching its first new school in 100 years: a dedicated school of public health that will offer significant opportunities for collaboration with these undergraduate programs as well as with the School of Medicine, the Brown School, McKelvey School of Engineering, and Olin Business School.