Degree Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Human Science
- Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management and Policy
- Bachelor of Science in Global Health
- Additional Programs
1. Bachelor of Science in Human Science
Vision, Mission and Curriculum Overview
The mission of the Department of Human Science is to promote the health and well-being of all people by preparing future leaders and scholars in the health sciences. Its vision is to explore human biology and disease at the molecular, cellular, behavioral and systems levels for the improvement of human health.
The human science major is designed for students who have a passion for the scientific disciplines and wish to build a strong foundation in the basic and health sciences. Faculty members with diverse areas of expertise guide students in building critical and analytical thinking skills and in cultivating an inquisitive mind. Experiential activities in laboratory research and community health activities complement in-class learning and allow students to witness firsthand real-life application of scientific and theoretical concepts. Internships further focus the student in the direction he or she wishes to pursue upon graduation. The program prepares students for a variety of graduate programs such as medicine, dentistry, environmental and occupational health, physical therapy and public health, as well as many careers in biomedical science, health communication, research, and teaching.
Goals and Learning Outcomes
- To integrate knowledge of the multiple mechanisms underlying human health and disease at the molecular, cellular, systems biology, behavioral, and population level.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms underlying human biology.
- Examine the influences of various factors on health state and physiological functioning including, but not limited to, the environment, health behaviors, culture, socioeconomic status, access to health care, health literacy, disability and genetics.
- Integrate course material across fields into personal scientific knowledge.
- To develop critical thinking through the process of scientific inquiry and its translation into human health and wellness.
- Design experiments to address a specific hypothesis.
- Represent and analyze qualitative and quantitative data in statistically meaningful forms.
- Critique primary scientific literature and data for quality of evidence and relevance to theory and practice.
- To develop effective communication skills and ethical and complex decision making.
- Communicate orally and in writing to demonstrate ability to convey scientific information and ideas clearly and persuasively.
- Produce a comprehensive project/manuscript to demonstrate scientific inquiry.
- Apply ethical principles to issues presented in coursework.
- Adapt the same human science information to be communicated effectively to different audiences.
- To engage in experiential learning to facilitate application of human science.
- Integrate scientific principles through laboratory and community experiences.
- Apply scientific inquiry through an internship experience.
- Link basic science knowledge to specific topics of health and disease that are presented during experiential learning.
Curriculum Overview
During the first two years in the program students are introduced to foundational courses, including human biology, chemistry, mathematics, pathophysiology, health promotion/disease prevention and research methods in health care.
These courses are expanded by complementary studies in the liberal arts, including English, philosophy, ethics and Theology and Religious Studies.
Students also have the opportunity to choose electives that they may ultimately want to build into a minor and all students will select four Human Science electives.
Some students choose to spend a semester abroad, generally in their junior year.
Human Science students may not accumulate more than 9 credits of independent study. Independent study may not be pursued in the senior/final year of study without departmental approval.
The two semester senior internship provides the opportunity for each student to identify his/her own area of discovery in an experiential, laboratory or archival setting of the student’s choosing and to further refine both written and oral expression as the student prepares to graduate as a human science major.
BS in Human Science Degree Requirements
University Core Requirements
- Writing: Writing and Culture Seminar and Integrated Writing Course in the Major — 2 courses
- HALC — 1 course
- Engaging Diversity domestic — 1 course; Engaging Diversity global — 1 course
- Philosophy — 2 courses
- Theology and Religious Studies — 2 courses
- Natural Science — 1 course (fulfilled within the major courses: HSCI 101/102)
Required Courses for the Major
- Probability and Statistics (MATH 040)
- 4 HSCI elective courses (3 from HSCI; 1 from GLOH, HESY, or HSCI)
- Free electives, totaling 37 credits, in any discipline
First Year
- Human Biology I and II (HSCI-101, 102)
- Research Theory and Communication (HSCI-178)
- General Chemistry Lecture I and II (CHEM-001, 002)
- General Chemistry Lab I and II (CHEM-009, 010)
- First Year Colloquium (HEST-001)
Second Year
- Pathophysiology (HSCI-202)
- Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (HSCI-160)
- Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology of Health and Disease (HSCI-280)
Third Year
- Genetics in Health and Disease (HSCI-355)
Fourth Year
- Senior Seminar/Internship I (HSCI-322)
- Immunology (HSCI-209)
- Physiological Adaptations (HSCI-350)
- Senior Seminar/Internship II (HSCI-323)
2. Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management & Policy
Vision, Mission and Curriculum Overview
To provide the opportunity to develop the foundation of a career in the administration of health services through a well-designed liberal education, understanding the role of health in achieving quality of life and the role of quality health services in protecting and promoting health.
The Objectives of the Department
- To have a highly qualified faculty who collaborate in an intellectually stimulating and collegial environment.
- To create an environment in which diverse students and faculty participate in advancing knowledge of health services provision.
- To offer high quality, competency-based service, continuing, graduate and undergraduate programs that emphasize quality of care.
- To maintain a collaborative and mutually beneficial relationship with the professional practice of health services administration.
- To serve as a resource to Georgetown University, the School of Nursing & Health Studies, the Health Sciences Center and the MedStar Health System.
- To reflect the Jesuit values of educating the total person for successful citizenship and service.
- To serve the alumni of the programs as they achieve their career objectives.
The Mission of the Undergraduate Health Care
Management & Policy Program
- To provide the opportunity to develop the foundation of a career in health care through a well-designed liberal education, understanding the role of health in achieving quality of life, the role of quality health services in protecting and promoting health, and the relationship between health policy and the health of the population.
The Objectives of the Undergraduate Health Care Management & Policy Program
- To attract individuals to fields in, or related to, health management and health policy, who are committed to making a significant contribution to the quality of health care as well as the health and the quality of life of the public.
- To expose students to the full spectrum of career opportunities in health systems and health policy, as well as provide successful role models in practice and policy settings.
- To provide fundamental background in the social, political, economic and technical forces that shape the provision of health services.
- To provide basic competencies in the skills and ethical sensitivity that are essential for successful and meaningful careers in the field.
- To provide practical learning experiences that enhance and integrate didactic learning.
- To develop in students the appreciation and skills that are essential for life-long learning and development.
Curriculum Overview
The Health Care Management and Policy curriculum builds on a liberal arts education and examines how health care markets and policy contribute to the health of individuals and populations. The program’s mission is to prepare graduates for careers in health care through a well-designed liberal education and an in-depth understanding of health services and health policy. To that end, all students take courses in Health Economics, the Politics of Health Care, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Epidemiology, Statistics, and Health Services Research. There are opportunities to take electives in other schools within the University, to minor in an area of interest, and to study abroad.
For students who select a concentration in Health Management, the sequence includes Organizational Theory, Accounting, Budgeting and Fiscal Management, Health Law, Health Information Systems, Marketing, and Strategic Planning. The senior year includes a semester-long internship (a year-long honors thesis project may be undertaken in addition to, or in lieu of, internship, providing student meets criteria) under the preceptorship of an experienced executive. The internship provides the student with an opportunity to hone their analytical and leadership skills as they prepare for subsequent professional roles and/or graduate study.
For students who select a concentration in Health Policy Analysis, the sequence includes Health in a Free Society, US Political Systems, Analytical Methods in Policy Evaluation, and a series of policy electives that can be taken throughout the program. During the senior year there is a semester-long internship and accompanying seminar (a year-long honors thesis project may be undertaken in addition to, or in lieu of, internship, proving student meets criteria) in one of the many health policy organizations and agencies in Washington DC.
BS in HCMP Degree Requirements
University Core Requirements
- Writing: Writing and Culture Seminar and Integrated Writing Course in the Major — 2 courses
- HALC— 1 course
- Engaging Diversity domestic — 1 course; Engaging Diversity global — 1 course
- Philosophy — 2 courses: 1 ethics; 1 non-ethics
- Theology and Religious Studies — 2 courses
- Natural Science — 1 course (fulfilled within the major courses: HESY 184)
Required courses for the HCMP – Health Management Concentration
- Social Science (Anthropology, Economics (excluding ECON 001), Government, Linguistics, Psychology, Sociology) — 2 courses
- Free electives, in any discipline, to total 120 total credits
Below is the recommended sequence (students should consider prerequsites and if courses are offered in the Fall or Spring):
First Year
- Health Care in America I (HESY-010)
- Health Care in America II (HESY-011)
- Language of Health and Disease (HSCI-100)
- Probability and Statistics (MATH-040)
- Microeconomics (ECON-001)
- First Year Colloquium (HEST-001)
Second Year
- Health Promotion/Disease Prevention (HESY-160)
- Health Care Systems Economics (HESY-170)
- Introduction to Epidemiology (HESY-184)
- Health Services Research (HESY-180)
- Politics of Health Care (HESY-201)
Third Year
- Managerial Ethics (HESY-191)
- Accounting (ACCT-001)
- Information Systems (HESY-210)
- Strategic Planning and Marketing (HESY-271)
- Organizational Theory (HESY-204)
Fourth Year
- Legal Environment of Health Care (HESY-205)
- Negotiating Leadership (HESY 325)
- Budgeting and Fiscal Management (HESY-368)
- Health Management Internship (HESY-376)
(Students may elect the Honors Program (HESY 309 – 312) in addition to, or in lieu of, HESY 376, if they meet criteria.)
Required courses for the HCMP – Health Policy Analysis Concentration
- Social Science (Anthropology, Economics (excluding ECON-001), Government (excluding GOVT-020), Linguistics, Psychology, Sociology) — 1 course
- History — 1 course
- Free electives, in any discipline, to total 120 total credits
Below is the recommended sequence (students should consider prerequisites and if courses are offered in the Fall or Spring):
First Year
- Health Care in America I (HESY-010)
- Health Care in America II (HESY-011)
- Probability and Statistics (MATH-040)
- First Year Colloquium (HEST-001)
- Microeconomics (ECON-001)
- U.S. Political Systems (GOVT-020)
Second Year
- Health Promotion/Disease Prevention (HESY-160)
- Health Care Systems Economics (HESY-170)
- Introduction to Epidemiology (HESY-184)
- Health Services Research (HESY-180)
- Politics of Health Care (HESY-201)
- Policy Elective I
Third Year
- Health in a Free Society (HESY-355)
- Policy Elective II
- Policy Elective III
- Analytical Methods for Policy Evaluation (HESY-472)
Fourth Year
- Negotiating Leadership (HESY-325)
- Health Policy Internship (HESY-377)
(Students may elect the Honors Program (HESY 309 – 312) in addition to, or in lieu of, HESY 377, if they meet criteria.)
The timing of policy electives listed above is recommended, not required. Policy electives must be from the approved list or approved by faculty advisor. 2/3 policy electives must be 200 level or higher.
3. Bachelor of Science in Global Health
Vision, Mission and Curriculum Overview
The mission of the Department of International Health is to be an academic leader in the field of global health and development, and to provide students a range of global health related learning opportunities and field-based research experiences.
B.S. in Global Health Objective and Curriculum Outline
The first undergraduate program of its kind in the country, started in 2002, the Bachelor of Science in Global Health degree responds to the growing need for well-qualified professionals able to deal with the health problems of developing countries and with the complex web of international institutions and initiatives that address the persistent health inequalities across the globalized world.
The Global Health major provides a unique undergraduate education in the field of global health and development by providing both academic training in a variety of carefully selected health-related subjects and field-based research experience at premier research institutions in development settings.
The Global Health curriculum blends public health and health systems management. Students study the interaction of environment, culture, and the political economy of health and development, and analyze how these relationships influence global health outcomes. Experts from agencies such as the World Health Organization, the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, USAID, the Population Reference Bureau and other nongovernmental organizations participate in a variety of curricular activities.
Additionally, students gain field experience and apply fundamental classroom skills at health organizations through experiential learning opportunities.
During the first three years of the undergraduate program, students explore the biological and social sciences and fundamental concepts, frameworks, and topics in global health.
During this time, students will develop skills in public health research methods including epidemiology, data collection and statistical analysis, which will prepare them for field research during their senior year practical experience abroad.
During their junior and senior years, students will also be able to focus on a variety of topics and current issues in global health, such as the COVID-19 and the HIV/AIDS pandemics, health care financing, access to medicines, communicable disease control, urban and environmental health issues, and the impact of globalization on health.
During the course of the four-year program, students will develop critical thinking skills that they will apply in improving the health of the people with whom they are working.
Student Learning Goals
By the time students graduate with a major in Global Health they will:
- Demonstrate the use of critical thinking in all aspects of their educational and professional endeavors.
- Apply fundamental principles and skills in conducting research in the field of global health.
- Assess how conditions in developing countries impact on people’s health status.
- Participate in community-based learning experiences that enhance and expand their classroom experiences.
- Examine through a critical lens what it means to be a global citizen in a world where there is considerable inequity in health.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Critically evaluate and analyze global health-related scientific studies, findings and reports.
- Design, manage, and evaluate independent field and policy research using research methodologies and evidence-based analysis.
- Evaluate the challenges and formulate appropriate strategies of providing health services in developing countries utilizing the theories and principles of public health and epidemiology.
- Immerse themselves in any community with professional, institutional, political and cultural awareness and understanding.
- Analyze the comprehensive determinants of global health inequity.
BS in Global Health Degree Requirements
University Core Requirements
- Writing: Writing and Culture Seminar and Integrated Writing Course in the Major — 2 courses
- HALC— 1 course
- Engaging Diversity domestic — 1 course; Engaging Diversity global — 1 course
- Philosophy — 2 courses
- Theology and Religious Studies — 2 courses
- Natural Science — 1 course (fulfilled within the major courses: HSCI 100)
Required Courses for the Major
- Social Science (ANTH 001, ANTH 250, PSYC 001, or SOCI 001)
- 3 courses, totaling 9 credits, from a preapproved list of global health electives (levels 100 – 500)
- Proficiency in one modern language through the intermediate level
- Free electives, totaling 42 credits, in any discipline
First Year
- Intro to Global Health (GLOH-140)
- Language of Health and Disease (HSCI-100)
- Epidemiological Applications to Population Health (GLOH-177)
- Probability and Statistics (MATH-040)
- First Year Colloquium (HEST-001)
Second Year
- Maternal & Child Health: Developing Countries (GLOH-202)
- Introduction to Health Economics (GLOH-260)
Third Year
- Global Health Promotion (GLOH-281)
- Research Methods in Global Health (GLOH-303)
- Globalization & Health (GLOH-356)
- Comparative Health Systems (GLOH-360)
Fourth Year
- Global Health Practice and Research: An Experiential Learning Course
- Global Health Capstone: A Competency Enhancement Course
Semester Abroad
Global Health students will undertake a semester long practical experience abroad during the fall of their senior year. Students conduct an internship focused on policy and research issues tailored to their particular site, usually involving the health of underserved populations. Prerequisites for the practical experience abroad include senior standing, good academic and disciplinary standing which requires a minimum GPA of 3.0, completion of core courses (GLOH-177 and GLOH-303), a minimum of 90 credit hours, and faculty approval.
The International Health faculty will review the record of each student who plans to participate in the practical experience prior to departure. When the student requests not to go abroad, does not meet the prerequisites for participation in the practical abroad experience or is otherwise unable to go abroad, he or she must complete a scholarly paper (6 credits), plus two additional senior-level courses (6 credits), subject to the approval of the Director of the BS in Global Health program, during the fall semester.
Language Requirement
All students majoring in global health must achieve proficiency in a modern language through the intermediate level. Placement exams are offered in most languages during New Student Orientation. Students who do not place above the intermediate level of a language on these placement exams can fulfill this requirement by completing courses in a modern language through the intermediate level.
Accelerated Master of Science in Global Health Program
Qualified undergraduate students in the Global Health program have the opportunity to earn Bachelor of Science in Global Health and Master of Science in Global Health degrees at an accelerated pace within five years by counting two graduate-level courses in the undergraduate program toward the graduate degree and enroll in two additional graduate courses. Students with a minimum GPA of 3.5 in the major are eligible to apply for the program no later than January 15th of their junior year.
Please see the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Catalog for information and requirements of the accelerated degree programs.
4. Additional Programs
A. Pre-health Curriculum
The pre-health curriculum is not a major in itself, but rather can be undertaken by any undergraduate student at Georgetown University, including students in degree programs offered by the School of Health. SOH students interested in pre-health or pre-professional studies should seek appropriate advising from their SOH academic advisor. Students interested in attending medical school usually work with the Georgetown Pre-Health Recommendation Committee, of which SOH is a full participant. To qualify for a review from the Georgetown Pre-Health Recommendation Committee, a student must have completed all core pre-med coursework, including:
- Human Biology I and II (Biology for SOH students)
- General Chemistry I and II
- Organic Chemistry I and II or Organic Chemistry I and Biochemistry
- Physics I and II
- Mathematics (Probability and Statistics and one other math course)
- Biochemistry
All of these courses must be taken as real college coursework (except for Mathematics where one semester of AP credit may be used). Non-majors coursework is not included. Summer school credit (Georgetown or elsewhere) may be used if a full load (15 credits) is pursued during the academic year, especially if the student is working toward other curricular objectives, such as study abroad or completing a certificate or a minor. At least 30 credits of major-level math/science must be taken at Georgetown. Transfer students and post-baccalaureate students are expected to meet this 30-credit requirement even if they have completed all or some of the core pre-med coursework elsewhere.
The School of Health, along with the other schools of the University, has an agreement with the Georgetown Medical School whereby a select number of students, at the end of their sophomore year, may be assured admission to the Medical School, contingent upon satisfactory completion of the junior and senior year coursework. The program is designed to encourage exceptionally well qualified students to undertake ambitious academic programs with a degree of certainty about eventual admission to medical school. In addition, students admitted through this program are not required to take the MCAT.
Students interested in preparing for dental, physical therapy, law, and graduate school will integrate prerequisite courses within their curriculum.
For more detailed information regarding the pre-health curriculum, please visit Georgetown University’s Pre-Health Advising Office.
B. Minor in Public Health
This minor approaches health from an interdisciplinary perspective to promote the health and well being of all individuals. The minor will draw from the existing expertise of faculty in human science, nursing, international health, and health systems administration. The objectives of this minor support the efforts of the Institute of Medicine, the Association of American Colleges and Universities, and Healthy People 2030 to educate undergraduates on public health issues. The minor provides a core of knowledge that will prepare the student for further study and scholarship in the field.
The public health minor will require students to successfully complete 18 credits of coursework. Please note that courses required by a major as part of the course of study may not be used toward the minor. Students interested in pursuing the minor should first contact SOH Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Sarah Shohet. Students must declare the minor with their Academic Dean.
Requirements for the Minor
- Population Health Concepts and Contemporary Issues (HEST-195), 3 credits
- Epidemiological Approaches to Population Health (GLOH-177), 3 credits or Introduction to Epidemiology (HESY-184), 3 credits
- Population Health Capstone (HEST-460), 3 credits
- Three additional electives are required
The culmination of the minor is the Population Health Capstone (HEST-460), 3 credits. To provide students with an opportunity to integrate diverse experiences and knowledge about public health, this final capstone seminar will serve as a forum for students to learn from one another and will expose students to the work of selected organizations in the Washington metropolitan area concerned with public health. Students will attend a weekly seminar and will complete an experiential learning project component.
C. Minor in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
The minor in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention will provide students with an understanding of the variety of contributing factors to healthful functioning and addresses well being of individuals, families, and communities. The minor is appropriate for students interested in being community leaders in health, science, education, policy, and public health.
The prerequisites for the minor include:
- Language of Health and Disease (HSCI-100) or Human Biology I (HSCI-101) or Foundations of Biology (BIOL-103)
- Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (HESY-160, NURS-162).
Requirements for the Minor
Four electives are required. Students interested in the minor must meet with the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Director.
D. Minor in Global Health
The minor in Global Health exposes students to the fields of international affairs, health science, and global public health- all with an emphasis on how environment, culture, economics, and politics impact the health status of whole populations. Global pandemics, drug resistance, rapid urbanization, slums, and pollution are just a few of the issues facing global health professionals each day. The minor will provide students with a solid introduction to the multidisciplinary field of global health and teach the necessary skills to begin to build their own unique global health careers. The Global Health minor will require students to successfully complete 18 credits of course work. Please note that courses required by a major as part of course of study may not be used toward the minor. Students must declare the minor with their Academic Dean and are also required to obtain the approval of the Global Health Minor Advisor, Dr. Myriam Vuckovic.
Requirements for the Minor
1. Introduction to Global Health, (GLOH 140), 3 credits
2. Epidemiology, (GLOH 177) or (HESY 184) , 3 credits
3. Contemporary Issues in Global Health Policy and Financing (GLOH 270), 3 credits
4. Three additional electives are required, 3 credits each