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College of Liberal Arts

Health and Society

Health and Society

Welcome to Health and Society! We are an interdisciplinary major that investigates how social, cultural, political, and economic factors shape health and well-being. The program was founded on the premise that innovative, interdisciplinary thinking is required for making meaningful contributions to the health sector and improving health care quality and access. Our coursework challenges students to think critically about the complex social issues that shape health and health care in the 21st century. Students can expect to learn about a broad range of topics including health behavior, health policy and economics, mental health, racial health disparities, LGBTQ health, and gender inequality in health. Our degree plan prepares students for a wide variety of career paths in the health professions, healthcare administration, public health, consulting, health policy, advocacy work, among others. We encourage interested students to reach out to a member of our team with questions about the major. You can find our contact information here.

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Health and Society

Welcome to Health and Society! We are an interdisciplinary major that investigates how social, cultural, political, and economic factors shape health and well-being. The program was founded on the premise that innovative, interdisciplinary thinking is required for making meaningful contributions to the health sector and improving health care quality and access. Our coursework challenges students to think critically about the complex social issues that shape health and health care in the 21st century. Students can expect to learn about a broad range of topics including health behavior, health policy and economics, mental health, racial health disparities, LGBTQ health, and gender inequality in health. Our degree plan prepares students for a wide variety of career paths in the health professions, healthcare administration, public health, consulting, health policy, advocacy work, among others.

We encourage interested students to reach out to a member of our team with questions about the major.

What is Health and Society?

Why is there such social and geographic variability in health patterns? How do we define "health" in any given cultural and historical context? What are the consequences of ill-health for individuals and societies? And how can we go about promoting health in an ethically and fiscally responsible manner?

These are the types of questions students grapple with in Health and Society. 

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From H&S to Career

Health and Society majors work in such diverse fields as medicine, health policy, hospital administration, insurance, and much more

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H&S Honors

Students interested in writing an honors thesis should contact the Health & Society advisor, preferably in the first semester of their junior year

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Major Requirements

Learn about the courses required to complete the major in Health & Society

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Contact Us

Health and Society

Department Chair

Shannon E. Cavanagh