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 biological sciences and health.
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.
Motivated students may pursue independent study for credit under the guidance of faculty. Human Science students may not accumulate more than 9 credits of independent study and 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 (must be taken at Georgetown)
- 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 1030)
Required Courses for the Major
- Probability and Statistics (MATH 1040)
- 4 HSCI elective courses (3 from HSCI; 1 from GLOH, HESY, or HSCI)
- Free electives, in any discipline, to total 120 total credits
First Year
- Human Biology I and II (HSCI-1030, 1040)
- Research Theory and Communication (HSCI-1780)
- General Chemistry Lecture I and II (CHEM-1100, 1200)
- General Chemistry Lab I and II (CHEM-1105, 1205)
- First Year Colloquium (HEST-1010)
Second Year
- Pathophysiology (HSCI-2020)
- Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (HSCI-1600)
- Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology of Health and Disease (HSCI-2800)
Third Year
- Genetics in Health and Disease (HSCI-3550)
Fourth Year
- Senior Seminar/Internship I (HSCI-4972)
- Immunology (HSCI-3090)
- Physiological Adaptations (HSCI-4510)
- Senior Seminar/Internship II (HSCI-4973)
Accelerated BS/MS Pathway
Qualified undergraduate students in the Human Science program have the unique opportunity to earn a BS degree in Human Science and an MS degree from one of the participating programs from Biomedical Graduate Education at Georgetown University Medical Center. Students will earn these degrees at an accelerated pace within five years (9-10 semesters) by counting two graduate-level courses in the undergraduate program toward the graduate degree and enrolling in two additional graduate courses as an undergraduate. Students with a minimum GPA of 3.5 in the major are eligible to apply for the program no later than October 1st or January 15th of their junior year, depending on the Master’s program of interest.
Please visit the Human Science program webpage and this Biomedical Graduate Education webpage for more information on the accelerated Master’s degree programs.
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 management 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 Health, 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 year-long internship (a year-long honors thesis project may be undertaken in addition to, or in lieu of, an 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, an 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 (must be taken at Georgetown)
- 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 2004)
Required courses for the HCMP – Health Management Concentration
- Social Science (Anthropology, Economics (excluding ECON 1001), Government, Linguistics, Psychology, Sociology) — 2 courses
- 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-1000)
- Health Care in America II (HESY-1001)
- Language of Health and Disease (HSCI-1000)
- Probability and Statistics (MATH-1040)
- Microeconomics (ECON-1001)
- First Year Colloquium (HEST-1010)
Second Year
- Health Promotion/Disease Prevention (HESY-1600)
- Health Care Systems Economics (HESY-2001)
- Introduction to Epidemiology (HESY-2004)
- Health Services Research (HESY-2003)
- Politics of Health Care (HESY-2006)
Third Year
- Managerial Ethics (HESY-3001)
- Accounting (ACCT-1001)
- Information Systems (HESY-3005)
- Strategic Planning and Marketing (HESY-3006)
- Organizational Theory (HESY-3002)
Fourth Year
- Legal Environment of Health Care (HESY-3003)
- Negotiating Leadership (HESY 3025)
- Budgeting and Fiscal Management (HESY-4002)
- Health Quality Internship I (HESY-4950) and II (HESY 4952)
(Students may elect the Honors Program (HESY 4980 – 4999) in addition to, or in lieu of, HESY 4950 and 4952, if they meet criteria.)
Required courses for the HCMP – Health Policy Analysis Concentration
- Social Science (Anthropology, Economics (excluding ECON-1001), Government (excluding GOVT-1200), 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-1000)
- Health Care in America II (HESY-1001)
- Probability and Statistics (MATH-1040)
- First Year Colloquium (HEST-1010)
- Microeconomics (ECON-2001)
- U.S. Political Systems (GOVT-1200)
Second Year
- Health Promotion/Disease Prevention (HESY-1600)
- Health Care Systems Economics (HESY-2001)
- Introduction to Epidemiology (HESY-2004)
- Health Services Research (HESY-2003)
- Politics of Health Care (HESY-2006)
- Policy Elective I
Third Year
- Health in a Free Society (HESY-4001)
- Policy Elective II
- Policy Elective III
- Analytical Methods for Policy Evaluation (HESY-4005)
Fourth Year
- Negotiating Leadership (HESY-3025)
- Health Policy Internship (HESY-4951)
(Students may elect the Honors Program (HESY 4980 – 4999) in addition to, or in lieu of, HESY 4951, 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 the faculty advisor. 2/3 policy electives must be 2000 level or higher.
3. Bachelor of Science in Global Health
Vision, Mission and Curriculum Overview
The Department of Global Health is home to a diverse community of scholars engaged in research and practice who address public health-related issues in a global context. The mission of the department combines intellectual pursuit with real-world impact and field experience. We see global health as a foundational knowledge of the world and aim to instill in our students a passion for acting as a catalyst for social justice and health equity.
B.S. in Global Health Objective and Curriculum Outline
As one of the first undergraduate Global Health programs in the country (since 2002), the Bachelor of Science in Global Health degree responds to the growing need for well-qualified professionals able to deal with health problems that cut across national boundaries and require collaboration between a complex web of organizations.
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 experiences at premier health and research institutions across the globe.
The Global Health curriculum blends public health and health systems management. Students study the interaction of environment, culture, law, and the political economy of health and development, and analyze how these relationships influence global health outcomes. Experts from the World Health Organization, the World Bank, USAID, and many other global health and development oriented non-governmental and research organizations participate in a variety of curricular activities.
During the first three years of the undergraduate program, students understand the underlying science and learn fundamental concepts, frameworks, and topics in global health. Students develop skills in public health research methods including epidemiology, data collection and statistical analysis, which will prepare them for program, policy, or research focused work during their senior year practical experience.
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 and non-communicable disease control, urban and environmental health issues, gender, demography, food insecurity, and the impact of globalization on health.
Student Learning Goals and Core Competencies
1) We are preparing tomorrow’s leaders as “people for others.” Students will learn to lead programs, develop policy, communicate with diverse audiences, and design interventions that address health challenges in community and regional contexts.
2) Students will study the health of the whole person, framed in Georgetown University’s tradition of cura personalis. The School of Health’s mission of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism frame our teaching and learning on the social and structural determinants of global health, influenced by culture, society, politics, law, and the economy.
3) The spirit of inquiry animates students’ scientific exploration of global health challenges. Students master evidence-based problem solving by completing basic science courses and studying diseases, applying quantitative and qualitative research principles, using key data analytic techniques, and analyzing issues through the interdisciplinary lenses of epidemiology, health systems, policy, and more.
4) By participating in an integrated global experiential learning program for a whole semester, students will engage in service and action under the supervision of preceptors who teach skills in working with diverse populations in low-resource settings. Students will receive coaching in critical self-reflection, cultural humility, and norms and values for working in the global health profession, preparing them as future teammates and leaders in global health.
5) In a university shaped by centuries of Jesuit education, students will learn ethical approaches in global health practice and research that contribute to achieving global equity in health status and access to health care, developing awareness and understanding of the relationship between health, social justice, and human rights.
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 (must be taken at Georgetown)
- 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 1000)
Required Courses for the Major
- Social Science (ANTH 1001, ANTH 2250, PSYC 1000, or SOCI 1001)
- 3 courses, totaling 9 credits, from a pre-approved list of global health electives (levels 1100 – 5000)
- Proficiency in one modern language through the intermediate level
- Free electives, in any discipline, to total 120 total credits
First Year
- Intro to Global Health (GLOH-1140)
- Language of Health and Disease (HSCI-1000)
- Maternal & Child Health: Developing Countries (GLOH-2202)
- Probability and Statistics (MATH-1040)
- First Year Colloquium (HEST-1010)
Second Year
- Comparative Health Systems and Policy (GLOH-3360)
- Epidemiological Applications to Population Health (GLOH-1177)
Third Year
- Introduction to Health Economics (GLOH-2260)
- Global Health Promotion (GLOH-2281)
- Research Methods in Global Health (GLOH-3303)
- Globalization & Health (GLOH-3356)
Fourth Year
- Global Health Practice and Research: An Experiential Learning Course (GLOH 3950)
- Global Health Capstone: A Competency Enhancement Course (GLOH 3925)
Experiential Learning
During the fall of their senior year, Global Health students will undertake a semester-long practical experience, gaining first-hand knowledge of health issues faced across different countries, cultures, and populations (GLOH 3950). Students conduct an internship focused on program, policy, or research issues, usually involving the health of underserved populations. They are placed for the semester with an organization based either abroad or in the USA. Organizations include research organizations, government, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). During this time, the students work closely with an on-site preceptor, they observe and contribute to the organization’s activities, and write a scholarly paper.
Internship sites vary from year to year. Current sites include Australia, Bangladesh, Japan, Peru, Mexico, Ghana, and Tanzania abroad, as well as Alaska, Washington DC, and West Virginia in the United States.
Prerequisites for a placement abroad include senior standing, good academic and disciplinary standing (GPA of 3.0 and above), completion of core courses (GLOH-1177 and GLOH-3303), a minimum of 90 credit hours, and faculty approval. The Global Health faculty will review the record of each student who plans to participate in the practical experience abroad prior to departure.
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 (new window) 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
The minor in Public Health approaches health from an interdisciplinary perspective to promote the health and well being of all individuals. The minor draws from the expertise of faculty in the School of Health (human science, global health, and health management and policy) as well as the School of Nursing. 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 requires 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-1195), 3 credits
- Epidemiological Approaches to Population Health (GLOH-1177), 3 credits or Introduction to Epidemiology (HESY-2004), 3 credits
- Population Health Capstone (HEST-4460), 3 credits
- Three additional electives are required
The culmination of the minor is the Population Health Capstone (HEST-4460), 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-1000) or Human Biology I (HSCI-1030) or Foundations of Biology (BIOL-1203)
- Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (HESY-1600, NURS-2002).
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 coursework. 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 1140), 3 credits
2. Epidemiology, (GLOH 1177) or (HESY 2004) , 3 credits
3. Comparative Health Systems (GLOH 3360) or Contemporary Issues in Global Health Policy and Financing (GLOH 2270), 3 credits
4. Three additional electives are required, 3 credits each